How to become an Acupuncturist

Treatment that involves insertion of very thin needles at specific points into a person’s skin on the body to various depths is known as Acupuncture. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical art which has been practiced for more than 5,000 years to influence physiological functions. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that harmonious health is the result of balance of “yin” and “yang” of the life force known as “qi,” pronounced “chi.” Illness is the consequences of imbalance forces. Qi flows through meridians in the human body. This technique helps to boost wellbeing and for the cure of some illnesses. This treatment also help to treat conditions like pain, headaches, blood pressure problems, and whooping cough, headache pain, asthma, or arthritis ,lower-back pain, addiction, stroke rehabilitation, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Acupuncturist are the one who examine patient and assess their condition, insert one or more thin, sterile needles, and offer advice on self-care. Acupuncturist must use single-use, disposable, sterile needles. The most well-known tool is needles, cups, ear balls. An aspirant who is hard-working, compassionate and having an interest in ancient medical practices can pursue a career as acupuncturist. To become an acupuncturist the candidate, require to complete formal education, get degree programs, license. Acupuncturist treat a wide range of psychological and physiological conditions. They get opportunity to work in private practice and hospitals. Acupuncturists must competent with their hands and be skillful in their work

• The role of acupuncturists is to treat variety of psychological and physical issues like hypertension, anxiety.
• To Discuss treatment options and maintain patient records, monitor patients’ progress, preventative measures, insert needles to the appropriate body part for treatment.
•  Maintaining and following standard quality, safety, environmental and infection control policies and procedures. 
• To Collect medical histories, life style information and general health from patients.
• To Treat patients using tools such as seeds, pellets, needles, cups, ear balls and nutritional supplements.
• To Educate patients on topics such as the healing process, breathing, meditation, ergonomics, stretching, exercise, nutrition and relaxation techniques.
• To Evaluate treatment outcomes and recommendation to restore, promote or maintain health. 
• To Develop individual treatment plans and strategies.
• Cautiously listening to the problems of the patient, Examining and diagnosing patient's symptoms, physiological disorders and injuries, selecting specific points on the body to be treated and inserting needles according to the level of stimulation required.

Aspirant must acquire skills like active listening and must have full attention to what other people are saying, asking questions as appropriate, taking time to understand the points being made, and not interrupting at inappropriate times, critical thinking skills to use logic and reasoning for identification of strengths and weaknesses and to solve problem effectively. social perceptiveness to understand others reactions and feelings. Candidate must also have service orientation skill to actively help people. aspirant must have judgment and decision-making skills, speaking, monitoring, Reading Comprehension, Writing, Inductive Reasoning, Oral Comprehension, deductive reasoning, near vision, speech recognition, speech clarity, written comprehension, oral expression. Other than this the other skills like Caring, Honesty, Excellent interpersonal, communication and listening skills, Understanding and sensitivity, Patience, Self-awareness and emotional stability, A logical approach to solving problems, Good hand-eye coordination and a steady hand, Composed, and empathetic, understanding and passion for the mind-body connection.

Acupuncturists can find opportunities in various industries and settings. Some of the industries open to acupuncturists include:

• Healthcare and Integrative Medicine Clinics
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Clinics
• Wellness and Holistic Health Centers
• Sports and Rehabilitation Facilities
• Spa and Wellness Resorts
• Research and Education
• Private Practice
• Corporate Wellness Programs
• Fertility and Women's Health Clinics
• Community Health Centers