Why the Irish College of Traditional Chinese Medicine was set up
When Prof Tom Shanahan first introduced Acupuncture Training in Ireland in the early 1980s, very few people had heard of Acupuncture, TCM or Chinese Medicine. The Irish College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ICTCM) was set up in 1983 to help satisfy the growing demand for safe alternative healthcare. It was the first college providing Acupuncture Training in Ireland and is devoted to the teaching of Chinese medicine, according to the Classical Traditions of TCM, giving students a theoretically-secure base for establishing sound clinical practice of Acupuncture and TCM.
Acupuncture and TCM are now at the forefront of alternative approaches to health and illness, focusing as they do, not only on treating and curing current illness but also on disease prevention and on health enhancement.
As more people are interested in finding a medical system that is natural, holistic and, in the hands of a well-trained and fully qualified Acupuncturist or TCM practitioner, safe, more students are seeking to join our College in Dublin to complete Acupuncture Training in Ireland.
Acupuncture Training in Ireland
Clinical trainees and Staff 2024
The professional Acupuncture and TCM body, The Professional Register of Traditional Chinese Medicine, provides further information about qualified practitioners on its website.
The ICTCM’s Mission Statement
Our mission is to enhance the reputation and spread of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). To this end we provide comprehensive theoretical and practical professional Acupuncture training in Ireland, during which Acupuncture is taught as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In doing this, we are helping to provide the public with fully trained, fully qualified and fully insured Acupuncturists in whom they can have complete confidence.
As our next 2024 Licentiate in Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture training Course begins on the first weekend in October, we will be closing applications for this year’s course on 20th September. There is still time to make a late application, and you can find the prospectus pack here.
Can I study Medical Qigong at the ICTCM in Dublin?
Professor Xia our Medical Qigong Master with students studying Medical Qigong at the ICTCM in Dublin.
When people contact us at the Irish College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Dublin they often ask, “Can I study Medical Qigong at your College”? The answer is Yes, provided you are already a fully trained fully qualified practitioner of Acupuncture TCM. Because the College is a Chinese Medical college, the type of Qigong we teach is specifically tailored for use in the TCM Clinic. We run a number of intensive programmes in Medical Qigong at post-graduate level.
Some people, when they join us on the Licentiate in TCM Acupuncture Training course, already know that they really want to study Medical Qigong. At least one of our current Teachers was not specifically interested in Acupuncture Medicine per se but studied with us in order to be able to gain the necessary Chinese medical knowledge to become a TCM practitioner and then learn Medical Qigong. He is now in full time TCM practice using Acupuncture, Medical Qigong and Chinese Herbal Medicine according to the needs and requirements of each individual client.
Many Acupuncture TCM students only become interested in Qigong and Medical Qigong as they progress in their Acupuncture training and hear from the College Director, Professor Tom Shanahan, about the wonderful effects of Medical Qigong. He tells students about his experiences in China studying this specialist branch of TCM treatment at one of the top Chinese Medical Universities in China with a leading Qigong Master.
A number of TCM practitioners have recently qualified with us in Medical Qigong at Certificate level and Diploma level and you can read about this on the PRTCM website.
If you are not yet a qualified practitioner of Acupuncture TCM but are keen to be qualified to study Medical Qigong in the future, there are still a few places left on this year’s Licentiate in TCM. We will soon be closing applications for this Acupuncture training programme.
It is often possible to begin some aspects of Qigong training, as an additional option, even during the First year of the Acupuncture Course (staff availability permitting).
If you are already a fully trained TCM Aupuncturist and wish to know about our next Medical Qigong start date please contact us.
If you are interested in our short one or two day introduction to Qigong for Health and Wellbeing, which we will be running in the Spring (if not earlier) please contact us – send us your name and email address, and your reasons for wishing to study Qigong and we will inform you when the next workshops in Qigong are being run.
As one of the main Qigong and Medical Qigong teachers at the College it is always a pleasure for me to inform people about the transformative benefits that can arise from practising Qigong and using Medical Qigong with clients.
