How to Find an Acupressure Job

How to Find an Acupressure Job



Many people who receive acupressure become so enamored with it that they decide to pursue it as a career. Oftentimes, careers in acupressure hinge on a solid education with a demonstrated prior interest in the field. This ancient Chinese science uses acupoints, or pressure points, along the body to stimulate the body's natural healing mechanisms. Conditions treated include, but are not limited to, allergies, arthritis, swelling or edema, muscle soreness and nightmares.







Things You'll Need:





Resume




Certification if you plan to practice




Tuition and fee money







Get Certified




1


Research local schools by Internet or phonebook. Schedule a visit to the campus and request brochures to determine whether the programs suit your needs. Financial assistance and scholarship programs are available at most schools.





2


Know that there are different program levels that also vary in price. Usually, you will see categories like 'Basic,' 'Moderate' and 'Advanced' levels of instruction. Schools use this to differentiate beginners or curious students from serious, established professionals seeking to deepen their expertise.





3


Plan on some in-class time even if you are able to locate an online certification program. Remember, acupressure is a hands-on science and some in-class instruction is necessary, especially at the higher levels of education.





4


Stay away from programs that are entirely Web-based. Hands-on work is essential to the quality of your credentials.





5


Check with massage schools. Unlike acupuncture, acupressure requires no needles and therefore is often classified as 'massage.' Classes can be found in various seminars and continuing education programs.



Find an Acupressure Job




1


Opt for relocation to a larger, metropolitan city. The boom in alternative healthcare can really be seen in cities like New York, Miami and Los Angeles, where job opportunities double and sometimes even triple those in smaller cities.





2


Be your own boss. You can get loans to get you started with an office location, but this is best saved for when you have an established client base to take with you.





3


Think about doing house calls. That way you can eliminate overhead and save money to eventually open your own office.





4


Join an existing office. Get in touch with local practitioners during your certification process and see whether you can apprentice or volunteer there to build a relationship and get experience.





5


Search outside of the office setting for work. Once certified, you may be eligible to teach acupressure after several preliminary years of practice. You can even develop a specialty like acupressure for athletes to make yourself more marketable.





6


Consider other options. If you are unable to pursue certification currently, obtain a job as an office manager or staff member in an acupressure office to get some basic knowledge of the field.





7


Be on the lookout for acupuncturists. These two sciences go hand-in-hand as they both deal with acupoints. People who don't like needles will opt for acupressure. Acupuncturists may want to hire a separate person who specializes in acupressure or you may want to earn certifications in both fields to maximize your expertise.





8


Visit the Eclectic Energies Web site to get a head start on the field without enrollment (see Resources below).








Tips & Warnings










The length and breadth of the certification program usually determines the ultimate cost of the program. Advanced level instruction tends to be the most expensive so you may want to take a few introductory courses if you are not ready to commit to the career yet.








As an acupressure practitioner, you will be treating patients with mild or moderate symptoms. Anything beyond that like severe allergic reactions, heart trouble or blood loss is always best left to emergency room doctors.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary healthcare provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.



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