Massage Therapy
Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Basic Understanding
TCM is based on the balance of opposing elements (the yin and yang) in the body, as well as their harmony with the environment around it. The two main forces of yin and yang combine to form the “qi” (pronounced as “chee”) or universal life force. When qi is in harmony, health is not only enhanced but also the capacity for fufilment, happiness and well being. Disease and illness arise from imbalances of yin and yang that block the proper flow of qi. Therapies to treat disease are aimed at restoring the balance and unblocking the flow to restore health.
TCM is primarily non-invasive. TCM treatments include the use of Chinese herbs, acupuncture, meditation, Chinese massage therapy, mental and physical disciplines such as Tai Chi and Qigong and nutritional therapy. Practitioners will attempt to realign the body’s balance using a combination of treatments before suggesting surgery by a Western Doctor.
Most research into the effectiveness of TCM has been conducted on acupuncture. Although it has been difficult to conclusively prove the benefits of acupunture, the results of large-scale studies are sufficiently convincing enough for FDA to consider the tradition “promising” and worthy of further study.
In addition, it has been proven that many herbs used in Chinese medicine have therapeutic benefits. For instance, ginseng and Echinacea are both powerful herbs with strong medicinal actions. More recently, there has been some acknowledgement that Chinese massage therapies do help to manipulate muscles, nerves and tendons.
There are many criticisms of TCM as a form of healing. Most TCM methodologies have no research basis and remain largely unproven. Also, some of the TCM beliefs have been mixed with Eastern mythology. For instance, tiger penis is used as an energy supplement as tigers are considered energetic animals. Whether it really helps to boost energy levels remain unsubstantiated by proper research. Most of the Chinese herbs are also not regulated. This makes it more important to consult with a reputable and reliable TCM practitioner.
However, aside from the criticisms, there is much merit in the philosophy of TCM. healing. If more research can be done into TCM, then the mythology can be separated from the facts and perhaps, more people will embrace TCM more readily as a form of healing.
Related posts
Chinese Medicine Education: Certificate Programs
A good example of one of the many certificate programs extended through an in-depth Chinese medicine education is the certificate in Chinese herbal medicine (CCHM). This Chinese medicine education program is a postgraduate course for licensed acupuncturists and covers a tremendous curriculum that includes Chinese medicine education in botany, Chinese medical terminology, herbal formulation and therapeutics, Chinese medicine principles and theories, and other related subject matter. Though each school varies in its Chinese medicine education; a number of these programs average about 62 credits.
Other certificate programs offered through Chinese medicine education courses are the Asian bodywork and Qigong courses. Chinese medicine education in these subjects encompass practical training and academics in a range of topics including but not limited to TCM theories, anatomy, qigong, clinical bodywork, shiatsu, biomechanics, kinesiology, Thai massage, Tuina, and other related studies. In many instances, successful students who have completed all bodywork training requirements are awarded Tuina and shiatsu massage certificates.
In addition, some Chinese medicine education courses are extended through home-study programs, as well as in-class studies. These certificate and continuing education programs include courses in herbology. In this Chinese medicine education course, students are introduced to Chinese herbal medicine, pathology, tonic herbs and formulation, and many more associated topics of interest.
Furthermore, several alternative healing schools will provide Chinese medicine education certificate and/or diploma courses in Oriental medicine nutrition, skin care, wellness and acupressure.
If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding appropriate Chinese medicine training 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 Education: Certificate Programs
© 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.
Related posts
Careers in Chinese Medicine
To get a general overview of careers in Chinese medicine, it is important that you review some of the credentials that are necessary to practice Traditional Chinese Medicine, commonly known as “TCM.” For instance, if you would like to become a licensed acupuncturist, it is a good idea to take essential classes now while you are still in high school or college so you can meet prerequisites to enroll in a Chinese medicine school. Additionally, it is equally important to evaluate the Oriental medicine college in which you’d like to enroll as some educational institutions offer a greater assortment of diploma and/or degree programs.
Careers in Chinese medicine are diverse and include healing arts professions like Chinese medical massage therapists, acupuncturists, Chinese herbalists, doctors of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Oriental medicine practitioners. Depending on how much time you would like to invest in achieving one of the careers in Chinese medicine, you should examine which course will meet your aspirations. For example, if you are seriously contemplating a career as a licensed Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, you can anticipate up to five years of comprehensive training and education in clinical research in TCM, herbal pharmacology, TCM treatment modalities, TCM pathologies, and TCM classics, among others.
Other careers in Chinese medicine like the Chinese Tuina (Chinese medical massage) practitioner can be attained once students have completed specialized training (often in less than a year) in Tuina, (energy medicine and bodywork techniques similar to acupressure). Upon completion of training, graduates are awarded a diploma or certificate.
If you’re not squeamish, careers in Chinese medicine such as acupuncture can be a rewarding field of natural healthcare. Acupuncture programs often entail up to 3,000 hours of in-depth training in various Oriental medicine needling techniques, as well as education in the philosophies, principles and applications of TCM. As with most health care providers, careers in Chinese medicine (like acupuncturists and Oriental medicine practitioners) commonly require State licensure, and annual continuing education to maintain licensure and/or certification to practice.
Additional information regarding careers in Chinese medicine can also be researched at the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, where prospective practitioners can learn more about statistics and what educational requirements are necessary for professional goals.
If you (or someone you know) are interested in learning more about these or other Oriental medicine programs, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore careers in Chinese medicine near you.
Careers in Chinese Medicine
© Copyright 2008
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.
Related posts