When you’re trying to find the best acupuncture in Los Angeles, it can be hard to know where to begin. With so many options and specialties, the process can feel overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to be!
Whether you’re seeking support for fertility, pain relief, emotional well-being, or overall wellness, Los Angeles is a diverse and majestic place, and you can find the right practitioner who can make all the difference, with just a bit of assistance.
It starts with knowing what to look for, and it begins with training, credentials, and experience.
What Training, Credentials, and Experience Do They Have?
When looking for the best acupuncture in Los Angeles, the first and most important step is to make sure your practitioner is fully licensed and trained. Acupuncture is one of the most closely studied and regulated types of complementary and alternative medicine in the U.S., and for good reason – it involves direct interaction with the body’s energy systems and physiological processes.
That’s why choosing someone with the proper education and certification is essential for both safety and effectiveness. In the United States, the requirements to practice acupuncture vary by state, but there are national certifying bodies that help set a professional standard. Non-physician acupuncturists should be certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
This credential indicates rigorous academic and clinical training, usually in traditional Chinese medicine, and successful passage of national board exams. If the practitioner is a licensed physician, they can offer acupuncture only if they have completed specialized training and are certified by the American Board of Medical Acupuncture or are a member of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture.
These designations confirm that the physician has studied acupuncture within a medically integrated framework and is qualified to deliver care that meets conventional and holistic standards. Beyond certifications, experience matters. A well-qualified acupuncturist brings not only technical knowledge but also years of hands-on treatment across different types of conditions.
When researching potential practitioners, it’s helpful to look into how long they’ve been in practice, whether they’ve treated cases similar to yours, and whether they continue to stay updated through continuing education. These indicators can help you feel more confident that you’re working with someone who offers both skill and dedication.
The License Required for an Acupuncturist in California
Acupuncture in California is even more regulated than in the rest of the U.S. While national certifications are important, the state of California takes things a step further, so if you’re seeking the best acupuncture in Los Angeles, knowing your practitioner meets California’s strict standards offers peace of mind.
California does not recognize out-of-state acupuncture licenses. To legally practice here, acupuncturists must pass the California Acupuncture Licensing Examination (CALE), which is administered by the California Acupuncture Board and regulated under the state’s Business and Professions Code.
This written exam is designed so that acupuncturists are not only trained in traditional techniques but also understand safety, ethics, and how to integrate their care within a broader healthcare system. To even qualify for the exam, applicants must complete thousands of hours of classroom instruction and supervised clinical training, typically from an approved acupuncture and Oriental medicine program.
There are also alternative routes, like approved tutorial programs or evaluation of foreign education, but all must meet the same high bar set by the state. And the learning doesn’t stop there. Once licensed, California acupuncturists must complete at least 50 hours of continuing education every two years to renew their license.
While these requirements may seem strict, when you’re entrusting someone with your health and well-being, these kinds of qualifications matter. It’s one of the reasons why California is home to some of the best acupuncturists in the U.S. and why patients from across the country often seek out care here.
All the Best Acupuncturists in Los Angeles Specialize in an Area
Beyond an active license, you need to consider your potential acupuncturist’s specialization when looking for the best acupuncture in Los Angeles. Just like you wouldn’t go to a dermatologist for joint pain, you want an acupuncturist who focuses on the condition you’re dealing with.
Acupuncturists often concentrate their practice in specific areas, such as chronic pain, digestive issues, emotional health, or fertility. So, if you’re looking for the best fertility acupuncture in Los Angeles, you’ll want someone who not only understands reproductive health but also has a track record of working with individuals or couples facing similar challenges.
This kind of targeted experience often means more refined techniques, more informed treatment plans, and better results over time.
Find Reviews or Referrals
Moving on from an official acupuncturist’s specialization, it also helps to hear how others have experienced their care. If you’re trying to find the best acupuncture in Los Angeles, you’re likely not the first person on this path and the people who’ve been there before can offer valuable insight.
Whether you’re looking for the best fertility acupuncture in Los Angeles or simply want a practitioner who’s compassionate and consistent, take time to read reviews and ask for referrals. Honest feedback can tell you a lot – not just about results, but about how a practitioner communicates, how they make patients feel, and whether their care truly reflects a whole-body approach.
A trusted recommendation from a friend, your doctor, or even someone in your yoga class might point you to exactly the right clinic.
Do They Go a Step Beyond?
Acupuncture sessions are time-limited, but the best care requires more than just a set of sessions. The best acupuncture in Los Angeles often involves a practitioner who takes a holistic approach – someone who sees the bigger picture of your health and offers support that extends beyond the treatment table.
This might mean creating personalized plans tailored to your condition, checking in between sessions, or coordinating with your other healthcare providers. Whether you’re navigating chronic pain, stress, or fertility challenges, it helps to have an acupuncturist who genuinely listens, adjusts treatment as needed, and maximizes the long-term benefits of acupuncture, instead of focusing on temporary relief.
Compassion, presence, and professional collaboration are what often set the best apart.
Does It Feel Right?
With this type of treatment, personal feelings can’t be discarded. An acupuncturist may tick all the boxes you need and truly be at the top of their field, but does it feel right for you? Acupuncture is often a deeply personal experience. You may be sharing intimate details about your health, emotions, or even your fertility journey, so trust and comfort matter.
The best acupuncture treatment for your specific circumstances isn’t just about credentials or reputation; it’s also about connection. If you feel seen, heard, and genuinely cared for, you’re far more likely to benefit from the experience. Let your intuition play a role alongside logic.
A Practical Consideration – Does Your Insurance Cover Acupuncture?
Even when you’ve found someone who feels like the perfect fit, it’s important to consider the practical side – the cost. Many insurance plans now include acupuncture, but coverage varies. Some acupuncturists are in-network providers, while others operate out-of-network, which can affect your out-of-pocket expenses. If the costs are a concern to you, before scheduling your first appointment, check your benefits and ask the clinic if they accept your insurance.
The Best Acupuncture in Beverly Hills: BH Acuhealth Clinic
Choosing the right acupuncturist is about finding someone who offers exceptional care, tailors treatment to your individual needs, and stands by you through every step of your healing journey. At BH Acuhealth Clinic, you’ll experience the kind of attention, compassion, and expertise that defines the best acupuncture in Beverly Hills.
Treatments at our clinic are offered by Dr. Mitra Daneshrad, a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine with over 25 years of experience in natural, holistic medicine. With a doctorate from Yo San University and a specialty in women’s health and reproductive medicine, Dr. Mitra brings deep expertise in:
- Fertility acupuncture
- Acupuncture for IVF
- Acupuncture during pregnancy
- Women’s health acupuncture
- Acupuncture for emotional health
- Pain management acupuncture
Dr. Mitra is known for her integrative approach – collaborating closely with reproductive endocrinologists, OB-GYNs, orthopedic surgeons, and physical therapists to deliver well-rounded care. She creates personalized treatment plans, offers compassionate support, and often goes above and beyond, such as accompanying fertility patients to IVF clinics to ensure acupuncture is administered at the most effective time.
Whether you’re beginning your wellness journey or seeking support during a vulnerable time, we’re here to offer you the best care possible, both during and beyond your sessions. Schedule your consultation today and experience what makes us known for providing the best acupuncture in Beverly Hills.
