Find Acupuncture Courses in the United States and Canada. Today, prospective candidates who desire a rewarding career in acupuncture can enroll in one of several acupuncture courses to attain ample education and training in the healing art of Oriental medicine. Acupuncture courses are designed to allow students to gain necessary skills and training to practice acupuncture and Oriental medicine; in addition to continuing education.

Most acupuncture courses are focused on Traditional Chinese Medicine, and involve in-depth studies in Chinese herbs, Tui Na, Qigong and of course, acupuncture needling techniques. While there are several types of acupuncture, one of the more common acupuncture courses taught include traditional techniques and procedures, but may consist of advanced acupuncture courses in 5-element acupuncture and the like.

In addition to common acupuncture courses, clinical training and education will often be comprised of comprehensive lessons in anatomy, physiology, pathology, and principles and theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Students who desire to become licensed acupuncturists can expect a three to four-year term of studies that if quite intensive. In the first year of enrollment in acupuncture courses, students will gain insight into the philosophies surrounding traditional Chinese medicine, Chinese medical terminology and respective classroom studies.

In the ensuing years of acupuncture courses, students will obtain hands-on training and experience in a clinical setting. Students who are interested in acquiring a certificate, diploma or degree should carefully review acupuncture courses in one of several Oriental medicine schools to become familiar with academic plans, prerequisites, tuition, and class offerings.

In general, acupuncture courses are offered widely at several acupuncture schools, alternative medicine schools and other healing arts schools; and are typically provided to students who desire to help patients with natural healing techniques and who aspire to enhance professional outlook; and to practitioners, who in this ever-evolving field, desire post-graduate level training and continuing professional development.

If you are interested in finding your dream job, let education within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

Acupuncture Courses Today

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CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd
http://www.articlesbase.com/education-articles/acupuncture-courses-today-138618.html

Part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture is a healing method developed over the past 2000 plus years in China and the Far East. Popular culture portrays acupuncture as pain therapy administered by practitioners using thin needles placed in specific points (i.e. acupoints) of the body. All in all this is a fair portrayal, although the patient in these portrayals is usually shown to be a bit different and quirky and not deserving the fruits of the ancient practice. Although so-called “modern” medicine has been slow to accept the ancient practice it has become increasingly more “open” because it’s becoming more and more difficult to dismiss the successes of treatments on conditions like depression.

The specific origin of acupuncture has been lost in the mists of time. One might logically conclude that acupuncture has survived because it works and that the successful aspects of acupressure and bloodletting slowly developed over the centuries into a separate discipline, fueled by the confidence of the patient in this so-called mysterious practice. Unlike Western science, the discoveries and studies of TCM practitioners were never documented and shared with the public at large. Rather, theories and practices were passed down from master to apprentice in secret. Nobody knows for sure, but it’s possible that successful techniques were compiled around the beliefs of the Eastern cultures.

Acupuncture treatment depends on precise placement of fine needles in “acupoints” drawn by centuries of practitioners. Points are found along lines of “chi” or energy from major organs that run along the back and limbs of the human body. As with Feng Shui, the idea is to allow the chi to flow unimpeded while balancing yin and yang. Needles are mostly placed along the right side of the body to correct the flow of chi when treating depression with acupuncture.

A study done in Tucson divided women with mild depression into three groups. The first group was treated with the recommended therapy for acupuncture and depression. The second group was treated using acupuncture therapy normally used for other conditions and the third group; the control group was simply put on a waiting list.

The first two groups were told they received the traditional acupuncture and depression treatment. The finding showed the first group had as much improvement as if they had received medication. The other two groups fared less well but had a little improvement.

The Cochrane Group, a scientific group that is looking for evidence concerning acupuncture, looked into this study for the effectiveness of acupuncture and depression and decided that the results were not convincing enough to receive their seal of approval. Of course, the conclusions of the Cochrane Group must be taken with a grain of salt because it’s filled with people who hold a bias against traditional Chinese medicine and unless the results were so overwhelming they couldn’t discount them they would look for any reason they could to discount the results.

