Posts Tagged ‘Chinese’

Careers in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Become a licensed acupuncturist, Tuina therapist, or Oriental medicine doctor when you choose to pursue some of the unique careers in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Boasting rich, ancient medical traditions rooted in Eastern philosophies, principles and applications — careers in traditional Chinese medicine offer individuals fascinating perspectives in natural medicine and energy healing including the Five elements, meridian therapy, yin and yang, Chi, Tai Chi, Qigong, and more.

Dependent upon which one of the Oriental medicine career paths you choose to pursue, you can expect between a few months to a few years’ training and education. For example, if you are primarily interested in Eastern massage techniques, there are some careers in traditional Chinese medicine like Tuina therapists, acupressure practitioners, and meridian therapy practitioners. While no two healing arts schools offer the exact same curricula in these fields, individuals can anticipate educational programs that range between 200 and 1,000+ hours. In addition to earning your diploma or certificate of completion, there are some training courses that meet national certification requirements in which you may be eligible to earn.

Professional careers in traditional Chinese medicine like Oriental medicine practitioners must be substantiated by three to four years of in-depth training in an accredited acupuncture and Oriental medicine program. In many cases, these 3,000+ training hours consist of academic and clinical studies in biomedicine, Chi cultivation, Oriental massage (i.e., Shiatsu, acupressure, and/or Tuina), theories of TCM, acupuncture theory and practice, Chinese herbology, and associated professional studies.

Individuals, who have successfully completed all educational and training requirements to become a licensed Oriental medicine practitioner, find that these careers in traditional Chinese medicine offer a plethora of healing services to clients and patients. Some of the many natural health services that Oriental medicine practitioners provide include treatments in acupuncture, herbal remedies, Eastern bodywork, Tai Chi and Qigong, moxibustion, cupping, and holistic nutritional counseling, among others.

High-level careers in traditional Chinese medicine like Doctors of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (D.A.O.M.) can be achieved through educational commitment and a sincere desire to help in healing. This is one of the highest degrees awarded to TCM practitioners, and is one profession that requires a substantial amount of academic and practical training.

In order to become a successful D.A.O.M., interested individuals should carefully research prospective acupuncture schools or Oriental medicine colleges to determine if they are accredited by the ACAOM (Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine), tuition costs, program length, and what prerequisites are necessary to apply. These particular careers in traditional Chinese medicine typically require a minimum of Master’s level training in acupuncture and Oriental medicine prior to enrollment (into a D.A.O.M. program).

According to the NCCAM (National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine), over eight million U.S. adults have used alternative medicine like acupuncture to help in healing. As natural healing medicines like TCM, massage therapy, and acupuncture continue to grow in demand, students who have chosen careers in traditional Chinese medicine can anticipate both personal and professional rewards for a lifetime.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in learning more about these or other TCM occupations, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, naturopathy, acupuncture, Chinese medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore careers in traditional Chinese medicine near you.

Careers in Traditional Chinese Medicine

© Copyright 2008

The CollegeBound Network

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NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

Chinese Herbs

Chinese herbs can be counted in their hundreds of millions. Every pharmacy in China is stacked with boxes inside which you can find the potions that make up traditional nutritional supplementation. Below are just a few of the most commonly known in the West:

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a short-stemmed succulent plant which belongs to Lily family. More than 200 biologically active elements are presented in aloe vera. They include minerals, polysaccharides, proteins and amino acids, biological stimulators and vitamins. The extracts of aloe vera are used to stimulate the immune system, decreases the allergy symptoms and respiratory infections. Taken as a nutritional supplement(http://www.mitamins.com/), Aloe vera juice is effective in enhancing digestive functions, restores the balance of the stomach acids. As a gel, it is effectively used in treating athlete’s foot, any forms of burns, bruises, muscular pains, varicose veins, herpes, eczema, pimples, diaper rash, wounds and cuts, hair loss, allergies, insect bites, furuncles, scleroderma, psoriasis and acne; it also acts as antifungal. But the major use of the aloe vera gel is in wounds healing therapies. Not just vitamins(http://www.mitamins.com/) can do that: natural plants can behave like vitamins too.

Ginger

The plant is valued for its root, thick knotted underground stem of a beige color. Depending on the variety, the root can also be red or white. One of them, gingerol, responsible for the root’s distinctive flavor, is also the chemical that can prevent the growth of human colorectal cancer cells and also kill ovarian cancer cells. Ginger’s hot action also promotes a healthy sweating, being so useful during the colds and flues and providing general detoxification. Ginger’s anti-inflammatory action is a remedy for the people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Aside from being taken as a nutritional supplement and vitamin complement(http://www.mitamins.com/), one can find ginger as a component in a variety of food and herbal preparations, from ginger bread to ginger sticks and ginger ale, often even give to children to calm stomach disorders.

Chinese Medicine Colleges: What Do They Teach?

