Chinese Medicine Careers Today
Find Chinese medicine careers in the United States and Canada. With the development of integrative and complementary medicines, Chinese medicine careers are on the rise. Traditional Chinese medicine including Tuina, acupuncture, and herbal medicine make up some of the broad practices that are integrated into Chinese medicine careers.
According to the National Center of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Chinese medicine careers in acupuncture are among the most popular CAM practices in the United States. In a report published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Chinese medicine careers in acupuncture are “being widely practiced by thousands of physicians, dentists, acupuncturists, and other practitioners – for relief or prevention of pain and for various other health conditions.“1 acupuncture
Chinese medicine careers encompass a vast array of natural healing techniques and modalities, including meridian therapy, Tai Chi, Qi gong, Chinese medical massage (Tuina), acupuncture, herbology, moxibustion (cupping), and related health and wellness methods.
While Chinese medicine careers can be quite lucrative, it is critical to understand that proper training and education is of utmost importance. Today, prospective candidates interested in pursuing Chinese medicine careers must have substantial instruction (and licensure, depending on specific field) in order to practice professionally. If you’re one of many students drawn to this ancient healing art, it is wise to carefully review state educational requirements and regulations regarding Chinese medicine careers. For example, Oriental medicine schools offering Chinese medicine academic programs may vary in length and specialty. Some training programs in Chinese medicine careers range from mere months, up to five years.
Many Chinese medicine careers require a comprehensive education in anatomy, biophysics, Oriental medicine, nutrition, herbology, acupuncture, and needling techniques; this, in addition to clinical experience and prerequisite education from an accredited college or university. Furthermore, Chinese medicine careers often require certification and/or licensure; and depending on the state in which you reside, formal training requirements and internship programs may be different.