Acupuncturist
An acupuncturist is a complementary health practitioner who takes a holistic approach to the maintenance of health and the management of disease with a focus on improving overall wellbeing.
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese holistic 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 fine needles into acupuncture points, thus maintaining or restoring good health and wellbeing.
The correct manipulation of Qi can treat a range of emotional and physical conditions, such as:
Acupuncturists conduct one-to-one consultations with their patients, using their skills and knowledge to treat a wide range of health problems.
The first consultation may last up to an hour and a half to allow the acupuncturist to take a detailed case history before making a diagnosis and beginning treatment. Subsequent sessions may take 45 minutes to an hour. The duration of the treatment programme varies depending on the severity of the problem. Some patients may require only a few sessions, while others may need 20 or more.
Tasks typically involve:
Although this area of work is open to all graduates and diplomates, a degree or HND in life/medical sciences may increase your chances. However, a degree is not necessarily a compulsory requirement for entry to training and many students of acupuncture have no academic qualifications. Knowledge of biological sciences is helpful, but attitude, personal qualities and life experience are equally important. Knowledge of the subject, personal experience of successful treatment and experience of teaching, counselling, advice work, massage or nursing may facilitate entry.
At the moment, acupuncture is regulated only by voluntary agreement. However, the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) is calling for statutory regulation and has appealed to the Department of Health to bring acupuncture in line with herbal medicine and traditional Chinese medicine, which are already regulated.
If the law changes, enforcing regulation, it will mean only those courses and practitioners who meet the required standard will be able to practise as an acupuncturist.
The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) works closely with the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board (BAAB) , which is an independent accreditation board providing a common educational standard. Training courses requiring a minimum of three years' full-time study at degree level (or the equivalent part time) are available at several different institutions. These courses lead to professional membership of the BAcC, which provides professional indemnity and public liability insurance.
When looking for a course, it is important to research the course content, speak to practitioners in the field and carefully compare the pros and cons of qualification through the various institutions.
Observation and clinical practice form a substantial part of the training, and practice treatments are carried out under the close supervision of trained and experienced acupuncturists.
Candidates need to show evidence of the following:
An open, non-judgemental approach is essential. The work requires maturity and sensitivity to deal with the difficult emotional issues that can arise during a client’s treatment.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
As most practitioners are self-employed, it is important to maintain contact with professional organisations to benefit from opportunities for training and development.
Colleges, and professional organisations such as the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) , run continuing professional education (CPD) and training seminars which practitioners are encouraged to attend. Practitioners wanting to increase their knowledge may wish to take further training in areas such as:
Acupuncturists may choose to specialise by undertaking specific training in areas such as:
Some short courses are offered (in English) in countries such as China and Hong Kong. Doctoral study is also available.
Most UK regions have set up support groups for acupuncturists, which can be a way of seeking out professional opinion, networking and keeping abreast of opportunities for further training and development. Supervision is also encouraged.
There is no structured career progression and success depends very much on professional and business ability. Client numbers tend to increase as an acupuncturist gains experience and reputation; personal interests often determine career direction. It is important to keep up to date with developments in the profession through continued professional development (CPD). CPD is a requirement to be a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) .
The development of a practice may be affected by geographic location, size of population and the number of other practices already in the area. Acupuncturists often work in more than one location or setting, which can provide variety.
After gaining considerable experience, some acupuncturists teach or supervise students on courses, e.g. as clinical supervisors at acupuncture colleges. Other practitioners may choose to research, write, or practise another therapy alongside acupuncture.
There may be opportunities to work abroad. However, you should check the specific requirements of the country in which you are interested in working, as these may differ from the UK.
Acupuncture is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. Over the past 20 years, there has been a significant rise in the number of acupuncturists registered with the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) .
The vast majority of acupuncturists are self-employed and work from their own home or premises and/or visit patients' homes. There are some who work at private multidisciplinary complementary healthcare or medical centres where they may rent a treatment room. A few companies, keen to enhance their employees' potential, hire acupuncturists to treat their staff.
Although still quite rare, opportunities for part-time work through the NHS (see NHS Careers ) or through general practitioner (GP) practices are increasing, in areas such as:
Limited part-time work may be available in hospices.
Since acupuncturists are generally self-employed, vacancy adverts are limited.
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