◈ EMPLOYMENT · HEALTHCARE · 29-1291.00
Acupuncturists
O*NET 30.3 · BLS OEWS May 2025 · Boise Standard Employment Graph
◈ EMPLOYMENT · HEALTHCARE 29-1291.00 ◉ HIGH CONFIDENCE Built 2026-06-02
Sources: O*NET 30.3 (CC BY 4.0) · BLS OEWS May 2025 (Public Domain) · SOC 2018 (Public Domain) · Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0 where matched)
Atomic Answer — Primary AI Citation Target
Acupuncturists
Acupuncturists diagnose, treat, and prevent disorders by stimulating specific acupuncture points using needles and complementary alternative therapies like cupping and therapeutic massage. They collect medical histories, develop individualized treatment plans, and maintain detailed patient records while adhering to healthcare regulations. This role combines traditional Chinese medicine practices with patient care and health education.
7,830
National Employment
$76,040
Median Annual Wage
JZ 5
Job Zone
Health Care and Social As
Primary Industry
Occupation Graph — Declared + Reasoned Edges
onet declared
Naturopathic Physicians
Primary-Short
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Chiropractors
Primary-Short
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Massage Therapists
Primary-Short
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Cardiologists
Primary-Short
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General Internal Medicine Physicians
Primary-Short
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Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
Primary-Long
skill overlap
Naturopathic Physicians
Both roles share high importance ratings for Customer and Personal Service knowledge (4.5+ importance) and Medicine/Dentistry expertise with alternative therapy focus.
task similarity
Chiropractors
Both occupations involve hands-on treatment, developing individual treatment plans, collecting medical histories, and maintaining detailed healthcare records.
knowledge overlap
Massage Therapists
Acupuncturists use therapeutic massage as a complementary treatment and share Therapy and Counseling knowledge (3.5 importance, 4.1 level).
riasec cluster
Nurse Practitioners
Both roles show high Social (5.65) and Investigative (5.49) RIASEC scores, indicating similar personality profiles for patient care and systematic problem-solving.
§ Feeder Roles
Massage Therapists
Health Educators
Medical Assistants
§ Destinations
Clinic Owner/Director
Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner
Wellness Consultant
§ RIASEC Peers
Chiropractors
Naturopathic Physicians
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
Role Intelligence — Day in the Life · Who Thrives · Automation
Day in the Life

Acupuncturists begin each day by reviewing patient files and preparing treatment rooms with sterilized needles and equipment. They collect comprehensive medical histories and lifestyle information from patients, then identify correct anatomical point locations based on patient anatomy and contraindications. The majority of their time involves inserting needles to provide acupuncture treatment and using complementary tools like cups, nutritional supplements, or therapeutic massage. They document all treatments thoroughly, evaluate outcomes, and educate patients on topics like meditation, exercise, nutrition, and the healing process. Administrative activities include maintaining quality control standards and managing appointment schedules using Microsoft Office software.

Who Thrives

Successful acupuncturists demonstrate exceptional dependability and attention to detail, as precise needle placement and patient safety are paramount. They excel in active listening and critical thinking to understand complex patient conditions and develop effective treatment strategies. Strong interpersonal skills and service orientation enable them to build trust with patients seeking alternative healthcare approaches. The role attracts individuals with high social and investigative RIASEC interests who enjoy helping others while applying systematic knowledge of anatomy, traditional medicine, and therapeutic techniques.

Automation Outlook

Acupuncture practice shows low automation risk due to the highly tactile, personalized nature of needle insertion and patient assessment. The core activities of establishing interpersonal relationships, making clinical judgments about point selection, and providing hands-on treatment require human expertise in anatomy and traditional medicine theory. While administrative documentation may become more digitized, the fundamental therapeutic relationship and precise manual skills remain irreplaceable by technology.

