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.
Learning Pulse Diagnosis at the ICTCM
Learning Pulse Diagnosis at the Irish College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Chinese Medical Diagnosis
At this time of year, second year students start learning Pulse Diagnosis at the Irish College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ICTCM). Did you know that there are four distinctive ways of gathering diagnostically useful information in Chinese Medicine? These are referred to as Asking, Listening, Looking and Palpating. Pulse Diagnosis is part of Palpating (feeling).
Learning Pulse Diagnosis
Chinese Medical Pulse Diagnosis looks similar to, but is not the same as, “taking the pulse” in Western Medicine. It is one of the pillars of TCM Diagnosis and has been used in China for thousands of years. Chinese Medicine understands that the pulse, which is usually palpated at the radial artery on the wrist, can reveal important information about the internal state of the person’s Body, Mind and Spirit. It can assess the quality and quantity of their Five Vital Substances and the healthy functioning of their Zangfu. The TCM student is learning Pulse Diagnosis so that they can use it to assess a person’s health and diagnose imbalances. It provides a holistic insight into a client’s health.
Taking the pulse effectively requires plenty of practice. It is something students need to do repeatedly and which they will always be refining. When students are learning pulse diagnosis at the ICTCM they are encouraged to take as many pulses as possible whenever they can, to build up the sensitivity needed and discernment required to take the pulse effectively. Of course, in conjunction with refining their pulse-taking skills, they also have to learn and absorb a great deal of theoretical information about the significance of different types of pulse quality.
This diagnostic tool is invaluable in cases where a client cannot describe their medical problem clearly, does not speak the same language as the pratitioner or, for whatever reason, is unable to articulate or explain their situation. However, although Pulse Diagnosis is highly prized, the practitioner of Chinese Medicine will still use all the diagnostic methods available to them to build up a full picture before making a TCM diagnosis and carrying out a treatment – often using TCM Acupuncture.
Learning Pulse Diagnosis on the Lic.TCM Course
This is just one of many fascinating aspects of Chinese Medical Diagnosis that students learn at the Irish College of Traditional Chinese Medicine as part of the Licentiate in TCM. If you are thinking of studying TCM or TCM Acupuncture you should ensure that the course you choose includes Pulse Diagnosis.
If you would like to view our course syllabus you can find it at this link as well as general information about the Lic.TCM .
Students of Chinese Medicine 2024
Some of our new and returning Chinese Medicine students October 2024
The Irish College of Traditional Chinese Medicine’s 2024 Academic year has now started. It was our pleasure welcoming the Chinese Medicine students 2024 to our College in Dublin 3.
The new students had a busy two days in college.
Firstly they were introduced to the College itself including its ethos and aspirations.
Secondly they were introduced to some of the basis concepts of Traditonal Chinese Medicne. This included the Theory of Yin and Yang. During this, students learned that these simple labels represent a host of Chinese Medical understanding of health and illness.
Thirdly, all the students, spent a lot of the weekend practising Acupuncture Point Location. This is one of the essential practical skills of an Acupuncture TCM practitioner enabling them to learn the skills of quickly, efficiently and accurately finding where the Acupuncture points are located.
Students of Chinese Medicine enjoying learning Acupuncture Point Location
Accurate Acupuncture Point location is essential to ensure that, when the students are getting close to starting the Clinical Training in the third year of the course, they can practise needling the points safely. This is done under the supervision of a trained Clinical Teacher.
During the first weekend of this academic year, the new first year students met the second years. The Second years have already trodden the same path and are happy to share their advice and guidance.
The new students also met many, but not yet all, of our teaching staff. The rest of us in the Teaching team are looking forward to meeting them all in November.
In the meantime, the whole Irish College of TCM teaching and admin team want to say:
欢迎你们都来到爱尔兰中医药学院
Fáilte go Coláiste na hÉireann um leigheas Sínis traidisiúnta.
