When working as an acupuncturist, you will have to work with a wide range of people from many different backgrounds. Common problems treated by acupuncture are headaches and migraine, arthritis, digestive problems, sports injuries, back pain, infertility, menopausal and menstrual issues, stress-related problems and many more.
In the beginning you will start with a consultation to obtain your patient's history and current health issues. You will have to reframe the information they give you, work out their diagnosis, make a treatment plan and prepare prescription. Then you will have to tell them what they will gain from acupuncture. As an acupuncturist, the treatment process involves the insertion of needles into hundreds of acupuncture points located across the body.
For giving proper treatment you will have to join a reputed college. If you are living in New York, you can look for a good acupuncture college that will provide you the programs for learning the skills. Here are some points to keep in mind when you're deciding where to study:
Make sure the school you choose are fully accredited. Accredited schools have cleared the tough process of accreditation commission for acupuncture and oriental medicine and meet national standards. This will ensure quality education and valid license.
Find out the philosophy the school follows, like Western medicine, TCM does not have a single way of approaching healing. In the U.S., there are two main approaches: the Eight Elements School and Five Element School.
Decide what kind of degree you want; graduate with an acupuncture degree that will allow you to practice art, a degree in oriental medicine will train you in herbal medicine as well as acupuncture.
Make sure you are committed to your work and understand the whole process and research the licensing regulations for the state you plan to practice in.
