You'll need to get a qualification that is recognised by a professional body like the:

• British Acupuncture Council
• Acupuncture Society
• Acupuncture Regulatory Authority
• Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture

You can do different courses, with some going up to degree level. Check with the professional bodies for course entry requirements.

British Medical Acupuncture Society

If you're already a qualified healthcare professional, you could train in acupuncture with the British Medical Acupuncture Society.

As a member of the British Medical Acupuncture Society, you can use acupuncture in your professional practice.

You'll need:

• knowledge of medicine and how the body works
• knowledge of psychology
• sensitivity and understanding
• customer service skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to use your initiative
• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• pass background checks

As an acupuncturist you could:

• learn about your client's lifestyle, diet, emotions and symptoms
• diagnose problems and decide what action to take
• choose points on the body to be treated and insert needles
• refer clients to medical practitioners
• keep records

You could work from home, at a hospice, in a therapy clinic, at a GP practice or in an NHS or private hospital.