Chinese Medicine Schools - Ancient Wisdom Revealed
Students who are looking for a unique and remarkable health care education may find that a Traditional Chinese Medicine school (TCM) might be an interesting academic avenue to take.
Chinese medicine schools base their curriculum on the Taoist philosophy, and are founded in the Chinese belief of dharma (often referred to as karma). Chinese medicine has deep-seated roots dating back well before 2000 B.C., and students who are fortunate to embrace this natural and wonderful medicine will discover its rich history and ancient ties to Chinese royalty.
Developed from Taoist medical texts, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is comprised of the Ling Shu, Su Wen, Nan Jing, Zhenjiu Daijing, Maijing, and Shang Han Lun. Armed with this ancient wisdom, Chinese medicine schools teach students about specific laws of nature including the yin and yang, the wuxing (five movements), the jingluo (principle channels), and numerous others.
Typically, Chinese medicine schools provide four years of course-intensive training, coupled with clinical internship so that students receive a thorough education in herbal medicine, as well as acupuncture and massage therapy. As a holistic approach to health care, oriental medicine schools instruct students in addressing "imbalances" of the body to restore harmony, and in affect, restore natural healing capabilities and overall wellbeing.
Apprentices of Chinese medicine are taught a variety of diagnostics, including the use of the Yin and Yang, Five Elements, Eight Principles, Zang Fu Theory, and more. Students will also learn about qi energy (life force) and how it is interconnected through meridians (energy channels) throughout the human body. They will explore these topics and come to understand how energy blockages can redirect or stop the flow of qi; thus, pinpointing the primary causes of both emotional and physical disorders and illness.
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Chinese medicine practitioners believe that particular points on the meridians correspond to specific parts of the body. For example, the Yang meridians of the leg are thought to affect the bladder, gall bladder and stomach. With comprehensive training, students who participate in a Chinese medicine school will soon understand how meridians are interrelated to different body parts and organs, and how various natural healing treatments (acupuncture, acupressure, tuina, herbal medicine, etc.) can effectively relieve or reduce symptoms.
Chinese medicine students will also gain a broad and enriching course of study that includes in-depth classes in TCM theory, diagnostics, acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tuina massage, TCM treatments, clinical training, TCM classics, integrative treatments, and other associated subjects. Those who successfully completed Doctorate Degree in Oriental Medicine will have completed over 4,000 class hours in a 4-5 year time span, and may sit for a national exam to acquire licensure to practice Chinese medicine and acupuncture.
While a few Chinese medicine practitioners seek monetary rewards of the trade, many go into practice as enlightened health care workers whose main satisfaction is gained through helping patients attain overall wellness. And this, too, is learned through the ancient (and not-so-ancient) wisdom that is taught at numerous Chinese medicine schools throughout the world.
To learn more about Chinese Medicine Schools and additional learning programs, we invite you to visit our Natural Healing Directory to find more in-depth information and resources.
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As a treating intern, you will gain first-hand knowledge of working in a clinical environment. You will have the opportunity to work at both our campus clinic and our off-site externships located at hospitals, clinics, and designated treatment sites. Working alongside acupuncturists, medical doctors, physical therapists, counselors, and fellow students, you’ll have the opportunity to treat different types of patients, and to put your classroom knowledge into practice.
