Monday, July 20, 2015
East Meets West in Unique Acupuncturist
Career Path
Holistic medicine has come a long way in Western culture
with acupuncture as one of the most popular forms of alternative therapy. Part
of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture has been known to relieve
pain, treat diseases, achieve wellness, and maintain overall health in
patients. Through TCM, the human body is considered a unified energy system
with different pathways or meridians of energy. In order to promote the free
flow of energy, acupuncturists use thin needles to manipulate the balance of
the body.
Now that acupuncture treatments are covered by most
extended health care benefit plans, a higher demand for trained professionals is
apparent. Reeves College’s
Acupuncture program combines the TCM practices of
acupuncture and Tuina massage together with fundamentals in Western Medicine
including biochemistry, medical microbiology, and pharmacology.
In this 108-week program, students will cover specific
acupuncture techniques and clinical observations that will give them a
well-rounded education for diagnosing and treating patients. Students will also
have access to the on-campus clinic where they can observe as well as practice
their techniques. Upon graduation students will be well-versed in Western
medical terminology and TCM principles, theory, and techniques.
Acupuncture treatments have become increasingly popular over
the last several years as more interest in holistic medicine has grown. Acupuncture
graduates can start their own practices, join existing clinics, or find
employment at other medical centers. Since our curriculum is aligned to
follow a typical five-year TCM university program in China, Reeves College is the
ideal post-secondary institution for thorough, yet fast-paced Acupuncturist training
in Alberta.
In addition to the intensive course study, students in
the Acupuncturist program must complete a supervised clinical internship. As
future professionals in the industry, students will be required to formulate
herbal treatments, counsel patients, and prepare sterilization of needles and
other tools.