I consider acupuncture an oasis where ancient wisdom meets modern wellness. It is all about tiny needles delicately tapping into your body’s natural energy flow to provide healing and harmony.
If you want to dive into the world of acupuncture without breaking the bank, you are in luck! I have done thorough research to find you the top 10 free online certificate courses that will kickstart your journey into the ancient art of acupuncture.
Whether you are a curious beginner or a seasoned enthusiast looking to deepen your knowledge, these courses have you covered. Here are my top 10 picks from my research!
10 Free Online Certificate Courses to Become an Acupuncturist
The Spirit of Chinese Medicine
Here is an overview of the course:
- Course duration: it is a 17-minute on-demand video course.
- Course provider: it is a course from TCM Academy of Integrative Medicine.
The Spirit of Chinese Medicine is a video course that provides an overview of Chinese Medicine. The course explores the importance of Chinese Medicine, including acupuncture in treating health problems.
This course offers a condensed yet enlightening overview of key concepts such as Qi (vital energy), Yin and Yang, and the Five Elements. You will also understand the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.
The lecture uses visual aids and practical examples to explain these concepts. The course contains a quiz section after the lecture. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate of participation.
I will advise you to enroll in this course before other much deeper ones. It will help you gain good foundational knowledge of the subject.
For more information about the course, see The Spirit of Chinese Medicine.
Acupuncture in Hangzhou
Here is the overview of the course:
- Course duration: no information on duration was provided.
- Course provider: Wushan TCM Chinese Medical Network offers this course.
Acupuncture in Hangzhou is one of the free acupuncture lectures offered by Tim Vukan, a master of Chinese Medicine. The course consists of lectures from the instructor at Zhejiang Chinese Medical University.
The course is presented in video formats and slide shares. In the course, you will learn about energy channels such as the heat, bladder, and small intestine channels.
Learning about the channels is essential to help you administer targeted and effective treatment to your patients. Other modules you will learn in the course include electro-acupuncture, location of channels, and points, among many others.
From the little research I did about the instructor, I discovered that he knows his onions in acupuncture. He is definitely the one you want to learn from.
For more information about the course, see Acupuncture Lectures From Zhejiang Chinese Medical University.
Everyday Chinese Medicine
Here is an overview of the course:
- Course duration: it takes 9 hours to complete (3 weeks at 3 hours a week).
- Course provider: it is a course offered by the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Everyday Chinese Medicine is a free acupuncture course available on Coursera. It includes 5 sessions.
The first session introduces the basic theory of Chinese Medicine. Here, you will understand the difference between Chinese Medicine and Western medicine.
In the second aspect of the course, you will learn how to apply the knowledge you gained in diagnosing real-life health issues. You will also learn about several diagnostic techniques in Chinese Medicine.
Unlike beginner courses, this course requires some experience in acupuncture basics as it is an intermediate-level course.
The audit course is free. However, you must pay to gain access to the assessment and certificate. You can opt for financial aid to lessen the burden.
For more information about the course, see Everyday Chinese Medicine Course by The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
The Art and Science of Acupuncture
Here is an overview of the course:
- Course duration: it lasts 1 hour.
- Course provider: it is a course available on eLotus.
The Art and Science of Acupuncture by eLotus is a comprehensive course designed to provide practitioners with a deep understanding of acupuncture theory, techniques, and clinical applications. eLotus is a leading provider of continuing education for acupuncturists and other healthcare professionals.
The course delves into the traditional principles and modern scientific evidence behind acupuncture. The course covers fundamental concepts such as Qi (vital energy), Yin and Yang, and the meridian system.
Together, these concepts provide a solid foundation for you to understand how acupuncture promotes health and balance in the body.
You must be a licensed health practitioner to access this course. You will have to put in your license number before registering. See the Top 15 Free Online Healthcare Courses With Certificates that can prepare you for a license exam.
For more information about the course, see Lotus | The Art and Science of Acupuncture.
Treating Neuropathic Pain With Acupuncture
Here is an overview of the course:
- Course duration: it lasts for 1 hour.
- Course provider: it is a course by eLotus.
