The acupuncture points chart is a complex map of the human body used by practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine in diagnosing and treating patients. Originally highlighting 365 points — a figure that corresponds to the number of days in a year — acupuncture professionals have since identified many more points and channels between them. Applying a firm pressure to manipulate these points helps stimulate the body's natural healing abilities to facilitate the flow of qi — or life force energy — throughout the body in order to achieve a healthy and harmonious balance. The condition of the patient and their specific ailments will determine which points the practitioner will focus on during a treatment session. … Read More

The chakras are the seven life-force energy centers of the body which receive, transmit and assimilate energy, often called qi (chi) or prana. The word chakra is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “wheel of light.” … Read More

Chinese medicine has a different approach to diagnosing patients than you will typically find in a Western medical health care setting. Looking, listening, touching, asking — these important components make up the Chinese four pillars of diagnosis used in acupuncture. The four pillars are also referred to as the four examinations. Each pillar provides information that adds up to a holistic view of the patient and any health issues that can be alleviated through acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine. Read on to learn more about the each pillar. … Read More

Chinese medicine is a system of health care developed thousands of years ago. Western medicine, while quite ubiquitous in the United States, is a much more recent phenomenon. "The development of medicine in Western nations follows the way of hypothetical deduction and the Eastern approach uses the inductive method," writes Dr. Julia J. Tsuei for the National Center for Biotechnology Information. "The Western approach clearly divides the health from the disease, yet the Eastern approach considers health as a balanced state versus disease as an unbalanced state." Whether you are looking for alternative or complimentary treatments to those offered by mainstream medical providers or are considering a career in in holistic health, it helps to understand some of the differences in Chinese medicine vs Western medicine. To learn more about some attributes of each system, read on. … Read More

Shiatsu, a form of Oriental therapy based on traditional Chinese medicine principles, incorporates Chinese medicine theory and practice, Japanese massage therapy traditions, and Western physiology and anatomy. Literally translated from the Japanese as "finger pressure," the practice works to treat a variety of ailments and improve and maintain optimal health. Shiatsu is a holistic practice that restores not only the physical body, but the emotional and spiritual wellbeing of the patient. … Read More

Shiatsu is a modern method of massage therapy with roots in traditional Chinese medicine. This treatment uses points that lie on pathways of energy throughout the body called meridians. This energy within these 12 meridians is called qi, which is pronounced "chee." Qi is a life force energy that is present in all living things. Illness occurs when the flow of qi along one or more meridians is blocked or out of balance. … Read More

The history of Asian bodywork Like acupuncture, Asian bodywork is an ancient practice, but has only been an officially recognized practice within traditional Chinese medicine for about 20 years, according to Acupuncture Today. "In 1996, the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) developed the first certification program in Asian bodywork therapy, due in large response to members of the Oriental medicine profession," the publication states. "The NCCAOM now offers a written comprehensive examination in Asian bodywork therapy, in addition to its existing exams on acupuncture and herbal medicine." … Read More

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Wood, fire, earth, metal, water — you are no doubt familiar with these elements in a variety of contexts. But did you know that these five substances together make up the foundation of traditional Chinese medicine? Understanding this ancient health tradition requires knowledge of how these five essential substances underpin everything from the universe to the human body. … Read More

Shiatsu, a form of therapy based upon traditional Chinese medicine principles, promotes health and strengthens the body’s healing abilities. Translated as "finger pressure" from Japanese, Shiatsu works to improve overall health by affecting the internal energy system. Patients seek shiatsu for wellness because the therapy results in increased vitality, energy and stamina. … Read More

Update-Dec 2017: A new, more in-depth article on Qi (chi) has been published. Click here to view it. You may have heard the words "qi" or chi" with regard to acupuncture and alternative medicine. But do you even know how to pronounce it, let alone understand the concept? If you've ever wondered: "What is (qi) chi energy?" then read on. Understanding this important concept will help you better comprehend how Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture work. … Read More

Are you wondering what kind of massage therapy program will allow you to change careers quickly but also give you an edge in the professional marketplace? You can complete a degree in the field of massage therapy with a Shiatsu certification in just over eight months at Acupuncture & Massage College. AMC’s Massage Therapy program is specifically designed for students seeking a career in the field of bodywork. The program takes 720 hours and 8 and a half months to complete, with 164 hours of supervised clinical practice included. … Read More

Now is a great time to get into the field of acupuncture. As the demand for alternative medicine and more natural approaches to health care increases, the industry is expected to continue to grow by as much as 32 percent by 2022, according to HealthCareCareers.com. Government legislation and insurance companies have begun recognizing acupuncture as a viable course of treatment for a variety of health issues on a more consistent basis, making the professional outlook rosy. But you may be wondering, once you earn your degree, how to get a job after acupuncture school. … Read More

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical health care system comprised of a range of traditional therapies including, but not limited to: Acupuncture, acupressure, moxibustion, herbal medicine, nutrition, tui na massage and exercises (tai chi and qigong). … Read More

So, you think you want to go to acupuncture school. You're excited about the ever-growing opportunities in the field of holistic health and want a career that helps others and offers you flexibility in your schedule and satisfaction in your work. But before diving into a new degree program, you'll want to know what you can expect from acupuncture school. … Read More