Have You Considered an Acupuncture Treatment?

Although an ancient therapy, Acupuncture did not become popular as an effective holistic therapy in the United States until the late 1980’s. In the past three decades, it has grown to be one of the most effective complementary therapies and continues to grow as more people become familiar with the treatment and its benefits. Comprehensive education also continues to be established nationwide as an increasing number of people are interested in becoming licensed acupuncturists.

Acupuncture is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which has been used as part of primary health care for over 5, 000 years. Although modified over the years for patient comfort and safety, an Acupuncture treatment continues to follow its original principles of establishing overall health. Therefore, an Acupuncturist focuses on treating the patient as a whole, taking into consideration physical, mental and emotional factors. For this purpose, the initial treatment starts with an evaluation, which is done in accordance with TCM principles; the Acupuncturist asks, listens and observes.

During the initial evaluation, the practitioner may ask about your daily life, including what stresses and habits you have, as well as conduct a physical examination. By looking at the whole picture, the Acupuncturist is able to establish the best method of treatment, which may include other holistic therapies such as massage therapy, yoga, herbal medicine as well as a change in nutrition or daily activities.

The actual Acupuncture treatment consists of “needling”, which is the insertion of very thin sterile stainless steel needles into specific points of the patient’s body. These points are known as acupoints and are determined based on energy meridians, which are believed to run through the patient’s body. Prior to being able to practice, an Acupuncturist must spend years learning the locations of the acupoints.

If you are considering trying an Acupuncture treatment, it is beneficial to first consult with your primary physician as they may know a licensed Acupuncturist. If not, you may find one by searching online or by attending a teaching clinic at an accredited acupuncture school. The Graduate School of Oriental Medicine at New York College, for instance, offers a 145-credit, nine-trimester Acupuncture Program during which students must complete an internship at their on-site clinic. The students are supervised by licensed professionals and the patients can get their treatment at a discounted price. New York College is an ACAOM-accredited school with four convenient locations in the New York metro area and a variety of holistic health degree programs.

How Attending An Accredited Massage Therapy Program Can Help Enhance Your Career

Massage therapy is one of the fastest growing holistic therapies in the United States, followed by Acupuncture and Asian Bodywork Therapy (ABT). According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, massage therapy is projected to grow 20% between 2010 and 2020. As an increasing number of people are seeking natural complimentary therapies to help with their health problems, professionals such as licensed massage therapists are in high demand. Currently, over 80 types of massage therapy techniques are being taught in the United States, some with specializations in areas such as stress relief, sports massage and pre-natal massage. This variety allows individuals interested in becoming licensed massage therapists to be a part of a growing industry, while specializing in a specific field they are most interested in.

Although the therapeutic qualities of massage date back to ancient Eastern cultures, massage therapy did not become popular in Western civilizations until about the 1980’s. Due to lack of recognition by governing bodies in the health care industry, education at that time was limited to private courses and workshops. Today, massage therapy education is regulated by the government in 38 states, ensuring that the standards of health care are upheld and that all safety measures are met.

In combination with the rapid growth and the many modalities of massage therapy, numerous educational massage therapy programs are forming nationwide. Some programs specialize in specific modalities such as Swedish massage or Shiatsu, while others add courses such as business management for individuals that are interested in opening up their own massage therapy business. Whether you choose to specialize in a specific modality or you prefer to learn a variety of techniques, make sure that the program you attend if accredited.

Accreditation is important to secure the investment of your time and money that you are putting into your education. Massage therapy programs that are institutionally accredited by nationally recognized, non career school accreditation entities, have been reviewed thoroughly for both organization of the school and the quality of education. Furthermore, accredited establishments meet the educational requirements set forth by the state, ensuring that the student complies with them prior to being able to be licensed and furthermore, work in the field.

New York College offers an institutionally accredited massage therapy degree program, during which students study Asian Bodywork, Medical Massage and Swedish massage, Oriental anatomy and physiology as well as Western health sciences. Students are also required to gain hands-on practice during clinical internships at the school’s on-site clinic and take classes in T’ai Chi Chuan, Yoga and Qi Gong to help them better understand their own body’s movements.  Graduates of this program receive an Associate in Occupational Studies degree. With its 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.

The Difference Between Receiving an Acupuncture Treatment From a Medical Acupuncturist and a Traditional Acupuncturist

Acupuncture is one of the oldest medical approaches utilized for health conditions such as stress, pain in various areas of the body, anxiety, and even infertility. Although this modality of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is over 3,000 years old, acupuncture has only been practiced in the United States for approximately three decades. During that time, acupuncture has been progressively integrated with Western medicine. While this integration has many benefits, it also can cause confusion at times between receiving an acupuncture treatment from a medical acupuncturist versus receiving one from a traditional acupuncturist.

