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Archive for the ‘Acupuncture’ Category

Acupuncture and moxibustion is a medical treatment that has been practiced for thousands of years in China and other Asian countries and now worldwide. It is used as a means of treatment and prevention of disease.

Acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of fine needles at specific sites (acupuncture points) along the meridians of the body to remove energy blockages and encourage the normal flow of energy (Qi) through the individual.

The general theory of acupuncture is based on the premise that there are patterns of energy flow (Qi) through the body that are essential for health. Disruptions of this flow are believed to be responsible for the disease. Acupuncture corrects the imbalances of flow at identifiable points close to the skin.Today, acupuncture is an effective health care, natural and increasingly popular, which is used by people worldwide.

The acupuncture needles are so fine that there is no discomfort during insertion, but a slight tingling sensation (known as the sensation of needles) may be experienced.The needles are usually left for about twenty minutes, during which time there may be a heaviness in the legs and a feeling of relaxation. The doctor / doctor may also stimulate acupuncture points using other methods such as moxibustion (a traditional technique that involves burning of mugwort, a small grass sponge to facilitate healing), cupping, etc. electrical stimulation to the back – to establish the flow of qi. Read the rest of this entry »

If you’re thinking about a career in acupuncture you’ll want to learn how and where you can earn a certificate or degree in acupuncture. Perhaps you’re already familiar with the field of acupuncture but if not you’ll want to find out all you can both online and offline. It’s thought that acupuncture has been practiced in China for at least 2,000 years and some think it’s probably been practiced at least 3,000 years or so.

First of all you’ll want to choose an acupuncture school that offers consultation services for its graduates. The schools that do, allow graduates after graduation, to consult with instructors regarding care of their patients. You’ll also want to check to see if your state is on the national list of about 49 acupuncture schools with accredited programs and you’ll want to find an acupuncture school that offers smaller classes.

Acupuncture schools that offer courses in traditional Chinese medicine often include related training or courses in traditional medicine, such as anatomy and physiology, body therapy, massage therapy, and other sciences. For naturopathy schools that offer acupuncture programs there is a list called the: List of Accredited Natural Medicine Colleges in North America. Check with the school you’re considering making sure they have a wide selection of study resources available so you can have all the essential acupuncture materials for a broad learning experience.

You’ll also want to find out what the acupuncture training, school and program options are in your home area. Try to find a school whose program emphasizes courses in traditional Chinese medicine because acupuncture is just one element of traditional Chinese medicine. There are a few acupuncture schools that teach acupuncture practitioners the five-element Oriental medicine approach to acupuncture, which is often used in conjunction with the traditional Western medical practices.

Acupuncture is used for: arthritis, headaches, migraines, to quit smoking, to lose weight , fertility, fibromyalgia, depression, insomnia, face lifts as in facial acupuncture, back pain, high blood pressure, pregnancy, cosmetic purposes, anxiety, panic attacks, Crohn’s disease, asthma and on dogs and other pets or animals as in veterinary acupuncture.

If you haven’t experienced acupuncture make to visit an acupuncture clinic to learn more about acupuncture. You might want to talk to an acupuncture specialist or naturopath about a possible acupuncture career also. Talk to the financial aid counselors at the acupuncture school or college you’re considering to see if they have any ideas or suggestions for scholarships, grants or education loans if you need to finance your training.

Before you commit to any acupuncture school or to any acupuncture training you can check out the “Fundamentals of Chinese Acupuncture” by Ellis, Wiseman, and Bosson. This excellent textbook is used in many acupuncture schools and acupuncture training programs and will give you a better idea if you’d like to pursue acupuncture as a career.
If you haven’t checked already may sure to check and see if you need a license to practice acupuncture in your state. You may not need a license. Get the facts first on which states require licensing. Note that each state and each discipline has its own criteria about how alternative medicine practitioners are to be professionally licensed, if at all.

Acupuncture programs in acupuncture schools can be expensive and usually require three years or so of classes and sometimes up to five years. If you have a naturopathic school in your area, email or give them a call to find out the licensing requirements in your state. If you do get financing help or aid in the form of federal assistance be sure to have selected a school that’s accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM).

An acupuncture career has great career growth potential. Just be sure to find out the length of the coursework and the expense upfront and know how you plan to handle it. Many have done it before you. If possible, intern in an acupuncture clinic in your neighborhood to get first hand experience before you decide. But make sure to learn about the licensing requirements for acupuncturists for your state before you do anything else.