The Difference between a Licensed (L.Ac) and a medical acupuncturist. And the difference between Acupuncture and dry needling.
M.D.s and chiropractors are allowed to use acupuncture to treat pain conditions. Here are the differences between us (Licensed Acupuncturists) and medical acupuncturists:
* Medical Acupuncturists are MDs or chiropractors and can begin practicing after only 200 hours of training (in Virginia).
* A Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) has earned a Masters Degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine by completing 4 years of graduate level studies in acupuncture and Chinese medicine, consisting of over 3000 hours of training, and passing rigorous national boards in acupuncture, Chinese medicine, and Western medicine as required by the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). NCCAOM.org has a complete list of qualified Licensed Acupuncturists according to state. A Licensed Acupuncturist must also complete a supervised internship, during which they must earn at least 900 hours of clinical experience treating patients. Our acupuncturists are all Licensed Acupuncturists.
*Dry needling is a technique physical therapists use (where allowed by state law) to treat pain and movement impairments. The physical therapist inserts a "dry" needle, one without medication or injection, into areas of the muscle. Other terms used to describe dry needling include: Trigger point dry needling. Dry needling in not acupuncture because it is not based on acupuncture principles. Basically they are just inserting a needle into a 'knot' in the muscle over and over. This can be very painful. Acupuncture is generally NOT painful.
Copyright Acupuncture Center of Richmond. Midlothian Va 23113.
* Medical Acupuncturists are MDs or chiropractors and can begin practicing after only 200 hours of training (in Virginia).
* A Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) has earned a Masters Degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine by completing 4 years of graduate level studies in acupuncture and Chinese medicine, consisting of over 3000 hours of training, and passing rigorous national boards in acupuncture, Chinese medicine, and Western medicine as required by the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). NCCAOM.org has a complete list of qualified Licensed Acupuncturists according to state. A Licensed Acupuncturist must also complete a supervised internship, during which they must earn at least 900 hours of clinical experience treating patients. Our acupuncturists are all Licensed Acupuncturists.
*Dry needling is a technique physical therapists use (where allowed by state law) to treat pain and movement impairments. The physical therapist inserts a "dry" needle, one without medication or injection, into areas of the muscle. Other terms used to describe dry needling include: Trigger point dry needling. Dry needling in not acupuncture because it is not based on acupuncture principles. Basically they are just inserting a needle into a 'knot' in the muscle over and over. This can be very painful. Acupuncture is generally NOT painful.
Copyright Acupuncture Center of Richmond. Midlothian Va 23113.