Acupuncture

                       Acupuncture

Duties and Responsibilities:

        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. Acupuncturists correct imbalances in the body by inserting fine needles into acupuncture points, thus maintaining or restoring good health and wellbeing.  Tasks include:

·        making a diagnosis and devising a personalized treatment plan;

·        taking a detailed case history, which typically involves questioning patients about their condition, all aspects of their physical and emotional health and history, lifestyle and diet as well as sometimes taking their blood pressure;

·        taking a pulse and examining the tongue to aid diagnosis; 

Salary: $55,000 - $78,000                  

Education:

        Many of the acupuncturist degrees available are at the master's and doctoral levels. Master's degree programs typically take 3-4 years to complete and equip students with the diagnostic and therapeutic skills needed to practice acupuncture as a primary source of healthcare. Curricula focus on acupuncture methods as well as other Oriental and Western medicines. Students may take courses like herbal medicine, needle technique, acupuncture points and biomedicine.