Many conventional physicians refer patients to well-trained and experienced acupuncturists. Licensure and regulations regarding the practice of acupuncture vary by state. Thirty-four states and the District of Columbia, license or regulate the practice of acupuncture. Many private health insurance plans and HMOs cover acupuncture services. Check with you own insurance plan, and talk with your doctor before seeking acupuncture or any other therapy on your own.
Acupuncture is an example of complementary, as opposed to alternative, therapy.
Complementary therapies are used to complement or serve as additions to conventional medicine, relieving symptoms, reducing stress, enhancing well being. In contrast, alternative therapies are unproven methods promoted to treat disease, and they are offered for use instead of, or as alternatives to conventional medical care. Like other complementary therapies, acupuncture may be used in relieving certain symptoms of cancer and side effects of cancer treatment. Acupuncture should not be expected to slow or reverse growth or spread of cancer.