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Acupuncturist provides an alternative
Posted on Sunday, Apr. 24, 2005 Star-Telegram -- Northeast News
Special to the Star-Telegram
BEDFORD - Many people cringe when they see a doctor holding a needle, but Winnie Au's needles can actually prevent pain.
Au -- pronounced "O" -- is an acupuncturist and owner of the Winnie Au Acupuncture Center in Bedford. Clients come to her for acupuncture, acupressure and herbal supplements to treat conditions ranging from depression to the common cold.
She enjoys her job and her patients' reactions.
"I like when people feel better -- when they come back happy and with no pain," said Au, 42.
Au is one of 627 licensed acupuncturists practicing in Texas, up from just 349 in 1998, according to the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners.
Family influence was the major factor in Au's pursuit of a career in the medical field. Her grandfathers, her parents and her uncles are doctors.
Au attended Guangzhou University in China, where she received a degree in traditional Chinese medicine. Then she earned the title of doctor of acupuncture from the University of Health Science in Hawaii. Her family encouraged her throughout.
"My grandfather said it would be worth it when a patient comes back happy," she said.
Au practiced in Hawaii and was also an instructor at the Institute of Clinical Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine until her move to Bedford in 2003, when her pharmacist husband got a job here. She has 18 years of experience in her field.
Jim Hughes of Bedford suffers from a degenerative condition of the vertebrae, a hip spur and a sinus infection. He was sent to a pain management clinic to learn to deal with the pain, but it was too expensive -- he does not have health insurance. After five treatments for each condition from Au, he has found some relief, he said.
"She's got me feeling like I'm 20 years old again," said Hughes, 75.
Hughes is one of a number of Americans turning to acupuncture when traditional medicine cannot provide solutions. An estimated 10 percent of Americans have tried acupuncture, according to a survey by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
Au attributes the success of her practice to a growing acceptance of acupuncture as a legitimate medical practice. Many of her patients are referred by their family physicians.
"Doctors are becoming more open to alternative care," she said.
So are insurance companies. Acupuncture is now covered under many health care plans. Often, referrals are not required for coverage, according to Au.
She appreciates the chance to help more people, Au said.
"Many people try traditional medicine," she said. "I want them to come to me when they want an alternative."
IN THE KNOW
Licensed acupuncturists
• Must be 21 years old
• Must graduate from a certified acupuncture school or receive the equivalent training
• Must pass the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine exam
• For more criteria, visit www.tsbme.state.tx.us.
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