Home | Health & Fitness | Alternative Medicine
So you've decided that you want to attend acupuncture school. A great decision to be sure, but if you decide that you want to study to become an acupuncturist then you need to do your research first of all. To get started, you will need to research many of the concrete elements about the training. First of all, you will need to understand the various topics of study, just how long the course will take, of course it is important to know how much the courses will cost, and unless you are independently wealthy, if financial aid is available. Another thing to consider when you are looking for school is to understand the philosophy of each school that you are looking at. The philosophy basis is critically important so that you are comfortable with the environment in which you are going to study. Currently there are two distinct philosophies in the world of acupuncture study. It is very important for any prospective acupuncturist to understand the differences between these philosophies before you make a commitment to any one school. You want to select a school whose philosophy matches as closely to your own as possible. So let's take a look at the two different philosophies of acupuncture study. First of all there is the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)/ Eight Elements School and then there is the Five Element School. The Five Element School takes a classic approach to the practice of acupuncture in that it emphasizes not just acupuncture but also counselling as an important element of the practice. The Five Element School is the less popular of the two philosophies and is only taught in a minority of schools in the United States where students can train to become acupuncturists. Looking at the other type of education available, the TCM/Eight Elements School is based on a form of diagnosis that has become standardized and has been in wide use in China ever since the start of communism. Built on the foundation referred to as the "Eight Principles", this method of study has a greater following. The Eight Principles schools focus on herbal therapies along with the traditional practice of acupuncture. The biggest difference between the types of schools is primarily philosophical; however, it is a big difference and one that must be considered thoroughly before you apply to any one school. Many purist argue that the Eight Element Schools are totally devoid of the spiritual element that is the foundation of the Five Element Schools. Both have their good and bad points and when taken together they both have important philosophies to teach students interested in learning about acupuncture. Different universities across the states elect to teach one philosophy or a combination of both. Of course it is at the discretion of the school to decide which philosophy they will follow. One well known acupuncture school is Yo San University, located in Marina Del Rey, CA. This university specializes in Taoist Classical Medicine, which combines both the approaches of TCM/Eight Elements as well as the Five Elements School. It is a popular choice of students because they combine methods as well as including the Energetic Systems of Chinese medicine in their teachings and these are based on the I-Ching as well as the "Yellow Emperor's Classic." The co-founder of this university, Maoshing Ni, believes that this method of study makes it possible for future acupuncturists and healers to have a complete and integrated view since there is a complete connection of all of the elements. This allows students to understand not only the spiritual approach but the healing energies that surround us, as well as the physical application of this ancient practice of Chinese medicine. Before you select any school it is critical that you do your research so that you understand which philosophy you intend to study. Your studies will be the basis of your acupuncture practice, so the right school is very important. It will be vitally important as you set up your practice because your schooling will forever be a part of the acupuncturist you become. So get it right.
Article Source: http://www.wowarticlesonline.com
For more information on acne, be sure to visit www.the-health-hub.com where you'll find information on health topics such as alternative medicine, diet and exercise, healthy living & more
Please Rate this Article
5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5
Not yet Rated