While science will continue to study the so-called efficacy of acupuncture and depression, the bottom line is that acupuncture has been used successfully on a wide range of health conditions for thousands of years. The proof is in the many anecdotal stories told by happy patients.

Tip – For options in finding the best lender for you, check out the links below.

Brian Winkels
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/depression-and-acupuncture-a-closer-look-92734.html

There are many medical benefits of acupuncture as acupuncture has been used for millennia to treat the symptoms of many diseases and health conditions as well as to promote good health and well-being.

To determine the medical benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of your condition you must speak with a qualified practitioner of acupuncture. He or she will want to know your entire medical history including any allergies you have and what illnesses and injuries you have suffered in the past. Only after knowing these things can a potential form of treatment be decided on?

Acupuncture works by triggering the release of endorphins and serotonin in the brain and central nervous system. These chemicals, endorphins and serotonin have a strong affect on a persons mood and the feelings they have, they can make you feel up, down, in pain or happy and pain free.

The traditional method behind the treatment is to accentuate the flow of “qi”, which is believed to be the bodies natural flow of energy. Today qi is used more like a metaphor and acupuncture is one of the most well known, and most widely used treatments in a complementary fashion.

* What is acupuncture used for?

Acupuncture has been used for a wide variety of medical conditions for a few millennia, today we use acupuncture for medical conditions like asthma, high blood pressure, pain, headaches, digestive problems and women’s menstrual problems.

According to the World Health Organization (W.H.O.) there are a number of health problems that can be improved upon by the use of acupuncture. These conditions are broken down into respiratory diseases, bronchopulmonary diseases, eye disorders, disorders that affect the cavity of the mouth, orthopedic disorders, gastrointestinal disorders and neurological disorders.

The respiratory diseases that acupuncture can help include acute sinusitis, acute rhinitis, acute tonsillitis and the common cold. Acute bronchitis and bronchial asthma are both bronchopulmonary diseases that acupuncture has been shown to have great results in treating.

The eye disorders acupuncture helps include acute conjunctivitis, cataract that has no complications, myopia, and central retinitis.

The mouth cavity disorders acupuncture helps include toothaches, gingivitis, pharyngitis, and pain or discomfort that sometimes takes place after a tooth is pulled. The orthopedic disorders acupuncture helps include periarthritis humeroscapularis, tennis elbow, lower back pain, rheumatoid arthritis and sciatica.

Acupuncture also improves gastrointestinal disorders as well as neurologic disorders. The gastrointestinal disorders it helps include hiccups, gastroptosis, spasms that take place in the cardia and the esophagus, gastric hyperacidity, acute and chronic gastritis, chronic duodenal ulcer, acute bacterial dysentery, acute as well as chronic colitis, constipation, diarrhea, and paralytic ileus.

The neurologic disorders it helps include headaches and migraines in particular, facial paralysis, trigeminal neuralgia, peripheral neuropathy, meniere’s syndrome, intercostals neuralgia, nocturnal enuresis, paralysis after an apoplectic fit, neurogenic bladder dysfunction, and paralysis that is caused by poliomyelitis.

* How is acupuncture done?

Acupuncture is carried out by hundreds of small needles being inserted into special points in the body, these points are known as acupuncture points and are located along meridian lines where qi is supposed to flow likes streams, rivers and seas.

In the body there are hundreds, if not thousands of acupuncture points, all of which are related to different medical conditions and used for alleviating different symptoms.

The points are found by an acupuncture therapist feeling for pulses in the body, mostly around the organs, this will help them determine which acupuncture points to use.

Mike Herman
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/the-medical-benefits-of-acupuncture-are-too-numerous-to-count-88461.html

Do you prefer to adopt a natural and safe way to cure your blood pressure rather than swallowing those pills and medicines? Well, with growing awareness, many people today refrain from taking those chemical tablets and capsules to cure their diseases and disorders.
After all several safe and natural modes of blood pressure treatment are known today.

