Tuesday, 12 February 2013

Attending an Oriental Medicine School

Oriental Medicine originated in Ancient China in approximately 3,000 B.C. and encompasses the practices, philosophies and traditions of ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Although Oriental Medicine was consistently used throughout history in the East, it did not become popular in Western society until the 1980’s. Now, its modalities such as Acupuncture and herbalism are being incorporated into Western medicine as natural, complementary therapies. In order to become a practitioner of Oriental Medicine, one must acquire quality education and licensing from an accredited Oriental Medicine School such as New York College of Health Professions.


Oriental Medicine principles emphasize balance and include components such as the ying-yang theory, qi and the theory of five elements. Qi is the energy that travels through the body via a series of pathways known as the meridians. When the patient’s qi is balanced, their body is healthy physically, mentally and emotionally. The Ying-Yang theory is the idea that two conflicting, yet complementary forces that make up all life, therefore maintaining balance in all parts of one’s life is important for overall health. Additionally, the theory of five elements teaches that fire, water, earth, wood and metal correspond to specific organs and tissues in the body and can be used to explain the body’s functions and movements.

The field of Oriental Medicine is steadily growing, increasing the need for knowledgeable practitioners. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine declared that the use of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine by Americans has increased by 50% between 2002 and 2007 with 17.6 million acupuncture visits in 2007.  Whether you are new to the medical field or are already a professional, acquiring a degree in Oriental Medicine from an accredited Oriental Medicine School can provide you with new career opportunities.

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

Monday, 4 February 2013

Massage Therapy Program – What To Look For

Since 1980, massage therapy has become increasingly popular as a complementary medicine modality in Western society. As a result, the demand for licensed or certified practitioners has grown as well. With over 80 types of massage therapy techniques being taught nationwide, students interested in pursuing a career in massage therapy have a variety of Massage Therapy Programs to choose from. To ensure that the students are well-prepared for this competitive field, it is important that they acquire quality education from an accredited school such as New York College of Health Professions.

Prior to choosing the right massage therapy program, students should thoroughly research the field of massage therapy and explore the employment opportunities available to them upon graduation. The wide range of massage therapy techniques includes Shiatsu, Hot Stone Massage, Swedish Massage, and Prenatal Massage among others. Knowledgeable in such techniques, licensed or certified massage therapists can find employment at wellness clinics, spas, health clubs and even in hospitals and doctors’ offices.

Individuals that are already licensed health care professionals can also choose to study massage therapy in order to further their career. For example, massage therapy is in the scope of practice of registered nurses so they may enroll to learn the techniques. Due to the growing use of massage therapy nationwide, professionals can broaden their practice and gain additional clients by offering massage therapy as a complementary treatment. Some massage therapy programs also offer business management courses for practitioners that are interested in opening their own massage therapy practice upon graduating.
Another important consideration before choosing the right massage therapy program for your studies is educational requirements for your state. The practice and education of massage therapy program is regulated by most of the states in the United States to ensure that professional and ethical standards are followed by all therapists. New York State, for instance, requires that a massage therapist completes a 1000 hour program and pass the State licensing exam.

Due to the growing competition in the field, it is important to gain proper education and hands-on experience in massage therapy. The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) stresses the importance of choosing to attend an accredited massage therapy program such as the one offered at New York College of Health Professions. Massage therapy is a skill that requires hands-on practice as it cannot be learned through books alone or online.

New York College offers an institutionally accredited massage therapy program, the curriculum of which includes both Asian Bodywork and Swedish massage, Oriental anatomy and physiology as well as Western health sciences. Additionally, students are required to gain hands-on practice during clinical internships and complete classes in T’ai Chi Chuan, Yoga and Qi Gong to help them better understand their own body’s movements and abilities. Upon successful completion of this program, graduates receive an Associate in Occupational Studies degree. New York College was the first in the United States to award an independent massage therapy degree in therapeutic bodywork. With its main campus in Syosset, New York and 3 locations in New York City, New York College is conveniently accessible to most students residing in New York’s tri-state area.

Monday, 28 January 2013

Find the Right Massage Therapy School For You

Originating over 5,000 years ago, massage therapy has been used in various cultures as one of the primary methods of alleviating pain in patients. Massage therapists manipulate their patient’s bodily tissues for the purpose of relaxing the muscles, helping the body release toxins, and even help the patient’s mental state. The growing interest in the use of natural remedies in Western society and the recognition of massage therapy as beneficial to health has aided in making massage therapy a popular complementary medicine therapy. Today, many massage therapists work alongside medical physicians in clinics and hospitals to provide the best and integrative treatments for the patient. Individuals interested in pursuing an exciting career in massage therapy program should attend an accredited Massage Therapy School such as New York College of Health Professions.

