Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine

Acupuncture works as a compliment or an alternative to traditional western medicine. The practice utilizes needles and pressure points to lessen symptoms ranging from digestive health issues to chronic back pain. Acupuncturists usually work in a clinic setting, often in conjunction with other alternative health care providers including chiropractors.

Before working in the field, most states require certification from an accredited program. Study begins with the history and origins of eastern medicine, including Chinese herbal medicine. Eastern medicine places an emphasis on overall health in the body including causes of disease.

Health care is one of the fastest growing career areas and, as costs for western medicine rise, many are looking for the added benefits of traditional eastern medicine. Practitioners educate patients on the core of pressure points and meridians. They use needles on the points linked to the affliction to ease symptoms. Training can be completed in as little as 150 hours of classroom and hands on training or as a Master’s degree program for those wishing to combine acupuncture with traditional health care.