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Both Overland Park chiropractic and acupuncture are disciplines that have a history going years back. Their popularity has also increased with time and so has the professionalism with which it is done. However there are some differences that you need to understand between these two. These include:

How treatment is achieved

Chiropractic treatment involves the use of hand manipulation to examine, diagnose and treat a patient who is in pain. This manipulation is mostly done to the spine. This means that spinal manipulation is used as a therapeutic treatment to restore mobility.

Acupuncture on the other hand is considered as an alternative medical intervention.  This works by the stimulation of particular areas of the body using thin metal needles. These pins are meant to revitalize the “qi”. This is Chinese reference to the natural energy that flows through the body. They are manipulated by trained acupuncturist to attain treatment.

What the method achieves

While chiropractic is mainly used to relieve pain by the manipulation of the musculoskeletal system, acupuncture is used to for treatment of wide variety of conditions. Acupuncture can be used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia and tennis elbow. In also improves immunity system, relieves insomnia and has been found to improve the respiratory system. 

Licensing

While chiropractors have been licensed to operate in all the fifty states, acupuncturists however have experiences diverse restrictions. Most of the policy makers do not favor acupuncture, deeming it superstitious in an age of scientific advancement. While chiropractic is used in all the states in the USA, acupuncture is not licensed in Wyoming and Idaho. In many other countries like in Japan, research has shown that most of the people who seek acupuncture treatment are the old folks with little or no education.

Insurance

Most of chiropractic clinic have been accepted by insurance. However most of acupuncture treatment is not covered by most insurance companies. In Japan for example acupuncture is not covered by public health insurance. Chiropractic is widely popular and is trusted by most professionals in the market.

The intensity and scope of training

While a licensed chiropractor is well trained in diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal system, acupuncture is identified as a traditional Chinese medical intervention. Acupuncture can be done by untrained people who may be required to then train in order to get certification. Whereas chiropractor have to go through university in order to be allowed to practice as a chiropractor.

Conclusion

Despite the seemingly same treatment that has been accorded to these methods of alternative medicine, there are some stark differences. Acupuncture has its deep roots in mysterious and superstitious Chinese oriental medicine, while chiropractic have been widely practiced and developed in many parts of the world.

The Difference Between Acupuncture and Chiropractic