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.
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.
Becoming an Acupuncturist at the ICTCM
One of the things I most enjoyed when becoming an Acupuncturist at the ICTCM was the niche knowledge of TCM philosophy that I acquired. Another was the insight into all of the Acupuncture points especially the names and the Chinese characters. Also I really appreciated the help and guidance when setting up my own clinic in the third year of the Acupuncture training.
Taiji the Great Polarity
Niche knowledge – At the heart of TCM Acupuncture Training lies the richness of TCM philosophy, with its principles of Yin and Yang, Qi, and the Five Vital Substances. Delving into these ancient concepts, I found myself immersed in a world where the body is viewed as a dynamic ecosystem, interconnected and in constant flux. A whole new view of the world and nature began to form. The insight into how to live in harmony with it and to learn its way was something I found hugely fascinating and very beneficial in terms of personal growth. This knowledge is not yet widely known and in fact is becoming more difficult to find in modern times. I felt a deep appreciation to have found it and be given the opportunity to learn it.
Acupuncture points and their names and characters – The learning of the points and their precise location was challenging and indeed very demanding. However, what interested me was the names given to, and the characters used for, each individual point. These painted a picture of what they did within the body. The characters that are used in the Chinese language give clues to what the words mean or represent, which makes it difficult for the meaning to get lost in translation as time passes, as often happens in other languages.
Support in Setting up my own Clinic – I also found the help and guidance offered by experience staff in the clinical year, prior to setting up my own clinic, was very beneficial. This was something I had little knowledge about and greatly relied on the expertise of the clinical supervisors who guided me through the whole process. Getting to set up my clinic during the clinical year meant I had access to the support and help offered by the college as I learned the ins and outs of running my own business.
If you are interested in becoming an Acupuncturist at the ICTCM, applications are still being taken for the 2024 start in early October. Application forms can be found as part of the prospectus pack.
Congratulations to our new Acupuncture Graduates!
Congratulations to our new Acupuncture TCM graduates of 2024!!
The Irish College of Traditional Chinese Medicine is happy to have another set of 6 students pass through the college and emerge as Professional TCM Acupuncture Practitioners. We wish all of our newly graduated professionals the very best in their new practices and on their continued journey with Traditional Chinese Medicine.
This will be the 38th group of students to have graduated from the ICTCM in its 41 years as a teaching college. We at the ICTCM endeavour to share the wisdom of classical TCM so that as many as possible can benefit from this ancient treasure.
One of these recent graduates expressed his thanks to us as follows:
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to Professor Tom J Shanahan and The Irish College of Traditional Chinese Medicine faculty for their invaluable guidance and support throughout my study of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Your dedication to imparting knowledge and fostering a deep understanding of TCM principles has shaped my understanding of this complex field”.
Three of these graduates have also asked to be considered for our next Diploma level post graduate programmes. One person wishes to add Chinese Herbal Medicine to her TCM toolbox of treatment options and two are very keen to start the journey in Medical Qigong. We look forward to hearing from each of them so that we can feature their individual stories in future posts.
Once again, Well done and Congratulations to our new graduates of 2024. Let the adventure begin!
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.
Introduction to the study of TCM and Acupucture
Introduction to the study of TCM and Acupuncture
DAO – the Path every person follows in life.
In late September or early October, at the start of every Academic year, the College Founder and Director Tom Shanahan welcomes new students to the Irish College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ICTCM). His introduction places the study of TCM and Acupuncture, as taught at the college, within the philosophical framework of Daoism.
All medical systems have their use and value; each satisfies certain needs. Every system is only as good as its practitioner. As the practitioner is the most powerful medicine in the surgery, it matters hugely who you are and not just what you do. Thus, the study of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has to be not solely a study of medicine but also a way towards personal development.
Acupuncture is part of TCM. TCM is a supremely preventative medicine with a sophisticated theoretical structure. Essentially it is a simple and profound system, not based upon man-made laws but upon laws of nature, the natural laws of the universe, or what the Chinese refer to as the Dao – the Way. 道
The Dao predates human civilization and transcends all boundaries of space and time, race and culture, since it is the universal and enduring Way of nature. It is the primal power that forges all phenomena in the universe, from the infinite to the infinitesimal. Invisible yet ever present it permeates the world with the very breath of life, and those who learn how to harmonize themselves with the Dào may harness that power to enhance and prolong health and life itself.
This Way is not simply a philosophy of life but rather an entire way of life based upon the most fundamental of laws. These laws do not change and will never become out of date. They are permanent and immutable.
The whole article can be viewed here.
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.
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.
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.
Menu 
