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    Acupuncturist - United Kingdom - Success at School

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    Description

    Acupuncturists treat what they believe are imbalances of energy by inserting fine needles into specially chosen areas of the body. They take a holistic approach, for example, by taking into account the client's medical history and factors such as diet, sleeping patterns and emotional state.

    Work activities

    Acupuncture is an ancient system of healing. People have practised acupuncture in China and other South East Asian countries for thousands of years. It is an alternative form of medicine that is recognised by the World Health Organisation. Acupuncturists insert extremely fine needles into the client's skin at certain points on the body. Acupuncturists believe that this helps the body to restore the smooth and balanced movement of energy (known as "qi") and stimulates the body's own healing response. Many people go to an acupuncturist because they have a specific problem, for example:

    • High blood pressure.
    • Infertility problems.
    • Migraine.
    • Breathing problems.
    • Period pain.
    • Addiction to drugs or alcohol.
    • Anxiety and depression.

    However, the focus of acupuncture is on improving the client's overall wellbeing, so not everyone who goes to an acupuncturist has a specific illness, for example, they might feel generally unwell or have aches and pains they can't explain. The main aim of the treatment is to recover the balance between the person's physical, emotional and spiritual aspects, rather than treating the symptoms alone. In this way, acupuncture is a holistic therapy.

    On a client's first visit, the acupuncturist makes a diagnosis. They do this by interviewing the client and asking about their lifestyle, diet, sleep, emotions, family history and many other things. The aim of the consultation is to find which energy channels the acupuncturist believes need to be adjusted for the condition to improve. As the client talks, the acupuncturist takes notes on a medical record card. The acupuncturist then examines the client. They might observe the patient's posture, examine their skin, nails, eyes and tongue, and take their pulse rate. During the treatment, acupuncturists insert the needles at different angles and depths. They leave them in for anything between a few seconds and 30 minutes (or sometimes longer). Most patients describe the sensation of treatment as a tingling or dull ache. During the treatment session, the acupuncturist might leave the patient alone to relax, and perhaps start treating another patient.

    Sometimes, the acupuncturist will stimulate the needles. They can do this by hand (slightly twiddling the needles), electrically (passing a small electric current through them), or by heat (known as moxibustion – the acupuncturist burns a small amount of moxa, a herb, 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. They use fresh, sterile needles for each new treatment. After this, the acupuncturist might arrange another appointment for the patient and, if it is a private practice, take payment.

    Personal qualities and skills

    To be an acupuncturist, you'll need:

    • To enjoy working with people.
    • Practical hand skills.
    • To be able to reassure anxious people.
    • Communication skills to ask the right questions and listen sympathetically.
    • If you're self-employed, you'll need good business sense.

    Pay and opportunities

    Earnings for acupuncturists vary, depending on the number of clients they see. Self-employed acupuncturists usually charge a rate per session.

    Acupuncturists might choose their hours of work to suit their clients. Evening and weekend work is common, and some acupuncturists make home visits.

    Demand for acupuncture has been increasing, as complementary and alternative therapies have become more popular generally.

    The availability of Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAMs) on the NHS is limited, and in most cases the NHS will not offer such treatments.

    Acupuncturists can work in towns, cities or rural areas throughout the UK.

    Most acupuncturists are independent self-employed practitioners. Some acupuncturists work from home or hire a room at a complementary therapy centre.

    Where are vacancies advertised?

    Because most acupuncturists are self-employed, very few vacancies are advertised. Established practices might advertise through specialist job boards, local newspapers and on the Government's Find a Job service.

    Entry routes and training

    At the moment, acupuncturists don't have to be registered before they can practise. However, they may need to be registered with the local authority as skin piercers to ensure that their premises and equipment is hygienic. Then, you'll need to be trained to a certain standard before you can work as an acupuncturist. Your name will need to be on a state register. The main self-regulatory body is the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC). It recommends courses that have been accredited by the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board (BAAB). Accredited courses are at degree level, with most leading to a BSc (Hons) degree.

    You could progress into teaching, research or writing. Some acupuncturists train in another type of therapy.

    Qualifications

    Entry requirements vary between the different institutions that have courses accredited by the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board (BAAB) and recommended by the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC).

    Courses are at degree level, so the usual entry requirement is five GCSEs (9-4), including English and maths, and two A-levels. Some course providers specify at least one science subject at A-level (biology or chemistry).

    Alternatives to A levels include:

    • Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 Nationals

    Age limits: 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.

    Some acupuncture course providers consider applications from candidates who don't meet their usual entry requirements but who have the personal skills and qualities to successfully complete the course. You should check prospectuses carefully. A few colleges and universities offer degrees in acupuncture or related subjects, for example oriental medicine, including at postgraduate level. Study can be full or part time/flexible or via distance learning.

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