Acupuncturist Duties & Responsibilities

The role and function of an Acupuncturist includes the following duties and responsibilities:

  • Treating by inserting fine needles into the skin at particular locations to stimulate the energy flow along meridians (energy channels) and the body’s own healing response;
  • Taking a detailed case history, which typically involves questioning patients about their condition, all aspects of their physical and emotional health and history, lifestyle and diet as well as sometimes taking their blood pressure;
  • Making a diagnosis and devising a personalised treatment plan;
  • Taking a pulse and examining the tongue to aid diagnosis;
  • Keeping patient and financial records;
  • Explaining the diagnosis and treatment to the patient and responding to their questions and concerns;
  • Incorporating other treatments, such as moxibustion (burning herbs to warm insertion points), electro-acupuncture (stimulating insertion points with small electric currents), acupressure (to loosen and relax muscles), and cupping;
  • Organizing and promoting your practice.
  • Assessing patient progress through questioning and examination as well as reviewing treatment plans if necessary;

Note that this is not an exhaustive list of Acupuncturist duties and responsibilities. Job functions for specific Acupuncturist roles may vary, depending on the industry and type of employer.