Acupuncturist
Treat people's health concerns by inserting very fine needles into pressure points on their body.
About the job
What it's like
You would treat people's health concerns by carefully inserting very fine needles into key pressure points on their body.
Your clients could have a wide range of conditions including arthritis, circulatory problems, high blood pressure, migraines, depression or addiction.
You would:
Take a detailed history from clients
Ask them about their symptoms, lifestyle, diet and feelings
Decide what action to take
Select specific points on the body to be treated
Insert needles as required
Keep records of each patient's treatment
The idea behind this traditional Chinese treatment is that stimulating the pressure points regulates the body's healing process, restores the person's energy and eases the symptoms of physical and emotional problems.
You might also use other techniques such as burning dried herbs, placing vacuum cups on the skin or using an electrical current.
If necessary, you would explain to a client that you think they should go to the doctor.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
British Acupuncture Council – self-regulatory body for the practice of traditional acupuncture in the UK
The Acupuncture Society – an association and register of professional acupuncture therapists
Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine – regulatory body for the practice of acupuncture, herbal medicine and Tuina
British Acupuncture Accreditation Board – independent accreditation for acupuncture courses
Skills for Health – Skills standards and development for the UK health sector
Disclosure Scotland – more about the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- attention to detail
- social conscience
- respecting
- empathising
- observation
- verbal communication
- listening
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Biology
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Human Biology
It is possible to begin training and work in this role with no formal qualifications but to prepare for work as an acupuncturist, it will help if you take a qualification that is recognised by one of the professional organisations for acupuncture such as the:
the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC)
the Acupuncture Society
the Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Each association requires its members to have achieved certain qualifications and to comply with their code of practice.
The British Acupuncture Accreditation Board (BAAB) is an independent accreditation body and has approved several courses that lead to membership of the BAcC.
Most BAAB approved courses are degree level (SCQF 9/10) and to do this you will usually need at least three to four Highers including a science subject or a relevant HNC/D.
There are currently no British Acupuncture Accreditation Board (BAAB) accredited acupuncture training courses in Scotland, entry to a degree in England will require between 180 to 260 UCAS Points.
A Higher National Diploma (SCQF Level 8) or degree (SCQF Level 9/10) in life/medical sciences or complementary therapies may be useful.
If you are a qualified medical or other related healthcare professional such as physiotherapist you can complete accredited programmes in acupuncture.
If you meet professional standards, you can join the British Acupunture Council (BAcC) register. This usually means completing British Acupuncture Accreditation Board (BAAB) accredited training courses requiring a minimum of three years' full-time study at degree level (or the equivalent part-time). Courses are available at several different institutions.
These courses lead to professional membership of the BAcC, which provides professional indemnity and public liability insurance.
Knowledge of the subject, personal experience of successful treatment and experience of supporting others, complementary therapies such as massage or nursing may also facilitate entry.
Once you enter work it is likely that you will be required to be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland.
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