Acupuncturist

Acupuncturists insert needles into pressure points on clients' bodies to help with stress and improve their wellbeing.

In this guide

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As an acupuncturist you could:

  • learn about your client's lifestyle, diet, emotions and symptoms
  • diagnose problems and decide what action to take
  • choose points on the body to be treated and insert needles
  • refer clients to medical practitioners
  • keep records

Working environment

You could work from home, at a hospice, in a therapy clinic, at a GP practice or in an NHS or private hospital.

Career path and progression

With experience you could move into teaching or research.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of medicine and how the body works
  • knowledge of psychology
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • customer service skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

Most relevant

  • Biology - Acupuncturists need a thorough understanding of human anatomy, including the nervous system, muscles, and pressure points throughout the body. This knowledge is essential for safely inserting needles into the correct locations and understanding how treatments affect the body's systems.
  • Psychology - Acupuncturists assess their clients' emotional wellbeing, stress levels, and mental health as part of every consultation. Understanding how the mind and body are connected helps them choose appropriate treatments and provide a supportive, non-judgemental environment for their clients.

Also relevant

  • Chemistry - Acupuncturists benefit from understanding how the body's chemistry works, including how hormones, neurotransmitters, and inflammatory responses are involved in pain and stress. This helps them explain to clients how acupuncture may trigger the body's natural healing processes.
  • Physical Education - Acupuncturists often treat clients with musculoskeletal problems, sports injuries, and movement-related pain. Understanding how the body moves, how muscles and joints function, and how physical activity affects health helps them assess and treat these conditions effectively.
  • Sociology - Acupuncturists work with clients from diverse backgrounds and need to understand how lifestyle, culture, and social factors influence health and wellbeing. This awareness helps them take a holistic approach when assessing a client's needs and building trust.
  • Business - Acupuncturists often work in private practice or run their own clinics, so they need to manage finances, attract clients, and handle bookings. Understanding how to market services and manage a small business is important for building a sustainable career.

How to become

You can get into this job through specialist courses run by professional bodies.

You'll need to get a qualification that is recognised by a professional body like the:

You can do different courses, with some going up to degree level. Check with the professional bodies for course entry requirements.

British Medical Acupuncture Society

If you're already a qualified healthcare professional, you could train in acupuncture with the British Medical Acupuncture Society.

As a member of the British Medical Acupuncture Society, you can use acupuncture in your professional practice.

Professional and industry bodies

You might find it useful to join the British Acupuncture Council, Acupuncture Regulatory Authority or the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more a career in acupuncture from the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board, the British Acupuncture Council or the NHS.

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