So, you’re interested in having acupuncture. What should you look for in an Acupuncturist?
Firstly, as with any health care professional, they should be a member of their regulatory body. There are 3000+ members of the British Acupuncture Council (MBaAc after their name), all of whom have undertaken a course of at least three years to degree level, or equivalent. They have also committed to ongoing professional development, and to following the BAaC code of safe practice. The BAcC website has a handy tool that will show you details of acupuncturists who live near you when you type in your post code.
Secondly – personal referral. Ask your friends if they know of anyone locally. A large number of my patients come from personal referral, and people will happily pass on the details of someone they think has helped them.
Thirdly, take a look at the practitioner/clinic’s website. Do you like what they’re saying and how they’re saying it? Are they informative, approachable, and helpful? Here’s a link to my website, which is full of information
Fourthly, pick the phone up and ask questions! I love it when prospective patients phone me – it gives me the opportunity to answer their questions without any obligation of them coming to see me. I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation, so that prospective patients can decide if acupuncture is the right therapy for them. Sometimes I’ll even suggest that they might do better with another therapy (yes, really!) – it’s important to get the treatment right for the person, to help get them well and keep them well. If you’re not able to get to a phone, then try email jeanie@jgordonacupuncture.co.uk
Hope that helps!
Next post… some photos of my treatment room, so you can get a feel of the place.