Whether you are considering acupuncture as a complementary therapy or as a career, it is important to understand the fundamental differences between the two areas of practice. The basic and most important difference lies in the training the professionals receive. Medical acupuncturists are Medical Doctors (MD) that participate in a course on acupuncture that is typically 200-300 hours. The course is designed to give physicians a working idea of the effects of acupuncture, teach them the techniques and further help them understand how their patients can benefits from this complementary therapy. However, some physicians offer acupuncture to their patients after receiving training for just a short period of time. Not only does this slim the chances of the treatment being effective, but in many states it is illegal.

On the other hand, traditional acupuncturists that are properly trained at an accredited institution and licensed have spent at least 2,000 hours learning principles and techniques of acupuncture. In majority of the states, it is required that an acupuncturist completes a 3-4 year program at an accredited acupuncture school during which they get both classroom education and supervised clinical application of what they had learned. This ensures that they are fully prepared to provide the public with effective and safe acupuncture treatments.

It is beneficial to thoroughly research the acupuncture schools in the state where you wish to practice. The Graduate School of Oriental Medicine at New York College, for instance, offers a 145-credit, nine-trimester Acupuncture Program during which students must complete an internship at their on-site clinic. The students are supervised by licensed professionals and the patients can get their treatment at a discounted price. New York College is an ACAOM-accredited school with four convenient locations in the New York metro area and a variety of holistic health degree programs.

The Development of Acupuncture Treatment

Acupuncture is an ancient holistic therapy, which follows the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The term “acupuncture” derives from the Latin words, “acus” which means “needle” and “puncture”, which means “to penetrate”. Fitting to its name, an acupuncture treatment consists of inserting thin needles into specific points on the body for the purpose of harmonizing the flow of energy, or qi (pronounced "chi").

Today, acupuncture needles are made of steel and are approximately .20mm with slight variations depending on the practitioners and the points that need to be addressed. However, it has taken 5,000 years of advancements to get them to this point. The earliest needles were made of sharpened bone, clay, and stone. Due to the brittleness of some of those materials, they were made into arrowhead shape rather than thin needles as they are today. Therefore, instead of inserting the object into the acupoints on the patient’s body, they would prick the points to stimulate them.

Although the technology has changes, acupuncturists today continue to follow the same Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles. The governing dogma in acupuncture is treating the body as a whole, taking into consideration the physical, mental and emotional factors. Therefore, rather than just treating the symptoms, Acupuncturists strive to figure out the underlying issue of the health problem and develop a treatment plan for it.

Besides the needling technique, which requires thorough knowledge of over 300 acupoints on the body, Acupuncturists may include other holistic therapies including yoga, herbal remedies, and massage therapy into the treatment plan. The addition of other holistic therapies emphasizes the focus on treating the whole body and maintaining that health by utilizing various methods. Today, Acupuncturists also work closely with Western physicians to ensure that the patient receives the proper integrated medical care. Due to this integration, approximately 30% of Western physicians admit to referring their patients to holistic practitioners such as Acupuncturists.

If you are trying an acupuncture treatment, it is beneficial to first consult with your primary physician as they may know a licensed Acupuncturist. If not, you may find one by searching online or by attending a teaching clinic at an accredited acupuncture school. The Graduate School of Oriental Medicine at New York College, for instance, offers a 145-credit, nine-trimester Acupuncture Program during which students must complete an internship at their on-site clinic. The students are supervised by licensed professionals and the patients can get their treatment at a discounted price. New York College of Health Professions is an institutionally accredited and ACAOM-accredited school with four convenient locations in the New York metro area and a variety of holistic health degree programs.

What Is The Difference Between Asian Bodywork Therapy and Massage Therapy?

Although they both comprise of manipulation of body tissues, “Asian Bodywork Therapy” (ABT) and “Massage Therapy” are different in both philosophies and techniques. “Bodywork” encompasses a vast group of manual manipulations, including Massage Therapy. On the other hand, “Asian Bodywork” refers to techniques derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles and that are specifically designed to balance the flow of energy, or qi for the purpose of restoring or maintaining health.

