Acupuncturists diagnose patients' diseases, physiological disorders and injuries according to traditional Chinese medical theories, and treat them by inserting acupuncture needles or by using other methods of stimulating different points on the body.

Acupuncture, a healing art practiced in China for over two thousand years, has received attention and acceptance in Western cultures relatively recently. It is based on the premise that illness occurs when the flow of vital energy, Qi, is obstructed or out of balance. Stimulating certain points on the body can help correct this obstruction or imbalance and, consequently, relieve pain and restore health.

Acupuncturists use unique techniques and diagnostic methods to determine patterns of imbalance or disharmony. In a typical assessment session, an acupuncturist assesses a patient's vitality and general physical, mental and emotional condition by:

• examining the patient's tongue and general appearance
• listening to the patient's voice, breathing and abdominal sounds
• noting body odours
• checking pulses at several points on each wrist and other specific points
• asking questions about body functions such as digestion, sleep patterns and eating habits.

Through patients' physicians, acupuncturists also may arrange for additional tests, analyses and x-rays to assist in diagnosing problems.

Once they have made a diagnosis, acupuncturists determine which body points should be stimulated, how and for how long. Acupuncturists also may recommend herbal supplements, exercises or dietary changes.

Acupuncturists work in offices and treatment clinics, and may spend a great deal of their time on their feet. For the convenience of their clients, they may work some evening or weekend hours.

Acupuncturists routinely handle items that weight up to 10 kilograms. Occasionally, they may be required to lift or move patients (for example, from wheelchair to treatment table).

In general, applicants for registration as acupuncturists (see Other Requirements below) must satisfactorily complete an approved program of studies (or equivalent) and have practiced acupuncture for at least 500 hours in the previous two years.

In Alberta, the following institutions offer education programs in Acupuncture:

• the Alberta College of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine in Calgary offers a 117 week program. Admission requirements include a high school diploma with 60 per cent or better in Grade 12 English, math and science. Applicants must have been out of school for two years or have successfully completed one year of post-secondary education or equivalent training.
• the Calgary College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture in Calgary offers a 123 week program. Admission requirements include a high school diploma with at least 60 per cent in a Grade 12 English, math and science, or equivalent.
• the Canadian Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Calgary offers a 156 week program. Admission requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton offers a three year program. Admission requirements include an average of 60 percent in English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2, Biology 30 and Chemistry 30 or Science 30, one Group A, B or C course and at least two years of post-secondary education with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0/4.0.

For current information about programs, admission requirements and mature student admission policies, please check post-secondary calendars or websites.

Under Alberta's Health Disciplines Act and Acupuncture Regulation, you must be registered by the Acupuncture Health Disciplines Committee to call yourself an Acupuncturist. Registered members provide services listed in the Regulation.

Most acupuncturists work in private practice, alone or in partnership with other health care professionals such as family physicians or chiropractors. Advancement in this occupation generally takes the form of building a larger, more prosperous practice.

Acupuncturists are part of the larger National Occupational Classification 3232: Midwives and Practitioners of Natural Healing. In Alberta, 89 per cent of  people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Health Care and Social Assistance
• Repair, Personal, Religious and Other Services.

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next ten years.

Incomes in this occupation vary considerably. No current salary data is available.

Post-secondary institution calendars and websites (see Educational Requirements above)

EDinfo website: www.alis.alberta.ca/edinfo