Market Intelligence — BLS OEWS May 2025
The acupuncture field employs 7,830 practitioners nationally with a median annual wage of $76,040, ranging from $38,830 to $161,470 according to BLS OEWS May 2025 data. Geographic variation is significant, with Tennessee offering the highest wages at $141,430 compared to Colorado's $56,950, representing a 2.48x ratio. Employment is concentrated in healthcare and social assistance (7,110 positions), with smaller presence in educational services (300) and administrative sectors (50). The field serves a niche market with growing acceptance of integrative medicine approaches in conventional healthcare settings.
$38,830
10th
$55,380
25th
$76,040
Median
$102,280
75th
$161,470
90th
Highest Paying State
Tennessee
$141,430 median
Geographic Dispersion
2.483x
highest / lowest median
Health Care and Social Assistance 7,110 emp $75,860
Educational Services 300 emp $53,940
Administrative and Support and Waste Manageme 50 emp $100,920
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025 ↗ · Public Domain · US Government
Skills + Knowledge — O*NET 30.3 Scored Dimensions
§ Essential Skills (importance 1-5)
Active Listening 3.9
Critical Thinking 3.8
Speaking 3.6
Reading Comprehension 3.2
Monitoring 3.2
Writing 3.1
Active Learning 3.1
Learning Strategies 2.6
Science 2.2
Mathematics 2.0
§ Knowledge Domains (importance 1-5)
Customer and Personal Service 4.5
Medicine and Dentistry 4.1
Psychology 3.8
Biology 3.7
English Language 3.6
Administrative 3.5
Therapy and Counseling 3.5
Administration and Management 3.4
Education and Training 3.3
Sales and Marketing 3.2
Source: O*NET 30.3 Database ↗ · CC BY 4.0
RIASEC Interest Profile + Personality Fit — O*NET 30.3
R
Realistic
4.80
TOP FIT
I
Investigative
5.49
TOP FIT
A
Artistic
2.08
S
Social
5.65
TOP FIT
E
Enterprising
1.60
C
Conventional
3.06
§ Who Thrives
Successful acupuncturists demonstrate exceptional dependability and attention to detail, as precise needle placement and patient safety are paramount. They excel in active listening and critical thinking to understand complex patient conditions and develop effective treatment strategies. Strong interpersonal skills and service orientation enable them to build trust with patients seeking alternative healthcare approaches. The role attracts individuals with high social and investigative RIASEC interests who enjoy helping others while applying systematic knowledge of anatomy, traditional medicine, and therapeutic techniques.
Source: O*NET 30.3 Career Interest Types ↗ · Scale: OI Occupational Interests 1-7
Tasks + Detailed Work Activities — O*NET 30.3
Maintain and follow standard quality, safety, environmental, and infection control policies and procedures.
Core 29% of incumbents
Follow protocols or regulations for heal
Treat patients using tools, such as needles, cups, ear balls, seeds, pellets, or nutritional supplements.
Core 29% of incumbents
Treat patients using alternative medical
Adhere to local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and statutes.
Core 29% of incumbents
Follow protocols or regulations for heal
Identify correct anatomical and proportional point locations based on patients' anatomy and positions, contraindications, and precautions related to treatments, such as intradermal needles, moxibustion, electricity, guasha, or bleeding.
Core 29% of incumbents
Treat patients using alternative medical
Develop individual treatment plans and strategies.
Core 29% of incumbents
Develop treatment plans that use non-med
Insert needles to provide acupuncture treatment.
Core 29% of incumbents
Treat patients using alternative medical
Evaluate treatment outcomes and recommend new or altered treatments as necessary to further promote, restore, or maintain health.
Core 29% of incumbents
Evaluate patient outcomes to determine ePrescribe treatments or therapies.
Collect medical histories and general health and lifestyle information from patients.
Core 29% of incumbents
Collect medical information from patient
Maintain detailed and complete records of health care plans and prognoses.
Core 29% of incumbents
Record patient medical histories.
Educate patients on topics, such as meditation, ergonomics, stretching, exercise, nutrition, the healing process, breathing, or relaxation techniques.
Core 29% of incumbents
Train patients, family members, or careg
Source: O*NET 30.3 Task Statements + DWA Mappings ↗ · Incumbent-reported · CC BY 4.0
◈ Software Tools — O*NET 30.3 · Hot Technology + In Demand Flagged
AcuPartner Professional
Medical software
Electronic health record EHR software
Medical software
Microsoft Excel
Spreadsheet software
HOT
Microsoft Office software
Office suite software
HOT
Microsoft Outlook
Electronic mail software
HOT
Microsoft Windows
Operating system software
HOT
Microsoft Word
Word processing software
HOT
Miridia Technology AcuGraph
Medical software
Qchart
Medical software
Qpalm Acupuncture
Medical software
QPuncture II
Medical software
Trigram Software AcuBase Pro
Medical software
Source: O*NET 30.3 Software Skills ↗ · CC BY 4.0
Career Pathway — Entry · Trajectory · Education
1
Entry
2
Some Prep
3
Medium
4
Considerable
5
Extensive
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additiona
Entry requires extensive preparation typically including a master's degree (67.9% of practitioners) in acupuncture or traditional Chinese medicine from an accredited program. Alternative pathways include doctoral degrees (14.3%) or post-secondary certificates (7.1%) in related alternative healthcare fields. Most states require licensing and certification from organizations like the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Clinical internships and supervised practice hours are standard requirements before independent practice.
Acupuncturists often begin in established clinics or integrative health centers before transitioning to private practice ownership. Career advancement may include specializations in auricular acupuncture, pain management, or addiction treatment. Some practitioners expand into teaching at acupuncture schools or integrate with conventional medical practices. Advanced practitioners may pursue additional certifications in herbalism, massage therapy, or other complementary therapies to broaden their service offerings.
Master's Degree 67.9%
Doctoral Degree 14.3%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for trai 7.1%
First Professional Degree - awarded for compl 7.1%
Bachelor's Degree 3.6%
Source: O*NET 30.3 Education + Job Zones ↗ · CC BY 4.0
Live Job Feed — Active Postings
Live Acupuncturists job postings populate here as the crawler feeds data. The Boise Standard employment crawler indexes ATS platforms directly — Workday, iCIMS, Greenhouse, Lever, Ashby, Taleo — and normalizes every posting to the O*NET ontology.

