The spread of Acupuncture as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture, a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has a long and fascinating history that spans thousands of years. Its use and popularity have evolved significantly over time, both in China and globally.
TCM in the form of Acupuncture goes back to the new Stone Age in China. That is 8000 to 3000 BC. The first comprehensive documentation of Acupuncture as an organised system of diagnosis and treatment appears in ‘The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine’ from the Han dynasty 206 bc-220 AD. This text established core concepts like Qi that remain central to Acupuncture theory today.
From its origins in China
Acupuncture gradually spread to neighboring countries: firstly,
- Japan
- Korea
- Then onto other Asian countries such as Vietnam, Sri Lanka and India.
Introduction to the West
In the west, Acupuncture first of all became known in Europe in
- Russia – which has a long tradition due, in part, to the long border between the USSR and China
- France in the 1500’s via Jesuits and travellers
- Germany
- England
- USA and Canada,
- At a similar time it arrived in Australia and New Zealand.
- It gradually spresad to other European countries such as Holland, Italy, Belgium, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Spain and Ireland.
Ireland
TCM Acupuncture, meaning Acupuncture practises as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, was first introduced to Ireland by Professor Thomas Shanahan in the early nineteen eighties, when he set up practices in both Dublin and Galway. Professor Shanahan then went on to set up the first college of TCM in Ireland, the ICTCM, in order to meet the demand for highly qualified TCM professionals both in Ireland and the UK. The ICTCM is now in its 43rd year of turning out highly trained Professional TCM Practitioners, fulfilling its mission to continue to enhance the reputation and spread of TCM globally.
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture?
Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture Treatment
Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture is part of TCM which is a rich and sophisticated system of health and wellness that has been practiced for thousands of years. Acupuncture stands out as one of the most widely recognised and practiced treatment methods of TCM. Rooted in a holistic understanding of the human body and its interconnectedness with the environment, it offers a unique approach to healing and wellness.
The Philosophy behind Acupuncture
At the heart of TCM is the concept of Qi (pronounced “chi”). Qi flows through the body along pathways. According to TCM, illness and pain occur when the flow of Qi is disrupted or imbalanced. Acupuncture seeks to restore the harmonious flow of Qi by stimulating specific points on the body’s surface, known as acupuncture points.
By inserting thin needles into the Acupuncture points, Acupuncturists aim to unblock and balance the flow of Qi, thereby promoting natural healing and overall well-being.
The practice of Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely fine, pre-sterilised, stainless steel needles at predetermined acupuncture points on the body surface to restore internal health. Many of the most commonly selected points are on the arms and legs.
TCM Acupuncture can be used alone or combined with other treatment methods of TCM such as Moxibustion, Medical Qigong or Herbal Medicine.
Special features
One of the most outstanding features of TCM is that treatments can be tailored to fit the individual. Treatments are always unique, even if the medical conditions seem to be similar.
TCM is compatible with other systems of medicine, including Western Medicine and is frequently used alongside it.
In the hands of a fully qualified professional practitioner the use of acupuncture is entirely safe and free from harmful side effects.
If Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture is something that interests you, you can learn more about the three year part time Professional Acupuncture Training programme. The Irish College of TCM has been running this course for over 40 years and starts a new group each year. Applications are still being taken for this year’s early October start date.
Changing career? We offer professional Acupuncture Training
Are you considering changing your career? Are you interested in holistic medicine? We offer Professional TCM Acupuncture Training in just two and a half years. Our Training course caters for those wishing to retrain while still maintaining their full time employment. With classes held on weekends in a mix of online and on site lectures this course may be the fit for you.
What is Acupuncture TCM?
Acupuncture is part of an ancient and sophisticated form of medical treatment which originated in China but has increasingly spread throughout the world. This medicine has stood the test of time for over two thousand years. It is currently used by over 40 % of the world’s population as their first and only form of medicine.
How does it work?
It involves the insertion of extremely fine, pre-sterilised, stainless steel needles at specific points on the body surface to restore internal health.
Why study Acupuncture?
If you are interested in helping others with a completely natural, holistic and safe form of medicine then acupuncture could be the career for you. Acupuncture is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine which is a whole medical system. It is also very effective when used alongside modern medicine and has gained a reputation in western countries in the areas of pain relief, fertility and menopause.
What is a Holistic medicine
Holistic medicine means it treats every form or type of disease from mental and emotional to physical and spiritual and everything in between – all aspects of the person and under one practitioner – no need to be referred to specialists. TCM is different from modern medicine in that it treats the person, not the disease. This means no two treatments will be the same even if the illnesses look similar.
What does this training qualify me to do?
