Could you be an Acupuncturist? Careers in Alternative Medicine – Part 2

in Careers by Denise Gabbard — March 31, 2011 at 1:24 pm | 1 comment

A Career in Acupuncture Therapy

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese traditional medicine practice that’s been in use for more than 2,000 years. Chinese medicine holds that everyone’s body requires an uninterrupted flow of Chi (Qi to the Chinese) or life energy. It runs through our bodies and connects all of our organs, and when it’s unbalanced or blocked, illness results. The use of acupuncture un-blocks Chi and restores health. Acupuncturists diagnose and treat the patient with very thin stainless needles that are inserted into quite specific points in the skin, which triggers biochemical and physiological processes that help the body to heal.

What can Acupuncture Treat?

Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine are recognized to treat 43 common ailments by The World Health Organization (WHO). It is well-known for relief of chronic pain, but there are many more uses for acupuncture. It is used to treat respiratory problems, like sinusitis, emphysema, allergies, asthma, and bronchitis. Circulatory disorders like arteriosclerosis, anemia, angina, and high blood pressure also respond well to acupuncture treatment. Urinary tract infections, sexual problems, and stress incontinence are also treated with acupuncture, as are gynecological problems such as infertility, PMS, and painful menstruation. Arthritis pain, migraines, insomnia, and dizzy spells are successfully treated with acupuncture. It has even been used to treat depression, anxiety, and addictions to drugs, tobacco, and alcohol. Acupuncture has tremendous healing powers, but it is still often used in tandem with Western medicine to provide a good balance of healing.

Do you have what it takes?

Acupuncturists need certain personality traits to be successful in the field.

• Exceptional Listening Skills
• Patience
• Steady Hand
• Compassion
• Attention to Detail
• Knowledge
• Passion for learning
• A Great Work Ethic and
• Self-Motivation are necessary to become adept at such an ancient and complex tradition of healing.

Would you enjoy this as a career?

Most acupuncturists have their own practice, and may also work with wellness centers like hospitals, clinics, and even health spas. There is great opportunity for growth in the field, as the treatments have become more widely recognized and more and more insurance companies are now covering alternative medical treatments. Some states in the US even allow an acupuncturist to be chosen as a primary care physician currently, and there is no indication that growth in this field will slow any time soon.

Because the wide majority of acupuncturists are self-employed, the income range varies widely. New acupuncturists can expect to earn about $45,000, and income typically will double within a few years. Over time, and as the practice builds, incomes of around $150,000 are not uncommon. Practitioners working in a hospital setting make about $65,000 a year, and those working for non-profits will generally start out significantly lower, around $35,000 to $45,000 per year.

How do you get started?

Costs for becoming an acupuncturist can vary widely depending on the program chosen, as little as $6,000 for a year of study and as much as $50,000 or more for a three to four year program. This is typically in addition to a bachelor’s or associate’s degree, again depending upon the requirements of the school chosen. Some schools are devoted to alternative medicine and acupuncture, and then there are regular colleges which offer certificate or degree programs in acupuncture, and some incorporate physiology, anatomy, and other medical sciences in the curriculum, and some require these to be completed during the associate’s or bachelor’s program before enrolling. You will learn about Qi, energy meridians, treatment principles, acupuncture location points, acupressure, and pulse and tongue diagnosis, among other relevant things. You may also be encouraged to begin learning to read Chinese, and also to learn about Tui-Na massage, Chinese herbal medicine, and other traditional Chinese medicine.

If all of this sounds like something you’d be interested in pursuing, check out all the different acupuncture programs and schools, and narrow your choices down to those which appeal to you most and fit your needs. Then get started right away and enjoy a career helping people feel better.

Tags: acupuncturist alternative medicine career