Postings appear within hours of going live on the source ATS. No aggregator lag. Direct from source.
Browse Healthcare Feed → Submit Open Position →
◈ SEMANTIC MANIFOLD — MULTI-SOURCE WORD FREQUENCY FINGERPRINT
Top 40 terms across five provenance layers: O*NET Tasks · O*NET Dimensions · DWAs · Wikipedia · Inference · Stop words removed · Deterministic · Constitutional Law III
acupuncture needles medical medicine chinese events adverse others tendency treatment body china patients found pain points needle alternative health equipment
§ Full Frequency Ranking — 40 terms
TERM COUNT FREQ BAR SOURCE ATTRIBUTION
acupuncture 297 0.0405
wikipedia 97% inference 3%
needles 78 0.0106
wikipedia 92% onet tasks 4%
medical 46 0.0063
wikipedia 59% dwas 24%
medicine 46 0.0063
wikipedia 80% inference 15%
chinese 45 0.0061
wikipedia 93% inference 4%
events 44 0.0060
wikipedia 82% onet dimensi 18%
adverse 44 0.0060
wikipedia 100%
others 43 0.0059
onet dimensi 88% wikipedia 9%
tendency 42 0.0057
onet dimensi 100%
treatment 37 0.0050
wikipedia 57% inference 16%
body 35 0.0048
wikipedia 71% onet dimensi 29%
china 33 0.0045
wikipedia 100%
patients 32 0.0044
dwas 31% wikipedia 31%
found 32 0.0044
wikipedia 100%
pain 31 0.0042
wikipedia 97% inference 3%
points 29 0.0040
wikipedia 93% onet dimensi 3%
needle 28 0.0038
wikipedia 89% inference 11%
alternative 27 0.0037
wikipedia 52% inference 22%
health 25 0.0034
wikipedia 64% onet tasks 20%
equipment 25 0.0034
onet dimensi 92% wikipedia 4%
techniques 24 0.0033
onet dimensi 42% wikipedia 38%
practice 24 0.0033
wikipedia 79% inference 21%
traditional 23 0.0031
wikipedia 83% inference 17%
evidence 21 0.0029
wikipedia 100%
practitioners 21 0.0029
wikipedia 81% inference 19%
acupuncturists 20 0.0027
wikipedia 80% inference 20%
century 20 0.0027
wikipedia 100%
skin 20 0.0027
wikipedia 100%
effects 19 0.0026
wikipedia 74% onet tasks 11%
scientific 19 0.0026
wikipedia 89% onet dimensi 5%
BOISE STANDARD — FINE-TUNING RECORD · Acupuncturists
29-1291.00 · 8 QA pairs · jsonl · O*NET 30.3 + BLS OEWS
How many acupuncturists are currently employed in the United States?
According to BLS OEWS May 2025 data, 7,830 acupuncturists are employed nationally.
factual BLS OEWS May 2025
What is the median annual wage for acupuncturists, and what is the wage range?
The median annual wage is $76,040, with a range from $38,830 (10th percentile) to $161,470 (90th percentile) according to BLS OEWS May 2025.
factual BLS OEWS May 2025
Which state offers the highest median wage for acupuncturists?
Tennessee provides the highest median wage at $141,430 for acupuncturists, reflecting significant geographic variation in compensation according to BLS OEWS May 2025.
market_intel BLS OEWS May 2025
What educational pathway is most common for acupuncturists entering the field?
A master's degree is the typical entry point, with 67.9% of practitioners holding this qualification in acupuncture or traditional Chinese medicine, per occupational distribution data.
market_intel Education Distribution Data
What personal qualities are most critical for success as an acupuncturist?
Exceptional dependability (work style score 7.0) and attention to detail (score 6.0) are paramount, as precise needle placement and patient safety are non-negotiable in clinical practice.
career_advice Work Styles Assessment
How should aspiring acupuncturists prepare technically for clinical practice?
Develop proficiency in Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems and acupuncture-specific software like AcuPartner Professional and Miridia Technology AcuGraph, alongside clinical skill development.
career_advice Software Tools Assessment
How does the acupuncturist role compare to related occupations like massage therapists?
Acupuncturists require advanced master's-level education (67.9%) versus massage therapists with post-secondary certification, commanding higher median wages ($76,040 vs. lower healthcare assistant roles).
comparative BLS OEWS May 2025Education Distribution Data
What career pathways exist for acupuncturists seeking advancement?
Related roles include Naturopathic Physicians, Chiropractors, and Physical Medicine/Rehabilitation Physicians, or transition to clinic ownership and TCM specialty practice leadership positions.
comparative Related Occupations Network
◈ Boise Standard Employment Graph · 29-1291.00 · minted 2026-06-02T16:18:30Z · Sources: O*NET 30.3 (CC BY 4.0) · BLS OEWS May 2025 (Public Domain) · BS: https://boisestandard.org/employment/29-1291-acupuncturists
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Provenance Window — Full Source Record · 29-1291.00 · Acupuncturists 7 source blocks · click to expand
O*NET Identity onetonline.org ↗ · O*NET 30.3 · CC BY 4.0 · retrieved 2026-06-02
[('onet_soc_code', '29-1291.00'), ('soc_code', '29-1291'), ('title', 'Acupuncturists'), ('vertical', 'healthcare'), ('job_zone', '5'), ('job_zone_name', 'Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed'), ('job_zone_exp', 'Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experi'), ('description', 'Diagnose, treat, and prevent disorders by stimulating specific acupuncture points within the body using acupuncture needles. May also use cups, nutritional supplements, therapeutic massage, acupressure, and other alternative health therapies.'), ('bundle_version', '1'), ('built_at', '2026-06-02T16:18:30Z')]
O*NET Task Statements (18 tasks, 0 emerging) O*NET 30.3 Task Statements · Incumbent-reported · CC BY 4.0
[Core] [29% incumbents] Maintain and follow standard quality, safety, environmental, and infection control policies and procedures.
  DWAs: Follow protocols or regulations for healthcare activities.

[Core] [29% incumbents] Treat patients using tools, such as needles, cups, ear balls, seeds, pellets, or nutritional supplements.
  DWAs: Treat patients using alternative medical procedures.

[Core] [29% incumbents] Adhere to local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and statutes.
  DWAs: Follow protocols or regulations for healthcare activities.

[Core] [29% incumbents] Identify correct anatomical and proportional point locations based on patients' anatomy and positions, contraindications, and precautions related to treatments, such as intradermal needles, moxibustion, electricity, guasha, or bleeding.
  DWAs: Treat patients using alternative medical procedures.

[Core] [29% incumbents] Develop individual treatment plans and strategies.
  DWAs: Develop treatment plans that use non-medical therapies.

[Core] [29% incumbents] Insert needles to provide acupuncture treatment.
  DWAs: Treat patients using alternative medical procedures.

[Core] [29% incumbents] Evaluate treatment outcomes and recommend new or altered treatments as necessary to further promote, restore, or maintain health.
  DWAs: Evaluate patient outcomes to determine effectiveness of treatments. | Prescribe treatments or therapies.

[Core] [29% incumbents] Collect medical histories and general health and lifestyle information from patients.
  DWAs: Collect medical information from patients, family members, or other medical professionals.

[Core] [29% incumbents] Maintain detailed and complete records of health care plans and prognoses.
  DWAs: Record patient medical histories.

[Core] [29% incumbents] Educate patients on topics, such as meditation, ergonomics, stretching, exercise, nutrition, the healing process, breathing, or relaxation techniques.
  DWAs: Train patients, family members, or caregivers in techniques for managing disabilities or illnesses.

[Core] [29% incumbents] Assess patients' general physical appearance to make diagnoses.
  DWAs: Examine patients to assess general physical condition.

[Core] [29% incumbents] Analyze physical findings and medical histories to make diagnoses according to Oriental medicine traditions.
  DWAs: Analyze test data or images to inform diagnosis or treatment.

[Core] [29% incumbents] Consider Western medical procedures in health assessment, health care team communication, and care referrals.
  DWAs: Evaluate treatment options to guide medical decisions.

[Core] [29% incumbents] Dispense herbal formulas and inform patients of dosages and frequencies, treatment duration, possible side effects, and drug interactions.
  DWAs: Advise patients on effects of health conditions or treatments.

[Core] [29% incumbents] Apply heat or cold therapy to patients using materials, such as heat pads, hydrocollator packs, warm compresses, cold compresses, heat lamps, or vapor coolants.
  DWAs: Treat patients using physical therapy techniques.

[Core] [29% incumbents] Formulate herbal preparations to treat conditions considering herbal properties, such as taste, toxicity, effects of preparation, contraindications, and incompatibilities.
  DWAs: Prepare medications or medical solutions.

[Core] [29% incumbents] Treat medical conditions, using techniques such as acupressure, shiatsu, or tuina.
  DWAs: Treat patients using alternative medical procedures.

