I realized this week, once on my own and then again thanks to a teacher, that becoming an acupuncturist is really serious business. I think for the most part, Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are seen as “alternative” or supplemental, which to some degree implies (at least in my mind) a certain level of casualness to it. “Real problems” are dealt with by Doctors, us acupuncturists help out with everything else (or when Doctors fail).

What I came  to understand is that people might come in with digestive issues, lower back pains, or a headaches, thinking it’s a minor issue and actually have stomach cancer or a brain tumor. It’s my responsibility as healthcare practitioner to be able to tell the difference between A and B and know when to refer.

Now, in New York we’re not considered primary healtchare providers (even though there might be a few people out there who come to us in that capacity), but in a state like California, acupuncturists are. Fortunately, I’m going to the one school on the East coast, that educates us at the California level, meaning I feel confident that my school will give me the knowledge and experience that I need to perform my duties for my patients (it explains our multiple Western medical classes, which I personally now look forward too).

All of that said, it was a sobering realization, better to be had sooner than later, and better to end a realization that this is a responsibility I am willing and able to step up to.