reprint from university
Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture is the world’s second largest medical system, serving more than 1.5 billion people worldwide. It is fully incorporated into the public health systems of China and Japan. Chinese Medicine is the only medical system in world history to be based on a significant catalogue of recorded case histories: no less than 2000 years of written case histories make Chinese Medicine the great system it is. It comprises of knowledge-base that has been uninterruptedly analysed, reflected on and expanded by centuries of some of the world’s finest medical minds right up to the present day. Its unique ability to treat disease accurately where other medicines struggle is its Differentiation according to TCM syndrome: because of this asthma, for example, an incurable disease in “conventional” medicine may be curable in Chinese Medicine, each differentiated Syndrome receiving its own distinct form of treatment. This gives rise to the practice of “One disease, many Syndromes”.
The broader category of Chinese Medicine encompasses Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Chinese nutritional medicine, Moxibustion, Tuina, Electrostimulation, Guasha and dry/wet/slide Cupping. These are treatment methods used by a Chinese Medicine practitioner. A practitioner will decide and advise on the best method to use depending on the individual patients condition, age, gender, general state of health and present condition, lifestyle, etc.
The universal symbol of balance namely the Yin and Yang symbol forms a part of the basic philosophy of Chinese Medicine and serves as a theoretical framework with which we analyse all natural phenomenon including our state of health or dis-ease.
This uniquely designed course covers discipline related material from year one giving our students good time within which to master all aspects of their training.
A broad overview as to what can be expected in each year level module:
Chinese Medicine Theory (CMA)
During your first year basic foundations and philosophies of Chinese Medicine comprising of concepts such as Yin and Yang, the four Vital substances (Qi, Blood, Body Fluids and Essence), the Five Elements, ZangFu Theory, as well as prevention and treatment of disease is taught.
Chinese Medicine Theory (CMA), Acupuncture and Chinese Materia Medica
Concepts covered relate to diagnostics, acupuncture theory and practical point location and Chinese Materia Medica. Diagnostics includes the infamous Chinese tongue and pulse examination, the 10/12 questions as well as pattern and syndrome differentiations. In-depth and detailed Acupuncture theory and point location training will prepare you for the following years of clinical training. In-depth discussions and practical engagement on the actions, indications and nature of the most important individual herbs is covered.
CMA (Clinical Acupuncture), Chinese Herbal Formula and CMA (Internal Medicine)
Clinical Acupuncture covers practical techniques of acupuncture, insertion, manipulation and formulation of acupuncture treatment. It also covers practical and theory aspects of Moxibustion, Electrostimulation, Guasha and dry/wet/slide Cupping. Insight into the ingredients of herbal formulae, preparation, dosage, action, indication, analysing formulae, clinical application and modification of formulae is completed. Classic and modified Herbal Formula with in-depth case studies as applied in a wide variety of diseases is covered in preparation for seeing patients in a clinical setting the following year. This knowledge is further enhanced by understanding theories of aetiology and pathogenesis and treatment principles of specific diseases according to Chinese Medicine.
Tuina (including Taiji Quan), Gynaecology and Clinical Practice
Theoretical principles and practical demonstration of Tuina (Chinese massage) and Taiji (gentle exercise) is taught. Insight is given into the theories of aetiology, pathogenesis and treatment principles and treatment of specific gynaecological diseases. This will enable students to understand the main aspects, analysis methods and requirements of specific gynaecological diseases according to Chinese Medicine. Clinical practice provides opportunities for students to bring together all fundamental knowledge taught and learnt in previous years of study in an observational capacity under the professional supervision of their teachers.
Paediatrics, Dermatology and Clinical practice
Insight is given into the theories of aetiology, pathogenesis and treatment principles and treatment of specific paediatric and dermatological diseases. This will enable students to understand the main aspects, analysis methods and requirements of specific paediatric and dermatological diseases according to Chinese Medicine. At this year level clinical practice provides further opportunities for students to engage patients during consultation and treatment under the professional supervision of their teachers.