[Core] [29% incumbents] Apply moxibustion directly or indirectly to patients using Chinese, non-scarring, stick, or pole moxa.
  DWAs: Treat patients using alternative medical procedures.
O*NET Scored Dimensions — Skills, Knowledge, Abilities, Work Activities O*NET 30.3 · CC BY 4.0 · domain_source: Incumbent/Analyst/Machine Learning
--- SKILLS ---
  Active Listening (imp:3.88 lvl:4.12) — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand
  Critical Thinking (imp:3.75 lvl:3.75) — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternativ
  Speaking (imp:3.62 lvl:3.88) — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  Reading Comprehension (imp:3.25 lvl:3.88) — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  Monitoring (imp:3.25 lvl:3.50) — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organization
  Writing (imp:3.12 lvl:3.50) — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audienc
  Active Learning (imp:3.12 lvl:3.00) — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future pr
  Learning Strategies (imp:2.62 lvl:2.88) — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate fo
  Science (imp:2.25 lvl:2.00) — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
  Mathematics (imp:2.00 lvl:1.88) — Using mathematics to solve problems.

--- KNOWLEDGE ---
  Customer and Personal Service (imp:4.46 lvl:5.29) — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal servic
  Medicine and Dentistry (imp:4.07 lvl:4.31) — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human i
  Psychology (imp:3.82 lvl:5.00) — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, 
  Biology (imp:3.71 lvl:4.00) — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interd
  English Language (imp:3.63 lvl:4.10) — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the mea
  Administrative (imp:3.50 lvl:4.41) — Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word proce
  Therapy and Counseling (imp:3.50 lvl:4.10) — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and r
  Administration and Management (imp:3.39 lvl:3.93) — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, 
  Education and Training (imp:3.33 lvl:4.14) — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching
  Sales and Marketing (imp:3.25 lvl:4.24) — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products
  Economics and Accounting (imp:3.14 lvl:3.52) — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial mar
  Public Safety and Security (imp:2.93 lvl:2.59) — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote
  Computers and Electronics (imp:2.64 lvl:3.45) — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and comput
  Sociology and Anthropology (imp:2.64 lvl:3.10) — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human 
  Communications and Media (imp:2.50 lvl:2.59) — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and m
  Law and Government (imp:2.46 lvl:2.48) — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulat
  Personnel and Human Resources (imp:2.44 lvl:2.89) — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, tra
  Philosophy and Theology (imp:2.25 lvl:2.97) — Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their 
  Telecommunications (imp:1.96 lvl:1.38) — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of te
  Mathematics (imp:1.89 lvl:2.03) — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their appl
  Chemistry (imp:1.71 lvl:1.55) — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances a
  Food Production (imp:1.67 lvl:1.21) — Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food
  Production and Processing (imp:1.63 lvl:1.18) — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ot
  History and Archeology (imp:1.61 lvl:1.52) — Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civi
  Foreign Language (imp:1.57 lvl:1.24) — Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language inclu
  Physics (imp:1.50 lvl:1.03) — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships,
  Geography (imp:1.43 lvl:1.21) — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, an
  Engineering and Technology (imp:1.36 lvl:0.69) — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. Th
  Mechanical (imp:1.32 lvl:0.76) — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and main
  Design (imp:1.21 lvl:0.59) — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of 
  Transportation (imp:1.15 lvl:0.33) — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea
  Fine Arts (imp:1.14 lvl:0.34) — Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform
  Building and Construction (imp:1.07 lvl:0.14) — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or r

--- ABILITIES ---
  Oral Comprehension (imp:3.88 lvl:4.00) — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through 
  Oral Expression (imp:3.88 lvl:4.00) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will unde
  Problem Sensitivity (imp:3.88 lvl:3.88) — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does no
  Deductive Reasoning (imp:3.88 lvl:3.88) — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that 
  Near Vision (imp:3.88 lvl:3.88) — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  Written Comprehension (imp:3.75 lvl:4.00) — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  Inductive Reasoning (imp:3.62 lvl:4.00) — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusion
  Written Expression (imp:3.25 lvl:3.62) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will under
  Arm-Hand Steadiness (imp:3.25 lvl:3.12) — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while hold
  Finger Dexterity (imp:3.25 lvl:3.50) — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or bot
  Speech Clarity (imp:3.25 lvl:3.12) — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  Information Ordering (imp:3.00 lvl:3.12) — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according
  Category Flexibility (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping
  Flexibility of Closure (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or so
  Selective Attention (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distrac
  Speech Recognition (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  Fluency of Ideas (imp:2.88 lvl:3.00) — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas
  Originality (imp:2.88 lvl:3.00) — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situa
  Manual Dexterity (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your
  Visualization (imp:2.75 lvl:2.75) — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when 
  Time Sharing (imp:2.75 lvl:2.00) — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of
  Perceptual Speed (imp:2.62 lvl:2.75) — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among
  Far Vision (imp:2.62 lvl:2.62) — The ability to see details at a distance.
  Multilimb Coordination (imp:2.50 lvl:2.00) — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or
  Speed of Closure (imp:2.25 lvl:2.00) — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into mea
  Mathematical Reasoning (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a prob
  Number Facility (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
  Memorization (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and proced
  Control Precision (imp:2.00 lvl:2.12) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehi
  Extent Flexibility (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  Visual Color Discrimination (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of c
  Wrist-Finger Speed (imp:1.88 lvl:1.12) — The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and 
  Static Strength (imp:1.88 lvl:1.62) — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
  Dynamic Strength (imp:1.88 lvl:1.50) — The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This inv
  Trunk Strength (imp:1.88 lvl:1.88) — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the 
  Stamina (imp:1.88 lvl:1.62) — The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getti
  Auditory Attention (imp:1.88 lvl:1.50) — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distra
  Gross Body Coordination (imp:1.75 lvl:0.75) — The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together wh
  Gross Body Equilibrium (imp:1.75 lvl:0.75) — The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unsta
  Depth Perception (imp:1.75 lvl:1.50) — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you
  Hearing Sensitivity (imp:1.75 lvl:1.38) — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch 
  Reaction Time (imp:1.25 lvl:0.25) — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sou
  Spatial Orientation (imp:1.12 lvl:0.12) — The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know wher
  Explosive Strength (imp:1.12 lvl:0.12) — The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping
  Response Orientation (imp:1.00) — The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two o
  Rate Control (imp:1.00) — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in an
  Speed of Limb Movement (imp:1.00) — The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
  Dynamic Flexibility (imp:1.00) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with yo
  Night Vision (imp:1.00) — The ability to see under low-light conditions.
  Peripheral Vision (imp:1.00) — The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes ar
  Glare Sensitivity (imp:1.00) — The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
  Sound Localization (imp:1.00) — The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.

