Oriental Medicine Practitioner: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Submitted by: paula
Job Overview Chinese herbology, acupuncture, exercise, dietary therapy and Oriental bodywork or massage are all considered to be a traditional Oriental medicine practice. Specialist in this field is called Oriental medicine practitioner or OM practitioners. It is estimated that more than one-third of the population depends on Oriental medicine principle to enhance their health, prevent and treat disease. The most popular form of traditional Oriental medicine is acupuncture which stimulates the body to promote natural healing. Oriental bodywork or massage like Tuina or Tui Na is used in China for 2,000 years. This is also considered as an Oriental physical therapy. A healing art which combines meditation, and movement is called Qigong which is a Chinese form of philosophy, exercise and healthcare. This is applied to increase the sense of wellbeing for healthy people and restore the normal body functions of sick people.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
It is important to know and understand human mind, body and spirit when pursuing a career as Oriental medicine practitioner. Biology, which is a Science course, will be useful in preparing an applicant for medical course. To know more about human mind and spirit, Philosophy, Comparative Religion, Sociology and Psychology classes are needed. In the aspect of exercise and massage, applicants can benefit from classes in Sports Training and Physical Education. Since most of those who practice in this field own their business, classes in Math, Computer, Business, Debate, Drama, Speech and English is needed. 46 schools are accredited to teach Oriental medicine and acupuncture. Requirements depend on what program the applicant is interested to take. Some would require a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Science, or a Premedical course. The classes would focus in acupuncture techniques, Chinese herbology and all phases of traditional Oriental medicine. For those who want to become Oriental bodywork therapists, they need to become a massage therapist first. Certification from National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) is used by some states to give license to applicants.
Skills and Abilities
It is essential for an Oriental medicine practitioner to understand the body by heart.
They should study the unique approach in healing a person. It is important to have sensitive and strong hands. They should be keen to details and sensitive to their clients body reaction. They should also be observant and intuitive. Problem-solving and listening skills will be useful in this profession. It is very important to be understanding and compassionate.
Duties
Oriental medicine practitioner is responsible in evaluating and diagnosing the health problem of their client. They need to know and study the persons’ mind, spirit and body. They should recommend the best method or approach that will be used. They need to know the precise points on the skin where they have to insert very tiny needles to stimulate the area and balance the flow of energy. They should know what herbs will be utilized to heal their client. It is their responsibility to give clients energy generation exercise, acupressure and massage. It is their main duty to help their clients reach a more balanced state.
Earnings and Job Outlook
Those who are new in the this profession may earn $15,000 to $20,000. The salary of Oriental medicine practitioners depends on how much they rate per hour and the number of hours worked. This career is expected to expand because of advances in research and would be in demand in university medical schools and hospitals.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice
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