Acupuncture’s Growth in the West

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the use of very thin needles that are inserted into the body at strategic points in order to re-balance energy and reduce the prevalence of certain medical conditions. Acupuncture is usually used in conjunction with other forms of Chinese medicine like herbal supplements and massage.

Acupuncture is considered to be Traditional Chinese Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine is known as a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). There are many debates surrounding acupuncture and whether or not it is an effective treatment method. As studies have been done that show the serious side effects of pharmaceutical drugs, more Americans have turned to alternative forms of medicine rather than take their chances with prescription drugs.

How many people use acupuncture in the United States?

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention found in 2007 that thirty percent of Americans are actively using Traditional Chinese Medical therapies, which includes acupuncture. Health practitioners believe that this number has increased exponentially since then.

Surveys have shown that about seven percent of Americans are avid users of acupuncture therapy in 2007 and the numbers have doubled since then. Of those seven percent, twenty two percent had seen an acupuncturist in the last twelve months.

Who is using acupuncture?

Some nursing homes and hospice care workers have started to practice alternative medicine on their ailing patients to help with pain management for those that are experiencing chronic pain. Most of their patients have claimed that their pain is decreased and their quality of life has improved drastically.

The main reasons for why Americans are seeing an acupuncturist are:

• Chronic pain
• Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Headaches
• Anxiety
• Depression

Usually, acupuncture therapy needs to be a long term process in order to get the most from the treatment. Regular visits to an experienced practitioner have been found to relieve many chronic pain conditions and lessen symptoms of other medical therapies like chemotherapy.

Many sufferers of chronic low back pain have stated that they continue to use a practitioner of acupuncture because they have experienced significant reduction in pain after using acupuncture long term.

The belief behind the reason for the increased use of acupuncture is the American culture shift to more open minded thinking. Society as a whole has started to view the world differently in all aspects from religion, to politics, to marriage and relationships. So, thinking about healthcare open mindedly is just par for the course.

Paying for treatment

Unfortunately, many insurance companies in the United States do not cover acupuncture treatments yet because insurance companies do not consider this treatment to be qualifying for coverage. This is because the Food and Drug Administration has not set regulations for this treatment and scientific studies are still pursuing whether or not this is a viable option for pain management. We anticipate that it is just a matter of time before this treatment is covered by insurance companies.

So, treatment payments fall to the patient but many say that they are more than willing to pay the affordable fees because of the benefit that is brought to them.

What is a MedSpa?

A medspa, or a medical spa, brings together the regular day spa experience and the benefits of a medical clinic.  When looking at the difference between a regular spa and medical spa, you see that there are more medically related treatments available at a medical spa.  Medical skin care is available to work on improving the appearance of wrinkles, sunspots, and other causes of lackluster skin.

At a medical spa, laser hair removal and treatments for veins and scars are generally available as well. What each medical spa offers are dependent upon the physicians.  The focal point at most medical spas is on anti-aging and maintaining youthful skin.  Botox, laser hair removal, and collagen injection are only a few of the many popular options at a medspa.

Medical spas provide a relaxing environment that pays extreme attention to each client and their needs.  Making sure people leave the medspa feeling beautiful is a major goal.

While the chance to choose various beauty treatments exists at a medical spa, so does the chance to be pampered.  The options available at standard day spas are available at medical spas as well.  Massages, facials, body wraps, and more are available at a medspa. The environment is relaxed and soothing, making it a great option when trying to enhance the body while simultaneously trying to relax.

The quality of services at a medspa are generally higher than that of the regular day spa.  There are actually medical grade products available, making a safer and healthier spa experience.  The ambience is the same, but the products (such as chemical peels) available are far greater in quality.

Documentation at a medical spa is far greater than at a day spa. The treatments performed and the services intended to be performed and received are documented and carefully tracked. Questionnaires are often handed out to first time clients in order to obtain a sense of medical history.

When heading for the first time, physicians may desire to have a consultation prior to performing medical procedures such as injections and lasers. Careful thought needs to be taken prior to receiving laser treatment.  Without thinking about the services or understanding steps to be taken prior to the procedure, there could be issues with blood-thinning medications and other subjects. Once checked in, informed and ready to go, clients can bask in the soothing experience.

Essentially, the medspa is a place to relax, recharge, and improve the body and mind.  The soothing aspect of the traditional day spa, tied with the available options for cosmetic enhancements creates the perfect package. Cosmetic treatments can be received in the most comfortable environment, with options to totally rewind, relax, and recharge.