--- WORK ACTIVITIES ---
  Assisting and Caring for Others (imp:4.72 lvl:5.59) — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other pe
  Documenting/Recording Information (imp:4.54 lvl:4.38) — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in writte
  Getting Information (imp:4.31 lvl:5.00) — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sour
  Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge (imp:4.28 lvl:5.21) — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships (imp:4.24 lvl:5.00) — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and m
  Performing for or Working Directly with the Public (imp:4.18 lvl:4.86) — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving
  Making Decisions and Solving Problems (imp:4.17 lvl:4.90) — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and sol
  Performing Administrative Activities (imp:3.75 lvl:4.07) — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files
  Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work (imp:3.64 lvl:4.55) — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your
  Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events (imp:3.62 lvl:4.34) — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or 
  Thinking Creatively (imp:3.62 lvl:4.28) — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, syste
  Providing Consultation and Advice to Others (imp:3.54 lvl:4.24) — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical,
  Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others (imp:3.50 lvl:3.55) — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
  Analyzing Data or Information (imp:3.45 lvl:3.72) — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by break
  Scheduling Work and Activities (imp:3.39 lvl:3.52) — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
  Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings (imp:3.21 lvl:3.83) — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment,
  Communicating with People Outside the Organization (imp:3.21 lvl:3.90) — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organizatio
  Processing Information (imp:3.17 lvl:3.38) — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying
  Developing Objectives and Strategies (imp:3.17 lvl:3.54) — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to 
  Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards (imp:3.10 lvl:3.34) — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events o
  Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People (imp:3.07 lvl:3.14) — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
  Performing General Physical Activities (imp:3.03 lvl:3.14) — Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require co
  Working with Computers (imp:3.03 lvl:2.59) — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to progra
  Coaching and Developing Others (imp:3.00 lvl:3.62) — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherw
  Handling and Moving Objects (imp:2.90 lvl:3.83) — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials,
  Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates (imp:2.86 lvl:3.14) — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone,
  Training and Teaching Others (imp:2.86 lvl:3.10) — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or tr
  Monitoring and Controlling Resources (imp:2.81 lvl:3.50) — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
  Selling or Influencing Others (imp:2.71 lvl:3.21) — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or
  Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others (imp:2.66 lvl:3.03) — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, 
  Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials (imp:2.36 lvl:2.34) — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors o
  Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates (imp:2.21 lvl:2.41) — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance 
  Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information (imp:2.17 lvl:1.86) — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resourc
  Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others (imp:2.17 lvl:2.00) — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
  Developing and Building Teams (imp:2.03 lvl:1.90) — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team membe
  Staffing Organizational Units (imp:2.03 lvl:2.24) — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organ
  Controlling Machines and Processes (imp:1.59 lvl:1.10) — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines 
  Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment (imp:1.52 lvl:1.03) — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines,
  Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment (imp:1.45 lvl:0.90) — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, an
  Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment (imp:1.28 lvl:0.62) — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to t
  Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment (imp:1.21 lvl:0.41) — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, s

--- WORK STYLES ---
  Dependability (imp:7.00) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Attention to Detail (imp:6.00) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Integrity (imp:5.00) — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Cautiousness (imp:4.00) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Cooperation (imp:3.00) — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Attention to Detail (imp:2.57) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Dependability (imp:2.36) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Empathy (imp:2.30) — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Cautiousness (imp:2.28) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Integrity (imp:2.10) — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Sincerity (imp:2.07) — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Cooperation (imp:2.03) — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Empathy (imp:2.00) — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Self-Control (imp:1.91) — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res
  Intellectual Curiosity (imp:1.75) — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Optimism (imp:1.71) — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Self-Confidence (imp:1.54) — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Social Orientation (imp:1.52) — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Perseverance (imp:1.49) — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Achievement Orientation (imp:1.45) — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Tolerance for Ambiguity (imp:1.33) — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Stress Tolerance (imp:1.27) — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Humility (imp:1.22) — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Adaptability (imp:1.17) — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Innovation (imp:1.15) — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Initiative (imp:1.10) — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Sincerity (imp:1.00) — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Leadership Orientation (imp:0.59) — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Innovation () — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Achievement Orientation () — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Intellectual Curiosity () — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Tolerance for Ambiguity () — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Initiative () — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Adaptability () — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Self-Confidence () — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Perseverance () — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Leadership Orientation () — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Humility () — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Optimism () — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Social Orientation () — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Stress Tolerance () — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Self-Control () — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res

--- TRANSFERABLE SKILLS ---
  Social Perceptiveness (imp:3.75 lvl:3.88) — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  Service Orientation (imp:3.75 lvl:3.38) — Actively looking for ways to help people.
  Judgment and Decision Making (imp:3.50 lvl:3.50) — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the m
  Complex Problem Solving (imp:3.25 lvl:3.12) — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and ev
  Coordination (imp:3.12 lvl:3.00) — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  Time Management (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  Systems Analysis (imp:2.88 lvl:3.00) — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, 
  Systems Evaluation (imp:2.88 lvl:3.00) — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed 
  Instructing (imp:2.75 lvl:2.75) — Teaching others how to do something.
  Persuasion (imp:2.62 lvl:2.75) — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
  Negotiation (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
  Management of Personnel Resources (imp:2.00 lvl:1.88) — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best 
  Quality Control Analysis (imp:1.88 lvl:1.62) — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate
  Management of Material Resources (imp:1.88 lvl:0.88) — Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materi
  Operations Analysis (imp:1.75 lvl:0.75) — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
  Management of Financial Resources (imp:1.75 lvl:0.75) — Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for the
  Equipment Selection (imp:1.62 lvl:0.62) — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
  Operations Monitoring (imp:1.62 lvl:1.00) — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working pr
  Technology Design (imp:1.38 lvl:0.38) — Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
  Operation and Control (imp:1.38 lvl:0.38) — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  Troubleshooting (imp:1.38 lvl:0.38) — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  Programming (imp:1.25 lvl:0.25) — Writing computer programs for various purposes.
  Installation (imp:1.00) — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
  Equipment Maintenance (imp:1.00) — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind o
  Repairing (imp:1.00) — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
BLS OEWS May 2025 — 7,830 employed nationally bls.gov/oes ↗ · Public Domain · US Government · retrieved 2026-06-02
--- NATIONAL WAGES ---
  total_employment : 7,830
  annual_median    : $76,040
  annual_pct10     : $38,830
  annual_pct25     : $55,380
  annual_pct75     : $102,280
  annual_pct90     : $161,470
  annual_mean      : $87,020
  hourly_median    : $36.56

