Acupuncturists
Career Snapshot
Acupuncturists' work is influenced by over 2000 years of experience. They practise placing small needles into the skin to relieve pain and alleviate symptoms. Acupuncturists direct their practise with an energy map of body locations. The stimulation of these sites causes pain-relieving effects. They may employ modest electrical currents and also give massage therapy. These natural medicine practitioners conduct interviews with patients in order to build a personalised treatment plan. Acupuncturists prepare herbal medicines for patients and advise them on dosages, therapy length, potential adverse effects, and interactions. Many acupuncturists also teach patients about meditation, nutrition, breathing, and relaxation techniques. Acupuncturists frequently work independently or in collaboration with other natural healers such as naturopaths and massage therapists. Patients' ability to finance treatment costs through their health insurance carriers has improved in recent years, increasing demand for treatments. Most states require training and certification to practise. To obtain licensure, candidates must first complete a 3-5 year graduate acupuncture school and then pass a state board exam. Acupuncture has been validated by modern science, but because there is no agreement on how it works, acupuncturists rely on perceiving the impact in their patients' well-being.