Acupuncture is one such treatment that has been making strong statements with people struck with the hypertension disorder. It is proved that acupuncture can effectively bring your blood pressure down to the normal levels.

High blood pressure generally occurs when arteries narrow down, with the blood exerting high pressure against its walls. And if this continues over a period of time, this high energy blood damages the blood vessels. The situation can further worsen to harden the arteries.

There are some peculiar forms of acupuncture treatment to treat high blood pressure. To get the best results, acupuncture is now combined with the process of electric stimulation. This type of treatment is known as electro-acupuncture.

This treatment involves the insertion of acupuncture needles in the forearm, just above your wrist. As this process is done the needles are electrically stimulated. As a result electricity starts flowing from the needles to the other body parts. This electrical stimulation carries low frequency. These charges that are carrying low frequency ultimately works in the direction of reducing your blood pressure.

The theory employed in the acupuncture treatment is very simple. The needles are inserted on certain points on the wrist, the forearm and the leg that immediately excites the production of some chemicals in the brain cells. These chemicals interact with the muscles of the heart, thereby reducing its activity. As the activity of the heart reduces, the demand of oxygen in the body reduces. Thus all these developments leads to lower blood pressure.

Apart from curing your hypertension problem, acupuncture also promotes the healing of other problems related to your heart. That is, with acupuncture you can keep healthy for a longer life.

Still, in some cases acupuncture treatment alone may not help you. Though you can get rid of your blood pressure disorder soon with the consumption of certain herbs which paces up your aim. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle pattern will also considerably help you in attaining a normal blood pressure level.

Ashish Jain
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/curing-high-blood-pressure-with-acupuncture-93401.html

If you suffer from headaches – whether they be migraine or sinus headaches – you might automatically think of popping a pill. But for a more natural remedy — and one that’s gaining momentum all the time — think about acupuncture for sinus headache migrains.

The thought of acupuncture makes many people cringe. But the art and craft of acupuncture is gaining popularity among people who don’t want to take pain pills or other drugs, but who are looking for natural, pure remedies.

Simply put, acupuncture is the delicate insertion of very thin needles at various points on the body to relieve pain or promote healing. Relief of sinus, tension and migraine headaches is a common impetus for acupuncture treatment, but it’s used for a variety of other needs, including healing after injury, relief from the pain and discomfort of chemotherapy, and a variety of other ailments and illnesses.

It’s believed that inserting the needles at specific points in the body realigns the body’s electrical fields which helps to relieve pain or promote the healing necessary for recovery from injury or disease.

As for headaches, the use of acupuncture is gaining in popularity thanks both to the acceptance the practice is gaining in traditional circles, and reports that the practice is effective in relieving headache pain.

A recent study showed that the use of acupuncture was effective in relieving the pain of migraine headaches but experts aren’t exactly sure why. They say it’s possible acupuncture has a “placebo” effect, where the patient believes the treatment will help and so it does, without much medical basis for the benefit or relief.

Others say acupuncture works for migraine and sinus headaches because the acupuncture needles are inserted specifically to re-channel the body’s energy fields and produce a biochemical change in the body’s blood serum.

If you suffer from sinus or migraine headaches, you know that pain relief in the form of a pill can work. But after four or six hours, the pain returns and you return to the medicine cabinet for another “hit” of the pain-relieving drug. Experts say that the use of acupuncture reduces your dependence on pain-relief drugs, whether they are addictive or not. Over time such drugs can cause liver or kidney damage, or ulcers. If you need medication from your doctor, the drugs can become addictive as well.

If you have long suffered from sinus or migraine headaches you might have turned to the use of steroid injections for relief. But these can very painful (unlike acupuncture, which most users report is painless) and if used for a long period of time can cause life-threatening side effects.

