National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2011

• 3 - Health occupations
• 32 - Technical occupations in health
• 323 - Other technical occupations in health care

3232 - Practitioners of natural healing

Practitioners of natural healing provide health care to patients using traditional Chinese medicine techniques and other forms of treatment including acupuncture, herbology or reflexology to promote, maintain and restore the holistic health of patients. They usually work in private practice, including group or team practices, or are employed by clinics, health clubs and spas.

• Illustrative example(s)

  • acupuncturist
  • aromatherapist
  • ayurvedic practitioner
  • herbalist
  • homeopathist
  • reflexologist
  • traditional Chinese medicine practitioner

  All examples

• Exclusion(s)

  • Massage therapists (3236)
  • Midwives (See 3124 Allied primary health practitioners)
  • Naturopathic and osteopathic physicians (See 3125 Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating)

• Main duties

  The following is a summary of the main duties for some occupations in this unit group:

  • Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners diagnose the diseases, physiological disorders and injuries of patients and treat them using raw herbs and other medicines, dietary supplements or acupuncture.
  • Acupuncturists diagnose symptoms, physiological disorders and injuries of patients and treat them by the insertion of acupuncture needles or through stimulation techniques such as acupressure, moxibustion, cupping or electrical current.
  • Herbalists assess patients and advise them on the use of herbs for the treatment of conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism, asthma, skin disorders and stomach ailments and may cultivate herbs and manufacture and sell herbal compounds.
  • Homeopaths diagnose illnesses and treat them by administering, in chemical or herbal form, a small dosage of the illness itself or by suggesting lifestyle changes.
  • Reflexologists apply gentle finger pressure to specific spots on the clients' feet or hands to promote relaxation and better health and well-being.

• Employment requirements

  • Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners usually require completion of a three- to four-year diploma program in traditional Chinese medicine from a private institute
    or
    completion of a program in traditional Chinese medicine from recognized medical schools abroad.
  • Registration with a regulatory body is required for traditional Chinese medicine practitioners in Ontario and British Columbia.
  • Registration with a regulatory body is required for acupuncturists in Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia.
  • Acupuncturists usually require completion of a three-year diploma program in acupuncture from a private institute
    or
    completion of some university undergraduate studies in science and training in a related health care discipline or work experience under the supervision of a registered acupuncturist.
  • Other occupations in this unit group usually require completion of training programs specific to their type of practice and some supervised practical training.

• Additional information

  • Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners may include acupuncture or herbology as part of their healing techniques.