ICTCM Acupuncture Training Fee payment options
The ICTCM offers students several Acupuncture Training fee payment options to choose from. These options are tailored to meet the financial circumstances of all our students. Those who pay the annual fee in full before the date specified receive a discount. Installment plans are available for those without the resources to pay the whole fee in one go. There are several payment options to avail of for those who wish to spread their fee payments throughout the academic year. The fee installment options mean you can pay in either 2 equal installments or 4 equal installments over the course of the year.
If you are thinking of joining this year’s Acupuncture programme, which begins in early October, and would like to avail of the 4 payments option, please be advised that this option is not available to late applicants. It is advised you get your application in by the end of July to ensure this option is available to you.
After fees, there are very few additional costs. Other expenses would include one or two books per year, an examination fee at the end of second and third years and any resit fees if exams need to be taken again. At the end of the second year, you will need to purchase your own personal Clinic equipment to be used in the teaching clinic and afterwards in your own professional practice.
For details on fees, have a look at the fee information available in the online prospectus pack, it includes detailed information on discounts and installment plans.
Acupuncture Course at the ICTCM – How to apply
How to apply for the Acupuncture Course at the ICTCM
The Application procedures are as follows:
Application pack for the Acupuncture Course at the ICTCM
- Obtain a full Prospectus pack, Acupuncture Professional Training (Lic.TCM) Prospectus pack online as a PDF file
- Read the prospectus pack carefully.
- Print (if necessary), fill in and sign the Application form (see notes below) and then
- Scan it and send it as an email attachment to the Admissions Officer. The email address to send it to is on the Prospectus letter.
- Include an email or letter explaining why you wish to apply.
- Include a passport sized photograph of yourself.
You must provide
- As much detail as possible about your reasons for wishing to apply.
- Honest and inclusive information about yourself including your educational, medical and occupational background.
- The name, postal address, email address and telephone number of 2 people who are willing to provide a reference for you. They should know you well but must not be close family members. We will ask them to vouch for your character and academic ability, and give their view of your suitability to work with people in a caring profession.
Here you can go directly to the Application form.
Selection Procedures
We have been successfully running this course for over 40 years and accept serious applicants who aspire to become Acupuncturists using Acupuncture TCM to treat clients with medical conditions,
We take up references for all applicants. Suitable applicants are then interviewed by a senior member of staff, via Zoom, and the whole process usually takes between 30 and 45 minutes.
This gives you time to ask questions and make sure that the course is suitable for you.
If you would like to find out about some of our previous students take a look at our Graduates page.
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.
Career prospects of Acupuncture Training at the ICTCM
A common question asked by potential students is “What are the career prospects of TCM Acupuncture training at the ICTCM?”
The Lic. TCM Acupuncture training course is a part-time course which is equivalent to a degree level standard. It takes two and a half years to complete. Many of the students at the ICTCM maintain their full time employment while undertaking this course. This makes it a popular choice with those wishing for a career change but need to remain in full-time employment while retraining.The TCM Acupuncture Training course is specifically designed to provide graduates with the skills, knowledge and confidence to set up a TCM Clinic immediately after graduation and over time develop a thriving professional practice in Acupuncture and TCM.
So, what are the career prospects after TCM Acupuncture Training?
On completion of the Licentiate, students are qualified to practise Acupuncture within the field of TCM as a member of a professional organisation in Ireland and/or the UK.
Graduates can –
- Practise from home on either a full or part-time basis
- Work in a joint practice with other healthcare providers or GP’s
- Work in their own private clinic or a hospital setting.
For most graduates, Acupuncture and TCM eventually becomes their only profession and enables them to be financially successful in a rewarding career.
Others pursue further training at postgraduate level in other branches of TCM, for example Chinese Herbal Medicine or Medical Qigong. Graduates are eligible to apply for such postgraduate courses available at the ICTCM.
To learn more about career prospects in TCM Acupuncture you can visit the ICTCM website where there is more detailed information about this and other aspects of the course including the course structure and schedule. If you are thinking of a change in career and are interested in TCM Acupuncture we look forward to hearing from you. Applications are now being taken for the October 2024 start date.
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.
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.
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