Oriental Medicine Practitioners

Requirements for oriental medicine practitioners vary widely if the practitioner specializes in acupuncture, herbology, massage, or bodywork. A massage therapist may practice with only some postsecondary non-degree training. Most programs that train Oriental Medicine Practitioners require an associate's or bachelor's degree, preferably in science or premed, plus three years additional training in acupuncture or four years for Oriental medicine. 

Acupuncturists need sensitive hands and keen vision. Oriental bodywork and massage practitioners need strong hands and physical stamina. No matter what their specialty, oriental medicine practitioners must be comfortable working closely with the human body. Conversely, patients will feel more at ease when the practitioner is calm and friendly. Practitioners work with people who may be ill or in pain, so they need to be compassionate and understanding. Listening skills, strong intuition, careful observation, and problem-solving skills are also valuable.

Oriental medicine is a science of understanding energetics in the body, and it is a healing art. Whether you pursue a career as an Oriental bodywork therapist or as an acupuncturist, you need to be successful at understanding and learning this unique approach to health care.