Neuropathic pain, characterized by shooting, burning, or stabbing sensations, arises from damage or dysfunction in the nervous system. Conventional treatments often provide limited relief, leading many patients to seek alternative therapies such as acupuncture.
In this course, you will explore the underlying causes and manifestations of neuropathic pain from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and biomedical perspectives. The course also covers practical aspects of treating neuropathic pain with acupuncture, including point selection, needling techniques, and treatment protocols.
The course delivery mode is by video sessions. Although the course is only an hour, it is informative and practical.
For more information about the course, see Lotus | Treating Neuropathic Pain with Acupuncture.
Treatment of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity in Children With Acupuncture
Here is an overview of the course:
- Course duration: it lasts for 1 hour.
- Course provider: it is an eLotus course.
This is another acupuncture course by the Lotus Institute of Integrative Medicine. It is a webinar recording available on Lotus’ TCM Wisdom Tube.
Rebecca Avern is the course instructor. She is a child acupuncturist with many years of experience and several accolades.
The course aims to provide you with effective strategies for addressing ADHD symptoms in pediatric patients. You will also gain comprehensive instruction and evidence-based practice, that will help you learn to tailor treatments to meet the unique needs of each child.
For more information about the course, see Treatment of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity in Children with Acupuncture.
Acupuncture for the Treatment of Emotional Turmoil
Here is the overview of the course:
- Course duration: it will take you 1 hour to complete.
- Course provider: it is a course available on eLotus.
Acupuncture for the Treatment of Emotional Turmoil is a transformative 1-hour free webinar by eLotus. The course explores the profound effects of acupuncture on emotional well-being.
This webinar delves into how acupuncture can offer relief from emotional turmoil, including stress, anxiety, depression, and other related conditions. You will learn about practical strategies for incorporating acupuncture into mental health, including point selection, treatment protocols, and integration with other therapeutic modalities.
You will also have the opportunity to explore case studies and real-life examples showcasing the effectiveness of acupuncture in managing emotional turmoil. The course instructor is David Hartmann, a registered acupuncturist and expert in mental health — one who you will want to learn from.
For more information about the course, see Lotus | Acupuncture for the Treatment of Emotional Turmoil.
Introduction Into Dry Needling/Medical Acupuncture
Here is an overview of the course:
- Course duration: it is a self-paced course you can access and complete at any time.
- Course provider: OMT Training offers this course.
Introduction Into Dry Needling/Medical Acupuncture is a course published as a free e-book. It consists of 16 pages of pure information on the physiology of pain and the mechanism of acupuncture in pain control.
In this course, you will understand the fundamental theories around needling and pain control. You will also gain insight into the current research surrounding effective acupuncture techniques in pain control.
Dry needling is a practice many physiotherapists are adding to their standard care. I recommend you take Free Online Physiotherapy Courses to appreciate this course more.
The use of images made the e-book more interesting to read. I also enjoyed the flow of topics from basic to complex. If you want to know more about the neurophysiology behind acupuncture, see Introduction Into Dry Needling/Medical Acupuncture.
Clearing the Clouds: Introduction to Shen Acupuncture
Here is an overview of the course:
- Course duration: it is a 1-hour on-demand video course.
- Course provider: it is a course by TCM Academy of Integrative Medicine.
Introduction to Shen Acupuncture is the first part of the series, Clearing the Clouds. It is a 3-lesson webinar that will help you understand acupuncture points that alleviate pain and bring healing.
In this course, you will learn how to use acupuncture to transform negative emotions into opportunities for growth and renewal. According to the instructor, this is crucial to healing.
You will also learn how to recognize the movement of Qi in humans and its relation to health and wellness. Further discussions in the course present a comparison between Chinese and Western views on anxiety and depression.
The course includes quizzes for each of these lessons. The certificate is available upon completion of the course.
The course has accreditation from several bodies, including The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
The use of visual aids and images contributed to making the concepts easy to grasp. From my research, I consider this one of the best free acupuncture courses online.
For more information about the course, see Clearing the Clouds: Introduction to Shen Acupuncture.
