Receiving Acupuncture from Licensed Acupuncturists vs. Chiropractors
December 2024
By Kristin Eisenschmid, LAc and Anjalee Patel, LAc, DACM, Dipl. OM, DCCM©
Acupuncture is a therapeutic technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to promote healing and balance. While both acupuncturists and chiropractors may offer acupuncture, there are significant differences in their training, approach and integration with other therapies.
Training and Certification
Acupuncturists: Typically, acupuncturists undergo extensive training in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). They earn a master’s or doctoral degree in acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and are licensed or certified by state and national boards. Their training focuses on the principles of TCM, including meridian (or channel) theory, herbal medicine, and holistic health, which entails utilizing Chinese modalities such as moxibustion, cupping, guasha, etc.
Chiropractors: Chiropractors are trained in spinal manipulation and other techniques to treat musculoskeletal issues. They generally hold a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree, which includes some training in acupuncture or dry needling. However, their focus is primarily on the spine and nervous system. Most of the time, chiropractors only need to take a few courses to become certified in acupuncture.
Techniques and Applications
Acupuncturists: Acupuncturists are skilled in various acupuncture techniques, including traditional needling, electro-acupuncture and cupping. They may treat a wide range of conditions, from chronic pain and digestive issues to emotional disorders and reproductive health.
Chiropractors: When offering acupuncture, chiropractors may integrate it with other chiropractic techniques, such as spinal adjustments. Their acupuncture practice will focus more on musculoskeletal issues like back pain, neck pain and headaches.
Patient Experience
Acupuncturists: Patients will experience a more traditional TCM approach, with detailed health assessments and a treatment plan encompassing various aspects of their well-being.
Chiropractors: Patients might find chiropractors take a more biomechanical approach, with treatments centered around physical adjustments and pain management, potentially with acupuncture as an adjunct therapy.
Similarities and Differences
Acupuncture and chiropractic both take a holistic and alternative approach. They consider the patient’s overall health, history, and well-being and may include dietary recommendations and lifestyle changes.
While acupuncturists and chiropractors can offer acupuncture, their training, approaches and treatment philosophies differ. Patients should consider their specific needs and preferences when choosing a practitioner, and it may be beneficial to consult with both types of providers for a comprehensive treatment plan.
At A Touch of Ginger, we fully support chiropractic care for our patients and can help you find a chiropractor in your community. We believe it can be a crucial part of healing.
Schedule an Appointment
You can schedule an appointment today by calling A Touch of Ginger (ATOG) at (630) 299-3464 or schedule an appointment online. If you don’t live near an ATOG office, you can use a search engine and search for “acupuncture near me” to find a licensed acupuncturist in your area.
Kristin Eisenschmid, LAc, is a Licensed Acupuncturist at A Touch of Ginger.
Anjalee Patel, LAc, DACM, Dipl. OM, DCCM©, is a Licensed Acupuncturist, a Doctor of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine, a Diplomate of Oriental Medicine and a Diplomate of Canonical Chinese Medicine© at A Touch of Ginger.