Acupuncturists (R.Ac’s) are knowledgeable medical professionals who use the theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the form of Acupuncture. They care for patients by diagnosing and treating pain and sickness as well as preserving health and wellness.
Acupuncturists have specialized expertise in applying conventional assessment techniques and use both conventional and cutting-edge technologies in their treatments. They are educated to care for patients of various ages, from newborns to the elderly.
They receive training in various medical specialties within the context of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), including pediatrics, gynecology, addictions, sports injuries, gerontology, pain management, mental health, cancer, dermatology, and cosmetology.
What does an Acupuncturist Do?
Acupuncturists unquestionably contribute to and are a part of the treatment. The diagnosis and execution of acupuncture treatment depend entirely on the skills, abilities, and knowledge of the TCM theory of acupuncturists.
The conversation between acupuncturists and their patients is dominant, and they concentrate on asking questions that are supposed to have defining meanings for reaching an accurate diagnosis.
Acupuncturists use a conventional Chinese technique to relieve various health conditions and symptoms, such as pain. Very thin steel needles are inserted by an acupuncturist into the patient’s skin at multiple “acupoints” to rebalance the patient’s body’s energy, or qi, and to trigger the production of natural chemicals that the body needs to combat the illness or symptom.
Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Acupuncture;
Acupuncturists can work after receiving a master’s or doctoral degree in the subject. A person who wants to pursue a career in Acupuncture must ensure that they enroll in a formalized course and a reputable college since it will provide them with the training and experience they need.
A minimum 10th-standard pass is required to enroll in an acupuncture diploma course.
The minimal requirement for an undergraduate degree program or a medical degree program in Acupuncture is a 10+2 pass.
A bachelor’s degree in healthcare or alternative medicine is required for higher-level/master-level courses or post-graduate degrees.
Only individuals with an MBBS from an institution recognized by the Medical Council of India are eligible to enroll in the MD in Acupuncture program.
Fees Structure of Acupuncture course
| Minimum Fees | Maximum Fees | |||
| Private | Government | Private | Government | |
| PG | 40.00 K | 5.00 Lakhs | ||
| DOCTORAL | 15.00 K | 15.00 K | ||
| DIPLOMA | 40.00 K | 52.20 K |
Course Subjects
The subjects in the acupuncture course are fascinating, and they all thoroughly and precisely prepare the candidates for the acupuncture procedure. The following are some of the course’s main topics:
(I) Disease & Treatment Methods by Meridian Point
(II) Yin-Yang Concept & Five Element Theory
(III) Anatomy with reference to Acupressure.
(IV) Important Meridian Point, Diagnosis
(V) Method for Tonification and Sedition of Meridian of Point.
(V) Advanced Reflexology (Face, Ear & Spine).
(VI) History, Philosophy & Principles of Acupressure therapy.
(VII) General Knowledge about the Magnet, General Food Therapy, and Color Therapy.
Skills needed for acupuncture
Every profession requires an individual to adopt or acquire a skill set to become successful in their career ahead and stand out from the competition when applying for a position in the field of expertise. Below is a list of the qualities and abilities required in individuals who desire to practice acupuncture as a career.
Active Listening – Listening with close attention to others and what they are saying, taking the time to understand their arguments, asking questions when necessary, and refraining from interruptions when not required.
Critical Thinking – Applying logic and reasoning to determine the strengths and weaknesses of substitute solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Monitoring – Assessing and evaluating your performance and that of other people or organizations to make improvements or implement corrective measures.
Time Management – It is necessary to manage both one’s own and another people’s time.
A clear communicator- Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Complex Problem Solving – recognizing complicated issues, collecting relevant data to develop and evaluate options, and putting solutions into practice.
Scope in Acupuncture
Governments of various nations are engaged in spreading the knowledge about alternative curing techniques to as many people as possible to open up new avenues for money generation.
Since the market for conventional medicine is intensely competitive and expensive, it may be advantageous for the government and the general public to adopt some traditional treatments for illnesses that are less expensive and are very successful over time.
Some private institutions provide multiple recognized specialized courses for acupuncture. Hence, acupuncture is gaining a lot of popularity in terms of people selecting it as a treatment alternative to conventional medicine and learning more about it to pursue a full-time career.
Acupuncture Job Profiles
Acupuncture Consultants- They are highly skilled professionals capable of treating both psychological issues and severe physical illnesses. The majority of patients who approach them have chronic diseases. They offer treatment for conditions like chronic pain, vomiting, nausea, and menstrual cramps.
Massage Therapists- Massage therapists are experts at providing a range of treatments to calm the body and relieve pain. The massages can be soft tissue massage, deep tissue massage, joint massage, muscle strength, body tissues, kneading muscles, etc.
Physical Therapist Assistants & Aides- Physical therapist assistants, sometimes called PTAs, and physical therapist aides work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists.
Medical Writing Executive- The job of a medical writing executive is unique. Both medical writers and medical editors may work for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
Chiropractors- The neuromusculoskeletal system is their primary target for treatment. The feet, back, and neck are the three major body parts targeted.
Healthcare Diagnosing and Treating Practitioners- They are required to check patients’ health and evaluate and calculate their improvements over time. They also assist in the complicated diagnosis of a patient’s illness.
Salary of an Acupuncturist
In this industry, the income is typically based on the amount of experience and expertise at a particular moment. Acupuncturists with a fair deal of experience might attract many devoted clients who give them a constant income stream.
| Job Profiles | Annual Salary (in Rs.) |
| Acupuncturist – trainee | Rs. 1,80,000 per annum (approx.) |
| Acupuncture consultant | Rs. 4,70,000 per annum (approx.) |
| Massage therapist | Rs. 8,60,000 per annum (approx.) |
| Physical Therapist Assistants & Aides | Rs. 3,00,000 per annum (approx.) |
| Chiropractors | Rs. 10,00,000 per annum (approx.) |
| Healthcare Diagnosing and Treating Practitioners | Rs. 6,00,000 per annum (approx.) |
Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncturists
Ans: Acupuncturists are knowledgeable medical professionals who use the theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine as Acupuncture.
Ans: Acupuncture involves an acupuncturist’s insertion of very thin needles into the patient’s skin at multiple “acupoints” to restore the patient’s body’s energy.
Ans: All certified acupuncturists are not doctors.
Ans: Reduced Stress, Reduced Back Pain, Relief from Headaches, etc.