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An acupuncturist performs a traditional Chinese healing art by diagnosing a patient and healing him with acupuncture needles or other forms of stimulation on certain points of the body.
Purpose
The purpose of an acupuncturist is to heal a person by redirecting the flow of qi, or vital energy, when it is out of balance. This is done by inserting needles into certain points on the body to reroute the flow of qi.
Assessment
An acupuncturist assesses a person's general health by examining the patient's tongue, listening to his voice and breathing patterns, evaluating his pulse, assessing his body odors and inquiring about basic functions, such as digestion, sleep and diet.
Alternate Name
Although the term acupuncturist is the most widely recognized term, those in the field might also be referred to as a complementary medicine practitioner.
Schooling
The minimum education requirement to become an acupuncturist includes three years of post-secondary education or training.
Licensure
An acupuncturist must apply for a license in every state where he wishes to practice through the state's medical licensing board.
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