How to Find a Chinese Medicine Practitioner
If you're thinking about trying traditional Chinese medicine as an effective, natural alternative to traditional care, the time's never been better. With treatments like acupuncture and herbal remedies for nagging conditions like back injuries or arthritis, Chinese medicine is enjoying a rise in credible visibility. Follow these steps to find a Chinese medicine practitioner to help you.
Things You'll Need:
Computer with Internet access
1
Be aware that most large American cities have a sizable Chinese population. Look for Chinese medicine practitioners in major urban centers.
2
Visit the American Association of Oriental Medicine Web site (see Resources below). They offer an extensive database of, and information on, practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine across the country. Their Web site can guide you to qualified specialists.
3
Ask friends or family members if they've ever undergone treatment using any of the techniques of traditional Chinese medicine. They may be able to direct you to a practitioner or local clinic.
4
Talk to your regular physician. He or she may be able to recommend a qualified practitioner.
5
Call each of the practitioners you've found. Ask about rates and wait times for appointments. The cost of receiving traditional Chinese medical treatment is generally inexpensive. Shop around for the best rate.
6
Ask questions of your practitioner about the condition you want to treat and what treatment options are available. Qualified practitioners of Chinese medicine welcome the queries of curious potential patients. They will not be in a rush to take your money.
7
Ask whether the practitioner or practitioners you're considering are registered with a guild or national association like the American Association of Oriental Medicine. Enlisting the services of unqualified or unregistered practitioners is risky and not recommended.
8
Choose the practitioner you feel most comfortable with. Bear in mind that your treatment regimen may involve multiple visits.
Tips & Warnings
Ask your practitioner if any of his or her former patients are willing to provide testimonies about the effectiveness of the treatments offered. Most legitimate practitioners will not object to directing you to a person they've cured.
Seek conventional treatment immediately if you've recently suffered an acute or traumatic injury like a severe sprain or deep bruising. Chinese medicine is most frequently used to treat chronic or persistent conditions, not medical emergencies.
Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2031543_chinese-medicine-practitioner.html
If you're thinking about trying traditional Chinese medicine as an effective, natural alternative to traditional care, the time's never been better. With treatments like acupuncture and herbal remedies for nagging conditions like back injuries or arthritis, Chinese medicine is enjoying a rise in credible visibility. Follow these steps to find a Chinese medicine practitioner to help you.
Things You'll Need:
Computer with Internet access
1
Be aware that most large American cities have a sizable Chinese population. Look for Chinese medicine practitioners in major urban centers.
2
Visit the American Association of Oriental Medicine Web site (see Resources below). They offer an extensive database of, and information on, practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine across the country. Their Web site can guide you to qualified specialists.
3
Ask friends or family members if they've ever undergone treatment using any of the techniques of traditional Chinese medicine. They may be able to direct you to a practitioner or local clinic.
4
Talk to your regular physician. He or she may be able to recommend a qualified practitioner.
5
Call each of the practitioners you've found. Ask about rates and wait times for appointments. The cost of receiving traditional Chinese medical treatment is generally inexpensive. Shop around for the best rate.
6
Ask questions of your practitioner about the condition you want to treat and what treatment options are available. Qualified practitioners of Chinese medicine welcome the queries of curious potential patients. They will not be in a rush to take your money.
7
Ask whether the practitioner or practitioners you're considering are registered with a guild or national association like the American Association of Oriental Medicine. Enlisting the services of unqualified or unregistered practitioners is risky and not recommended.
8
Choose the practitioner you feel most comfortable with. Bear in mind that your treatment regimen may involve multiple visits.
Tips & Warnings
Ask your practitioner if any of his or her former patients are willing to provide testimonies about the effectiveness of the treatments offered. Most legitimate practitioners will not object to directing you to a person they've cured.
Seek conventional treatment immediately if you've recently suffered an acute or traumatic injury like a severe sprain or deep bruising. Chinese medicine is most frequently used to treat chronic or persistent conditions, not medical emergencies.
Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2031543_chinese-medicine-practitioner.html
