There’s an incredible demand for holistic therapy and preventative health – and you could be a part of it. Working as an acupuncturist allows you to provide support to people who are struggling with pain, illness, high levels of stress, or other ailments. If you want to learn how to become an acupuncturist, you’ll need to learn the techniques that encourage natural healing.

The acupuncturist market is growing, with an estimated value of $44.55 billion worldwide. There's a significant demand for those who have these skills, especially those who are using them as an alternative, complementary therapy.

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a set of techniques that stimulates pain points in very specific areas of the body to encourage the immune system to function at a higher level. This treatment process, which has been used for over 2000 years, focuses on supporting the body’s flow of energy, called qi. Illness, stress, and inflammation are believed to create breakdowns or obstacles in the flow of energy. By utilizing the strategies in acupuncture, it’s possible to restore proper function to the area, stimulating health.

This is done through the use of tiny needles positioned at very specific prescribed locations to treat various ailments. Acupuncture is one component of traditional Chinese medicine, but today, becoming a licensed acupuncturist could mean starting a fantastic, invigorating career in a high-demand field.

The philosophy behind acupuncture is somewhat complex in that acupuncture training must include a focus on the physical body, emotional body, and mind. Acupuncture has gained popularity as a complementary therapy around the world, especially in modern spas.

An acupuncturist will provide a range of services to clients:

• They listen to the client’s specific needs and concerns.
• They can diagnose conditions, including illnesses and injury, based on the client’s symptoms. They also gather all insight into the client’s medical history.
• They then determine the best acupuncture treatment for that specific patient’s needs.
• Acupuncturists educate patients on what could be going on and the appropriate treatment for their condition.
• They will then perform the necessary treatment steps, including managing the proper use of needles and herbal remedies often used as a component of the process.

Throughout your job, you’ll have the ability to support people with their health and well-being. Many people turn to acupuncturists for healing, preventative care, and stress relief. They develop long relationships with these providers, visiting every few weeks to tap into the benefits that acupuncture can offer.

Acupuncturist’s Education Requirements

Before you can think about opening a spa to provide these services, you must gain the necessary education and training in the field. There are various program options to consider based on your current education and certifications. This is not a health care degree that doesn’t require formal education, but the work you do is always worthwhile.

In the US, acupuncture is a master’s degree-level program. That means you will likely need to complete your undergraduate degree and then expand your education from there. Consider the following acupuncture education requirements.

Undergraduate studies

The first step is to gain your bachelor’s degree. Your education should focus on the body and mind with specific areas of study such as:

• Biology
• Psychology
• Physiology
• Anatomy

Some programs offer prerequisite requirements including in areas of math and science before you can take acupuncture-specific educational programs. There are specialized bachelor’s degrees that could help prepare you specifically for this field.

Your bachelor’s degree could take 2 to 4 years to complete. It is the ideal opportunity to begin shaping your understanding of the human body. You will then either condition your education directly into a master’s program or start working in the field (you will not be a licensed acupuncturist just yet, though!).

Graduate-level program

The next step is to work towards your master’s degree (and you can go further to obtain your doctorate if you like). The graduate-level education will specifically focus on acupuncturist training and hands-on treatment. Most people also learn other aspects of traditional Chinese medicine at the same time.

Look for a master’s in Acupuncture or Oriental Medicine (DAOM) for the best level of focused education. This type of program will provide you with hands-on skills and advanced therapy, including in the areas of:

• Pathology
• Anatomy
• Acupuncture techniques
• TCM therapy
• Herbal medicine

Choose a program that interests you with modern tools and resources (and a bit of scientific-based applications) from an accredited school. That is going to give you the best ability to enhance your education with modern applications.

Licensing

Working as a licensed acupuncturist requires obtaining a formal license. That is a requirement in the US as well as most other countries. There is a national exam you will need to sit for issued by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).

Your state may have additional licensing steps to take (such as applications, fees, and verification of your background). You may also need to complete a certain number of clinical hours before you can sit for your exam or receive your license.

Steps to Become an Acupuncturist

It’s an exciting opportunity to become an acupuncturist, especially if you enjoy helping people to see improvement in their health and well-being. Work through the following steps to become an acupuncturist to achieve your very specific goals.

1. Education

Start with your education. Meet all of the acupuncturist educational requirements in place with your state. Always choose an accredited acupuncturist program that meets the state’s licensing requirements.

2. License

Next, sit for your acupuncturist licensing. This is done through your state’s medical board. You can also learn more about the process at the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

3. Gain experience with clinical training and internships

On-the-job experience and training are critical to building your skills in this field. It’s the ideal opportunity to learn how to work with people, how to navigate the treatment center, and gain practical spa management skills. You’ll learn everything from how to use spa equipment safely to setting up appointments to maximize your time.

Most people will find opportunities in local clinics where they can get this type of clinical training. The key to remember is that you are learning more than just the skills of providing this service. You are also learning how to operate a clinic, how to meet sanitary requirements, and how to build relationships with your clients.

4. Join a spa or open your own business

Now that you’re working to build your skills, you can then dive into the field. You have the ability to join a spa in nearly all areas. Look for one that has a positive reputation and a solid client base. Know the area. Many facilities now offer integrated health services. These practices will include a wide range of holistic and traditional medicine services in one practice. That could include physical therapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, herbal medicine, and other supportive strategies.

Alternatively, as you develop your skills and build a reputation in the industry for the exceptional services you offer, you could open your own business. Operating an acupuncturist spa can be an excellent way to offer services that may not be available in your local market. If you have a catchy spa name you’re ready to use for your own acupuncturist service, now is the time to start dreaming about it.

How Long Does It Take to Become an Acupuncturist?

Depending on where your education is right now (including any other degrees you may have), you could become an acupuncturist within three or four years. Some programs offer a three-year Master's Program for those with some undergraduate work. Others offer a four-year Master's program that allows you to start from the beginning.

There is always the need for ongoing education as well (You always want to ensure you're meeting all of the Medical Board's requirements here). Polishing up on your skills and using more advanced strategies can be a fantastic way to stay at the top of your game in this competitive field.

If you wish to expand your skills further, you may be able to seek out a doctoral degree. From stat to finish, earning a Doctor of Acupuncture degree takes about 10 years.

Start Your Acupuncture Journey with GlossGenius

Imagine being able to help ease a person’s pain and become their confident, supportive resource whether they are trying to prevent illness or fight off cancer. When you work as an acupuncturist, you bring a holistic way of healing to the forefront. Most importantly, you’re entering an in-demand field that is growing throughout the country.

GlossGenius is the ideal partner in the process. We support acupuncturists and self-care professionals throughout their journey by providing you with all of the essential tools you need to effectively manage your business and practice from the ground up.

If you’re already an acupuncturist or working in a spa, check out some of the fantastic features that GlossGenius offers to improve practice management. That includes website building, appointment scheduling, and client management.