Find Chinese medicine careers in the United States and Canada. With the development of integrative and complementary medicines, Chinese medicine careers are on the rise. Traditional Chinese medicine including Tuina, acupuncture, and herbal medicine make up some of the broad practices that are integrated into Chinese medicine careers.
According to the National Center of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Chinese medicine careers in acupuncture are among the most popular CAM practices in the United States. In a report published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Chinese medicine careers in acupuncture are “being widely practiced by thousands of physicians, dentists, acupuncturists, and other practitioners – for relief or prevention of pain and for various other health conditions.”1
Chinese medicine careers encompass a vast array of natural healing techniques and modalities, including meridian therapy, Tai Chi, Qi gong, Chinese medical massage (Tuina), acupuncture, herbology, moxibustion (cupping), and related health and wellness methods.
While Chinese medicine careers can be quite lucrative, it is critical to understand that proper training and education is of utmost importance. Today, prospective candidates interested in pursuing Chinese medicine careers must have substantial instruction (and licensure, depending on specific field) in order to practice professionally. If you’re one of many students drawn to this ancient healing art, it is wise to carefully review state educational requirements and regulations regarding Chinese medicine careers. For example, Oriental medicine schools offering Chinese medicine academic programs may vary in length and specialty. Some training programs in Chinese medicine careers range from mere months, up to five years.
Many Chinese medicine careers require a comprehensive education in anatomy, biophysics, Oriental medicine, nutrition, herbology, acupuncture, and needling techniques; this, in addition to clinical experience and prerequisite education from an accredited college or university. Furthermore, Chinese medicine careers often require certification and/or licensure; and depending on the state in which you reside, formal training requirements and internship programs may be different.
If you (or someone you know) are interested in attaining one of several Chinese medicine careers, let education within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs [http://school.holisticjunction.com/clickcount.php?id=6634739&goto=http://www.holisticjunction.com/search.cfm] near you.
References:Barnes PM, Powell-Griner E, McFann K, Nahin RL. Complementary and alternative medicine use among adults: United States, 2002. CDC Advance Data Report #343. 2004.
Chinese Medicine Careers Today
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There are two careers in naturopathic medicine: Naturopathic Doctors (ND) and Naturopathic Medical Doctors (NMD). The primary difference between these two professions is that Naturopathic Medical Doctors must have completed additional training in clinical sciences.
Prerequisites for entry into most naturopathy colleges or schools includes an equivalent of a four-year degree in basic sciences; including biology, chemistry, physics, math, and humanities.
Once you’ve completed all course prerequisites, you must complete a minimum of a four- to six-year course of study in naturopathy to earn one of the careers in naturopathic medicine. The four-year curriculum entails comprehensive studies in biochemistry, human physiology, histology, embryology, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principles, hydrotherapy, botanical medicine, macronutrients, homeopathy, and more.
Upon completion of clinical education and practical training, graduates need to take board exams to meet the standards, which are required by individual States and/or Nationally. Depending in which State you reside, you may require licensure — as is the case in Canadian Provinces, and in 13 US States. In addition, careers in naturopathic medicine must be maintained by keeping certification and/or licensure updated through continuing education programs.
Careers in naturopathic medicine are perfect for candidates who have good communication skills, and who can effectively use observation capabilities to “read” patients, and treat individual healthcare needs. As a holistic profession, careers in naturopathic medicine adhere to quality care principles including the Hippocratic Oath, which includes treating the “whole person,” and to “first do no harm,” among others.
If you (or someone you know) are interested in learning more about these or other wellness occupations, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, naturopathy, acupuncture, Chinese medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore careers in naturopathic medicine near you.
Careers in Naturopathic Medicine
There is always a point where science collides with belief systems and sparks fly. Looking around the US right now, the continuing confrontation over the teaching of evolution is a classic example. At a slightly lower level of intensity is the continuing conflict between the “hard science” doctors and those who are persuaded that there are alternative approaches to treatment with equally good outcomes. Take acupuncture as an example. This comes out of nearly two thousand years of medical experience in China. Even though some of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) methods have been displaced in favor of Western methods, the healthcare service in many Asian and ASEAN countries continues to rely on acupuncture as an effective treatment for a range of different problems. Putting TCM to one side, there are also major claims made for different forms of meditation. Some are explicitly rooted in religions. Others are directly adapted to the management of pain. Unfortunately, the Enlightenment and the adoption of the scientific method by Western doctors leads them to a quick dismissal of everything not backed up by their science. Even when shown perfectly respectable research proving some of the claims for “unscientific” methods, they still refuse to even consider them. Their prejudices are deep-seated.
