acupuncturist

The work

Acupuncture is part of a 3000-year old system of traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncturists believe that life energy (chi) flows along invisible channels in the body known as meridians. They use these channels to regulate the healing process and restore health and energy. 

This technique involves stimulating carefully selected parts of the body, usually by inserting very fine stainless steel needles to anaesthetise, relieve pain and treat a wide variety of illnesses. Electro-acupuncture is a more recent introduction, using electrical energy to treat the correct parts of the body.

Before treatment begins, the acupuncturist will take a detailed history from the client including symptoms, past problems and lifestyle, as well as diet and emotional responses to situations. At this stage they will decide on a diagnosis, select the points to be treated, and insert the needles according to the level of stimulation required.

Acupuncturists can work with a wide variety of conditions including arthritis, back pain, circulatory problems and high blood pressure, migraines, depression, smoking and drug addictions.

Hours and Environment

There are usually no set working hours as acupuncturists have to be flexible to meet the needs of their patients.

Acupuncturists usually work indoors, either in a health clinic or therapeutic environment.

Acupuncturists may work from more than one base, for example, in a client's own home, so a driving licence may be an advantage.

Skills and Interests

As an acupuncturist, you should:

• be able to empathise with your patients' circumstances
• have good communication and listening skills
• have a logical approach to problem solving
• have a genuine desire to help people
• have a high level of self-knowledge and emotional stability
• be able to detach yourself emotionally and maintain a professional relationship.

Entry

To train as an acupuncturist you need at least five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3). Some course providers will also ask for least two A levels/three H grades, often including at least one science subject. An Access to Higher Education qualification may also be accepted for entry to certain courses. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

Late entry to acupuncture is common and many acupuncturists are over 30 when they start training. Adults with previous experience or qualifications in medically related areas are likely to be accepted without the usual academic qualifications.

If you are already a qualified health care professional you may be exempt from certain aspects of the training or examinations; contact the British Medical Acupuncture Society (BMAS) for further information, including details of their training courses.

Training

Training is monitored by the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board, an independent body allied to the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC).

The BAcC hold details of several colleges and universities offering courses that lead to automatic professional membership; see Further Information for BAcC contact details. Courses include bio-medical training as well as clinical acupuncture and practical work experience.

The BAcC accept people onto their register who have completed a thorough training programme in traditional acupuncture, diagnosis and treatment. This consists of a course of study lasting at least three years full-time, or the part-time equivalent. The BAcC does not endorse short courses. Successful graduates carry the letters MBAcC after their name.

Opportunities

Acupuncture is becoming increasingly popular in the UK as more people seek and find its benefits in promoting health as well as managing illness.

Over the last 20 years there has been a dramatic rise in the number of practitioners, and there are now over 2000 acupuncturists registered with the BAcC. Demand still exceeds supply in many areas where there is a huge shortage of qualified practitioners.

Most acupuncturists are self-employed and work from home or their own premises, although some work in multi-disciplinary complementary medical centres. A few acupuncturists work with, or alongside, the NHS either in a hospital or surgery setting, or through referral to their own practice from a GP.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Most acupuncturists are self-employed, so incomes vary considerably.
The salary of an acupuncturist can range from around £18,000 up to £35,000 a year.

Further information

PO Box 194
London
SE16 7QZ
Tel: 020 7237 5165

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