Acupuncturist

Introduction

Acupuncturists treat medical conditions, both physical and emotional, by inserting fine needles into specially chosen areas of the body. They take account of the full medical history of a patient and the way they look and behave before carrying out treatment. On occasion they may also apply acupuncture as a local anaesthetic.

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Work Activities

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese therapy. It is a medical technique recognised by the World Health Organisation. It is used to promote health and to treat a wide range of conditions including:
• digestive disorders
• respiratory problems
• menstrual and reproductive problems
• mental and physical conditions (such as addictions).

There are broadly two types of acupuncture practice. One is called traditional or classical acupuncture and the other is called medical acupuncture. The principles of treatment have the same foundation, though the theories and explanations of how it works are quite different.

Whereas only doctors and other medical staff can use medical acupuncture, traditional acupuncture can be studied and practised by anyone. Some practitioners may offer additional complementary therapies such as Chinese herbal medicine or Qi Gong.

In an acupuncture treatment, the practitioner inserts extremely fine needles into the patient's skin at certain points on the body. This stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals, which in turn lead to an improved biochemical balance within the body. This is known as 'unblocking the Qi (energy)'. The end result is improved health.

On a client's first visit, the acupuncturist makes a diagnosis. This is done by interviewing the client and asking about their lifestyle, diet, sleep, emotions, family history and many other things. As the client talks, the acupuncturist notes down significant points on a medical record card.

The acupuncturist then examines the client. They may observe the patient's posture, examine their skin, nails, eyes and tongue, and take their pulse rate. All these things are taken together to make a diagnosis and decide on the treatment. This is known as a holistic approach, meaning that the practitioner treats the whole person and not just the particular symptoms.

For the treatment, the acupuncturist inserts a number of needles into the patient's skin according to where the 'meridians' are. A meridian is a line or channel of Qi (energy) running through the body. These are terms from traditional acupuncture, but medical acupuncturists also use them.

The needles are inserted at different angles and depths. The acupuncturist leaves them in for anything between a few seconds and half an hour. During this time, the acupuncturist may leave the patient alone to relax, and perhaps start treating another patient.

Sometimes the acupuncturist will stimulate the needles. Traditionally this was done manually (slightly twiddling the needles), but there are developments now in laser acupuncture and in electro-acupuncture (passing a small electric current through the needles), or by heat (known as moxibustion - a small amount of herbal substance is burned at the exposed end of the needle).

At the end of the treatment, the acupuncturist removes all the needles and disposes of them in a safe container. Fresh, sterile needles are used for each new treatment. After this, the acupuncturist may arrange another appointment for the patient and, if it is a private practice, take payment.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You will need to have a scientific, methodical approach when you are applying your knowledge. You will also need to enjoy analysing problems and helping other people.

You must be a good communicator, able to ask people the right questions and listen sympathetically. Some people are frightened of needles, so you need to be able to reassure them.

If you are going to be self-employed, you should have good business sense.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Earnings for acupuncturists vary, depending on the number of clients they see.

Self-employed acupuncturists charge from about £35 per session. Annual earnings can exceed £30,000 a year, depending on the success of the practice. However, earnings can be considerably less than these, especially when starting out.

Most practitioners are self-employed. They may choose their hours of work to suit their clients. Evening and weekend work is common, and some acupuncturists make home visits.

There may be opportunities to join an established practice.

Some acupuncturists work from home, hire a room at a complementary therapy centre or establish their own treatment centre.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Acupuncture schools and colleges will usually consider applications from candidates who do not meet their usual entry requirements. You should check the admissions policy of individual colleges.

The British Medical Acupuncture Society offer courses for healthcare professionals who are registered by statute in the UK. These include doctors, dentists, nurses and physiotherapists.

You can apply for loans and bursaries from the relevant professional associations.

• 61% of people in complementary medicine careers such as acupuncture are self-employed.
• 55% work part-time.
• 8% have flexible hours.

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