Acupuncturist Career

What is Acupuncture? 

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese therapy based on the theory that the body depends on life energy, known as qi, being in balance. Acupuncturists correct imbalances in the body by inserting small needles into the acupuncture points or by using small cups, that will help maintaining or restoring good health and wellbeing.
Using this ancient Chinese therapy can help treat diseases such as:

• musculo-skeletal disorders;
• respiratory and circulatory disorders;
• gastrointestinal disorders;
• gynecological disorders;
• neurological and stress-related disorders;
• the relief of pain and allergies.

What does an Acupuncturist do?

• making a diagnosis and devising a personalised treatment plan;
• taking a detailed case history, which typically involves questioning patients about their condition, all aspects of their physical and emotional health and history, lifestyle and diet as well as sometimes taking their blood pressure;
• taking a pulse and examining the tongue to aid diagnosis;
• explaining the diagnosis and treatment to the patient and responding to their questions and concerns;
• treating by inserting fine needles into the skin at particular locations to stimulate the energy flow along meridians (energy channels) and the body's own healing response;
• incorporating other treatments, such as moxibustion (burning herbs to warm insertion points), electro-acupuncture (stimulating insertion points with small electric currents), acupressure (to loosen and relax muscles), and cupping;
• assessing patient progress through questioning and examination as well as reviewing treatment plans if necessary;
• keeping patient and financial records;
• organizing and promoting your practice.

What educations are needed to become an acupuncturist?

In order to begin a career as an acupuncturist, you first need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university or college. You can major in a range of subjects, just make sure to include 6 semester hours of biology, chemistry, or biochemistry, which is a prerequisite for applicants interested in applying to master’s programs. If you’re looking to become a certified acupuncturist, you must enroll in a master’s program that has been accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). The curriculum requirements for students in acupuncture programs include courses in oriental medical theory, diagnosis and treatment techniques, biomedical sciences, counseling, ethics and practice management. These programs, which can range from 3 to 4 years to complete, supply students with the comprehensive knowledge the professional skills necessary for a career as an acupuncturist

Salary

In 2008 the National Certification Commission for Acupuncturists and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) conducted a survey, and found that the average annual salary for certified acupuncturists was $60,000.

Sources

http://myfootpath.com/careers/wellness-careers/acupuncture-careers/

http://www.prospects.ac.uk/acupuncturist_job_description.htm

http://www.naturalhealers.com/natural-health-careers/acupuncture/job-description