Locating A Doctor Of Chinese Medicine Program

By Anna Thomas


Oriental medicine has long been an aspect of the holistic field of medicine. In fact, traditional Chinese medical treatments have been around for over 2,500 years. With that being the case, there are now a number of opportunities for individuals to attend a doctor of Chinese medicine program.

In this case, the program explores multiple areas of traditional Chinese treatment plans which include acupuncture detox, gerontology, oncology and psychology. During the program, students read a number of classic texts and conduct research studies on this ancient and powerful system of healing.

New students can apply on a direct basis. Whereas post-graduates holding a diploma in Acupuncture or Oriental Medicine can obtain an advanced degree in one or two years. In most cases, those whom have completed the Diploma of Acupuncture attend for two years while those whom have completed a Diploma of Oriental Medicine can complete the work in one year. In either case, the curriculum is the same for post-graduate and new students.

Students are responsible for assuring that if there are classes which require pre-requisites, that those classes have been completed before enrollment in such classes. A few of the courses in the program include Chinese Botanicals, Biomedical/Biological Sciences, Chinese Medicinal Clinical Practice and Oriental Medicine. It is up to each student to assure that the number of credits and hours required to complete each course are accurately reflected on transcripts prior to graduation.

Once having graduated, these individuals are certified to provide services to clients. Most often, practices are based in Chinese medicine which has been in existence for over 2,500 years. These practices include recommendations of exercise, various herbal medicines, massage and dietary therapies. While this is the case, there are some practitioners whom now blend Eastern and Western medical treatments.

With a successful and long history, these treatments are primarily used in Greater China. While this is the case, the practice is now gaining recognition throughout the world. In most cases, these practitioners believe in using treatments centered around the vital bodily energy of chi. The basic premise of the treatment is that by balancing chi energy which circulates throughout channels in the body known as meridians, healing will take place.

While investigations suggest that the practice shows no sign of success, clients and practitioners tend to disagree. For, there have been many clients whom have been cured or seen a reduction in pain following such treatments. As such, while scientists suggest there is no proof of success due to the practice not being born out of scientific knowledge or research, others have seen proof first hand.

Oriental and herbal medicine also remain poorly supported due to a lack of research. In fact, the United States Food and Drug Administration has been trying to make some plants used in the practice illegal for years. Whereas, while there are concerns over some mineral enhanced medicines, animal parts and potentially toxic plants, there have been very few issues related to these products.




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