In the case of meditation, there is a growing body of Western-based research using the scientific method which shows excellent outcomes when people suffering from chronic pain are taught how to meditate. In essence, the point is to change the attitude of people towards their pain. Put another way: the level of intensity of the pain stays the same but the people change their emotional reaction to it. At some level, this represents a form of intellectual distraction. People are trained how to disconnect themselves from the pain and to search for ways to live their lives without worrying about it. Too often, people allow the pain to dominate their every waking moments. They fear the pain will always be there and this becomes a self-fulfilling prophesy that blights their lives. Avoiding this fear and focussing instead on positive ways to cope with the reality of the pain allows people to rebuild their daily lives and to function more effectively.
There is an old saying: give a starving man a fish and he eats well that night, but teach him how to fish and he can eat well every night. Teaching people how to meditate is the latter. It gives them a path to follow for the rest of their lives. For some there is a problem. It’s not a quick fix. rather it relies on them to invest time and effort into solving their own problems. At first, there may be a place for painkillers and tramadol is probably the best for relieving moderate to severe pain. But as people begin to feel the benefit flowing from this new discipline for the mind, the need for drugs will diminish. The ideal is to live without the help of any drug. If your private health insurance includes meditation for pain management, get an early appointment. If you have some savings, it is a good investment. Otherwise, buy tramadol. It will give you relief while the healthcare service catches up with the best research.
Acupuncture as a career can be a professional health practice you can enjoy for a lifetime. Besides getting licensed you can also be certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Practitioners with this certification can use the title Diplomate of Acupuncture. The professional abbreviation is Dipl.Ac. Acupuncturists learn just how to diagnose the various ailments of a patient and how to treat them using very thin stainless-steel needles inserted into specific points on the surface of the skin. The insertion of the acupuncture needles triggers certain biochemical and physiological reactions in the body and that is what promotes healing.
Acupuncture schools that offer courses in traditional Chinese medicine often include other aspects of traditional medicine, like anatomy, body therapy, massage therapy, and various sciences. You will want to find an acupuncture school that offers small classes. And you want to opt for a school whose program emphasizes courses in traditional Chinese medicine; acupuncture is just one part of traditional Chinese medicine.
First of all you will want to find out what the school and program options are in your home area. Acupuncture schools will offer the science and the philosophy of acupuncture too. It’s important to get a complete picture of all the treatments offered by the acupuncture school you’re considering, to acquire the skills needed to be well-rounded and well-versed for your patients.
Find out if your state is on the national list that has about 50 acupuncture schools with accredited programs. The Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) is the national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit master’s-level programs in the acupuncture and Oriental medicine profession, so make sure the school you’re considering has this accreditation. For naturopathic schools that offer acupuncture programs see the List of Accredited Natural Medicine Colleges in North America.
Know that each state and each discipline has its own strict rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. Before you commit to any acupuncture school or to any acupuncture training take a look at the “Fundamentals of Chinese Acupuncture” by Andrew Ellis, Nigel Wiseman, and Ken Bosson, (484pp., illustrated, Harcourt, 1991 paperback.) This text book is used in many acupuncture schools and acupuncture programs and will give you an idea if you want to pursue acupuncture as a career. Talk to the financial aid counselors at the acupuncture school or college you’re thinking about and see if they have any suggestions for scholarships, grants, loans or other financial aid.
Among other things, acupuncture is also used for arthritis, headaches, migraine headaches, quitting smoking, weight loss, fertility, fibromyalgia, depression, insomnia, face lifts as in facial acupuncture, back pain, high blood pressure, pregnancy, cosmetic purposes, anxiety, Crohn’s disease and asthma. It’s also used with dogs and other animals as in veterinary acupuncture.
Acupuncture programs in acupuncture schools are expensive and usually require three years or so of course work; some programs can take up to five years to complete. Another good textbook to review in advance of your decision is: “The Foundations of Chinese Medicine”, a comprehensive text for acupuncturists and herbalists, (Maciocia, 528pp., 96 illustrated, Harcourt, 1989.)
