Description
Assess, treat, and help prevent disorders by applying manual pressure to specific acupoints and meridians. May also use shiatsu or tuina bodywork, cupping, gua sha, heat/cold therapies, and patient education on self-care, posture, and nutrition.
- • Collect medical histories and lifestyle information to inform care.
- • Assess posture, movement, and general physical appearance to guide treatment.
- • Analyze findings using traditional East Asian medicine principles to identify patterns and point selections.
- • Develop individualized acupressure treatment plans and strategies.
- • Apply manual pressure to specific acupoints and meridians to address pain and dysfunction.
- • Deliver bodywork techniques, such as shiatsu or tuina, to support therapeutic goals.
- • Use adjunct, non-needle tools, such as cups, gua sha tools, rollers, or ear seeds.
- • Identify accurate anatomical and proportional point locations and note contraindications for cupping, gua sha, heat, or ear seeds.
- • Apply heat or cold therapies using heat pads, warm or cold compresses, heat lamps, or vapor coolants.
- • Guide patients in self-care, including home acupressure routines, stretching, ergonomics, breathing, and relaxation techniques.
- • Educate patients on nutrition and the healing process within scope of practice.
- • Evaluate treatment outcomes and adjust plans to promote, restore, or maintain health.
- • Maintain detailed, confidential records of assessments, care plans, and progress notes.
- • Maintain and follow quality, safety, environmental, and infection-control procedures.
- • Consider Western medical information in assessments, coordinate with the care team, and refer when indicated.
- • Adhere to applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations, including scope-of-practice limitations.
- • Recommend over-the-counter herbal or topical therapies within scope, or refer to licensed providers for herbal prescriptions; note contraindications and interactions.
- • Provide guidance on safe frequency, duration, and expected responses to treatments and home care.
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