Find Chinese Medicine Colleges in the United States and Canada. While Chinese medicine may be considered “alternative” medicine in the West, it is an accepted form of conventional medicine in Eastern cultures – Chinese medicine colleges are trying to change this Western mode of thinking by researching, teaching and administering comprehensive training in this unique healing art.

Whether you’re interested in an introductory class in herbal medicine or are more seriously considering a long-term career in acupuncture and Oriental medicine, one of several Chinese medicine colleges can help you advance your personal and professional goals.

Today, Chinese medicine colleges provide a diverse assortment of certificate and degree programs. One of the more popular courses afforded through Chinese medicine colleges is the Masters in Oriental medicine. Class and clinical training in this program will often include human anatomy and physiology, basic Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theories, acupuncture, Oriental bodywork, Tai Chi, meridian therapy, moxibustion, Qi gong, and a vast assortment of related studies. Students who have enrolled in a number of Chinese medicine colleges will also learn that they can achieve their Doctorates in Oriental medicine as well.

Aside from learning how to become a licensed acupuncturist, most Chinese medicine colleges frequently offer fundamental studies in the Chinese language to better understand and identify common Chinese medical terms. Additionally, Chinese medicine colleges integrate Eastern philosophies in their teachings, as well as TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) theories.

In many Chinese medicine colleges, students will be able to engage in certificate programs that teach herbal medicine, Chinese medical massage (Tuina), and other Oriental bodywork therapies. Students who wish to become licensed acupuncturists and practicing Oriental medicine doctors must understand that many Chinese medicine colleges regularly require certain prerequisites prior to enrollment. In many cases, these requirements include extensive education from an accredited university or college. It is always beneficial to review all curriculum requirements at your choice of Chinese medicine colleges so that you are fully prepared to start your educational passage. In addition, students attending Chinese medicine colleges and who are enrolled in more intricate courses (i.e., doctor of Oriental medicine, etc.) will be expected to pass a series of rigorous examinations along the way. These tests will validate comprehension in fundamental knowledge and critical skills in the practice of Chinese medicine.

While there are several varieties of techniques and methods that are facilitated in Oriental medicine, Chinese medicine colleges may slightly differ in independent teachings and length of study. Depending on which course you elect to enroll, training programs in Chinese medicine colleges may vary from mere months to several years. The prospect for success for graduates of any number of Chinese medicine colleges is virtually unlimited.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding Chinese medicine colleges to help attain your dream job, let education within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

Chinese Medicine Colleges: What do they Teach?

© Copyright 2007

The CollegeBound Network

All Rights Reserved

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

Chinese Medicine Courses in America

Find Chinese medicine courses in the United States and Canada. Chinese medicine courses are fast becoming a popular educational conveyance in America. Part of this influx is due to the fact that patient consumers are seeking alternative and complementary medicine to subsidize or even replace conventional medicine treatments. Today, prospective students can take a variety of Chinese medicine courses, including training in auricular acupuncture (ear acupuncture); acupressure massage and Chinese medicine massage (tuina), acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Chinese medicine courses in acupuncture and Oriental medicine, for instance, may range from 3 to 5 years in length; depending on individual institution and training programs. Students participating in these Chinese medicine courses will discover how to use advanced methods in acupuncture, needling techniques, Chinese herbal medicine, and TCM theories. In addition to main topics of study, Chinese medicine courses such as these will also include in-depth education in nutrition, diet, Western medical anatomy and physiology, clinical medicine, botanical medicine, pharmacology and much more. These particular Chinese medicine courses are designed for students who are planning on becoming licensed acupuncturists and practicing doctors of Oriental medicine.

Other Chinese medicine courses, such as training in Chinese medical massage, Chinese herbal medicine, and acupressure are often designed as certificate and/or diploma programs. These Chinese medicine courses include extensive practical training in a variety of bodywork therapies; including Asian bodywork, shiatsu, tuina, herbology, and relative Chinese medicine theories and philosophies. Depending on the course of study you choose to take, some of these Chinese medicine courses may only take months to complete.

Furthermore, Chinese medicine courses are accessible as continuing education units through a number of alternative medicine and other oriental medicine schools.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding appropriate Chinese medicine courses to help attain your dream job, let education within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

Chinese Medicine Courses in America

© Copyright 2007

The CollegeBound Network

All Rights Reserved

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

Chinese Medicine Doctors: Education and Credentials

Find Chinese medicine doctor programs in the United States and Canada. Chinese medicine doctors offer health and wellness services that are often used as an alternative or complementary medicine. In order to practice in the field, Chinese medicine doctors must have received adequate training and education to fulfill necessary requirements in becoming a professional practitioner. Preferably, qualified Chinese medicine doctors will have graduated from one of several accredited oriental medicine schools, and will have become certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and licensed* in the state where they reside. *(Licensure depends on individual state requirements for practice.)

