acupuncture methods
Techniques and methods used to normalise the flow of Qi energy in the body for relieving pain and related symptoms by applying various specific types of needles into different acupuncture points.
Acupuncturists make use of thin needles and insert them into acupuncture points in the body in order to restore the imbalances of the human body and overall good health. Acupuncturists focus on energy meridians to treat various conditions.
Competences and skills
54 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 9 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
5 competencesbiomedicine
The study of the human body in relation to medicine and the environment. This includes the applications and practices involved in biological and natural sciences.
complementary and alternative medicine
Medical practices which are not part of the standard care in healthcare.
pathologies treated by acupuncture
The types and range of conditions such as physical pain, head aches, back pain, allergies, addictions, digestive problems or cold, which are treated by acupuncture.
traditional Chinese medicine
Theories of traditional Chinese medical practices that put emphasis on various mind and body practices, as well as herbal medicine to treat or prevent various health problems.
Cross-sector
4 competenceshealth care legislation
The patients` rights and responsibilities of health practitioners and the possible repercussions and prosecutions in relation to medical treatment negligence or malpractice.
human anatomy
The dynamic relationship of human structure and function and the muscosceletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, integumentary and nervous systems; normal and altered anatomy and physiology throughout the human lifespan.
human physiology
The science that studies the human organs and its interactions and mechanisms.
sterilization techniques
The methods and techniques used to destroy or remove microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria that can contaminate medical instruments or any type of material in a health care setting.
Essential skills and competences 24 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
15 competencesaccept own accountability
Accept accountability for one`s own professional activities and recognise the limits of one`s own scope of practice and competencies.
advise on healthcare users' informed consent
Ensure patients/clients are fully informed about the risks and benefits of proposed treatments so they can give informed consent, engaging patients/clients in the process of their care and treatment.
advise on mental health
Advise persons of all ages and groups in terms of the health-promoting aspects of individual behaviour and institutions with regard to the personal, social and structural factors on physical and mental health.
apply acupuncture
Use procedures involving the stimulation of anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques, such as penetrating the skin with thin, metallic needles manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation in order to relieve pain or achieve other therapeutic benefits.
apply context specific clinical competences
Apply professional and evidence based assessment, goal setting, delivery of intervention and evaluation of clients, taking into account the developmental and contextual history of the clients, within one`s own scope of practice.
comply with quality standards related to healthcare practice
Apply quality standards related to risk management, safety procedures, patients feedback, screening and medical devices in daily practice, as they are recognized by the national professional associations and authorities.
develop therapeutic relationships
Maintain the individual therapeutic relationship to engage the individual's innate healing capacities, to achieve active collaboration in the health education and healing process and to maximise the potential of healthy change.
ensure safety of healthcare users
Make sure that healthcare users are being treated professionally, effectively and safe from harm, adapting techniques and procedures according to the person's needs, abilities or the prevailing conditions.
follow-up on healthcare users' treatment
Review and evaluate the progress of the prescribed treatment, taking further decisions with the healthcare users and their carers.
identify customer's needs
Use appropriate questions and active listening in order to identify customer expectations, desires and requirements according to product and services.
observe healthcare users
Observe healthcare users and record significant conditions and reactions to drugs, treatments, and significant incidents, notifying a supervisor or physician when required.
obtain healthcare user's medical status information
Gather healthcare user information through various sources such as questioning the healthcare user, caregiver, or healthcare professional to obtain information on the patient`s health and social status, and interpreting records made by other health care professionals when appropriate.
select acupuncture points
Based on the examination of the patient and his/hers symptoms, decide on which acupuncture points to be stimulated and with what technique.
undertake healthcare examination
Assess the healthcare user's physical state, taking detailed information on previous injuries, surgery, general health, resources and lifestyle into account.
work in multidisciplinary health teams
Participate in the delivery of multidisciplinary health care, and understand the rules and competences of other healthcare related professions.
