I want to learn Chinese Medicine, how do I go about it?

Question

I want to learn Chinese Medicine, how do I go about it?

Answer 1

Start here:

http://www.ccaom.org/

And don't mind those who say "it's all placebo" or "it's nonsense", etc.  Most of those guys have never spoken to a real practitioner, nor do they have the faintest notion of what it is we can, and frequently do, provide our patients.  

If you're unsure, visit a school, get a treatment, read up on the theories involved (I would suggest "The Web that has no Weaver" to start), talk to some patients, and so on--if you're still not sure, then don't continue.

Oh, and racey, most of us don't use those kind of products anymore--at least not here in the US, so please quell your indignation.

Answer 2

How about a web search for "chinese medicine "+ education?  That would certainly be a starting point.

Answer 3

There are several forms of Chinese Medicines, Acupuncture, Acupressure, and Herbalist. there are specialist are just as there are in Western Medicine.

Look up Acupuncture Association in your local city and they will give the information. GOOD LUCK

Answer 4

if you mean primitive belief systems like acupuncture then you don't bother learning it

it's medieval drivel.

The Chinese medical community has abandoned this nonsense in favour of antibiotics, chemotherapy, transplants and vaccinations.

so should you.

Answer 5

Check the local universities to see if they offer it.

If not, go to a Chinese medicine centre and ask the practioner there for information

There are some chinese courses also offered in china which you can learn chinese medicine too so just google it.

Hope that helps:)

Answer 6

A great place to start is www.acupuncture.com.  Click on the "Find a School" button.  They list all of the accredited schools/programs there, by state.  If you can, stick with an accredited school.  Federal student loans are only available to an accredited program.

Most of the programs are Masters degrees.  You may continue on after 4 years with a Ph.D. if you are driven that way.  The doctoral programs are still rare & offered only at a handful of American schools.

Once you find a couple schools you are interested in, make sure you visit their student clinic (for a treatment) and sit in on a couple classes.  Just like most universities & med schools, they can vary widely.

Answer 7

Just as long as you are aware it is for entertainment purposes only.

TCM includes things like acupuncture, herbal treatment and qi gong.  It is based on superstitious and pre-scientific philosophies and has no proven health benefits when subjected to proper study (large randomized placebo controlled trials)

why not learn something useful?

(should i give myself a thumbs down just to get the ball rollling?)

Two thumbs up for racey-pacey for mentioning TCM's dirty little secret they never talk about.

Answer 8

I really hope you don't make it then. Have you seen the abhorrent ways that they treat animals for their so called medicine. Plants may be OK but when you see a shot of a bear with a pipe and tap hanging out of its stomach to collect bile - well, it's beyond me. Go for something different in the medicine world.

Answer 9

You must first decide whether you wish to study in the five-element tradition or in TCM (traditional chinese medicine).  For five-element, the very best school is in Gainesville, FL.  For TCM, you have more options, across the country.  Southwest is in Albequerque, NM and also Boulder, CO.  There are plenty of schools in California, in Austin and Houston TX.  Basically, if you want to learn in order to practice, you must go to school for a Master's degree.  It is expensive, but worthwhile for many.  If you are interested in learning on your own, there are many books that can guide you.  I recommend "Healing with Whole Foods" and "Between Heaven and Earth" to start with, or go to your library or bookstore and start flipping through books to see what interests you.  Good luck to you.