Traditional Chinese Medicine is a comprehensive medical system that has been utilized since the beginning of Asian civilization. Proponents of the practice were often influenced by the Taoist, Buddhist and Hindu philosophical systems. They believe that to remain healthy, the body must maintain a balance between opposites such as hot/cold, dry/damp, male/female, an imbalance of which results in a blockage in Qi. Yet many of their beliefs are being found by modern practitioners to correlate well with the Western bio-medical model. Traditional Chinese Medicine physicians use acupuncture, herbs, medical massage, Qi Gong, Tai Chi and energy healing among many other techniques to clear the Qi and bring balance back to the body. TCM is generally known as a form of Alternative or Complementary medicine.

Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that mankind is innately connected to the natural world. In the early 20 th century, China's Nationalist government, fearing that this nature oriented medicine would be left behind by its more techology and science driven counterpart, banned the practice of Chinese Medicine. Thirty years later, however, Mao Zedong realized that China could never discard its traditional medical practices, and allowed the top ten physicians in the country to create a standardized form of the classical Chinese medicine. He called this form Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine use a variety of methods to diagnose illness. Many use techniques such as measuring the radial artery pulse, observing the patient's tongue and complexion, comparing temperature differences in various parts of the body, and even using a person's odor as an indicator of illness. Once a diagnosis has been made, the practitioner may use a variety of alternative methods, including acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, electro therapy, energy healing, herbal medicine, Tui Na, Tai Chi and Qi Gong. Even methods of balanced living like Feng Shui may be incorporated.

Learning Traditional Chinese Medicine encompasses subjects ranging from Eastern and Western medical terminology to herbal pharmacopoeia and meridian theory. Students will learn to properly diagnose and incorporate treatments such as acupuncture, Tui Na, Qi Gong and a wide array of herbal remedies. Most accrediting agencies require Oriental Medicine students to complete three to four years of training, with at least 2,175 hours of class work. They must also complete a clinical internship before being awarded a Master's Degree in TCM.

Degree/License offered : Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.), Master's Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Oriental Medical Doctor, Certifications in Various Specialties (Tui Na, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, etc.)

Length of study : 3-4 years

Cost/Financial Aid : $10,000-14,000 per year for comprehensive TCM programs and certification.

Traditional Chinese medicine has been in effective use for thousands of years. Modern research is rapidly discovering its scientific validity.

Traditional Chinese Medical professionals are most commonly licensed to perform acupuncture. This license also allows them to perform other manual techniques like Tui Na, a form of medical massage. Other areas of TCM like Herbal medicine and Qi Gong do not require a license to practice, but proper education and certification is recommended. Organizations like the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) are trying to increase credentialing possibilities by offering certification in the many individual techniques used in TCM.

Average Salary/ Hourly Rate:

Traditional Chinese Medicine has a wide scope, and different fields enjoy different levels of pay. A typical session can range from $60 to upwards of $200 depending largely on the skill and experience of the practitioner. An acupuncturists' gross income averages $50,000-$105,000 per year, depending on whether they work privately or publicly.

The following is an outline of formal schooling and examination requirements for licensure in the various states. It does not provide complete information regarding eligibility requirements. For example, some states require applicants to graduate from an accredited college or fulfill an English language requirement. A few recognize apprenticeship as a route to licensure; most do not.

In 25 states, the practice of acupuncture is included within the scope of a physician’s license, and thus no further restrictions are imposed. In contrast, 15 states require further training. To become members of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture, physicians must complete 300 training hours, 2 years of clinical experience, and pass a two-part exam. Membership in AAMA has become the standard for determining state credentialing, hospital privileges, liability insurance, and third party
reimbursement. California, however, requires practitioners to complete a separate exam. About 40 states have instituted training standards for certification of non-physicians, though requirements differ greatly from state to state.