There are many types of Asian bodywork that have roots in traditional Chinese medicine. Many massage therapists practice Shiatsu therapy, one of the many forms of bodywork recognized by the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA). Some of the other forms recognized by the AOBTA include: … Read More

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One of the rewarding aspects of a career in massage therapy is that practitioners can choose to work in a variety of settings. One possible career path that might not immediately occur to an aspiring massage therapist is to practice at a conventional hospital. Yet more hospitals are developing patient programs that include massage, creating more more career opportunities. … Read More

Are you looking for a new career that combines your love of helping others with stability and great earning potential? Now is the time to jump into the exciting field of holistic health careers because the demand for natural alternatives to conventional medicine continues to grow. … Read More

A career in massage therapy is one of the most rewarding professions you'll find in the health care field. Some of the benefits of pursuing massage include: An expanding industry and demand for services, flexibility in scheduling and workplace environment, and an accessible career path. In fact, you can complete a degree in massage therapy in less than a year. … Read More

Embarking on a course of study in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers a range of personal and professional benefits. A program in TCM gives students a broad base of knowledge, diagnostic skills and an understanding of the subtleties of therapies used by practitioners of this ancient system of health care. … Read More

There are a lot of compelling reasons to consider a degree in acupuncture if you're looking to continue your education or jumpstart a brand new career. From the flexible degree programs to the benefits of pursuing a career helping people, the field has a lot to offer people looking for a next professional step that's both achievable and rewarding. Check out just 5 reasons to consider a degree in acupuncture. … Read More

Persistent atopic dermatitis — more commonly known as eczema — is a condition that makes your skin itchy and appear red or brownish gray in color. Eczema patches may have small raised bumps on the skin that leak and weep fluid when scratched. A variety of causes and conditions can induce flareups of eczema. … Read More

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

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

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