How to become an acupressure therapist?

We are all busy, so busy that we endanger our health in the process of keeping up with all the demands of daily life. It’s no surprise therefore that systems such as acupressure have been getting more and more attention from people around the world, as a reliable form of therapy that can help alleviate a wide range of conditions without the need to consume medication.

Acupressure found its origins in the ancient ‘chikitsa’ system of China and focuses on applying the right amount of pressure on key healing points of the human body, which in turn reduces pain and any other symptoms. It is affordable and does not take up time as is with the case of conventional treatment plans. Because of the increasing demand for acupressure globally, becoming an acupressure therapist is a great way to open up a career in healthcare. No matter where you are in the world, you will be able to enjoy a fulfilling career that lets you help others and also earns you a rather attractive package.

So, want to know how you can become a qualified acupressure therapist?

Read on to find out.

What are your academic requirements?

In the United Kingdom, you will be required to have studied in accredited acupressure courses for you to be considered suitable for the role of a therapist. The professional bodies for acupuncture in the UK are the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), The Acupuncture Society, The Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ATCM), or The British Acupuncture Accreditation Board (BAAB). You will need to look for the right acupressure training requirements within the course that you choose so that you gain an insightful approach to the field and can match the industry standards that are expected of you. If you are already in the field of healthcare, your experience may exempt some of the entry requirements into the program. If you do not have the right credits to enter a Level 3 program directly (most professional programs are Level 3), consider doing a recognised Level 2 acupressure points course that will serve as the foundation to getting you entry into a Level 3 course. If you are unsure of how you can look for this information, simply do some research online for acupressure courses and find the ones that are compatible with what you are looking for.

What are the skills that you need?

Every job requires a unique set of skills that can help you take on the challenges of the occupation and successfully meet its requirements. In the case of an acupressure therapist, you will need to have skills like understanding and sensitivity, emotional intelligence and stability, self-awareness, coordination skills, a steady and strong hand as well as a logical approach to problem-solving. You will be providing care for individuals who are ailing with pain and other chronic or acute conditions which means that they may need to talk openly with you. Therefore, you also need to be a great listener. You may actually have all these skills within you already, but with the right program you can definitely improve them and bring them out with professionalism. For example, if you can take an acupressure massage training you will be able to develop your listening skills, coordination, and the need for a steady hand better. Similarly, be driven to actively search for programs that will help you further your career.

What will your salary be like?

All around the world, acupressure therapists earn a competitive package. For the most part, the amount that you will get paid will depend on the number of hours you work and the number of clients that you provide care for. You can usually charge anywhere from £40 to £100 per hour. These figures however are simply an approximate guide. The actual amount that you will earn is entirely up to you. If you invest in continued, recognised education and gain more expertise along with a great reputation, you could be treated as many as 30 patients a week or more. If you feel like you may not have enough time to continue your studies while also employed, consider taking acupressure home study courses that will allow you to study at your own pace in your own time and still gain qualifications that will enhance your career.

Work patterns and career progression

You will be self-employed for the most part but you could also be employed under a GP surgery, alternative therapy clinic, or a hospital. If you focus on adding to your studies, you can actually move into a career of teaching and research in the field, if that is something that you are interested in.

So there you go. That’s how you can become an acupressure therapist in a nutshell. Remember that your drive and passion for what you do will take you places in this career and that the more people-oriented that you are, the better you will be able to offer your services to your patients.