Upon completion of the Licentiate Professional TCM Acupuncture Training programme you will be a fully qualified Acupuncturist that can open your own clinic, work your own hours and enjoy a rewarding and fulfilling career making a difference to people’s lives.
If you think Acupuncture might be for you, have a look at our course prospectus where you can find details such as course structure, career prospects and fees. Applications are now being taken for October start date 2024.
Why retrain as a TCM Acupuncturist?
Are you thinking of retraining or looking for something more from your career? Have you considered TCM Acupuncture? Below are just a few reasons why it is a good time to get into Traditional Chinese Medicine as a career and retrain as a TCM Acupuncturist.
- Growing demand for Traditional Alternative Medicine. The use of Traditional medicine is increasing every year with Acupuncture being the most popular choice according to the World Health Organisation.
“One hundred seventy countries reported on the use of traditional medicine, with acupuncture being the most common form of practice in 113 countries” World Health Organisation (09/08/2023) “Traditional Medicine” WHO. https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/traditional-medicine)
Many are using TCM Acupuncture to alleviate side effects of medications with great success while others are choosing to use TCM as their only form of medicine with its benefits of being holistic, natural and safe.
- Low set up costs. Upon qualifying as a TCM practitioner it is relatively inexpensive to set up your own clinic. The costs are minimal when compared to other self employed areas. Clinics can be set up at home.
- Job satisfaction. Many graduates find the best part of being a TCM Practitioner is the job satisfaction. The rewards of helping others and sharing an alternative form of medicine is for many, the reason for doing it in the first place. Practitioners frequently report that after a day’s work in the clinic they are not tired but in fact, feel energised. They also tend to be in good health themselves.
- Lifestyle to suit your needs. Once you are a qualified TCM Practitioner, it is up to you, as self employed, to choose your own work hours. You are your own boss. You can fit your clinic around your home life or around other employment, at times that suit you.
- Be part of the TCM community.As well as job satisfaction and being your own boss, you will also be part of a movement toward offering this holistic, ancient medical system to those who need it. An effective alternative treatment option which is in increasing demand. People need alternatives when they run out of hope. TCM is an invaluable option to be able to offer in such situations.
If you would like to learn more about training in TCM Acupuncture you can view the ICTCM website here. It has detailed information on TCM Acupuncture as well as on our Professional Acupuncture Training programme which runs each year from early October. We are now taking applications for this year. If you are interested in applying please read the prospectus pack which includes an application form. Early application is advised as places are limited.
The challenges and rewards of Acupuncture Training at the ICTCM
Students of Acupuncture training at the ICTCM come from many different backgrounds and life circumstances. Some are in full-time employment, have young children or even live in another country. The challenges and rewards faced in undertaking new studies are different for each student. While the Licentiate TCM is a part-time course, it is intensive. Initially it can take time to get used to the new workload and commitments. The course is three years of part-time training. The same training in China can take up to seven years to accomplish!
Below is an account of a past student of the ICTCM – Zsusza – who shares the challenges she experienced as a student at the ICTCM and also the rewards. Having experienced the positive impact of TCM treatment on her sick husband, Zsusza was inspired to learn more about this medicine and wanted to use it to make a difference to others.
Q. What challenges did you face while studying at the ICTCM?
A. Navigating through the challenging journey of my studies was no easy feat. I managed to keep on going through the three demanding years while caring for a small child. I got pregnant, subsequently juggling the responsibilities of raising two young children, maintaining employment, and even moving houses. Despite the overwhelming difficulties, I successfully overcame each obstacle. It was undeniably tough, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. When you are driven by real passion and determination, you discover an inner strength that enables you to achieve anything you set your mind to.
Q. What was the best part?
A. The three-year intensive course transformed my life on every level. Since graduating, I’ve been treating people for five years in my own clinic. The joy and fulfilment I experience when witnessing my client’s improved well-being through the wonders of Traditional Chinese Medicine are unparalleled. It is, undoubtedly, the most rewarding feeling in the world.”
If you are interested in training in Acupuncture TCM at the ICTCM. You can find detailed information on course structure at this link. You can also find the Lic. TCM Acupuncture prospectus pack here. Applications for 2024 early October start are now open.
Frequently asked questions 1 – Will I be a suitable applicant for TCM Acupuncture Training?
As the ICTCM is now accepting applications for the next three year, part time, TCM Acupuncture training course we are providing answers here to some of the most commonly asked questions.
Some TCM Acupuncture Graduates
“What qualifications do I need to be a suitable TCM Acupuncture Student at the Irish College of Traditional Chinese Medicine(ICTCM)?“
You do not need to have prior qualifications in either TCM or Western Medicine. You must be able to show us that you have the capacity (not just the desire) to undertake an intensive course of part-time study over a three year period.Prior study on intensive or demanding courses will be an advantage, because you will be prepared and know a little of what to expect, but this is not a requirement.
