Founded by an acupuncturist and TCM herbalist, the purpose of Root + Bones is to empower people in optimizing their own health by bringing tonic herbs into our homes and daily lives—where they belong. This special category of herbs is the foundation of Chinese herbalism, precisely because tonic herbs are essentially food medicines that are generally safe and supportive across personal diagnoses and needs. However, one of the distinguishing factors of TCM is its prioritization of highly individualized treatment, which is best supported by a trained practitioner. Acupuncture is a core TCM modality for nurturing healing in a personalized way, but finding the right acupuncturist can make all the difference in meeting our health goals.
Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic or acute pain, fertility support, stress reduction, or overall wellness, acupuncture is a profoundly powerful tool… when administered with care and skill. It’s important to note that not every practitioner who offers acupuncture has received a comprehensive TCM education, as this modality can be an “add-on” training for a variety of practitioners, such as physical therapists and chiropractors. While this limited adjunct training has a place in certain situations, it would generally be preferable to see an acupuncturist who is licensed and board-certified from an accredited school. That means you’d be receiving acupuncture from a practitioner who has completed a master’s degree in Chinese medicine and is qualified to assess a much fuller scope of needs. Check to see if your prospective practitioner is licensed as an acupuncturist (L.Ac.) and certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) in the U.S.
As TCM-specific herbalism is highly specialized and effective, it’s also recommended to try and see a practitioner who has been thoroughly trained with respect to Chinese herbs. Here in California, it is required that students of TCM learn herbalism as part of our training, but in many other states it is either program-specific or the student’s choice whether to incorporate or omit. Tonic herbs, which have preventive and harmonizing properties, actually only constitute a small fraction of our rich tradition of herbalism; there are several thousand other TCM herbs in the medicine bag of trained practitioners, which require professional dispensation. These other categories of herbs include many with drug-like and curative qualities that are often administered in formulas tailored to a specific patient’s needs and capacities. Of course, combining herbs with acupuncture is part of a more comprehensive treatment protocol that can significantly elevate one’s entire experience of care.
Receiving individualized care is also dependent upon both the patient’s health concerns and the practitioner’s areas of expertise. Acupuncturists often have areas of specialization, which can include fertility, pain management, autoimmune disorders, mental health, or sports medicine. If you have a specific concern, it’s advised to seek out a practitioner with a strong background in that domain. Many acupuncturists list their specialties on their websites, or you can ask about additional trainings they have undertaken. The world of TCM is so vast that many acupuncturists continue training well into their practice, which is a great sign that they are committed to meeting the complex and ever-evolving needs of their current and future clientele!
There are many other factors to consider when choosing your acupuncturist, and it’s wise to remember that you can shop around until you find a practitioner who feels right for you. Bedside manner and personality can be important considerations in your evaluation process, as it truly is meaningful to feel comfortable with the person you’re trusting with your care. Cost and insurance coverage can also be deciding factors, as can the choice to opt for private sessions or more affordable community acupuncture offerings. Hopefully this guide sparked some ideas to support you in navigating the process of selecting an acupuncturist who is both qualified to help direct your care, and who makes you feel comfortable, respected, and heard.
