Description

Acupuncture is a general medical discipline that originated in and is still practiced in the largest healthcare system in the world. Acupuncturists treat medical conditions by diagnosing according the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Reaching a diagnosis and then devising a treatment protocol, they insert very fine surgically sterilised needles into specific points around the body. Practitioners take account of the full medical history of a patient and the way they look and behave before carrying out treatment.

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese therapy.  It is a medical discipline recognized by the World Health Organization.  It is used to promote health and treat a wide range of conditions including: Digestive disorders (e.g. IBS, Constipation, Abdominal pain, etc) Musculo-skeletal pain syndromes. Menstrual and reproductive problems. Mental and physical conditions (e.g. Stress, Psychosomatic, addictions,)

The principles of traditional and medical Acupuncture treatment can be studied and practiced by anyone.  Some practitioners are trained in other skills that may be offered to complement treatment such as Tuina Chinese Medical Acupressure, Chinese herbal medicine, or Qi Gong Health exercise.

In an acupuncture treatment, the practitioner inserts very fine surgically sterile needles to stimulate specific points located around the body. The number of needles varies from patient to patient, but a average would be 10 needles per treatment. The function of this stimulation is to improve a balance of health.  This is known as ‘balancing Yin and Yang’.  The end result is improved health. The treatment can take between 20 and 70 minutes. Normally it will last of 50 minutes.

On a patient's initial visit, the Acupuncturist interviews the patient about their lifestyle, diet, sleep, emotions, family history and many other things, these signs and symptoms are collated and formed into a pattern of disharmony. The Acupuncturist uses the Four Diagnostic methods to gather these vital clues to the patient’s health. When the Acupuncturist has all the relevant information, he or she will form a diagnosis and decide on the treatment protocol.

Sometimes the Acupuncturist will employ other therapies to support and strengthen the treatment such as cupping - a therapy that uses vacuum suction that stimulates circulation in certain areas, or moxibustion – the use of a small amount of warming herbal substance that is burned, to heat at the particular area of the skin.

At the end of the treatment, the Acupuncturist normally offers advice on lifestyle and exercises, takes payment and another appointment may be arranged.

You will need to have a methodical approach when you are applying your knowledge. You will also need to enjoy analyzing problems and helping people. A steady hand is an asset.

You must be a good communicator, able to ask people the right questions and listen sympathetically.  Some people are apprehensive of foreign therapies, so you need to be able to reassure them. If you are going to be self-employed, you should have good business sense.

Earnings for Acupuncturists vary depending on the number of clients they see.  Self-employed practitioners may earn in the range of €28,000 - €45,000 a year rising to € 50,600 - € 60,800.  However, they may earn considerably less than these rates especially when starting out.

Most Acupuncturists in Ireland are self-employed.  They may choose their hours of work to suit their clients.  Evening and weekend work is common and some Acupuncturists make home visits.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is known all over the country and Acupuncture is an integral part of this therapy.  There may be opportunities to join an established practice.  Some Acupunctrists work from home or rent a room at a health centres.

Courses run by Active Health Foundation adhere strictly to the principles of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, to  which they are formally affiliated and students are required to sign up to a Professional Practitioner Code of Ethics and Practice.

Active Health Foundation does not require any specific qualifications to train as an acupuncturist.  Our course can be studied by adults returning to education after a long time or students who have just completed their leaving certificate or equivalent. We actively seek adults who have an expressed interest in helping others. We also accept people with a professional health care qualification such as nursing. In general we accept adult students with a genuine desire to study complementary medicine.

• It has been awarded a "credit" of one year (first year) in a number of Acupuncture colleges in Ireland.
• We have 50/50 theory and practical lectures whereas when studying acupuncture you spend the majority of time studying theory.
• You will be stimulating acupoints from first lectures, means you gain an exceptional "hands on" knowledge of the location, function and quality of the acupoints.
• You have a practitioners qualification after one year.
• You can study acupuncture while practicing traditional Chinese medicine.
• To learn more about studying fill in the form below.