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General Description

This is an ideal career for logical thinkers. Acupuncture works by the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific sites (acupuncture points) along the body's meridians (channels), to clear energy blockages and encourage the normal flow of life energy called qi (pronounced chee) through the individual. As an Acupuncturist you can follow the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), to diagnose and formulate treatment plans for individuals who present with varied patterns of disease.

Career Advice - Acunpuncturist Career

You treat a wide range of health problems including muscle or joint disorders, stress-related problems, menstrual problems, digestive disorders, migraine and lower back pain and major system imbalances, as well as general health issues. Other methods that may be used to stimulate acupuncture points and re-establish the flow of qi include moxibustion, cupping, laser therapy, electro-stimulation and massage.

What you do every day?

Your day is primarily spent seeing patients. If the patient is new they are asked to complete an information sheet, which you use to gather relevant information about them. You then spend some time acquainting yourself with their condition and why they have come to see you. Once you have all the necessary information you look carefully for signs of health and dysfunction, paying particular attention not only to the presenting signs and symptoms, but also to the medical history, general constitution, and the pulse and tongue diagnosis of the client.

Having examined the client you explain what treatment would be the most effective. If the client has never had acupuncture before you explain the procedure carefully to them before commencing the process of inserting the needles in the appropriate areas of the body.

With ongoing clients the consultation is shorter. You write up case notes for every client and consultation to ensure a client history the same as a medical practitioner. Some travel is involved if you work from multiple clinics and as a sole practitioner you manage appointments and administration yourself.

Personality that best fits this occupation

You need to be able to gain the confidence of your clients and be compassionate. You also need to be patient and tactful. Communication skills are very important, as much time is spent explaining the principles of TCM and educating patients, promoting their health and wellbeing. A calm almost reassuring manner and style is what most patients are looking for. A logical approach in you thinking with each client is also important.

Best thing about this career

Acupuncture is a dynamic system of medicine, which is always challenging you (the practitioner) to learn and know more. Educating and working with patients to discover more about their health and wellbeing is very rewarding. Also being your own boss means you can choose the times you work and determine how busy you wish to be.

Worst thing about this career

Establishing practice can be challenging, it can take 3-5 years to be busy enough to earn a suitable income. Joining a group practice is always a good starting point, as it provides peer support. Mentoring or supervision from an established practitioner is also a good idea when starting out.