In addition to acupuncture, Chinese medicine doctors will often provide services in physical therapy (Tuina), shiatsu, nutritional advice, Chinese herbology, and other associated practices. Chinese medicine doctors in America must be either licensed or certified, and may be considered a primary care physician if they are licensed as acupuncture physicians. Common titles that are often noted for this profession, include D.O.M. (Doctor of Oriental Medicine), L.Ac.,C.Ac.,R.Ac., or O.M.D.

Generally speaking, Chinese medicine doctors, much like that of conventional medicine practitioners, have dedicated a fair amount of time and energy toward educational training in becoming a professional healthcare provider. Chinese medicine doctors will have attained much knowledge and essential skills in TCM theories (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and history. Other comprehensive education and preparation in becoming Chinese medicine doctors will include clinical and practical training in acupuncture points, needling techniques, herbal medicine, moxibustion, Qigong, Tai Chi, pathology, botanical medicine, Western medicine, physiology and anatomy.

In addition to ethical and business practices, Chinese medicine doctors are gaining lead way in modern America: for example, did you know that acupuncture (as a complementary medicine) has grown tremendously over the last two decades? According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM); an “estimated 8.2 million U.S. adults have used acupuncture.” That’s promising news for prospective Chinese medicine doctors. And for candidates that are working toward becoming Chinese medicine doctors, it is even more promising knowing that there are several Chinese medicine and acupuncture schools from which to choose.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding programs to become Chinese medicine doctors, let education within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

Chinese Medicine Doctors: Education and Credentials
© Copyright 2007

The CollegeBound Network

All Rights Reserved

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

Moxibustion, One of the Pillars of Treatment in Chinese Medicine at Chiva-Som International Health Resorts

Holistic remedies help thousands of people worldwide to overcome problems ranging from more serious diseases to the common cold. Holistic Therapist Nitchara Yimsuk answers some frequently asked questions, and tips us off about a versatile treatment called moxibustion.

What does holistic mean?

In holistic treatments we look at the whole person – physical, emotional and spiritual – rather than just treating the symptoms of the problem. We consider a person’s mind and body, diet and exercise, lifestyle and relationships, work and leisure, achievements and problems. Imbalances in any of these areas can contribute to illness.

Where do holistic treatments come from?

Holistic medicine is also known as alternative, integrative or complementary medicine, as it complements conventional practices. It may include, but is not limited to, the following disciplines: spiritual, religious, newly developed approaches to healing or pre-modern medical traditions. Chinese medicine, for instance, follows the holistic principle.

How do they work?

There are many approaches, from energy healing to the use of natural and plant products. The Taoist principles, on which Chinese medicine is based, stress the oneness of everything, the inseparability of solid matter and energy, the fact that there is a common source of all phenomena and experience.

What are some of Chiva-Som’s most popular holistic treatments?

The Detox Retreat is popular. It includes the Cleansing Diet, Colonic Hydrotherapy, Chi Nei Tsang and Acupressure Reflexology. Also high on the list are Flower Essence, Homeopathy and Moxibustion.

What is Moxibustion?

It’s a treatment from Traditional Chinese Medicine in which the herb Moxa Punk is burned on or above the skin at acupuncture points. Sometimes we use other herbs.

How does it work?

The heat warms the blood and the qi (the life force), which improves the flow within the energy channels of the body. Sometimes Moxibustion is recommended as a stand-alone treatment, at others it has a synergistic effect with acupuncture.

Why is it so effective?

The Moxa leaf is bitter and acrid and its nature is pure Yang. Depending on the amount used it produces a gentle warmth or a strong heat and expels cold and dampness.

What is Moxibustion recommended for?

It’s varied. It may be used in the treatment of acute diseases, cold syndromes, diseases of the channel and exterior syndromes, or chronic syndromes and diseases of the viscera (the internal organs). It’s frequently applied in treating arthralgia due to wind-cold-dampness. Also Yang collapse syndrome; Chronic Dysentery, Asthma, Phlegm Retention and Flaccidity Syndrome. It’s also good for some external syndromes, such as carbuncles and the common cold. Additionally, it can work in general health maintenance and disease prevention.

We hear it’s also useful in pregnancies?

Yes, Moxibustion has been used for centuries in China to turn breech babies. The theory behind this practice is that the heat travels up the bladder meridian, which is linked to the uterus. Additionally, it’s useful in treating some Gynaecological Diseases – such as Dysmenorrhea, Prolapse of the uterus, and Leucorrhoea – and Infantile Diseases, including Enuresis and Diarrhoea. Moxibustion is very versatile.

What are the latest holistic treatments that Chiva-Som is offering?

Vacuum-Cupping Massage and the Emotional Freedom technique are both new, and also Maya Massage, which is part of the Detox Retreat offered in the Spa.

How can people find out more about these remedies?

They can consult the website (www.chivasom.com), where there’s a list of holistic treatments and a brief description of each, or they can visit us here at Chiva-Som. All guests are welcome, and we are willing to make initial consultations for every individual who comes.

Our team of Naturopath Doctors and Practitioners work in a very secluded and peaceful environment.