“What personal qualities do I need?”
You need to be intelligent, not afraid of hard work and willing to work in a small group with other adults who have the same hopes and expectations as yourself. The course sets high standards and we accept students who are prepared to put in the necessary commitment to be successful in the academic, practical and interpersonal aspects of the course. It helps to be mature and well motivated and being kind and helpful to others are qualities that will help you to be a better practitioner.
You will be training to be a professional practitioner of TCM Acupuncture so many different skills need to be developed.
You can find out more about our Students and Graduates and the specific entry requirements via these links.
Happy Christmas 2023 and a Joyful New Year
We wish a Happy Christmas and a joyful and peaceful New Year to all our staff, students, and friends – in Ireland and across the world.
During our forty years running courses in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine in Ireland, and promoting the flourishing of TCM, we have had the great pleasure of making many friends in many different parts of the world.
We look forward to meeting our friends, old and new, during the coming year.
Wishing you all a prosperous, peaceful and healthy 2024.
Tom and Mary, Irish College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dublin, Ireland.
What is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion – Moxa stick and loose moxa
Students at the Irish College of TCM in Dublin, on the Licentiate in TCM Acupuncture Training course are trained to provide treatments in Moxibustion as well as TCM Acupuncture.
Moxibustion is a form of Heat treatment used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It can be used alone in treatment or in combination with Acupuncture or other treatment methods of TCM.
It involves the use of Moxa, which is a type of herb that is dried over long periods of time. Moxa means ‘slow burning herb’ and comes in different forms including Moxa cones, Moxa sticks or loose Moxa.
The dried herb is lit and placed over the area being treated, either directly or just above. The heat from the burning herb produces a therapeutic effect for those diagnosed in TCM terms as suffering from a Cold condition.
Moxibustion is often the main form of treatment used in areas of severe cold weather such as some parts of China e.g. in the north eastern region it can be -40 degrees for most of the year. Like Acupuncture and Herbalism, Moxibustion is claimed to be very ancient and has been mentioned in texts as old as 300 bc.
We will be accepting applications from January onwards, for the next October intake of students on the Lic.TCM. The 2024 Prospectus pack will be available soon. The 2023 Prospectus pack is currently available for reference.
How old is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
China has one of the oldest known medical systems in the world. The actual historical origins are extremely ancient and therefore understandably obscure and vague. There are many myths and legends of warriors who were pierced in various parts of their bodies by spears or arrows and that ailments mysteriously disappeared.
We can gain a little insight into just how old it may be however, through various archaeological finds. In the seventies, Archaeologists discovered stone needles that dated as far back as between 8000 and 5000 bc. Archaeologists believe these were used as some sort of primitive Acupuncture. Later examples of needles were made from different materials, bamboo and bronze, there are some excellent examples still in existence from the XIA dynasty which was 2205 to 1176 bc. 4500 years ago.
The HAN dynasty which dates between 206 BC to 220 AD was a period of concentration in TCM terms – when there were a lot of compendiums and encyclopedias written about Chinese medicine. Some of the most basic and fundamental texts were written in this 400 year period and these reflected all the medical knowledge going back further than when written records were invented.
If you would like to learn more about this ancient medicine we will be taking applications for the Acupuncture Training course 2024 intake from January. You can also find the course prospectus on the ICTCM website.
Why study Acupuncture
The demand for Acupuncture as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is on the rise globally, with increasing interest in more natural, holistic alternatives to modern medicine. TCM has gained much recognition internationally as a serious alternative form of medicine (it was included in the World Health Organisations’ 2019 International Classification of Diseases).
Training in Acupuncture TCM offers the opportunity to be part of this growing trend, as well as opening a doorway to a whole new culture and an ancient wisdom which are underpinning its theory.
TCM is an ancient medicine that is holistic in its approach. By studying TCM one gains a whole new perspective on health that incorporates all aspects of the person including the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. TCM treats the individual as opposed to the condition. This means each treatment is specific to the person and includes all aspects of the person, therefore, all conditions can be treated by the same practitioner.
Studying TCM gives students the opportunity to learn this invaluable knowledge that has been used for thousands of years. TCM is primarily health promoting and so many of its teachings can be incorporated into daily life which can lead to improved health and wellbeing. In fact, many TCM Acupuncture practitioners, who have studied at ICTCM have reported that they find their work makes them healthier!
If you would like to learn more about Acupuncture Training at ICTCM, download a prospectus from our website. Applications for the next upcoming course 2024 open in January.
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