Acupuncture Safety and Effectiveness

Acupuncture is often associated with pain management, but it is also may be useful for other conditions, and the body of literature for acupuncture effectiveness is growing. Acupuncture may be effective as

a stand-alone treatment or as an adjunctive treatment to other medical interventions. An evidence map of acupuncture was developed by VA Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) in 2014. This systematic review identified evidence of potentially positive effect for several pain conditions, including chronic pain and headaches, mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and PTSD, and wellness indicators such as insomnia.

Acupuncture is generally considered safe when practiced by appropriately trained acupuncture providers.

Background and Policy on in VA

Acupuncture is one of the complementary and integrative health (CIH) approaches within the VHA Whole Health System of care included in VA Directive 1137 — Provision of Complementary and Integrative Health (recertified December 2022). This allows acupuncture care to be covered by the Veteran’s medical benefits package, when clinically necessary, as determined by the patient’s care team.

The Right Provider

The VA holds its community providers to the highest standards of the industry. Acupuncture providers are highly vetted and credentialed. Andrew Buckner is one of the few acupuncturists in Tulsa County who meet these standards. Accessing Mr. Buckner is easy. Ask your VA representative for an acupuncture referral and pick his name from the acupuncture provider list. If you don’t have immediate access to your VA rep, a referral can be requested directly from the VA patient portal.

For questions about acupuncture or for a phone consultation call directly. Andrew is proud to be a community provider for Oklahoma’s veterans and will make himself available.

Andrew Buckner

Dancing Crane Acupuncture & Wellness

918-210-4597

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