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.

Completing A Holistic Nursing Program Can Help Improve Your Career

Holistic medicine originated over 5,000 years and has been used as primary treatment by various Eastern civilizations. Its principles are based on the idea that the physical, mental and emotional states must be considered when treating the human body. Since the 1980’s, the number of Americans using holistic medicine has steadily increased. As a result, holistic nursing programs have been established nationwide for both introductory and Continuing Education (CNE) certification courses to educate Registered Nurses on this complementary medicine.

Because holistic medicine encompasses many of Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, Registered Nurses who attend an introductory Holistic Nursing Program can expect to learn the basics of Western Bodywork, Physical Arts, Herbalism, Nutrition, and Asian Bodywork with a Western approach to ailments. While curriculum can vary from one school to another, these holistic modalities are often taught because they help promote and maintain the patient’s physical health. Similar to the principles of TCM, holistic medicine focuses on restoring the patient’s physical, mental and emotional health by balancing their qi, or flow of energy.

New York College of Health Professions offers a Continuing Education Holistic Nursing Program, which consists of a 412.5 clock-hour program and a supervised, 50 hour clinical internship over a time span of 4 terms. Open only to Registered Nurses in the State of New York, students learn to integrate holistic nursing theory with Oriental clinical assessment and diagnostic techniques. Some additional required courses are Western Bodywork, T’ai Chi Chuan, Asian Bodywork and execution of holistic nursing theory to clinical practice. Graduates of this program are eligible to take the NCCAOM exam for National Certification in Asian Bodywork. Upon successful completion of the NCCAOM exam, the candidate is granted the title of Diplomate of Asian Bodywork.

Registered Nurses have found the knowledge of holistic medicine to be an asset to their careers and often their personal health. In fact, many registered nurses choose to study holistic medicine because of its positive effects on themselves and their families’ wellbeing. Furthermore, holistic medicine allows for Registered Nurses to further assist their patients, many of which request complementary therapies such as massage therapy or Asian bodywork. These newly attained skills also encourage some Registered Nurses to further their education and careers in other holistic fields including Oriental medicine.

Acquiring a Quality Massage Therapy Education

Massage therapy originated in Asia over 5,000 years ago. Its practice was first recorded in an ancient Ayurvedic text, which described various natural remedies utilized by ancient Indians. Ayurveda and massage therapy continue to be a part of primary healthcare in India today. Although it did not become a popular complementary therapy in the United States until the 1980’s, massage therapy is one of the fastest growing fields today.

Due to the Western society’s growing interest in natural therapies, the demand for licensed massage therapist is steadily increasing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 30, 000 new jobs are to be open to licensed massage therapists by 2020, an above average growth rate of 20% since 2010.  As a result of the growing demand, more states are beginning to regulate massage therapy education and practice. In New York, an individual interested in pursuing a career in massage therapy, must first obtain quality massage therapy education from an accredited institution such as New York College of Health Professions.

New York College is a pioneer in massage therapy education. The massage therapy program’s curriculum includes Asian Bodywork, Medical Massage 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 take 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 and are qualified to sit for the New York State licensing exam. In order to practice in the State of New York, a therapist must successfully pass the exam. 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.

Licensed massage therapists have a number of employment opportunities. While many choose to be employed in wellness spas, clinics, or hospitals, others prefer to open their own practice or work independently. Due to the many benefits of massage therapy for various ailments, an increasing number of Western physicians are referring their patients to massage therapists. In fact, over 30% of Western physicians refer their patients to at least one complementary therapy. Therefore, it is advised for a licensed massage therapist to build a network of contacts in the medical world.

Overall, massage therapists can enjoy rewarding careers in a variety of venues.

Find the Best Massage Therapy Program To Enhance Your Career

Although the use of massage therapy predates recorded history, it did not become a popular form of complementary medicine in Western society until the 1980’s.  Before then, individuals determined to practice massage therapy had to learn from workshops or abroad as comprehensive education was not available in the United States. Today, over 80 types of massage therapy techniques are being taught nationwide in various Massage Therapy Programs. To ensure that students are well-prepared for the competitive field that massage therapy has become, it is important that they acquire proper education from an accredited school.

Due to the large variety of massage therapy modalities practiced in the Western society today, it is important for students to research the employment opportunities available to them upon graduation prior to choosing their massage therapy program. Some modalities of massage therapy include Shiatsu, Swedish Massage, Tui Na, Medical Massage among others. Licensed professionals knowledgeable in such techniques can find employment in hospitals, wellness clinics, spas, health clubs and also open their own practice. Students interested in establishing their own massage therapy practice without prior experience in business ownership are advised to choose a massage therapy program that offers business management courses as part of its curriculum.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, massage therapy is one of the fastest growing fields in the United States, projected to grow 20% between 2010 - 2020. In fact, approximately 30% of Western physicians are referring their patients to holistic medicines such as massage therapy, acupuncture and holistic nutritionists. As a result, some Western physicians choose to enhance their careers by becoming licensed massage therapists and incorporating massage therapy into their medical practice.

New York College offers an institutionally accredited massage therapy program, the curriculum of which includes Asian Bodywork, Medical Massage 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 take 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.

Start Your Career – Finding the Best Massage Therapy Program

Individuals who choose massage therapy as their career often exclaim that they are happy to have found work that they love. Massage therapists feel this way for several reasons including their ability to help patients heal on all levels: physical, emotional and mental. Individuals who would like to pursue this career must have a genuine commitment to the energy and time necessary for the training. Due to the rapidly increasing demand for licensed massage therapists, standards have been raised for massage training programs. Although each state has their own educational requirements, it is suggested that all massage therapists graduate from an accredited Massage Therapy program such as the one offered at New York College of Health Professions. In fact, New York College was the first in the United States to award an independent massage therapy degree in therapeutic bodywork.


Prior to 1980, when massage therapy was not a growing field like it is today, there were few organized educational facilities that offered comprehensive massage therapy education. As a result, individuals who wished to pursue massage therapy as a career learned various modalities of massage therapy in workshops. Now it is important for massage therapists to complete an accredited massage therapy program that offers them proper education about the numerous modalities of the complementary therapy.  This education is also needed so they can become licensed or certified to practice massage therapy.

Due to the various career paths one can take upon completing a training program in massage therapy, it is important for the individual to find the school that fits their career goals. When researching schools in your area, it is first important to consider where you would like to be employed after graduating. For instance, if you would like to own a wellness spa and practice massage therapy, it is suggested that you attend a program that also offers business management courses. Visiting open houses and speaking to students and graduates is also an important part of the process when searching for the best school to fit your needs.

While regulations and licensing requirements vary from state to state, it is important for a massage therapist to prepare for the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Currently, New York State requires that a massage therapist completes a 1000-hour accredited program and passes the New York State licensing exam. While not all states require that you attend an accredited program, the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) stresses the importance of attending an accredited program.

New York College offers an institutionally accredited massage therapy program, the curriculum of which includes Asian Bodywork, Swedish massage and Medical 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. 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.