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.

To announce that four new Acupuncturists have graduated as TCM practitioners and have set up clinics in various parts of Ireland and the UK.

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.

 

Who studies at the ICTCM? – Student journeys in Traditional Chinese Medicine


Who studies at the Irish College of Traditional Chinese Medicine?  What brings a person to train or retrain in this ancient tradition? Students of ICTCM come from all walks of life, but something has inspired them to find out more about Traditional Chinese Medicine. A common reason for their interest is having witnessed the effectiveness of TCM first hand, they wish to know more and potentially offer this gift to others.

My journey with TCM began when some close friends sought TCM Acupuncture after having no success in recovering from their conditions through Western medicine. One suffered from a stomach condition and was receiving strong medication which was having no impact. They were advised by a friend to try TCM treatment. Within a few sessions, the condition was resolved and upon learning about this positive outcome, more friends and family were eager to visit a local practitioner. In another example, a child of 5 years old who had a persistent cough for two years had been treated with multiple antibiotics but the problem persisted. They attended a TCM practitioner and after one session their condition greatly improved. After a second treatment, the condition was gone.

This inspired me to learn more about TCM. Having since completed the Lic.TCM Acupuncture Training from the ICTCM, I now have the privilege of helping others through my own clinic which I run from home. 

If this sounds like something you would like to learn more about, please visit the ICTCM website where you can find the updated 2024 Lic.TCM course prospectus pack. Applications are now being made for an early October start.

 

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.

Why study Acupuncture


ICTCM Prospectus

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.

 



2023 Acupuncture training applications closing soon


The next TCM Acupuncture training programme begins on the weekend of 7 and 8 October 2023.

The course is now nearly full so we will be closing applications soon. If you are considering making a late application you are advised to phone the Irish College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ICTCM) on: 01 8559000 to check if any places are still available.

This three year, part time training programme in TCM Acupuncture provides a rigorous grounding in TCM theory. Clinical trainees undergo intensive, competency-based, training and assessment during the third year. Details of the course are available on the website.

Why do people want to get treated with Acupuncture?


Professional Acupuncture TCM Practitioners

People want to get treated with Acupuncture for a host of reasons. It is a popular and sought-after treatment option. Here at the ICTCM in Dublin, we train new Acupuncture practitioners every year. Details of the programme can be found on our website.

When used as a treatment method of Traditional Chinese Medicine, by a fully qualified and insured TCM practitioner, such as those graduating from the ICTCM in Dublin, Acupuncture is:

  • Safe
  • Effective
  • Relatively cheap
  • It has a more than 2000 year history.
  • It is not experimental.
  • It does not depend on hi-tec equipment.
  • It is not very time consuming – each treatment usually takes about 30 minutes.
  • It can be used alongside Western medicine.

Treatment with TCM Acupuncture can be used to alleviate present disorders; off-set the side-effects of other forms of treatment; build up the client’s own resources to enable them to be better able to resist illness and fight off infections.

In the hands of a well-qualified practitioner it can help the client to reach better functioning on a Mental, Emotional and Physical level. It is preventative, restorative, potentially curative and health-enhancing.

To find a qualified TCM Acupuncture practitioner go to the PRTCM.org website.

 

Acupuncture Training at the ICTCM College in Dublin 3 and via Zoom.


Some of the 2019 students and staff outside the College in Dublin 3

Some of the 2019 students and staff outside the College in Dublin 3

 

Acupuncture Training at the ICTCM College in Dublin 3 and via Zoom. We are looking forward to seeing our new first year students on the weekend of 7th and 8th October 2023 for the start of the new Lic.TCM Acupuncture Training group. Some places are still available and we are still accepting applications and arranging Zoom interview for suitable candidates. The closing date for TCM Acupuncture Applications for this Academic year is 15th September 2023. If all the places are filled before this date suitable late applicants will be placed on a waiting list.

Teaching in the First and Second years. In the First and Second years there are 12 teaching weekends a year, starting in October and finishing in the following July. Dates are set in advance and students are required to attend all the sessions and be present in person. About a third of the First year sessions are held in College in Dublin. These are devoted mainly to developing practical point location skills which are essential for future Clinical Training in the third year.

About the same amount of time is spend in College in the Second year. This is mainly skills-based training and also includes training in other Clinical skills such as Pulse Diagnosis and Tongue Diagnosis. We have small student groups which enables us to provide individual point location and clinical skills feedback face-to-face.

Most of the TCM Theory curriculum is currently delivered via Zoom. These are taught sessions and students need to attend in person on the specified training weekends, via Zoom.

Information about how the Clinical Training year is delivered will follow on our next News post.

Acupuncture Course in Ireland 2023


The Irish College of Traditional Chinese Medicine’s Acupuncture Course, run in Ireland – the Licentiate in TCM – trains students in TCM Acupuncture. Students learn to diagnose and treat clients using the underpinning theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This is far more comprehensive and all-encompassing than learning Acupuncture alone.

As is said on the College Website:

“The Acupuncture practitioner uses the ancient and well-established principles and theories of Chinese Medicine to diagnose and treat the client. These are exclusive to Chinese Medicine. They do not rely upon other medical systems or diagnostic methods, such as those used by Western Medical Practitioners.

A person who is working as a Practitioner of TCM Acupuncture can be referred to as an “Acupuncture TCM practitioner”, a “TCM practitioner specialising in Acupuncture” or a “Chinese Medical Acupuncturist”.

Other TCM treatment options are available to the Chinese Medical Acupuncturist including Moxibustion, Cupping, Dietary therapy and Life style advice. These treatment methods are all taught as part of our professional TCM Acupuncture Training Programme, the Lic.TCM.”

The next group of students on this part time 3 year Acupuncture Course start in October this year, 2023, some places are still available and an Application form is available on the website.