How to Earn An Acupuncture License

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing art that has been used in the West since at least the 1800s. In acupuncture, fine needles are used to pierce the body at precise points. This process is said to remove blockages and promote healthy energy flow, which, states acupuncture theory, is essential for wellness. Acupuncture has been used to treat a host of conditions, ranging from diabetes to the common cold.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet access for researching acupuncture schools

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Instructions

• 1

  Get enrolled. To earn a license, you must be a graduate of an accredited acupuncture school. For a list of acupuncture schools in your area, visit a reputaple Web site that shows acupuncture schools (see Resources below).

• 2

  Know the rules of your state. Not all states require that acupuncturists be licensed. To see where your state falls, visit the Acufinder Web site (see Resources below).

• 3

  Understand what your coursework will entail. Training in acupuncture school covers more than just acupuncture--other aspects of traditional Chinese medicine are covered as well. Expect training in areas such as nutrition and Oriental bodywork as you work to earn your license. Also offered are courses covering general education, such as physiology and anatomy.

• 4

  Stay ahead of the curve. Once you've completed training and gotten your acupuncture license, it's essential to keep abreast of developments in your field. Consider taking post-graduate classes in acupuncture or continuing professional development activity classes on the topic.

• 5

  Start building your knowledge of acupuncture now by grabbing a copy of "Fundamentals of Chinese Acupuncture (Paradigm Title)" by Andrew Ellis, Nigel Wiseman, and Ken Bosson, available at Amazon (see Resources below).