Additional Information
If you think you might be interested in acupuncture, the first thing to
do is visit an acupuncturist. Experience what the healing process is like,
or simply speak with the acupuncturist about their career.
Read up on how ancient Chinese medicine uses acupuncture pressure points
and channels to heal. Then read about Eestern medicine and its healing powers
so that you can compare the treatments.
Understanding traditional Chinese philosophy is also helpful in learning
acupuncture.
Training varies widely, though there is an accreditation commission in
the U.S. that sets standards for acupuncture education.
Take the time to find the proper school for you. Ask an acupuncturist or
contact an acupuncture society to help you decide.
Most schools require 1,350 hours of training, which takes about three to
four years, says acunpuncturist Alex Feng. Students enter a traditional Chinese
medical school with a bachelor's degree and earn a master's degree in Chinese
medicine. Some of the courses offered are acupuncture, anatomy, physiology
and Chinese herbs.
In the U.S., the licensing of traditional Chinese medicine practitioners
varies only slightly from state to state. The bottom line is, everyone must
be certified.