Is acupuncture training financially worth it? Beth says it is!
One of the main concerns we hear from prospective students is whether studying acupuncture can become a worthwhile financial investment. Beth, who finished studying with us in 2019, is a shining example of just how valuable taking up acupuncture training can be – and why we really do believe it could be the best investment of your life.
What was your journey like in becoming an acupuncturist?
My journey into acupuncture training was very different to most people’s! Generally, people find acupuncture later in life after experiencing it for themselves. I found acupuncture because my mum is an acupuncturist and has been practicing for around 23 years now. She started her acupuncture training when I was around 18 months old and would invite her friends over to come and draw acupuncture points on me for practice.
I was so lucky growing up because I have always been surrounded by acupuncture, as a child/teenager for any problem acupuncture was always the first step. Be it migraines, colds/flus, period pains, exam stress, injuries etc, it would all be fixed by my mum – so I never went to the doctor. As I got older, I realised that not everyone has a mum who’s stuck needles in them, and I slowly begun to realise how amazing this practice is. I then completely fell in love with it and went on to do my acupuncture degree straight after I completed my A-Levels!
What was it like being “young” on the course?
It was so lovely! For one, you get sort of adopted by everyone else on the course, so you feel really looked after which was so sweet. I also see it as such an advantage because I have so many years ahead of me to build an amazing acupuncture practice and go so many places with it. Most acupuncturists I have met are so jealous of the age I was starting out; it really means you have time on your side to create an amazing career. It also means you have years to hone your skills, do as many CPD courses as you want, and become an amazing acupuncturist – as you have years to figure out the best way to treat people and get the best results.
I had this thought in my head that people wouldn’t take me seriously as an acupuncturist due to my age, which is sometimes true. However, I reminded myself that NHS staff start learning at the same age. As long as you have confidence in yourself it shines through to patients, and they trust you.
How did you set up your business?
Most people expected me to go back to my mum and immediately start working with her – that would have been the easy route, but I didn’t take it. Instead, I moved to London (her practice is based on the Wirral). I wanted to be an acupuncturist in my own right, and not feel like I was in her shadow – as she is such an amazing acupuncturist, it was extremely daunting as a fresh graduate.
I worked in London for a few years in 3 multibed clinics – which was the best thing I could have ever done. Without the safety net of my mum (even though I still texted her daily), it forced me to think on my feet and come up with my own way of treating patients – I became a confident practitioner. She then summoned me back to the Wirral as she was overrun with patients and wanted to start slowing down.
We have now created a business together called ‘Fairweather Wellbeing’ specialising in women’s health. I treat hormonal imbalances, period regulation, fertility, pregnancy, and post-partum – and she treats menopause. My biggest advice to all graduates is to just get started, get straight into practice, and don’t hold back.
What does your teaching role involve?
I currently help teach on the NCA acupuncture course ‘Bodywork’ with the module leader Ben. This means I’m always teaching in-person, which I love! I help to teach the massage aspect of the course, as well as the musculoskeletal stuff, plus some needles in 3rd year etc. I love teaching this aspect of acupuncture as it’s very hands-on, and immediately teaches students all the possible techniques to help patients.
How do you balance seeing your own patients and teaching at the NCA?
By being super organised! I’m for sure a planner. I plan when I’m in clinic and when I’m teaching, and just roll with that. I’m also extremely lucky to have my mum, as if a patient needs me when I’m teaching, she can take them for a one-off. The way we do acupuncture is very similar, so we’re super interchangeable! I also love doing both things so always find the time for both. Sometimes you can feel a bit stagnant being in clinic all the time, so teaching is lovely and refreshing – and sometimes reminds me of techniques I haven’t used in a while.
How does being social media savvy help you to market yourself?
Social media is so important! It is so under-utilised by so many acupuncturists, which I believe is a massive oversight. With social media, you can to demonstrate what you do and portray yourself as an expert in your field (which we are). People like to see the real person behind the acupuncture, this gives them the chance to connect with you and then want to come and see you. It also helps to match you with the right clients, as my social media content is all geared to periods/fertility/pregnancy, those are generally the kind of patients that walk through my door. By establishing a clear brand and being consistent with it, it gives people confidence that you are a professional, and makes them want to come and see you!
Is it financially worth it to become an acupuncturist?
Personally, I would say yes. For me, making the investment in my degree has been very worth it. It has enabled me to be self-employed which means I am able to work hours that I choose and has led to a busy acupuncture practice. Acupuncture is becoming more and more popular, and with that comes a massive potential client base.
What are your plans for the future?
I eventually want to open my own clinic that just focuses on women’s health, hopefully within the next 10 years! I also aim to be more involved with teaching at the NCA and help to keep improving the course for all our future acupuncturists.
Have you got any top tips for people thinking about studying acupuncture?
Absolutely just go for it! No matter where you are in your journey, getting started is the hardest, scariest bit. You’ll be so glad you did because it’s such an amazing career. Make sure you have lots of friends and family lined up to practice on, as practice is the key to getting everything in your brain. Also, make sure you will have time to sit and learn the theory! Everyone forgets about this bit, but it is just as important.
Finally Beth – what is so great about being an acupuncture practitioner?
The massive impact you can make on people’s lives, it’s so incredibly rewarding!
Find out more!
Find out more about becoming an acupuncture practitioner at: https://nca.ac.uk/acupuncture-courses
Join us for an in person introductory event or in-person Q&A and presentation event!
See the dates and book your place at: https://nca.ac.uk/introductory-events/acupuncture-introductory-events.