Chinese Medicine: an Overview

Chinese medicine sometimes referred to as TCM (Traditional Chinese
Medicine) or CCM (Classical Chinese Medicine) has a rich history
dating back to thousands of years B.C. Based on the philosophies of
the Tao and classical Chinese beliefs, these two variations of
Chinese medicine differ from each other in that CCM strictly adheres
to roots of the ancient Chinese medicine; and TCM is a more accepted
form of alternative medicine that has become more "Westernized" in
conjunction with modern terms.

Broadly taught throughout China, TCM is also offered through a number
of Chinese medicine or acupuncture schools in North America as well.
Teaching holistic principles that demonstrate how all things are
connected (mind, spirit, and body); future Chinese medicine
practitioners learn how to prescribe herbal prescriptions relative to
the patient. The belief is to treat the "whole person," not the
disease.

Chinese medicine aims to balance the yin (water and earth) and yang
(fire and air) of the body's life force (Chi or Qi); and is a highly
evolved medicine in that it approaches healthcare on the foundation of
the meridian system (energy channels of the body). Unlike conventional
medicine in the West, Chinese medicine places an emphasis on the
body's elements, and their interrelation with the body's individual
systems.

If you visit a Chinese medicine practitioner, you will discover an
entirely different form of diagnostics. In addition to observing a
patient's face, these holistic health practitioners perform a pulse
diagnosis (palpation of the radial artery pulse), body palpation, and
other unique non-invasive diagnostic measures.

Once a Chinese medicine practitioner has formulated his observations,
and has come to a conclusive treatment method, some of the many
holistic medicines that he might offer include Chinese herbal
medicine, acupuncture, holistic nutrition advice, moxibustion,
cupping, Tuina (Chinese medical massage), Qigong, or Tai Chi, among
others. Some specialized practitioners may administer auriculotherapy
(ear acupuncture) as a health treatment.

Licensed Chinese medicine practitioners today have acquired a great
deal of education and training. While there are many acupuncture and
Oriental medicine schools in North America and abroad, no two
curriculums are the same. However, prospective students in the United
States have the option to enroll in a variety of Oriental medicine
programs including Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine
(MSTOM), Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM), or
Bachelors or Masters in Traditional Oriental medicine and acupuncture,
among others.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding educational
programs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, let professional training
within fast-growing industries like massotherapy, cosmetology,
acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started!
Explore Chinese medicine programs near you.

Chinese Medicine: An Overview

© 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.

_By: *CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd*_

*About the Author:*

*Resource Box:* CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web
Consultant for HolisticJunction.com [1], _in association with
CollegeSurfing.com_ - Educational Resources for Chinese Medicine [2],
Acupuncture [3] Schools, and other Healing Arts Programs.

Links:
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[1] http://www.holisticjunction.com
[2] http://www.holisticjunction.com/categories/HAD/chinese-medicine.html
[3] http://www.holisticjunction.com/categories/HAD/acupuncture-and-oriental-medicine.html