Acupuncture Jobs
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a process designed to promote natural healing in the human or animal body and to improve bodily functions. Precision is required to insert needles and/or heat or electrical stimulation to the correct acupuncture points on the body. Fundamental to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), acupuncture applies the understanding that health is a state of balance within the body. Disease or poor function is the result of imbalance. The focus is on clear energy flow (qi or chi) along specific lines (meridians) in the body. Acupuncture has been in use for more than 2000 years, though it only began to be recognized in the United States in recent decades. �Medical acupuncture�is by a licensed doctor of Western medicine who has acquired in depth training in acupuncture as a specialty.What Do Acupuncturists Do?
A succinct description of an acupuncturist�s activities is to:The amount of time spent each day on administrative functions or office tasks varies depending on whether the acupuncturist works alone or as part of a team with support staff and on their state�s requirements.
What do qualifications do Acupuncturists need?
Acupuncturists need to be good listeners and communicators... They must be comfortable with the idea of inserting needles into people. A good background in basic biology or medicine is a very helpful foundation for an acupuncture specialization. In addition, courses in English, mathematics, physics, chemistry and psychology are valued. An acupuncturist really needs internal motivation, a clear sense of purpose and a desire to improve their clients� quality of life. Most accredited acupuncture schools require at least two years of undergraduate study. Many require students to complete a bachelor�s degree prior to admission, as with medical schools. Some training facilities which do not require any prior college experience. Most degrees are arranged as master�s programs to be completed in three years. Licensed medical practitioners need to check with the specific requirements in their state for this specialty. Licensing and education requirements vary widely from state to state. The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine offers recommendations and information about each state.What areas do Acupuncturists cover in their courses?
Courses for graduate level study will include physiology, pharmacology, ethics, acupuncture techniques, anatomy, neural systems, and communication. Some specific courses may include:
What areas of specialization may Acupuncturists choose?
Acupuncture is already a specialty. Further specialization may be relative to particular types of ailments or to specific styles of training. For example:
Where do Acupuncturists work?
The demand for acupuncturists is likely to grow relative to the age of the baby boomers. The salary range varies relative to the geographic location and level of training and type of practice used. In California , salaries may range from $30,000 to $100,000 per year. The American Association of Oriental Medicine can clarify legal requirements for acupuncturists in different states. Acupuncture practitioners often find work in urban settings in these areas:
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