What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions. It involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body known as acupuncture points or acupoints, which are located along the meridian lines. The needles help to unblock any stagnant qi, or energy, and encourage the flow of fresh qi through the meridians. This restores balance and harmony within the body. Acupuncture can be used to treat a wide range of health issues, from headaches and migraines to anxiety, chronic pain, fatigue and digestive disorders.
Acupuncturists in East Lismore can benefit from joining one of the peak bodies that represent acupuncture, its benefits, and its practitioners, such as the following:
- Federation Of Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture Societies Of Australia (FCMA)
- Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA)
- Australian Holistic Healers and Counsellors Association (AHHCA)
- Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS)
- Complementary Medicine Association (CMA)
- International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT)
Should you study acupuncture?
There are many benefits to studying acupuncture and undergoing formal training, including learning how to effectively treat various health conditions with this complementary therapy. Acupuncture courses can be taken by anyone who is interested in learning more about this ancient healing practice. Besides the theory and hands-on application of the modality, you will also learn about certain personal qualities that are important for an acupuncturist to succeed, such as:
- Compassion and a caring nature will put your patients at ease and allow you to build rapport with them.
- Empathy and patience are vital as people who seek your help suffer a great deal of pain, if not hopelessness. Taking the time to understand the root cause of their problem will enable you to provide them with a treatment plan that is appropriate for them.
- Good communication skills, including active listening skills, allow you not only to explain what happens during a treatment session, but also to get to the bottom of a client’s health complaint.
- Capable of working well under pressure, as acupuncture treatments can often be conducted in a fast-paced environment. It is important that you can stay calm and focused in order to provide the best care possible to your patients.
- A solid understanding of anatomy and physiology in order to understand how the body works and how acupuncture can be used to treat various health conditions.
If you believe these personal attributes are essential for providing quality care to patients and ensuring positive treatment outcomes, continue reading to learn more about the courses you can take to become a qualified acupuncturist.
What are the course and study options for acupuncture in East Lismore?
Acupuncture courses are typically offered at community colleges, technical and further education (TAFE) institutes, and private colleges. Some acupuncture schools also offer online courses, which means you have the option of studying on campus, online or through blended learning. You can also study full-time or part-time, attending classes at night or on weekends.
Acupuncture courses are available at many different levels, from short introductory courses to full professional qualifications. These courses aim to provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to become a qualified acupuncturist and be able to practise the modality in your professional capacity.
A Bachelor of Health Science with a major in acupuncture or a Bachelor of Applied Science with a major in Traditional Chinese Medicine are both available. Depending on your preferred mode of study, a bachelor's degree can take anywhere from four to eight years to complete.
If you have a bachelor's degree in a related field, you can advance to a higher qualification, such as a Master of Applied Science in Acupuncture.
Scrolling up, you can find a comprehensive list of acupuncture courses in East Lismore. Take the time to review each course provider’s offerings, then contact your school of choice directly to learn more about the curriculum, tuition fees and delivery methods of the program you wish to enrol in.
What happens after you complete your acupuncture course?
There are many potential career paths open to graduates of acupuncture courses. Some of these include working as an acupuncturist in a clinic, hospital, or other healthcare settings. You could also teach at a university or work in research to learn about new acupuncture methods and how to use them to treat a variety of conditions.
There are also opportunities to work as a mobile practitioner, providing acupuncture treatments to patients in their own homes. Most acupuncturists go on to set up their own private practices. If this is the path you want to take, know that Natural Therapy Pages will be there to support you every step of the way. Getting your acupuncture business and services listed on the practitioner listing pages is a clear-cut way to gain new clients and establish a long-term, fruitful relationship with them.
As well as meeting your organisation’s continued professional education (CPE) requirements to maintain membership, you can also undertake further studies to propel your career in acupuncture forward. Courses in the following areas are highly recommended:
