Acupuncturist

Acupuncturists treat disorders and illnesses by inserting fine needles into specific points on the skin to stimulate the body's defence mechanisms.

Acupuncturists may perform the following tasks:

• diagnose health problems through discussions with the patient, by checking the patient's pulse and by observing their colour, face and body features, nails, tongue and temperature variations in different parts of the body
• choose the places at which needles should be inserted based on a thorough knowledge of body systems
• insert needles into the patient's skin and move or manipulate them depending on the nature of the health problem
• apply massage or heat treatment using a slowly smouldering herb called moxa to warm and stimulate the acupuncture point.

Acupuncturists normally work on their own, but may also work within an established clinic in which other traditional forms of health care are practiced, such as massage, naturopathy, osteopathy, chiropractic and herbal medicine.

Personal Requirements:

• patient, tactful and compassionate
• able to gain the confidence of their patients
• good with hands.

Related Jobs:

• Chiropractor
• Osteopath

Education and Training, Employment Opportunities and Additional Information

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