Dr. Beth Paxton
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/acupuncture-for-migraine-and-sinus-headaches-95595.html

Find acupuncture certification programs in the United States and Canada. Acupuncture certification is an important step in practicing this alternative healing art. Students interested in earning the valuable credential of acupuncture certification must first complete required coursework and successfully graduate from one of several acupuncture schools.

In general, acupuncture certification programs extended through one of many Oriental medicine schools or acupuncture schools will include three or four-year studies to help students gain the necessary skills and knowledge to practice acupuncture. In addition to acupuncture needling techniques, students will learn about Chinese Medicine, principles, and philosophies; and will gain practical clinical and classroom training. In many cases, students who aspire to earn acupuncture certification will discover that many acupuncture schools will combine education in acupuncture with Oriental medicine, including courses in Tui Na, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and medical Chinese terminology; and associated education in anatomy, physiology, and other respective subjects of study.

While there are several styles of acupuncture, including 5-element acupuncture and Kiiko Matsumoto style (among others), acupuncture certification programs are not intended for any one specific style, but for acupuncture practitioners who desire to improve their professional outlook.

Typically, acupuncture certification is attained by taking a certification examination through the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine). Eligibility for candidates who desire to gain acupuncture certification and earn the title of Diplomate (Dipl. Ac.), must have acquired a formal education in acupuncture and must have met all accreditation requirements.

Consequently, if graduates have received their acupuncture degrees, but have not obtained all necessary coursework for acupuncture certification can earn and present supplemental education through an ACAOM-accredited or candidate school. Furthermore, practitioners who have earned their acupuncture certification must acquire a minimum of 60 PDA (Professional Development Activity) points for recertification.

If you are interested in finding your dream job, let education within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you now!

Acupuncture Certification FAQs

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NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd
http://www.articlesbase.com/education-articles/acupuncture-certification-faqs-138614.html

An alternative to “so-called” modern methods for the treatment of fertility is an ancient method of healing – acupuncture. Of course, it’s not a catch-all for couples that have been having problems having a baby. For example: Acupuncture treatment for couples with structural issues (i.e. blocked sperm or duct damaged fallopian tubes) are less likely to have success than couples with issues like inconsistent ovulation.

Working Principle of Acupuncture

The interrelationship of exactly how fertility and acupuncture relate is still less than completely clear. However, most acupuncture experts currently believe that acupuncture works by improving overall body functions by increasing blood flow to the genital organs and balancing blood hormone levels. This ability results in enhanced ovarian function in women and in men increased sperm production.

Invisible channels of energy run throughout the body, called chi, according to the traditional concept of Chinese medicine. Also called meridians, if obstructed at any one point, these channels of energy begin to build up in certain regions of the body or organs while other areas no longer get adequate energy to properly function. To alleviate obstructions needles are placed on select spots. Modern medical science is of the opinion that the use of needles helps to stimulate the nervous system and triggers the release of chemicals within the muscles, spinal cord and brain. This results in the body being put into a position to heal itself which is always the best method of healing.

Fertility in Women

Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated that acupuncture is a good complementary form of therapy in women who are undergoing other forms of fertility treatments. One take on the positive relationship acupuncture generates in women is that it relieves the worry and stress they undergo while being treated fertility.

In addition, it’s been found that the success rate for women who are undergoing in-vitro fertilization is higher if the treatment is accompanied with acupuncture treatment. Another positive aspect of has been the ratio of ectopic (out of place) pregnancies and miscarriages has been found to be significantly lower for women who underwent acupuncture treatment.

Higher Rates of Pregnancy and Acupuncture

The causal relationship between fertility and acupuncture has also been studied. One example has been the number of pregnancies that were reported in women who were classified as hopeless by medical doctors but as a last desperate hope in getting pregnant turned to the use of acupuncture needles and actually got pregnant.

These studies have been challenged by the medical establishment who have argued that even without acupuncture such women could have gotten pregnant by using biofeedback (i.e. changing their thought patterns to positively influence their internal systems). While the opinion of the medical community remains divided on the issue of acupuncture and fertility, because it has been proven to be a safe procedure most doctors have no problem in giving their patients the go-ahead to give acupuncture a try.

