Acupuncturist: Integrating Western and Traditional Chinese

Introduction
Consider studying both Western and traditional Chinese medicine, then integrating the two in your practice. And expect to continue learning throughout your career. For example, I work in sports medicine and I incorporate several healing techniques to help my patients

Be open to using your skills in a variety of professional job situations. I didn't actively pursue sports medicine. I just happened to have a patient who was an athlete. He referred some of his friends, and the rest is history.

Job Function
The best part is knowing that what I do contributes to these athletes achieving their dreams. Practitioners often work with patients so that they can effectively execute the functions of daily life. I help athletes achieve olympic medals or extend their professional careers. That excites me. I'm invested in their accomplishments.

I wouldn't say that this is the worst part, but a frustrating part of the job is observing how people don't take care of themselves. Sickness, injury, and disease are generally a result of misuse. If one knows what is healthy or unhealthy as far as lifestyle choices and physical habits, it is his own responsibility to put proper use into practice. It's a shame that certain people can't or won't do so for whatever reason. Advertisement
Lifestyle
Besides my personal work with athletes, I am on the faculty of an institution that teaches Oriental Medicine. That's a very sturdy and rewarding structure in one's career. It's worth noting in general that one may be a medical doctor and focus on teaching rather than practicing.

You can work anywhere that you can find clients or an institution to be affiliated with. It's not like finance where you have to live in New York or a big city. It depends on what you want in terms of your environment.

You will succeed in this profession if you care deeply about healing and educating people and if you desire to know as much as possible about the practice, including continuing training throughout your career. A natural curiosity about nature and the body and a desire to give are the essential qualities. You should also be very organized and a good business person if you hope to open a private practice.

Additional Information
Everyone has his/her own style for how they address patients' pain. Some people are very compassionate and gentle, others are matter-of-fact and less empathetic. Find your style, but be advised that Americans are generally more sensitive to needles and that all people appreciate kindness and personal attention.

Helpful Links and Sources
http://www.pacificcollege.edu/publications/articles/2005/April/04-229-2005.html
http://beijing-acupuncture.com/images/uploads/Leafsong.pdf