Acupuncturist (Acupuncturist)
Information on this skill...
An acupuncturist is a therapist or doctor who treats people by applying acupuncture. Acupuncture is a treatment method that is performed by means of needles. The stainless-steel acupuncture needles are carefully inserted into the body at so-called acupuncture points. The purpose of the acupuncture needles is to remedy blocked energy flows in the human body. Acupuncture originates from China, but is now found all over the world. Acupuncture is not a recognized medical profession in the Netherlands and is controversial for some people in terms of effect. The profession of acupuncturist should therefore be seen as alternative medicine. There are also acupuncture needles with pharmacological substances, but this treatment method is only reserved for doctors. In short, we can best describe the work of an acupuncturist as helping to solve blocked energy pathways, by applying acupuncture needles in the right place to stimulate or slow down the energy channels so that a good balance is created again. All the different acupuncture points are in contact with certain organs. These invisible pathways are also called meridians within acupuncture. The treatments that an acupuncturist will give are in all cases tailor-made and can differ per person. Acupuncture is a broad concept that can be used to solve various types of problems. In many cases, these problems have to do with lack of energy, for example due to prolonged physical or mental efforts. Acupuncture is not only aimed at treating symptoms, as an acupuncturist can also focus on the cause of problems. Acupuncture is practiced by both doctors and non-doctors. Physician-acupuncturists are often affiliated with the Dutch acupuncture association (NAAV).
An acupuncturist is therefore a therapist and sometimes a doctor, who specializes in acupuncture. Although acupuncture belongs to alternative medicine, acupuncture is a popular treatment method worldwide because it can be used in a broad way to solve certain problems. As described earlier, these problems in many cases have to do with a disturbed energy balance. Acupuncture is practiced in the Netherlands and other countries by both doctors and non-doctors. Acupuncture not only has to do with disturbed energy balance because acupuncture can also be used for other problems such as addiction. Most people only know acupuncture as a special therapy in which needles are used. But acupuncture should be seen more broadly than just applying needles because acupuncture is an alternative medicine. Acupuncture is originally from China.
WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE
The human body has 722 acupuncture points that are connected by 14 energy channels. The energy pathways in the human body are also called meridians. Acupuncture is used as described earlier when people are sick due to certain blockages in the energy system. By removing the blockages, a certain disease or pain can disappear or relieve it. Some examples where acupuncture can help are: neck pain, gout, allergies, insomnia, stress, menstrual complaints and chronic pain. Sports injuries can also generally be treated by an acupuncturist. People with intestinal complaints, eating disorder, menopausal complaints, bladder complaints or with whiplash can also go to an acupuncturist for treatment. Another form of acupuncture aimed at the feet is also called reflexology.
IS ACUPUNCTURIST A MEDICAL PROFESSION?
Acupuncture is not a medical specialty, and acupuncturists are not doctors. Within the Netherlands, acupuncture belongs to the field of alternative medicine. The Dutch Health Insurance Board does not cover the costs of acupuncture treatments as part of its basic insurance for medical care. Acupuncture should therefore be seen as alternative medicine.
WHO CAN PERFORM ACUPUNCTURE?
Within the Netherlands, everyone can call themselves an acupuncturist. The title doctor-acupuncturist is protected as an extension to the protection of the title doctor. Acupuncturist is therefore usually a "liberal profession". This means that it is not regulated. Acupuncture is originally a traditional Chinese medicine and cannot be seen as regular health care.
WHAT DOES AN ACUPUNCTURIST DO:
TRAINING TO BECOME AN ACUPUNCTURIST
If you aspire to a career as an acupuncturist, it is best to follow a higher professional education in acupuncture that will take an average of two years. The following link will take you to a website for Chinese medicine where more information can be found about possible training. A medical preliminary education can be important in some cases. There is also a Dutch doctors acupuncture association (NAAV) where much more information can be found about acupuncture. As described earlier, acupuncture belongs to alternative medicine. In addition, there are also plenty of external training institutes where you can follow a course. Accounting is also important as an independent entrepreneur.
COMPANIES WHERE AN ACUPUNCTURIST CAN BE
Most acupuncturists work as independent entrepreneurs within their own practice and may also perform other services. As described earlier, acupuncture has different types of services that should certainly not be performed by everyone. Doctors may also specialize in acupuncture. Obviously, not all acupuncturists can simply be classified as doctors.
COMPETENCES ACUPUNCTURIST
The most important competence of an acupuncturist is the professional knowledge of acupuncture. An acupuncturist must have sufficient basic medical and/or psychosocial knowledge as a therapist. In addition, an acupuncturist must have a professional attitude. Another important competence is communication because in most cases you have to deal with many different clients. Being able to listen well is therefore important within this field, as well as knowing your own limits. Generally important words are analytical, planning, customer-oriented, laws and regulations, sensitivity, accuracy and further training. If you work as an entrepreneur, networking can also be regarded as important. As described earlier, the profession of acupuncturist can also relate to doctors. In that case, many more competencies apply.
LABOUR MARKET PERSPECTIVE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AS AN ACUPUNCTURIST
The labour market perspective for an acupuncturist is reasonable. Most acupuncturists are self-employed and not employed. The career opportunities for an acupuncturist are limited, but perhaps an acupuncturist can also offer other alternative services such as herbal medicine.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT AND SALARY ACUPUNCTURIST
Because we assume that you as an acupuncturist will work as an independent entrepreneur, no further employment conditions apply because you will determine these yourself. What exactly an acupuncturist will earn is of course impossible to indicate and can vary greatly per entrepreneur. Most acupuncturists also perform other services, such as herbal medicine.
The content on this page has been automatically translated from the Dutch language. For this reason, texts and videos on this page may contain small errors.
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