The increase of knowledge in acupuncture is generating advances in health care and sparking economic success. While the field of acupuncture is 3,000 years old, its use is on the rise today thanks in part to research further identifying new and relevant uses, thereby encouraging more patients to seek treatments, igniting industry growth, and offering rewarding opportunities for professional advancement.

In the United States, data from the National Health Interview Survey shows the use of acupuncture by U.S. adults more than doubled between 2002 and 2022. In 2002, 1.0 percent, or 2,883,592 U.S. adults used acupuncture; in 2022, 2.2 percent, or 7,442,376 U.S. adults used it.

Healthcare Medicine Institute recently reported on top medical and academic institutions where exciting advancements in research and treatments are being made.

“NUHS acupuncture faculty are dedicated to evidence-based practice, and as such, incorporate the results of current research into their teaching,” said Dr. Gregory Cramer, NUHS Dean of Research. “In addition, faculty are actively engaged in scholarship related to acupuncture (1-3), which heightens their understanding of, and appreciation for the latest research findings.”

The results of acupuncture scholarship and research help NUHS faculty and students remain leaders in acupuncture treatments. Often, the results of research are directly applicable to clinical practice, informing faculty and students of treatment protocols recently shown to be effective in patients, said Dr. Cramer.

“I often discuss cases in the classroom,” said Hyundo Kim, PhD, MSOM, LAc and Assistant Dean of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine at National University of Health Sciences (NUHS).

“I’m in the process of developing a new curriculum for the Doctor of Acupuncture, with specialization in Herbal Medicine program (DAc-HM), and I intend to incorporate a dedicated class for teaching research findings,” Dr. Kim said. “This way, we’ll ensure our students are learning the most recent advancements in acupuncture and this will enhance their clinical performance.”

NUHS’ Zhanxiang Wang, PhD, MD (China), LAc concurs. “When we talk about specific conditions, I always introduce evidence-based practice research to the students,” he said.

At the master’s level, students are taught how to search and evaluate current research based on their own interests and/or clinic problems. At the doctoral level, students learn how to perform research on their own, as well as how to evaluate and use research from others.

As more patients actively seek out acupuncture treatments, the demand for practitioners is growing as a result. This increased demand has created attractive economic incentives for students to pursue careers in acupuncture. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for acupuncturists is $78,220, with a high of $140,660.

According to CareerExplorer.com, in addition to higher earnings and job growth, acupuncturists rate their career happiness 3.7 out of 5 stars, which puts them in the top 20% of careers. This helps illustrate that career satisfaction and the desire to “make a difference” are strong incentives for career happiness in their own right.

These increases in choosing acupuncture as a career have sparked notable growth in student interest and program offerings nationwide, including at National University. In 2023/2024, NUHS expanded its two existing master’s programs to offer a Doctor of Acupuncture (DAc) program and an online Doctor of Acupuncture Completion (DAc-C) program for professionals who have already earned their master’s degrees in acupuncture or Oriental medicine. A doctorate is the highest degree to be attained in the promising field of acupuncture, and as more practitioners attain this advanced level of education, it is likely to benefit the field overall.

Read more about fulfilling professional opportunities in today’s growing field of acupuncture, as well as some of its health benefits at these NUHS sources:

• How Becoming a Doctor of Acupuncture Can Benefit Your Career
• The Health & Wellbeing Benefits of Acupuncture
• Exploring Acupuncture’s Promising Impact on Treating Schizophrenia and Dissociative Identity Disorder
• Martin Publishes Article on Acupuncture and Hypertension

References:

1. Martin BR. Treatment of Psoriatic Arthritis With Acupuncture, Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Sarsaparilla (Smilax officinalis) and Vitamin D: A Case Report. J Chiropr Med 2020;19(3):194-200; doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2019.12.005.
2. Martin BR, Woodruff J. Management of a Patient With Premenstrual Syndrome Using Acupuncture, Supplements, and Meditation: A Case Report. J Chiropr Med 2023;22(3):222-9; doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2023.03.006.
3. Martin BR, Wroblewski R. Inclusion of Acupuncture as an Adjunct Therapy in the Management of a Patient With Schizophrenia and Dissociative Identity Disorder: A Case Report. J Chiropr Med 2023;22(2):164-71; doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2022.08.002.