Cross-sector
9 competencescomply with legislation related to health care
Comply with the regional and national health legislation which regulates relations between suppliers, payers, vendors of the healthcare industry and patients, and the delivery of healthcare services.
develop a collaborative therapeutic relationship
Develop a mutually collaborative therapeutic relationship during treatment, fostering and gaining healthcare users' trust and cooperation.
empathise with the healthcare user
Understand the background of clients` and patients’ symptoms, difficulties and behaviour. Be empathetic about their issues; showing respect and reinforcing their autonomy, self-esteem and independence. Demonstrate a concern for their welfare and handle according to the personal boundaries, sensitivities, cultural differences and preferences of the client and patient in mind.
follow clinical guidelines
Follow agreed protocols and guidelines in support of healthcare practice which are provided by healthcare institutions, professional associations, or authorities and also scientific organisations.
interact with healthcare users
Communicate with clients and their carer’s, with the patient’s permission, to keep them informed about the clients’ and patients’ progress and safeguarding confidentiality.
listen actively
Give attention to what other people say, patiently understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times; able to listen carefully the needs of customers, clients, passengers, service users or others, and provide solutions accordingly.
maintain work area cleanliness
Keep the working area and equipment clean and orderly.
manage healthcare users' data
Keep accurate client records which also satisfy legal and professional standards and ethical obligations in order to facilitate client management, ensuring that all clients' data (including verbal, written and electronic) are treated confidentially.
provide health education
Provide evidence based strategies to promote healthy living, disease prevention and management.
Optional knowledge 9 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
7 competencesadministrative tasks in a medical environment
The medical administrative tasks such as registration of patients, appointment systems, record keeping of patients information and repeated precribing.
auriculotherapy
Alternative medicine therapy which has as its basis the idea that the ear is a microsystem which represents the entire body. Thus the physical, mental or emotional health conditions can be treated from the ear surface by means of reflexology and acupuncture.
dietetics
The human nutrition and dietary modification for optimising health in clinical or other environments. The role of nutrition in promoting health and preventing illness across the life spectrum.
- Scope note
- Should not be confused with nutritionists who apply knowledge of nutrition in community, industrial and research environments.
electrical stimulation in acupuncture
The technique used in acupuncture where electric conducting pads are placed on a skin area and a low frequency electric current is passed through it to stimulate the acupuncture points.
multi-professional cooperation in health care
The way to behave during team meetings, visits and meetings in multi-professional cooperation especially with other health professionals.
phytotherapy
The characteristics, the effects and the use of herbal medicines.
tai chi
The traditional medicine practice, originally conceived as a martial art, which is based on Chinese philosophical principles and is known for its defense training and health benefits.
Cross-sector
2 competencesgeneral medicine
General medicine is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
therapeutic massage
Massage techniques used to relieve pain and alleviate other symptoms associated with a number of different medical conditions.
Optional skills and competences 12 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
5 competencescarry out preventative internal medicine interventions
Recommend to patients, depending on their condition, preventive and therapeutic treatments such as the use of medications, lifestyle changes, modification of addictive behaviours, physical therapies, nutrition or complementary medicine.
conduct cupping therapy
Perform cupping therapy by means of a local suction on a skin area with the aid of a glass.
develop long-term treatment course for disorders in the glandular system
Develop a long-term treatment course for the patient suffering from disorders in the glandular system, monitoring the patient regularly or as required, to determine whether there is improvement after the chosen treatment option or not.
refer healthcare users
Make referrals to other professionals, based on the healthcare user's requirements and needs, especially when recognising that additional healthcare diagnostics or interventions are required.
use e-health and mobile health technologies
Use mobile health technologies and e-health (online applications and services) in order to enhance the provided healthcare.
digital
Cross-sector
7 competencesapply massage therapy
Apply massage therapy to relieve patient's pain by using various specialised techniques.
offer advice on diet-related concerns
Offer advice on dietary concerns such as overweight or elevated cholesterol levels.
process medical insurance claims
Contact the patient`s health insurance company and submit the appropriate forms with information on the patient and treatment.
promote inclusion
Promote and respect diversity, and advocate for equal treatment of genders, ethnicities and minority groups in organisations in order to prevent discrimination and ensure inclusion and a positive environment.
record healthcare users' billing information
Record the healthcare user`s information for the billing of provided medical services.
use foreign languages in patient care
Communicate in foreign languages with healthcare users, their carers, or services providers. Use foreign languages to faciliate patient care according to the needs of the patient.
work in a multicultural environment in health care
Interact, relate and communicate with individuals from a variety of different cultures, when working in a healthcare environment.