In Ancient cultures such as the Roman Empire, physicians believed that massage therapy is an essential skill to have. Julius Caesar is one of the renowned leaders who took advantage of massage therapy to ease the symptoms of his neuralgia. However, it is not until the 19th century that Americans began to utilize massage therapy for therapeutic purposes. At the time, Swedish massage was the most used technique and this therapy was usually reserved for the elite until the 1970’s when the public began to look for safer, natural solutions to their ailments.

As a result, Americans have become more interested in massage therapy and its wellness and health benefits such as lower blood pressure and pain relief. Today, the demand is growing for well-educated and experienced massage therapists. Individuals looking to build a career in this emergent field will benefit from attending an accredited Massage Therapy School.

New York College of Health Professions is an exemplary Massage Therapy School that offers students a 72- credit Massage Therapy Program and grants its graduates an accredited Associate in Occupational Studies degree. The curriculum includes both Swedish massage and Asian Bodywork, Western health sciences as well as Oriental anatomy and physiology. Students are also required to train in Yoga, T’ai Chi Chuan, and Qi Gong in order to better understand their own bodies’ mechanics, aiding them in their ability to treat their patients. In order to gain hands-on experience with patients, students perform internships at the College’s clinics that are open to the public at New York College’s main campus in Syosset, New York and at their location midtown Manhattan.

Thursday, 24 January 2013

Selecting Your Acupuncture School

In today’s economy, many people are looking to change or enhance their career. One of the fastest growing career fields in the United States is Holistic Health and in particular, Acupuncture. Individuals interested in becoming an Acupuncturist are encouraged to study at an accredited Acupuncture School.

The use of Acupuncture originated in Asia around 3,000 B.C. and its practice is based on the belief that there must be a balance in the flow of one’s qi, or energy for the individual to have a healthy body and mind. Acupuncture is the use of thin needles to restore the balance of one’s qi, or flow of energy. The needles are placed into specific points of the body, or acupressure points, and are then manipulated manually to stimulate these points. This process allows for the flow of energy to be balanced and to relieve the patient’s physical or mental ailment.

According to a survey conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 2007, the use of acupuncture and Oriental medicine by Americans increased by 50% between 2002 and 2007 with 17.6 million acupuncture visits in 2007, up from 8.2 million in 2004. The Western society’s noticeably growing interest in oriental medicine creates career opportunities for individuals interested in practicing in this field. However, in order to be successful in the field, it is important that the individual acquires quality education from an accredited Acupuncture School such as New York College of Health Professions.

Before selecting the right school for you, consider the following questions:
  • What are your career goals? It is important to have the commitment to attend college for about five years. If you are looking to own your practice, it is important that the school you choose offers courses on business management.
  • Is the program accredited? While educational requirements vary by state, it is important to enroll in an accredited program to ensure that you are learning everything that is necessary for you to succeed in your field and become licensed.
  • Is your program affordable? Because you will be investing time and money into your education, it is suggested that you consider your finances. It is wise to attend a school that offers financial aid as well as part time attendance options so that you may continue working while in school.
New York College of Health Professions is an exemplary Acupuncture School that is accredited, allows for working students to attend school full-time or part-time, 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 earn a Bachelor of Professional Studies/ Master of Science – Acupuncture degree.

Friday, 18 January 2013

Things you need to know before choosing an oriental medicine school

Due to its affordable cost, natural and safe health practices, Oriental medicine is one of the fastest growing fields of healthcare in the United States. Oriental medicine dates back over 5,000 years and its philosophy revolves around the body’s state of balance; its practitioners consider the mental, physical and outside circumstances to formulate a treatment for their patients. In order to learn the proper practice of Oriental medicine, it is important to find an accredited Oriental Medicine School.

If you are considering attending an Oriental Medicine School, now is a good time. According to the Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Alliance, occupations in acupuncture, a modality of Oriental medicine, have nearly tripled over the past two decades. However, because Oriental medicine practitioners are in demand, competition is also increasing. Therefore, choosing the right school can be helpful to your success.

It is wise to consider where you would like to be employed once you are a practitioner. Oriental medicine practitioners can find employment in wellness clinics, hospitals, spas and have their own private practice. If you choose to build your own private practice or wellness spa, you should attend an Oriental Medicine School that offers business administration and management courses as part of its curriculum.

Due to the increasing competition, it is important to choose a school that can teach you how to incorporate Oriental medicine techniques with Western medicine and provide a well-rounded, thorough education. While curriculums will vary from school to school, Oriental Medicine Schools offer courses in a wide range of natural therapies such as acupuncture, TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) philosophy and science, herbalism as well as Asian Bodywork modalities such as Shiatsu and Tuina. Students are also required to take Western science courses such as anatomy, physiology, and pathology.