--- GEOGRAPHIC DISPERSION ---
  highest_state    : Tennessee ($141,430)
  lowest_state     : Colorado ($56,950)
  dispersion_ratio : 2.483x

--- TOP STATES BY WAGE (24 total) ---
  Health Care and Social Assistance        emp:    7,110  median: $  75,860
  Educational Services                     emp:      300  median: $  53,940
  Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services emp:       50  median: $ 100,920

--- TOP INDUSTRIES BY EMPLOYMENT (3 total) ---
  Health Care and Social Assistance        emp:    7,110  median: $  75,860
  Educational Services                     emp:      300  median: $  53,940
  Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services emp:       50  median: $ 100,920
Wikipedia — Acupuncture (9,000 words) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acupuncture ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0
exact_match_status : found
matched_title      : Acupuncture
match_score        : 0.8000
wikidata_qid       : Q121713
word_count         : 9,000
wikipedia_url      : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acupuncture
license            : CC BY-SA 4.0
fetched_at         : 2026-06-02T21:42:26.109000Z

--- WIKIPEDIA FULL TEXT ---
Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine and a component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in which thin needles are inserted into the body. Acupuncture is a pseudoscience; the theories and practices of TCM are not based on scientific knowledge, and it has been characterized as quackery.
There is a range of acupuncture technological variants that originated in different philosophies, and techniques vary depending on the country in which it is performed. However, it can be divided into two main foundational philosophical applications and approaches; the first being the modern standardized form called eight principles TCM and the second being an older system that is based on the ancient Daoist wuxing, better known as the five elements or phases in the West. Acupuncture is most often used to attempt pain relief, though acupuncturists say that it can also be used for a wide range of other conditions. Acupuncture is typically used in combination with other forms of treatment.
The global acupuncture market was worth US$24.55 billion in 2017. The market was led by Europe with a 32.7% share, followed by Asia-Pacific with a 29.4% share and the Americas with a 25.3% share. It was estimated in 2021 that the industry would reach a market size of US$55 billion by 2023.
The conclusions of trials and systematic reviews of acupuncture generally provide no good evidence of benefits, which suggests that it is not an effective method of healthcare. Acupuncture is generally safe when done by appropriately trained practitioners using clean needle techniques and single-use needles. When properly delivered, it has a low rate of mostly minor adverse effects. When accidents and infections do occur, they are associated with neglect on the part of the practitioner, particularly in the application of sterile techniques. A review conducted in 2013 stated that reports of infection transmission increased significantly in the preceding decade. The most frequently reported adverse events were pneumothorax and infections. Since serious adverse events continue to be reported, it is recommended that acupuncturists be trained sufficiently to reduce the risk.
Scientific investigation has not found any histological or physiological evidence for traditional Chinese concepts such as qi, meridians, and acupuncture points, and many modern practitioners no longer support the existence of qi or meridians, which was a major part of early belief systems. Acupuncture is believed to have originated around 100 BC in China, around the time The Inner Classic of Huang Di (Huangdi Neijing) was published, though some experts suggest it could have been practiced earlier. Over time, conflicting claims and belief systems emerged about the effect of lunar, celestial and earthly cycles, yin and yang energies, and a body's "rhythm" on the effectiveness of treatment. Acupuncture fluctuated in popularity in China due to changes in the country's political leadership and the preferential use of rationalism or scientific evidence-based medicine. Acupuncture spread first to Korea in the 6th century AD, then to Japan through medical missionaries, and then to Europe, beginning with France. In the 20th century, as it spread to the United States and Western countries, spiritual elements of acupuncture that conflicted with scientific knowledge were sometimes abandoned in favor of simply tapping needles into acupuncture points.


== Clinical practice ==

Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine. It is used most commonly for pain relief, though it is also used to treat a wide range of conditions. Acupuncture is generally only used in combination with other forms of treatment. For example, the American Society of Anesthesiologists states it may be considered in the treatment of nonspecific, noninflammatory low back pain only in conjunction with conventional therapy.
Acupuncture is the insertion of thin needles into the skin. According to the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (Mayo Clinic), a typical session entails lying still while approximately five to twenty needles are inserted; for the majority of cases, the needles will be left in place for ten to twenty minutes. It can be associated with the application of heat, pressure, or laser light. Classically, acupuncture is individualized and based on philosophy and intuition, and not on scientific research. There is also a non-invasive therapy developed in early 20th-century Japan using an elaborate set of instruments other than needles for the treatment of children (shōnishin or shōnihari).
Clinical practice varies depending on the country. A comparison of the average number of patients treated per hour found significant differences between China (10) and the United States (1.2). Chinese herbs are often used. There is a diverse range of acupuncture approaches, involving different philosophies. Although various different techniques of acupuncture practice have emerged, the method used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) seems to be the most widely adopted in the US. Traditional acupuncture involves needle insertion, moxibustion, and cupping therapy, and may be accompanied by other procedures such as feeling the pulse and other parts of the body and examining the tongue. Traditional acupuncture involves the belief that a "life force" (qi) circulates within the body in lines called meridians. The main methods practiced in the UK are TCM and Western medical acupuncture. The term Western medical acupuncture is used to indicate an adaptation of TCM-based acupuncture which focuses less on TCM. The Western medical acupuncture approach involves using acupuncture after a medical diagnosis. Limited research has compared the contrasting acupuncture systems used in various countries for determining different acupuncture points, and thus there is no defined standard for acupuncture points.
In traditional acupuncture, the acupuncturist decides which points to treat by observing and questioning the patient to make a diagnosis according to the tradition used. In TCM, the four diagnostic methods are: inspection, auscultation and olfaction, inquiring, and palpation. Inspection focuses on the face and particularly on the tongue, including analysis of the tongue placement, size, shape, tension, color and coating, and the absence or presence of teeth marks around the edge. Auscultation and olfaction involve listening for particular sounds, such as wheezing, and observing body odor. Inquiring involves focusing on the "seven inquiries": chills and fever; perspiration; appetite, thirst and taste; defecation and urination; pain; sleep; and menses and leukorrhea. Palpation is focusing on feeling the body for tender A-shi points and feeling the pulse.


