Chinese (oriental) Medicine

                                              Chinese (oriental) Medicine

Duties and Responsibilities: Chinese (oriental) medicine is an ancient type of medicine used in China and other parts of Asia for many years now. The medicine consists of using different types of herbs for medicinal purposes as well as the practice of acupuncture and tai chi to help and prevent health problems. The medicine has been so effective that people have been using it either as a main form of curation or a different approach for over 2,500 years all over the world.

Salary: $50,000-$100,000 a year

Education:  To become an oriental medicine practitioner you first need a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or biochemistry. Another requirement is for a training in acupuncture to be obtained.

Reflection: I would probably want to become a practitioner of oriental medicine because it really interests me. Another reason for my interest would probably be that I  am a huge believer in natural herbs from the earth and their healing powers above some modern medicines. Understanding how the body functions is relevant in this career and that is something that has always caught my attention.

Auricular Therapy

                                 Auricular Therapy

Duties and Responsibilities: Auricular therapy is basically like ear acupuncture. It is performed as a technique to enhance one’s hearing. It is performed with small needles just like in regular acupuncture. This is a very traditional and ancient practice that has been going on in China for centuries.

Salary: $50,000-$135,000

Education: Auricular therapists usually undergo college studying about the human anatomy and taking courses in anatomy, biophysics and, nutrition.

Reflection: I would not want to be an auricualr therapist because of the risk it implies. I have never been a very patient person or one that works well under pressure and I don’t want to mess things up and hurt someone by taking their hearing perhaps.

Acupuncture

                                   Acupuncture

Duties and responsibilities:

Acupuncture doctors specialize in inserting needles into strategic points in a person’s body. This is a very traditional Chinese way of treating pain in a person. It is a balance between energy and life force. Acupuncture points stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue in the body.

Salary: $50,000-$130,000

Education: The acupuncturists begin with an internship and then have to pass a written exam as well as a clean needle course.

 Reflection: I really don’t think I would like to become an acupuncturist because it isn’t really something that I find interesting.