The Graduate School of Oriental Medicine at New York College of Health Professions offers a ten-trimester, 185-credit, and program from which successful students graduate with a Bachelor of Professional Studies/Masters of Science /Oriental Medicine. To ensure that their students are ready for this competitive field, the curriculum includes Western and Eastern nutrition, TCM diagnosis and holistic methods as well as Yoga, T’ai Chi Chuan and Qi Gong.

In today’s growing market for Oriental medicine, it is important to be well-educated in the field. By exceeding requirements set by regulatory bodies, New York College of Health Professions’ Graduate School of Oriental Medicine fully prepares its students for this exciting and growing field.

Wednesday, 9 January 2013

What to Look for in a Massage Therapy School

Due to the growing demand for massage therapists, an increasing number of Massage Therapy Schools opened in the last ten years across the United States. While this provides a variety of programs for students, it can also be confusing as not every program or school is accredited or the right choice for a particular student. To ensure that the school you choose is right for you and can further your career, it is important to make an informed decision.

Massage therapy has a wide range of techniques including Shiatsu, Tuina, and Swedish massage, but a solid background in health science is also needed. Depending on where you choose to work, the knowledge of certain techniques may be required. Massage therapists can be employed at clinics, hospitals, spas, with sports teams and private practice. Once you decide on your desired career path, then you can find the Massage Therapy School that best fits your goals.

When researching which school to attend, first find out your state’s requirements for practicing massage therapy. In New York State, for instance, you must complete a 1000 hour program and pass the State licensing exam. Some states require that you take the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) exam in order to practice.

While curriculum can vary from one school to another, most accredited programs require that you take anatomy, physiology, mycology and various modalities of massage techniques. If you are planning on starting your own business be sure to enroll in a program that also offers business management courses. Also choose a school that requires a certain amount of hours in hands-on experience with real patients. A school that offers one of the best massage therapy programs is New York College of Health Professions.

New York College of Health Professions, a pioneer in massage therapy education, offers a 72-credit degree massage therapy program and grants successful graduates an Associate in Occupational Studies degree. Their program’s curriculum includes both Swedish massage and Asian Bodywork, Western health sciences and electives in a variety of massage techniques. Students are also required to take classes in Yoga, T’ai Chi Chuan, and Qi Gong in order to better understand how their own bodies function, enhancing their ability to treat their patients. All the students do an internship in the College’s teaching clinics where they have an opportunity to practice on the public.

Thursday, 3 January 2013

Choosing the Right Massage Therapy College to Succeed In a Highly Competitive Job Market

Massage Therapists have become one of the most sought after health care professionals in the past few years. This increase in demand stems from the public’s growing interest in natural complementary medicine and doctors recognizing the benefits of this practice. To meet the demand, the educational system has also grown and set higher standards for its graduates. Amidst the many Massage Therapy Colleges nationwide, it becomes more difficult for students to choose the school that will best help them be successful in this highly competitive field.

Although the interest in using massage therapy as a method of natural healing is rather recent, the use of massage therapy as a form of healing dates back over 5,000 years. First incorporated into India’s traditional holistic medical system, Ayurveda, massage therapy has been practiced in numerous societies over millenniums. In the United States, massage therapy was first publically used to treat injured soldiers who suffered from nerve damage in World War I.

It is not until the late 20th century that massage therapy had gained the recognition of its benefits as a means of natural healing. As a result, more Massage Therapy Colleges were established and regulatory bodies began to accredit schools. The first college in the United States to award an independent massage therapy degree in therapeutic bodywork was New York College of Health Professions (1996).

New York College offers its students a 72-degree Massage Therapy Program and grants successful graduates an Associates Degree in Occupational Studies. Their program’s curriculum includes both European massage and Asian Bodywork, Western health sciences as well as Oriental anatomy and physiology. By studying both Western and Eastern medicine, students are best prepared for the competitive field of Massage Therapy. Students are also required to train in Yoga, T’ai Chi Chuan, and Qi Gong in order to better understand how their bodies function, enhancing their ability to diagnose and treat their patients. In order to receive real-life practice, students must practice at the College’s clinics that are open to the public at New York College’s main campus in Syosset, New York and at their midtown location in New York City.

A prospective Massage Therapy student should find a program which not only meets the requirements set by regulatory bodies, but exceeds them and prepares them to pass their licensing exam, as New York College of Health Professions does. As a convenience to their students, New York College has 3 locations in New York that are easily accessible by public transportation and car. They also offer part-time scheduling for students that have full-time jobs.