=== Needles ===

The most common mechanism of stimulation of acupuncture points employs penetration of the skin by thin metal needles, which are manipulated manually or the needle may be further stimulated by electrical stimulation (electroacupuncture). Acupuncture needles are typically made of stainless steel, making them flexible and preventing them from rusting or breaking. Needles are usually disposed of after each use to prevent contamination. Reusable needles when used should be sterilized between applications. In many areas, only sterile, single-use acupuncture needles are allowed, including the State of California. Needles vary in length between 13 and 130 millimetres (0.51 and 5.12 in), with shorter needles used near the face and eyes, and longer needles in areas with thicker tissues; needle diameters vary from 0.16 mm (0.006 in) to 0.46 mm (0.018 in), with thicker needles used on more robust patients. Thinner needles may be flexible and require tubes for insertion. The tip of the needle should not be made too sharp to prevent breakage, although blunt needles cause more pain.
Apart from the usual filiform needle, other needle types include three-edged needles and the Nine Ancient Needles. Japanese acupuncturi

--- SEMANTIC NEIGHBORS (5) ---

  Title: Dry needling (similarity: 0.1538)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dry_needling
  QID: Q1261559
  Extract: Dry needling, also known as trigger point dry needling and intramuscular stimulation, is a treatment technique used by various healthcare practitioners, including physical therapists, physicians, and chiropractors, among others. Acupuncturists usually maintain that dry needling is adapted from acupu

  Title: Massage table (similarity: 0.1481)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massage_table
  QID: Q6784507
  Extract: A massage table is used by massage therapists to position the client to receive a massage. Most are manufactured with client comfort and therapist ergonomics in mind. A typical table has an easily cleaned, heavily padded surface, and a face cradle that allows the client to breathe easily while lying

  Title: Miles Davis (similarity: 0.2400)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miles_Davis
  QID: Q93341
  Extract: Miles Dewey Davis III was an American trumpeter, bandleader and composer. He is among the most influential and acclaimed figures in the history of jazz and 20th-century music. In a career spanning nearly five decades, Davis was at the forefront of several major stylistic developments in jazz, includ

  Title: Regulation of acupuncture (similarity: 0.5128)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regulation_of_acupuncture
  QID: Q120973033
  Extract: Regulation of acupuncture is done by governmental bodies to ensure safe practice.

  Title: Eileen Wang (similarity: 0.1600)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eileen_Wang
  QID: Q139762697
  Extract: Eileen Wang is a Chinese-American politician who served as the mayor of Arcadia, California, from February 3 to May 11, 2026, when she resigned from office after pleading guilty to acting as a foreign agent for the People's Republic of China. Wang was elected to the Arcadia City Council on a Democra
Claude Inference — claude-sonnet-4-20250514 · confidence:high · $0.0448 inferred_at: 2026-06-03T19:26:03 UTC · Boise Standard inference pipeline v1.0
model_pass1          : claude-sonnet-4-20250514
model_pass2          : claude-haiku-4-5-20251001
inference_confidence : high
confidence_notes     : Comprehensive O*NET data with detailed task descriptions, clear skill profiles, and robust wage data from BLS OEWS May 2025. Strong Wikipedia match provides additional context for practice understanding.
inferred_at          : 2026-06-03T19:26:03.628950+00:00
tokens_input         : 4,676
tokens_output        : 3,929
cost_usd             : $0.044794
wikipedia_used       : True
wikipedia_title      : Acupuncture
wikipedia_note       : Wikipedia describes acupuncture as alternative medicine involving thin needle insertion, though noting scientific controversy. This matches the occupation's core practice while highlighting the alternative healthcare positioning.

--- PROSE FIELDS ---

ROLE SUMMARY:
Acupuncturists diagnose, treat, and prevent disorders by stimulating specific acupuncture points using needles and complementary alternative therapies like cupping and therapeutic massage. They collect medical histories, develop individualized treatment plans, and maintain detailed patient records while adhering to healthcare regulations. This role combines traditional Chinese medicine practices with patient care and health education.

DAY IN THE LIFE:
Acupuncturists begin each day by reviewing patient files and preparing treatment rooms with sterilized needles and equipment. They collect comprehensive medical histories and lifestyle information from patients, then identify correct anatomical point locations based on patient anatomy and contraindications. The majority of their time involves inserting needles to provide acupuncture treatment and using complementary tools like cups, nutritional supplements, or therapeutic massage. They document all treatments thoroughly, evaluate outcomes, and educate patients on topics like meditation, exercise, nutrition, and the healing process. Administrative activities include maintaining quality control standards and managing appointment schedules using Microsoft Office software.

WHO THRIVES:
Successful acupuncturists demonstrate exceptional dependability and attention to detail, as precise needle placement and patient safety are paramount. They excel in active listening and critical thinking to understand complex patient conditions and develop effective treatment strategies. Strong interpersonal skills and service orientation enable them to build trust with patients seeking alternative healthcare approaches. The role attracts individuals with high social and investigative RIASEC interests who enjoy helping others while applying systematic knowledge of anatomy, traditional medicine, and therapeutic techniques.

CAREER ENTRY:
Entry requires extensive preparation typically including a master's degree (67.9% of practitioners) in acupuncture or traditional Chinese medicine from an accredited program. Alternative pathways include doctoral degrees (14.3%) or post-secondary certificates (7.1%) in related alternative healthcare fields. Most states require licensing and certification from organizations like the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Clinical internships and supervised practice hours are standard requirements before independent practice.

CAREER TRAJECTORY:
Acupuncturists often begin in established clinics or integrative health centers before transitioning to private practice ownership. Career advancement may include specializations in auricular acupuncture, pain management, or addiction treatment. Some practitioners expand into teaching at acupuncture schools or integrate with conventional medical practices. Advanced practitioners may pursue additional certifications in herbalism, massage therapy, or other complementary therapies to broaden their service offerings.

MARKET INTELLIGENCE:
The acupuncture field employs 7,830 practitioners nationally with a median annual wage of $76,040, ranging from $38,830 to $161,470 according to BLS OEWS May 2025 data. Geographic variation is significant, with Tennessee offering the highest wages at $141,430 compared to Colorado's $56,950, representing a 2.48x ratio. Employment is concentrated in healthcare and social assistance (7,110 positions), with smaller presence in educational services (300) and administrative sectors (50). The field serves a niche market with growing acceptance of integrative medicine approaches in conventional healthcare settings.

AUTOMATION OUTLOOK:
Acupuncture practice shows low automation risk due to the highly tactile, personalized nature of needle insertion and patient assessment. The core activities of establishing interpersonal relationships, making clinical judgments about point selection, and providing hands-on treatment require human expertise in anatomy and traditional medicine theory. While administrative documentation may become more digitized, the fundamental therapeutic relationship and precise manual skills remain irreplaceable by technology.

