Ancient Wisdom at Acupuncture Schools
by Robyn Tellefsen
Acupuncture and Oriental medicine might sound like a new, faddish addition to the holistic health care field, but its origins actually date back over 3,000 years in China. And, these techniques have been practiced in the U.S. for more than 150 years. Intrigued? Find out why the ancient arts are modern modalities at acupuncture schools.
Terminology
Acupuncture and Oriental medicine is a complex system of patient observation, questioning, and palpation. These skills are used to determine the course and type of treatment, which may include acupuncture, acupressure, moxabustion (heat therapy), dietary therapy, and lifestyle counseling based on Oriental medicine principles and the use of Chinese herbs.
The goal of treatment is to restore or maintain optimum health, improve physiological function, and relieve pain. Oriental medicine perceives the circulation and balance of energy in the body as fundamental to the well-being of the individual.
Training
In order to become an acupuncturist, you'll need to earn a degree or diploma from accredited acupuncture schools. There, you'll be educated in a broad range of health issues, including chronic disease, pain, internal medicine, rehabilitation, and prevention based on Oriental medical theory.
Be sure to research acupuncture schools to find one that's accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). Currently, ACAOM has over 50 acupuncture schools and colleges with accredited or candidacy status. The U.S. Department of Education authorizes ACAOM to accredit three-year master's level programs in acupuncture and four-year master's level programs in acupuncture and Oriental medicine.
Testing
Once you've been educated at acupuncture schools, you may take certification exams given by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) to indicate that you have met national standards for the safe and competent practice of acupuncture. NCCAOM certification is a requirement for licensure in most states. Since its inception, the NCCAOM has certified over 13,000 diplomates.
To attain the diplomate in Acupuncture (NCCAOM), you must pass modules in foundations of Oriental medicine, acupuncture, point location, and biomedicine. To become a diplomate of Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), you must pass all these modules plus one in Chinese herbology.
Trajectory
According to the National Acupuncture Foundation's "Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine State Laws and Regulations, 2005 Edition," there are over 22,000 acupuncture and Oriental medicine practitioners in the U.S., and some 7,000 students enrolled in the various acupuncture schools and Oriental medicine colleges. About one-third of all acupuncture and Oriental medicine practitioners are in California.
And, the future of acupuncture and Oriental medicine in the U.S. is promising, due to a growing awareness that successful medical treatment involves looking at patients holistically, beyond mere physical symptoms.
Learn from the past and consider your future at acupuncture schools.
Terminology
Acupuncture and Oriental medicine is a complex system of patient observation, questioning, and palpation. These skills are used to determine the course and type of treatment, which may include acupuncture, acupressure, moxabustion (heat therapy), dietary therapy, and lifestyle counseling based on Oriental medicine principles and the use of Chinese herbs.
The goal of treatment is to restore or maintain optimum health, improve physiological function, and relieve pain. Oriental medicine perceives the circulation and balance of energy in the body as fundamental to the well-being of the individual.
Training
In order to become an acupuncturist, you'll need to earn a degree or diploma from accredited acupuncture schools. There, you'll be educated in a broad range of health issues, including chronic disease, pain, internal medicine, rehabilitation, and prevention based on Oriental medical theory.
Be sure to research acupuncture schools to find one that's accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). Currently, ACAOM has over 50 acupuncture schools and colleges with accredited or candidacy status. The U.S. Department of Education authorizes ACAOM to accredit three-year master's level programs in acupuncture and four-year master's level programs in acupuncture and Oriental medicine.
Testing
Once you've been educated at acupuncture schools, you may take certification exams given by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) to indicate that you have met national standards for the safe and competent practice of acupuncture. NCCAOM certification is a requirement for licensure in most states. Since its inception, the NCCAOM has certified over 13,000 diplomates.
To attain the diplomate in Acupuncture (NCCAOM), you must pass modules in foundations of Oriental medicine, acupuncture, point location, and biomedicine. To become a diplomate of Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), you must pass all these modules plus one in Chinese herbology.
Trajectory
According to the National Acupuncture Foundation's "Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine State Laws and Regulations, 2005 Edition," there are over 22,000 acupuncture and Oriental medicine practitioners in the U.S., and some 7,000 students enrolled in the various acupuncture schools and Oriental medicine colleges. About one-third of all acupuncture and Oriental medicine practitioners are in California.
And, the future of acupuncture and Oriental medicine in the U.S. is promising, due to a growing awareness that successful medical treatment involves looking at patients holistically, beyond mere physical symptoms.
Learn from the past and consider your future at acupuncture schools.
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