Tip – For information on the best acupuncture options, check out the links below.

Brian Winkels
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/acupuncture-and-fertility-an-alternative-treatment-98609.html

These days, there are many kinds of diets and methods for weight loss. Some may be healthy for you and others may not, but the vast majority of overweight people are willing to try just about anything. Usually methods of losing weight revolve around the foods that you eat, but one method which has nothing to do with food and has shown some promise of being effective is using acupuncture for weight loss.

Acupuncture has been used for centuries as a method of healing as well as improving a person’s overall health. This practice involves placing needles and strategic points which are associated with nerves and have been shown to help realign energy in the body and, therefore, alleviate physical and emotional distress.

So how can acupuncture help you lose weight? Acupuncture helps you be more relaxed and gives you more energy which will in turn put a zip in your step and help you to be able to exercise more thus burning more calories. The stress relief alone from acupuncture can be huge boost to people who are prone to stress eating and that alone can help you lose a lot of weight.

In addition, acupuncture helps boost your circulatory system and can improve your metabolism both things which can help you burn extra calories even when you’re just sitting around watching TV. acupuncture techniques help improve the digestive system which can help you to feel full faster and therefore eat less. wended acupuncturist treats you for weight loss often times the needles will be put in the meridian points that are associated with the kidney, spleen and stomach and sometimes those with the lungs, thyroid and mouth. Typically, however, the treatment is customized to the patient and their particular needs.

Losing weight through acupuncture requires a commitment of about two treatments each and every week. These treatments will most likely consist of placing the needles at strategic points in the body as well as sending electrical currents through the needles. Sometimes, the acupuncturist may also have a mixture of herbs that the patient can take which will help remove toxins and strengthen the flow of energy which will aid in weight loss. They may also have dietary recommendations and you may be asked to eliminate some foods from your diet for a specific period of time until your weight stabilizes.

One thing to remember about using acupuncture for weight loss is that it is a slow process and you will have to have some patience. Acupuncture overall can bring on a lifestyle change that will help you lose weight and keep it off. This is a natural method of losing weight that is not harmful to you and should be tried by anyone who has a few extra pounds they need to take off.

Lee Dobbins
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/losing-weight-through-acupuncture-96714.html

Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine that has been around for more than 2500 years and is becoming an increasingly popular treatment for back pain.

According to the theory of acupuncture, energy-called chi or qi-flows through the body along pathways called meridians. If the flow of chi is interrupted, pain or illness can occur. When that happens, very thin needles can be inserted along the meridians to correct the flow of chi.

Like all back pain treatments, acupuncture seems to be most effective when used in conjunction with other treatments. It is also very safe, with no known risks as long as you choose a reputable practitioner. Needles are sterile, disposable, and FDA-approved. In the U.S. they are used only one time, sealed before use, and disposed as hazardous waste after treatment.

During an acupuncture treatment session, the practitioner will insert anywhere from one to twenty needles into various places in the body. Some needles may go in just under the skin, while others may go deeper into muscle and fat.

Needles will be left in from fifteen to thirty minutes. The practitioner may turn needles one way or another after inserting them into the body, or leave some in for only a few seconds before removing them and inserting them elsewhere in the body.

You may be surprised to learn that acupuncture is rarely described as painful. In fact, many people find it relaxing and even fall asleep during treatment. Some people feel energized. One reason for this is the type of needles used. Acupuncture needles are very different from hypodermic needles. Instead they are very thin and fine, like hair. They are also solid, whereas hypodermic needles are not, as they are made to extract tissue.

So getting acupuncture needles inserted into your skin will feel nothing like getting a shot at the doctor’s office.

Since some medical doctors also practice acupuncture, you will want to make sure they are licensed in acupuncture in addition to their other training.

To check if a practitioner is licensed and accredited, contact the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

Ray Attebery
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/pain-can-acupuncture-help-your-back-pain-135041.html