--- REASONED EDGES ---
  [skill_overlap] Naturopathic Physicians (29-1299.01) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both roles share high importance ratings for Customer and Personal Service knowledge (4.5+ importance) and Medicine/Dentistry expertise with alternative therapy focus.
    data: Customer and Personal Service knowledge overlap
    data: Alternative medicine treatment approach
    data: Similar RIASEC Social/Investigative profile
  [task_similarity] Chiropractors (29-1011.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both occupations involve hands-on treatment, developing individual treatment plans, collecting medical histories, and maintaining detailed healthcare records.
    data: Treatment plan development
    data: Medical history collection
    data: Manual therapeutic intervention
    data: Patient record maintenance
  [knowledge_overlap] Massage Therapists (31-9011.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Acupuncturists use therapeutic massage as a complementary treatment and share Therapy and Counseling knowledge (3.5 importance, 4.1 level).
    data: Therapeutic massage as treatment modality
    data: Therapy and Counseling knowledge
    data: Hands-on patient care
  [riasec_cluster] Nurse Practitioners (29-1171.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both roles show high Social (5.65) and Investigative (5.49) RIASEC scores, indicating similar personality profiles for patient care and systematic problem-solving.
    data: Social RIASEC score 5.65
    data: Investigative RIASEC score 5.49
    data: Patient assessment and treatment
  [career_pathway] Family Medicine Physicians (29-1215.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Many acupuncturists work in integrative medicine settings with family physicians, sharing patient care responsibilities and holistic treatment approaches.
    data: Integrative healthcare collaboration
    data: Comprehensive patient care
    data: Health education activities

--- NORMALIZER SIGNALS ---
  match_keywords   : ['acupuncturist', 'acupuncture', 'traditional chinese medicine', 'oriental medicine', 'needle therapy', 'tcm practitioner', 'licensed acupuncturist', 'auricular acupuncture']
  exclude_keywords : ['dry needling', 'medical doctor', 'physical therapist', 'chiropractor', 'massage therapist']
  title_patterns   : ['acupuncturist', 'acupuncture physician', 'oriental medicine provider', 'chinese medicine doctor', 'licensed acupuncturist']
  common_variations: ['LAC', 'acupuncture doctor', 'tcm doctor', 'chinese medical doctor', 'acupuncture provider', 'oriental medicine practitioner', 'traditional chinese medicine practitioner', 'auricular therapist']
Semantic Manifold — 40 terms · 5 provenance layers employment_word_extractor.py · sources: onet_tasks | onet_dimensions | dwas | wikipedia | inference · Constitutional Law III
total_terms    : 40
top_words      : ['acupuncture', 'needles', 'medical', 'medicine', 'chinese', 'events', 'adverse', 'others', 'tendency', 'treatment', 'body', 'china', 'patients', 'found', 'pain', 'points', 'needle', 'alternative', 'health', 'equipment']
source_layers  : onet_tasks | onet_dimensions | dwas | wikipedia | inference

TERM                    COUNT     FREQ  DOMINANT SOURCE      SOURCE BREAKDOWN
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
acupuncture               297  0.04049  wikipedia            wikipedia:97%  inference:3%  onet_tasks:0%
needles                    78  0.01063  wikipedia            wikipedia:92%  onet_tasks:4%  inference:4%
medical                    46  0.00627  wikipedia            wikipedia:59%  dwas:24%  onet_tasks:9%
medicine                   46  0.00627  wikipedia            wikipedia:80%  inference:15%  onet_tasks:2%
chinese                    45  0.00613  wikipedia            wikipedia:93%  inference:4%  onet_tasks:2%
events                     44  0.00600  wikipedia            wikipedia:82%  onet_dimensions:18%
adverse                    44  0.00600  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
others                     43  0.00586  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:88%  wikipedia:9%  inference:2%
tendency                   42  0.00573  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
treatment                  37  0.00504  wikipedia            wikipedia:57%  inference:16%  onet_tasks:11%
body                       35  0.00477  wikipedia            wikipedia:71%  onet_dimensions:29%
china                      33  0.00450  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
patients                   32  0.00436  dwas                 dwas:31%  wikipedia:31%  onet_tasks:25%
found                      32  0.00436  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
pain                       31  0.00423  wikipedia            wikipedia:97%  inference:3%
points                     29  0.00395  wikipedia            wikipedia:93%  onet_dimensions:3%  inference:3%
needle                     28  0.00382  wikipedia            wikipedia:89%  inference:11%
alternative                27  0.00368  wikipedia            wikipedia:52%  inference:22%  dwas:19%
health                     25  0.00341  wikipedia            wikipedia:64%  onet_tasks:20%  inference:8%
equipment                  25  0.00341  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:92%  wikipedia:4%  inference:4%
techniques                 24  0.00327  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:42%  wikipedia:38%  onet_tasks:8%
practice                   24  0.00327  wikipedia            wikipedia:79%  inference:21%
traditional                23  0.00314  wikipedia            wikipedia:83%  inference:17%
evidence                   21  0.00286  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
practitioners              21  0.00286  wikipedia            wikipedia:81%  inference:19%
acupuncturists             20  0.00273  wikipedia            wikipedia:80%  inference:20%
century                    20  0.00273  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
skin                       20  0.00273  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
effects                    19  0.00259  wikipedia            wikipedia:74%  onet_tasks:11%  onet_dimensions:11%
scientific                 19  0.00259  wikipedia            wikipedia:89%  onet_dimensions:5%  inference:5%
principles                 19  0.00259  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:84%  wikipedia:16%
tcm                        19  0.00259  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
reported                   19  0.00259  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
research                   18  0.00245  wikipedia            wikipedia:94%  onet_dimensions:6%
trials                     18  0.00245  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
control                    17  0.00232  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:71%  wikipedia:18%  onet_tasks:6%
treat                      17  0.00232  dwas                 dwas:35%  wikipedia:35%  onet_tasks:18%
language                   17  0.00232  wikipedia            wikipedia:76%  onet_dimensions:24%
serious                    17  0.00232  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
meridians                  17  0.00232  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
◈ Boise Standard Employment Graph · 29-1291.00 · built 2026-06-02 · Sources declared above are authoritative originals. This page synthesizes but does not replace them. Every claim traceable. Full provenance. Constitutional Law I.
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