Acupuncturist

Completing an accredited acupuncture course and becoming a member of a professional body will provide you with the skills and knowledge to work effectively as an acupuncturist

Acupuncture is often regarded as a form of complementary or alternative medicine and there are different styles you can practise, including western and traditional. Both approaches use fine needles inserted into the skin or muscles at certain points with the aim of relieving pain or illness.

Traditional acupuncture is based on the ancient Chinese theory that the body depends on the balance of vital energy, known as qi, and that if qi cannot flow freely through the body, it can make the person ill. Acupuncture is used to restore this balance and relieve the illness.

Western acupuncture is used following a medical diagnosis and works on the basis that the inserted needles stimulate sensory nerves which make the body produce natural pain-relieving endorphins. This helps to relieve the symptoms that the patient has.

As an acupuncturist you'll typically take a holistic approach to treating patients, looking at the individual rather than just their symptoms.

Acupuncture uses

Currently, acupuncture is recommended as a treatment option by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for:

• chronic (long-term) pain
• chronic tension-type headaches
• hiccups
• inflammation of the prostate
• migraines.

However, many practitioners also use acupuncture to treat other conditions and symptoms such as:

• jaw pain
• joint and muscle pain
• feeling sick or being sick after surgery or medical treatments.

Responsibilities

As an acupuncturist, you'll need to:

• carry out an initial consultation with each client, in order to establish a detailed case history, assess their health and determine a treatment plan
• explain the diagnosis and acupuncture treatment to the client and respond to their questions and concerns
• conduct subsequent one-to-one treatment sessions, typically lasting around 45 minutes
• give treatment by inserting fine needles into the skin at particular locations and leaving them there for the required amount of time
• assess client progress through questioning and examination, reviewing treatment plans if necessary
• keep accurate and confidential records of patient treatment and progress
• liaise with other healthcare professionals and refer patients when appropriate
• provide general advice on lifestyle changes that can aid treatment
• if self-employed, organise and promote your practice, keep financial records and carry out business administration.

Alongside your main acupuncture treatments, you may also decide to offer other forms of therapy such as moxibustion (burning Chinese mugwort leaves on or near the skin), electro-acupuncture (stimulating insertion points with small electric currents), acupressure (to loosen and relax muscles) and cupping.

Salary

• Acupuncturists are typically self-employed. Earnings can vary widely depending on you how much you charge, your location, your overheads and your reputation. Fees charged to patients typically range from £20 to £80 per session, but some acupuncturists will charge more.
• The amount you're able to charge will depend on your experience and reputation. Location will also be a factor, with fees higher in London and other major UK cities where the cost of living is higher. You will also need to factor in living costs and overheads into your fees.
• As you become more established and gain experience, you are likely to attract a larger client base and may be able to charge more per session. Salaries may also be affected by any links you have with GP practices and other healthcare professionals who may provide referrals to your services.

Some acupuncturists offer multi-bed sessions in which more than one client is treated at a time (usually using partition screens for privacy), making it possible to reduce the treatment and running costs.

You may need additional income from other employment to cover living costs and overheads when starting out until you are fully established.

Income data from the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC). Figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

The majority of acupuncturists are self-employed, allowing you to have some flexibility with the hours you work. However, you're likely to work some early mornings, evenings and weekends to fit in with your clients' needs.

It's possible to work either full or part time.

What to expect

• The cost of overheads and room rental may determine where you work. For example, you may work from home, if you have the space, or in a private or shared consulting room. Once established, you may be able to set up your own practice. It's also possible to work at a GP practice, an NHS or private hospital or at a hospice.
• Sessions typically last around 45 minutes. The first session is usually longer as you'll need to gather information about your client, their health and lifestyle.
• Self-employment is common with opportunities available throughout the UK. However, effective marketing and self-promotion is essential if you want to compete successfully in areas where there are already a number of established acupuncture practices.
• A uniform isn't required, but many acupuncturists choose to wear clinical clothing (tunic and trousers).

Qualifications

There's currently no statutory regulation of acupuncturists in the UK and therefore no specific training requirements. However, it's recommended that you take a course accredited by a relevant professional body.

The British Acupuncture Accreditation Board (BAAB) accredits acupuncture courses at honours degree level. These courses include a thorough grounding in both Chinese medicine theory and clinical practice and western medical sciences, research and practice management.

Most training is done within a college or university setting although some online learning is becoming available. Observation and clinical practice will form a substantial part of your training (with a minimum of 400 hours spent in a clinical setting). Practice treatments are carried out under the close supervision of trained and experienced acupuncturists.

Search the list of BAAB-accredited courses.

