Five Factors To Consider Before Enrolling In Acupuncture School

In recent years, Acupuncture educational programs across the country have experienced a peak in enrollment numbers. More patients in the United States have gravitated towards holistic medicine and more natural approaches to healthcare which in turn has created an increase in job opportunities. Acupuncture is the one of the most widely practiced forms of complementary medicine in the world today. The age-old method of Traditional Chinese Medicine utilizes hair-thin needles to target specific acupoints in the body. Acupuncture is used in the treatment of chronic pain, and can also benefit patients who are looking to quit smoking or are struggling with stress, anxiety or depression.

Until rather recently, in the late 1990’s, comprehensive education was not available in holistic medicine. The only Acupuncture schools available prior to the standardization of holistic medicine education were private workshops, which were typically taught by individuals who had studied techniques abroad. Today, majority of the States in the United States require a license for Acupuncturists to be able to treat patients. In order to receive a license, a State-determined amount of hours must be spent studying the techniques and principles both in a classroom environment as well as a supervised clinical atmosphere.

Due to the steadily growing popularity of holistic medicine, the amount of Acupuncture schools opening nationwide has increased exponentially. However, not every school is accredited, or the right fit for every individual. Prior to making a decision as to the right school for you, consider the following five factors:

1. Does the school meet your State’s licensing requirements? Is it recognized by national organizations in its field?

2. Are both full-time and part-time courses available?

3. Does the school work with government financial assistance? Can you utilize grants and loans to help pay for your education?

4. Does the school offer a clinical internship where you will be able to put your knowledge to the test? Remember, this is required by most States.

5. What is the placement rate of the school’s alumni? Are most of them now working as licensed Acupuncturists?

If you are considering becoming a licensed Acupuncturist in the New York area, New York College of Health Professions is an Acupuncture school accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) and is highly regarded in the community for its holistic medicine programs. New York College of Health Professions offers degrees in Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture and Massage Therapy as well as continuing education programs. The Graduate School of Oriental Medicine features a 145-credit, nine-trimester Acupuncture School that focuses on Acupuncture methods, Asian Bodywork Therapy, Chinese nutrition, Herbal medicine and physical arts such as T’ai chi and Yoga. The college has four locations in New York City and Long Island. In addition to the school’s exceptional curriculum, flexible schedules, affordable tuition and high placement rates, they hold open houses on a regular basis offering prospective students an inside look at the institution and its faculty and current students. Upon completion, students will graduate with a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Health Science/Master of Science – Acupuncture degree.

Could Acupuncture School Be For You?

Are you feeling stuck in a job you don’t like? Have you ever considered pursuing a career in a growing health care field? Acupuncture is one of the most popular forms of complementary medicine practiced worldwide, offering you an opportunity for a gainful, exciting career.

Originating in China more than 5,000 years ago, Acupuncture incorporates Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles of treating the body as a whole, taking into consideration the patient’s physical, mental and emotional concerns. Prior to receiving their first Acupuncture treatment, a patient is asked a series of questions about their physical and mental health. Based on those answers as well as a physical examination of the patient, an Acupuncturist devises a treatment plan, which will consist of “needling” and possibly other holistic therapies such as massage therapy.  “Needling” is the insertion of thin needles into specific acupoints of the patient’s body. This process is taught in detail at an Acupuncture school.

Acupuncture is generally painless and with consistent visits, patients can find relief from chronic pain in the neck, back and shoulders, chronic pain due to arthritis or migraines, stress and anxiety, depression and more. As a licensed Acupuncturist, you can choose to work in a hospital, clinical spa, rehabilitation center, private corporation and more. Google is one of the many corporations that offer holistic medicine services to their employees on site.

Some Acupuncturists may choose branch out on their own to take advantage of being their own boss and enjoy a flexible schedule. In the recent years, patients struggling with chronic pain, stress and anxiety have been turning to Acupuncture and other forms of holistic medicine more than ever before. The holistic healthcare field is one that is thriving and presents a fruitful opportunity for well-trained and licensed practitioners.

If you are considering furthering your education in the New York area, the New York College of Health Professions is an Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) accredited Acupuncture School recognized for its holistic medicine programs. The New York College of Health Professions offers degrees in Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture and Massage Therapy as well as continuing education programs and more. The Graduate School of Oriental Medicine features a 145-credit, nine-trimester Acupuncture School that focuses on Acupuncture methods, Asian Bodywork Therapy, Chinese nutrition, herbal medicine and physical arts such as T’ai Chi and yoga. The college has four locations between New York City and Long Island. In addition to the school’s exceptional curriculum, flexible schedules, affordable tuition and high placement rates, they hold open houses on a regular basis offering prospective students an inside look at the institution and its faculty and current students. Upon completion, students will graduate with a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Health Science/Master of Science – Acupuncture degree.

Understanding How Asian Bodywork Therapy Heals

Oriental Medicine, a natural approach to healthcare, focuses on healing the human mind, body and spirit as one by establishing a balance of energy. Asian Bodywork Therapy uses movement, pressure and manipulation on the body to treat the mind, body and spirit, including the electromagnetic and energy field. This treatment is an ancient form of Traditional Chinese Medicine that assesses the energetic system and focuses on the flow and harmony of Qi, Jing, Shen, Xue and Jin-ye. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, the disharmony of these five essential forces is believed to cause pain and illness.

Asian Bodywork techniques vary based upon the course of treatment deemed necessary by the practitioner, but can range from rubbing, pressing, stretching, the use of heat or cold on specific points of the body and a combination of diet and exercise suggestions. Three common forms of Asian Bodywork are Amma, Shiatsu and Tui Na.

- Amma is known as the progenitor of all hand-healing therapies that focus on the energetic system.

- Shiatsu evolved in the early 20th century as an extension of Amma treatment that applies pressure to the muscle tissue that restores balance to the body’s energetic system.

- Tui Na incorporates Chinese martial arts principles and is often taught to advanced martial arts students for the management of pain and injury due to training.

If you are looking to pursue a degree in Asian Bodywork Therapy in the metro New York area, the New York College of Health Professions offers an accredited Bachelor’s degree program. The college has four locations across New York City and Long Island. In addition to the school’s exceptional academic curicculum, flexible class schedules, affordable tuition and high placement rates, they hold open houses on a regular basis offering prospective students an inside look at the institution and its faculty and current students. Students interested in completing the Bachelor’s degree program must hold an Associate’s degree in Massage Therapy which includes courses like Asian Bodywork, Medical Massage and Swedish Massage, Relexology, Oriental Anatomy and Physiology in addition to traditional Western health sciences. The continued Bachelor’s degree program is a 60-credit course that enhances the basics of Massage Therapy with an in-depth assessment and practical study of advanced Asian Bodywork techniques like Tui Na and Shiatsu.