An acupuncturist specializes in treating many conditions, such as :
·Digestive problems
·Eye, ear and throat problems
·Arthritis
·Back and neck pain
·Muscle pain
·Sciatica
·Respiratory disorders
·Depression, anxiety and nervousness
·Menstrual problems
·Infertility
·Migraine
·Stroke
·Irritable bowel

An acupuncturist makes a subjective diagnosis based on the traditional Chinese method. It involves observing the symptoms, tongue coating and pulse diagnosis. Comprehensive communication between the acupuncturist and the person to be treated is important in diagnosis. An acupuncturist diagnoses by looking, listening, feeling and thinking.

For usual acupuncture therapy, the acupuncturist does not use anaesthesia. However, there have been studies in which acupuncture is used along with anaesthesia while performing surgeries to take care of the problems associated with anaesthesia.

Acupressure specialists are different than an acupuncturist. The points on which acupressure and acupuncture is applied are the same. An acupuncturist can specialize in giving massage at the acupoints and carry out acupressure. They may be trained in some other traditional Chinese treatment methods.

The needles used for acupuncture are small and thin. They are sterile in nature so that there are no side effects like infections.The therapy is generally safe. It usually does not hurt. It can cause mild pain. If you experience more pain, you may ask your therapist to stop.