It's not essential to have previous experience in healthcare to get onto a BAAB-accredited acupuncture course. Knowledge of biological sciences is helpful, but attitude, personal qualities and life experience are equally important. Personal experience of successful treatment and any experience of teaching, counselling, advice work, massage or nursing may be useful.

On successful completion of a BAAB-accredited course, you can become a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC). This enables you to join the BAcC register, which is regulated and approved by the Professional Standards Authority for Health & Social Care (PSA). Being on the register shows that your practice meets robust professional standards.

If you're studying for a BAAB-accredited qualification, you can join the BAcC as a student member. This gives you access to a range of resources and advice on setting up your own practice once you're qualified.

Healthcare professionals who are subject to statutory or voluntary regulation or who are members of the BAcC can apply to do The British Medical Acupuncture Society (BMAS) Foundation Course.

Other professional bodies that accredit acupuncture courses include:

• The Acupuncture Society - a professional body for traditional and medical acupuncturists, Chinese herbalists and many other therapist practitioners. They hold their own professional register of practitioners.
• The Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture (ATCM) - a professional body for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The Traditional Chinese Medicine Accreditation Board (TCMAB) accredits institutions that provide traditional Chinese acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine courses. Graduates are eligible for membership of the ATCM.

Skills

You'll need to have:

• excellent communication and interpersonal skills, in order to explain treatment processes and establish a positive rapport with your patients
• the ability to put patients at ease
• customer service skills and a patient-centred approach
• the ability to manage and organise a list of patients
• active listening skills and an open, non-judgemental approach
• the ability to work alone and use your initiative
• teamworking skills
• the ability to maintain a professional attitude and to remain calm under pressure
• attention to detail
• effective business, marketing and administration skills to set up and run a successful business.

Work experience

It's useful to spend some time shadowing a qualified acupuncturist before you start training. You'll observe technique (with the permission of the patient), patient care and the running of a clinic.

It's also helpful to get general experience of working in a healthcare role, as this will help you develop skills in dealing with patients. Experience in other areas such as marketing or business can be useful when setting up and promoting your practice.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Employers

The majority of acupuncturists are self-employed, so you're likely to work in your own home or premises or visit patients' homes. It's also possible to work at private multidisciplinary complementary healthcare practices or medical centres, where you could rent a treatment room.

A few companies, keen to enhance their employees' wellbeing and performance, may hire acupuncturists to treat their staff. There are also opportunities on luxury cruise ships.

You may occasionally find an opportunity for part-time work through the NHS or GP practices in areas such as:

• antenatal care
• oncology
• pain management.

Such opportunities are limited, however. GPs may sometimes refer patients to private acupuncturists. Being a member of the BAcC can help with NHS recognition and GP referrals.

Limited part-time work may be available in hospices or care homes.

Look for job vacancies at:

• British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) - members have their practices listed online on the accredited register for patients to search.
• NHS Jobs
• London Wellness Academy - acupuncturist careers on cruise ships.
• websites of course providers - these are usually for academic roles.

Vacancies are rarely advertised and you will have to generate new clients through effectively marketing and promoting your business. For more information on setting up a business, see self-employment.

Professional development

You'll be responsible for your own training and professional development, which can include:

• attending events and courses
• attending conferences
• networking
• reading and contributing to acupuncture magazines and journals
• undertaking research.

Membership of the BAcC is useful as it provides access to many continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities. As a member, you will need to complete at least 30 hours of CPD activity each year.

Other relevant professional bodies include:

• The Acupuncture Society
• The Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture (ATCM)
• The British Medical Acupuncture Society (BMAS)

You could choose to increase your knowledge in a particular aspect of acupuncture, such as:

• specific acupuncture techniques
• advanced acupuncture theory
• Chinese herbal medicine
• other complementary therapies.

Alternatively, you could choose to take undertake further training to treat conditions or symptoms, such as:

• addiction
• antenatal care
• asthma
• pain management
• psychiatric care
• stroke rehabilitation.

It's also possible to study for a PhD.

Most UK regions have set up support groups for acupuncturists, which can be a way of seeking out professional opinion, networking and keeping abreast of opportunities for further training and development. Supervision and mentoring are encouraged.

Career prospects

There is no structured career progression for an acupuncturist, and success depends very much on your professional and business ability. Client numbers tend to increase as you gain experience and reputation, and your personal interests will often determine the direction your career takes.

There are some opportunities for experienced acupuncturists to move into teaching or training or to get involved in research.

You could also choose to train in and practise another therapy alongside acupuncture.

Acupuncturists often work in more than one location or setting, which can provide variety. There may also be opportunities to work abroad - however, you should check the specific requirements of the country you're interested in, as these may differ from the UK.