Health Concepts in Chinese Medicine
Here is an overview of the course:
- Course duration: it will take 11 hours to complete (3 weeks at approximately 3 hours per week).
- Course provider: it is a course by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
As someone seeking a career in acupuncture, understanding Chinese Medicine is crucial. Health Concepts in Chinese Medicine is a beginner-level course.
In this course, you will learn the basic theories in Chinese Medicine. You will also understand the pharmacological perspectives of these concepts. It is one of the free online certificate courses in acupuncture.
One of the aims of this course is to draw a comparison between Chinese and modern medicine in preventive health. In the last module of the course, your instructor will introduce you to Chinese toning herbs for promoting health.
For more information about the course, see Health Concepts in Chinese Medicine by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
How to Become an Acupuncturist
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in a Related Field
You cannot go for an accredited degree in acupuncture without having at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field. A bachelor’s degree in anatomy or biology can suffice.
Enroll Into an Accredited Program
Once you have your undergraduate degree, you can apply to an accredited master’s program in acupuncture. You can also opt for a 3-year B.Sc. in Acupuncture. Look for schools that offer comprehensive training in acupuncture theory, practice, and clinical experience.
A standard acupuncture curriculum typically requires the following:
- At least 47 semester credits in Oriental medical theory, diagnosis and treatment techniques in acupuncture and related studies.
- 22 semester credits (660 hours) in clinical training.
- 30 semester credits (450 hours) in biomedical and clinical sciences.
- 6 semester credits (90 hours) in counseling, communication, ethics, and practice management.
It is best to apply only to schools accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
Obtain Licensure
In many regions, you need a license to practice acupuncture. Most states demand a license from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Fulfill the requirements, which include passing licensing exams and meeting educational or clinical experience criteria.
Gain Experience
The next thing you need is to acquire hands-on experience. You can gain experience through internships, apprenticeships, or clinical rotations. Building a solid foundation of practical skills and clinical knowledge is essential to succeed as an acupuncturist.
Pursue Additional Education
Although you can practice acupuncture at the master’s level, it is better to go for a higher qualification. Apply for a Doctor of Acupuncture degree.
You must also stay updated with advancements in acupuncture and related fields through continuing education courses, workshops, and seminars. This ensures that you maintain proficiency and expand your knowledge throughout your career.
How Long is an Acupuncture Course?
The length of the course depends on the education level. A Master of Acupuncture program takes 2 to 3 years. Advancing your studies into a Doctor of Acupuncture program will take an additional 2 years.
However, short certificate courses take between several weeks and a few months. These programs provide basic training in acupuncture theory and techniques.
What are the Benefits of Acupuncture?
Acupuncture offers a multitude of benefits for both physical and mental well-being. It uses the body’s natural pain-relieving mechanisms to alleviate various types of pain, including chronic pain, back pain, migraines, and arthritis.
Acupuncture also helps to reduce stress, anxiety, and tension. It promotes a sense of calmness and mental clarity.
Other benefits of acupuncture include the following:
- Improved sleep
- Hormonal balance
- Improved digestive health
- Enhanced immune function
- Improved blood circulation
- Support for recovery from addictions
FAQs on 10 Free Online Certificate Courses to Become an Acupuncturist
What is the Highest Degree for Acupuncture?
The Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM) is the highest degree for acupuncture.
Is an Acupuncturist a Doctor?
An acupuncturist is not typically referred to as a doctor. However, doctors can study acupuncture and incorporate it into their medical practice.
How Old is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture dates back to 100 BCE. That year was its first documentation as an organized system of diagnosis and treatment.
Conclusion
At this point, it is clear that the path to becoming an acupuncturist is both exciting and accessible. With these 10 free online certificate courses in acupuncture, you can embark on your learning adventure from the comfort of your home and without breaking the bank.
These courses can help you sort your feet as a beginner. If you are a seasoned enthusiast looking to expand your knowledge and expertise, these courses also have something to offer you. I wish you all the best in your learning!
Keep in mind that the research I conducted to write this article is not individual-specific and you might need to conduct a little further research to make a choice.
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