ABT is one of the four branches of TCM, the other three being Chinese Herbal Therapy, Acupuncture and Medical Qigong. In many cases, licensed practitioners of ABT utilize other forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat their patients. According to the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA), Asian Bodywork Therapy includes Acupressure, Five Element Shiatsu, Amma, Japanese Shiatsu, Tuina, Medical Qigong and several more. Massage Therapy, also includes Asian techniques like Shiatse and Tuina, as well as modalities such as Swedish Massage, Reflexology, Sports Massage, Deep Tissue Massage and more.

Both types of therapies have the goal and benefit of increasing circulation, which helps treat various ailments ranging from musculoskeletal pain to anxiety and depression. Along with similarities in purpose, they both have a long history, which has been predominant in Asia. Massage Therapy, however, was first recorded in ancient Indian texts describing Aryurveda, an ancient form of health care which continues to be used today worldwide. ABT, on the other hand, is rooted deeply in China and its philosophies of treating the body as a whole, taking into consideration the physical, mental and emotional factors, emphasize that origin.

Visiting a massage therapist is also unlike visiting an Asian Bodywork Therapist. The latter diagnoses the patient’s root cause of ailment by asking, listening, touching and observing as is taught in TCM principles.  After doing so, the ABT practitioner develops a treatment plan which may include other modalities of TCM, including yoga, Chinese Herbal Medicine in addition to various ABT therapies such as Tuina and Acupressure.

Individuals interested in pursuing either Massage Therapy or Asian Bodywork Therapy should first research each complementary therapy in depth. Some schools, such as New York College of Health Professions, teach both massage therapy and specific ABT techniques to give students a professional edge. 
Additionally, it is important to find out the educational and licensing requirements in the state in which they wish to practice. Currently, majority of the states, including New York, regulate the education and practice of both therapies.

New York College offers an accredited Bachelors of Professional Studies degree in Advanced Asian Bodywork. During the 10-trimester, 120-credit program, students cover the curriculum for massage therapy including the western and oriental health sciences, Swedish, Asian and medical massage, as well as learn the skills and in-depth assessment and practical study in Advanced Asian Bodywork Techniques such as Tuina and Shiatsu. Graduates of this program are able to sit for New York State Massage Therapy Licensing Exam as well as the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) certification exam in Asian Bodywork. With its main campus in Syosset, Long Island, NY and 3 locations in New York City, New York College is convenient for any student in the tri-state area.

The Increasing Popularity of Asian Bodywork Therapy

Asian Bodywork Therapy (ABT) is a modality of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that consists of a wide variety of manual treatments to the body, including shiatsu or Tui Na massage and Acupressure. ABT practitioners utilize TCM principles to treat the body as a whole, taking into consideration the mental, spiritual and emotional factors. By doing so, practitioners are able to find the root cause of the problem, whether it is mental, physical or emotional, and are therefore able to treat their ailment effectively.

Complementary therapies such as Asian Bodywork Therapy, is becoming increasingly popular in the United States. In fact, according to the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), the U.S. public spent an estimated $33.9 billion out-of-pocket on CAM therapies in 2007 and the amount has been increasing steadily since. Although ABT has been practiced and taught for over 5,000 years in various Eastern cultures, it was not until recently that it became recognized as an effective complementary therapy in the United States. In the late 1980’s, the U.S. government began to regulate the practice and education of complementary therapies.  New York College of Health Professions, founded in 1981, has been a leader in this field and was the first school approved to offer a college degree in Massage Therapy in New York State.

New York College of Health Professions offers an accredited Bachelors of Professional Studies degree in Advanced Asian Bodywork. During the 10-trimester, 120-credit program, students cover the curriculum for massage therapy including the western and oriental health sciences, Swedish, Asian and medical massage, as well as learn the skills and in-depth assessment and practical study in Advanced Asian Bodywork Techniques such as Tui Na and Shiatsu.

Graduates of this program are able to sit for New York State Massage Therapy Licensing Exam as well as the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) certification exam in Asian Bodywork. With its main campus in Syosset, Long Island, NY and 3 locations in New York City, New York College is convenient for any student in the tri-state area.

An Asian Bodywork Therapy session is unlike visiting a Western physician. While Western practitioners seek the ailment within the physical body, ABT therapists consider the physical factors as well as the emotional and mental state of the patient to diagnose them. ABT practitioners are taught to observe, listen, ask and touch in order to determine the source of the patient’s issues. Upon determining it, ABT practitioners may use a variety of techniques and therapies to restore the patient’s health, including Tui Na, Acupressure and Five-Element Shiatsu. In conjunction with such ABT therapies, practitioners may also suggest some lifestyle changes.

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.