Chinese medicine practitioners offer a range of alternative medicine specialties.
The title is appropriate for acupuncturists, herbalists, homeopaths and massage
therapists.
Acupuncturists insert fine needles into specific points to balance the
flow of energy within a body. Herbalists, homeopaths and massage therapists
use herbs, finger pressure and other natural healing techniques to treat their
patients.
Chinese medicine theory goes back over 2,000 years. "Students who know
or [who] are willing to learn the Chinese language will be at a big advantage,"
says practitioner Roberta Leong. "Many of the best texts are only available
in the native language. Some of the most learned practitioners don't speak
English."
Chinese medicine practitioners work in clinics, teach in colleges and treat
patients in private practice. The number of hours they work depends on the
setting. Hours spent in private practice, for example, are a direct result
of the devotion and energy focused on building a satisfied client base.
"Don't expect to be working full time right after you're licensed," says
Andres Bella, admissions officer at the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health
Sciences. "It's much better psychologically to consider it as a supplement
to another job -- until you build up your experience."