What To Expect From An Acupuncture Treatment

Acupuncture is a modality of Oriental medicine and has been utilized for over 5,000 years by various Eastern cultures. Similar to other holistic therapies, it encompasses the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and focuses on treating the body as a whole, taking into consideration the physical mental and emotional factors. Acupuncturists are taught to touch, listen, and observe the patient carefully, allowing the practitioner to determine and treat the root cause of the problem, rather than just its symptoms.

An Acupuncture treatment consists of the Acupuncturist using various methods in diagnosing the problem. Subsequently, the Acupuncturist will devise a treatment plan consisting primarily of “needling”.  However the plan may also incorporate a variety of TCM modalities into the patient’s treatment including Chinese nutrition, herbology, Asian Bodywork Therapy, yoga, t’ai chi and more. “Needling” is the insertion of thin sterile disposable acupuncture needles into specific points in the patient’s body and stimulating them for the purpose of restoring harmony to the patient’s flow of energy, or qi.

Acupuncture has been found to treat a variety of ailments and as a result, is steadily being integrated into Western medicine. Currently, Acupuncture is utilized by all branches of the U.S. Military for the treatment of various ailments including chronic pain and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Additionally approximately 30% of Western physicians refer their patients to Holistic therapies today and in particular, Acupuncture. The growing popularity of Acupuncture treatment is creating a variety of gainful employment opportunities for trained Acupuncturists in the United States.

Many individuals decide to study Acupuncture due to personal benefits they have received from an Acupuncture treatment. Holistic medicine, and in particular Acupuncture, is a steadily growing industry that is in demand for trained Acupuncturists. Individuals interested in pursuing Acupuncture are advised to find an ACAOM accredited Acupuncture school that has a curriculum consisting of Acupuncture treatment techniques as well as Traditional Chinese Medicine principles.

New York College of Health Professions is an exemplary Acupuncture School that is ACAOM accredited, allows for working students to attend school full-time or part-time, day, evening or on weekends, and has 4 convenient locations on Long Island and in New York City. Their Graduate School of Oriental Medicine offers a 145-credit, nine-trimester Acupuncture Program. Graduates that successfully complete this program earn a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Health Science/ Master of Science – Acupuncture degree.

Oriental Medicine School – Find The Best School For Your Career Goals

Oriental medicine is a general term encompassing therapies that originated in Asia, many of which have been utilized for over 5, 000 years. A modality of holistic medicine, Oriental medicine follows Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles. One of the prevailing TCM principles is that the body should be treated as a whole, taking into consideration the physical, mental and emotional factors affecting the patient’s overall well-being. In the United States, Oriental medicine did not become popular until the early 1980’s when an increasing number of people sought natural therapies.

The increased interest in Oriental medicine and other complementary therapies has subsequently increased the demand for educated Oriental medicine practitioners. As a result, an increasing number of states are beginning to regulate Oriental medicine education and practice. New York State, for instance, requires an individual to attend an accredited Oriental medicine school prior to becoming licensed.

New York College of Health Professions offers accredited degree programs in complementary therapies. Their Graduate School of Oriental Medicine offers a 185-credit, ten-trimester accredited degree program in Oriental Medicine, at the completion of which graduates receive a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Health Science/Masters of Science - Oriental Medicine degree. The program’s curriculum includes TCM diagnosis, acupuncture techniques, herbology, Oriental sciences and holistic methods, Western and Eastern nutrition, as
well as Qi Gong, Yoga and T’ai Chi Chuan.

Upon graduating the program, students are required by New York State to successfully pass the certification exams conducted by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) to be granted a NYS Acupuncture license. Acquiring your training and education from an ACAOM accredited institution will ensure that you are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to pass these exams.

Due to the steady integration of complementary therapies such as Oriental medicine with Western approach, licensed Oriental medicine practitioners have a growing number of employment opportunities available to them. In fact, over 30% of Western physicians recommend complementary therapies to their patients.  Therefore, practitioners can choose to work in hospitals, clinics, wellness spas and even open their own practice.

Massage Therapy College: Gateway to a Bright Future

Massage therapy is one of the oldest therapeutic treatments still in practice today. Not only has it been used for over 5,000 years, but it is steadily gaining popularity as a complementary form of medicine. The practice of massage therapy has been developed all over the world, from Sweden to China to ancient Greece and Rome. The word 'massage' has many different roots, including Asian, Greek, Latin, and Arabic, with the general root word being massage or massō, meaning 'to knead, handle, or touch.' Massage therapy is the practice of manipulating the superficial and deep tissues of the skin, muscles, and connective tissues such as tendons and ligaments. It is used to enhance muscle function and increase circulation, and to ease tension and diminish muscle reflex activity. It also reduces stress, musculoskeletal pain, anxiety, and depression, as well as to promote relaxation and a sense of general well- being.

 Massage therapy was introduced to the United States in the mid 19th century by two doctors in New York. By the 1930's and 1940's, advances in more traditional medicine were made, and the popularity of massage therapy diminished. However, by the late 1960s and early 1970s, professional athletes were using massage therapy to help treat injuries. Members of the counterculture, who were very attracted to various forms of natural medicines, also started studying and practicing massage therapy as a complementary therapy to Western medical practices. Massage therapy colleges began to be established nationwide, training students in anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, and various massage techniques.
  
Massage therapy is steadily gaining momentum in the United States. According to the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), The U.S. public spent an estimated $33.9 billion out-of-pocket on complementary therapies in 2007. Right now, there are approximately 300,000 massage therapists and massage therapy college students in the United States. It is a rapidly growing field, and many successful companies such as Google, General Electric, and FedEx offer it to their employees in order to reduce workplace stress and boost productivity. Massage therapy has been proven to be a healthy complementary therapy for issues such as anxiety, and is gaining momentum in the fast-paced, stressful world of today.

Currently, 38 states including New York regulate the licensing of massage therapists. In order to gain proper training in massage therapy, it is important to enroll in an accredited Massage Therapy College such as New York College of Health Professions. Their institutionally accredited Massage Therapy Associate Degree Program requires hands-on experience and classes in western health sciences,oriental science, Swedish, medical, Tui Na and reflexology  T’ai Chi Chuan, Qi Gong and Yoga to help their students understand their own body’s mechanics. With three locations in New York City and a campus in Syosset, Long Island, New York College is conveniently located for most students living in New York’s tri-state area.  Such knowledge readies graduates to succeed in the rewarding field of massage therapy.