All accredited acupuncture training programs are at least 3 academic years. In traditional, or holistic, acupuncture, pulse-taking is a key technique used to determine a person's energy flow and response to treatment. Such claims for any form of medical treatment would be misleading. Each person is unique. Sterile procedures are essential to avoid the possibility of transferring illness from one person to another.
Most practitioners now use disposable needles.
Sufficient time for appointments allows the acupuncturist to perceive and respond to the subtleties of each patient, while establishing an atmosphere in which the patient feels at ease to reveal his or her deeper therapeutic needs. Treating only symptoms can suppress a condition that may manifest later in a more profound form. Traditional acupuncture, while considering your symptoms, looks beyond those symptoms to the total person. These procedures may only suppress symptoms. They may not allow for alteration of treatment as changes occur in the patient.