I am looking for a good acupuncturist in my area, for two reasons - to help me with migraines, and my MIL with her sciatica.
What should I be looking for? Cleanliness I figure, but is there a reputable school I am unaware of?
Somehow, are you a good poker doesn’t seem sufficient.
sshh! my wife may hear you!
Seriously folks, this is not a debate thread about accupuncture. If you cannot answer the question asked, go elsewhere.
Thank you.
Poysyn, I wish you well, and good luck, honest. The best advice I have for you is in the third paragraph here: http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=6942509&postcount=1
Kinda like looking for a needle in a haystack isn’t it?
Now that my joke is out of the way, ask your insurance carrier, they usually have a list of accepted providers in your area.
Allow me to clarify that my MIL has tried almost every conventional (Western) means of treating her chronic pain and would like to investigate some “non-conventional” pain treatment. In short, she has had it with the scans and the pills that don’t work and the massages that work for a short time.
I have know a few people that had found success through acupuncture (unfortunately I am not in touch with any of them anymore) and thought it may help.
At this point with her pain the way it is, I don’t think it can really hurt.
Fine. I have no quarrel with that. My advice stands: if you can find an acupuncturist who is also an MD, it may save time later. Good luck, best wishes, I wish you both peace and a surcease from pain.
Poysyn
Here is the website of The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture , an organization for physicians integrating acupuncture into their practice. That seems like a good place to start. Also, a local physical therapist or pain management specialist might be able to advise on reputable acupuncturists, as well as the ones to steer clear of.