Acupuncture Career Preparation and Courses

Acupuncture Career Preparation and Courses

Preparing for a career in acupuncture has students completing a specific training program and course schedule. Educational opportunities are available from several colleges. Acupuncture career preparation and courses prepare students to work as professionals inside the alternative medicine industry.

To begin the preparation for a career student's are first expected to complete a bachelor's degree program. This undergraduate degree requirement prepares students to work through a master's degree program, which is the starting point for acupuncture study. Most colleges recommend and prefer students that complete education in a wellness related area. A great choice is completing an alternative medicine degree program. Training is related to wellness but more specifically it follows the same belief system and academic study as an acupuncture degree program. Students learn about several alternative medicine practices including acupuncture and chiropractic care. The degree program gives a great foundational understanding of the field that easily transitions into the required acupuncture master's degree. Naturopathy, nutrition, crystal therapy, herbology, and energy healing are some courses included in undergraduate training.

Once students complete a bachelor's degree, formal acupuncture training can begin. Education begins by exploring the history of acupuncture and the practices of this traditional Chinese medicine procedure. Classification of acupuncture points and correctly diagnosing patients is highly focused on. Training takes a holistic method to treating patients. Students study acupuncture by understanding how energy flows through the body. The goal is to tap into different energy flows by placing needles in certain positions to promote healing. Professionals believe that the needles increase energy flow to the chosen spot thereby releasing the body's natural healing abilities. Training teaches students to use acupuncture techniques to help patients with allergies, addictions, muscle pains, blood pressure problems, and more. Topics such as tai chi, botanical medicine, and palpation prepare students to enter careers upon completion of a program. Common courses taken may include:

Anatomy and Physiology

The normal functions of the human body are explored, which gives students the ability to indentify abnormal functions while practicing acupuncture. The skeletal, nervous, and integumentary systems are studied so students know how to properly identify acupuncture points.

Trigger Points and Meridian Theory

Professionals work with patients based on the belief that the body has 12 meridians located throughout the body. Each one is accredited for performing a specific life function. Students study the different trigger points to understand how to promote energy flow in the body. Therapeutic touch, meridians, and natural healing studies are completed to teach students to treat health conditions.

Needle Techniques

The correct use of acupuncture needles is essential for proper healing and safety of patients. Inserting and removing techniques are covered to ensure appropriate care is given. Potential problem areas are covered to prepare students for any complications that may arise. Topics also cover the different points on the body that should be treated with needle therapy as well as reflexology training.

Students interested in becoming acupuncturists should begin education by choosing the best accredited acupuncture school available. The Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) can accredited the best quality training programs. Education is essential to enter a career so start education and begin training for to become an acupuncturist.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised on HolisticJunction.com.

Copyright 2010 - All rights reserved by HolisticJunction.com.

Notice to Publishers: You may use this article on Ezine or on your Website; however, ALL links must remain intact and active. Failure to retain links is expressly prohibited and violators will be prosecuted extensively by law.

POST COMMENT

Think About A Career Shift Before You Are Laid Off? Career In Clinical Research Popular Career Choices For 2010 Some Fun Nursing Career Facts Career As A Presidential Chef Sean Penn's Best Films Throughout His Career Seven Steps For Analyzing Your Career Options. Career Opportunities In Wholesale/retail Sectors Nursing Career Options How To Choose A Career: Know What You Like And Live It Take The Fast Track To A Journalism Career The Perfect Attorney Career Change Career Planning Is Too Significant For A Modern Individual