Economic burden may be lessened somewhat with financial aid from federal student loans. If you decide to visit an acupuncture practitioner to learn more before you commit to acupuncture as a career, make sure to choose a practitioner who is licensed by a recognized national acupuncture organization. And in order to qualify for federal assistance be sure to enroll in a school that’s accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM).
Our advanced medicine has proven the effectiveness of many natural treatments that have been practiced in other countries for many centuries. Because of this, more and more insurance companies are covering alternative treatments like acupuncture. Keep your allopathic doctor or your naturopathic doctor informed about alternative medical techniques or procedures you decide to undertake. And once you’re licensed or practicing acupuncture as a student in training, never attempt to use acupuncture to treat potentially life-threatening symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain. Always refer these patients to the appropriate doctor.
For more information on choosing the best acupuncture schools and finding the best acupuncture school financing go to http://www.AcupunctureSchoolsTips.com a nurse’s website specializing in acupuncture schools tips, help, facts, free resources, including information on acupuncture schools list
Acupuncture schools that offer courses in traditional Chinese medicine often include other segments of traditional medicine, such as anatomy, body therapy, massage therapy, and various sciences. It’s important to get a total picture of all the treatments offered by the acupuncture schools so you acquire the necessary skills to be well-rounded and well-versed for your patients. First of all you’ll want to find out what school and program options are in your area.
For naturopathy schools that offer acupuncture programs see the established List of Accredited Natural Medicine Colleges in North America. States such as California have quite a few acupuncture schools to choose from, while Wisconsin has only one school and some states have none at all. The ACAOM (Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) is the national accrediting agency and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit Master’s-level programs in the acupuncture and Oriental medicine professions, so make sure the school you’re considering has this accreditation.
Acupuncture schools usually offer the science and philosophy of acupuncture too. You can call each school you’re considering and ask to speak to a recruiting counselor to find out what is the student-to-teacher ratio is. Try to get smaller classes. Check to see if your home state is on the national list of about 50 acupuncture schools that have accredited programs.
Acupuncture programs in acupuncture schools are expensive and usually require three years or so of course work. Some of the programs can be up to five years. One good textbook to review in advance of your decision is: “The Foundations of Chinese Medicine” a comprehensive text for acupuncturists and herbalists by Maciocia. In order to qualify for federal assistance be sure to enroll in a school that’s accredited by the ACAOM.
And if you’re visiting an acupuncture clinic as a patient to learn more about acupuncture, make sure to ask about any drawbacks that might go along with an acupuncture career. Acupuncture is particularly effective at relieving or treating chronic muscle pain, stress, and PMS just to name a few symptoms. Before you commit to learning about any alternative medical technique, be aware that some of them may not have been scientifically evaluated.
Before you commit to any acupuncture school or to any acupuncture training you might want to purchase “Fundamentals of Chinese Acupuncture” by Ellis, Wiseman, and Bosson. This text book is used in many acupuncture schools and acupuncture programs and will give you an idea if you want to pursue a career in acupuncture. Note that each state and each discipline has its own strict rules about how alternative medicine practitioners are to be professionally licensed.
The economic burden can be lessened with financial aid in a variety of forms. If you need financial aid try contacting some of your local philanthropic organizations and health organizations to see if they know of any scholarships that are still available. Sometimes these organizations have some scholarship money that was unused and will accept an application for it. Talk to the financial aid officers at the school you have in mind and see what suggestions they have for grants, scholarships and federal aid.
There is always federal money available for education. There is money set aside for online degree programs also. Check and see if your school has any of its classes available online and if so then apply for these funds. There are also education loans and student loans available if you’re unable to get any full or partial scholarships or grants.
Our advanced medicine has proven the effectiveness of many treatments that have been practiced in other countries for centuries and as a result, more and more insurance companies are covering alternative treatments such as acupuncture. Make sure to learn about your state’s licensing requirements for acupuncturists before you do anything. After graduation from an acupuncture school or program and as a licensed acupuncturist you could choose to have a cosmetic acupuncture or facial acupuncture practice or even run a veterinary acupuncture clinic.