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What is Tui
Na?
Tui Na is an ancient form of Chinese physical therapy, some 2000 years old. "Tui Na" combines the names of two of the hand
techniques, "Tui" meaning "to push" and "Na"
meaning "to lift and squeeze".
Tui Na is an
integral part of traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is part
of the formal training in TCM schools. This modality uses traction,
massage and manipulation in conjunction with the stimulation of
acupressure points. It is used to treat, or complement the treatment
of, many conditions including musculo-skeletal disorders and chronic
stress-related disorders of the digestive, respiratory, and reproductive
systems.
With more than
365 hand techniques available, Tui Na treatments can range from
those that are light and soothing to those that are strong and invigorating.
By pressing, tapping, and kneading with palms, fingertips, knuckles
or other implements, Tui Na therapists are able to remove energy
blockages along the body's meridians and restore balance in the
body in order to promote self-healing.
Tui Na acts
to reduce pain, stimulate the immune system, Qi, blood and lymphatic
flow, and generate a deep sense of harmony and relaxation in the
patient.
In ancient China,
medical therapy was often classified into "external" and
"internal" treatments. Tui Na was one of the external
methods, especially suitable for use on the elderly population and
on infants. Today it is subdivided into specialized treatment for
infants, adults, orthopedics, traumatology, cosmetology, rehabilitation,
sports medicine, etc.
What is Shiatsu?
Shiatsu is a Japanese form of bodywork. The term comes from the Japanese words "shi" and "atsu," meaning "finger
pressure". Similar to acupressure and acupuncture, shiatsu
concentrates on unblocking the flow of life energy ("Qi")
and restoring balance in the body in order to promote self-healing.
Shiatsu therapists
apply comfortable, sustained pressure to acu-points and areas of
muscle tension. Therapists may utilize their fingers, palms, elbows
or knees ?to apply this pressure to their clients, who are typically
fully clothed in a reclining position.
Shiatsu treats
common psychological and physical complaints such as depression,
anxiety, nausea, stiffness, headaches, arthritis, cramps, or pulled
muscles. Traditionally, Shiatsu involves deep breathing, rotation
and stretching of the joints, and stimulation of pressure points.
Shiatsu acts to reduce pain, stimulate the immune system, Qi, blood
and lymphatic flow, and generate a deep sense of harmony and relaxation
in the patient.
What type of Shiatsu does ACTCM teach?
There are many different styles of Shiatsu that exist today. ACTCM's
Shiatsu instructors are well-versed in the various styles of Shiatsu
including those that concentrate on acupressure, those that emphasize
general work along the meridians to influence the flow of qi, and
those that highlight diagnostic systems such as Five Elements or
the macrobiotic approach. ACTCM's instructors integrate each these
different styles into what they term a "Classical" approach.
Why should I consider training in Tui Na and/or Shiatsu?
Career opportunities in the field of Asian Bodywork Therapy (ABT)
are increasing as more people discover its benefits and more insurance
carriers begin to cover the costs of such therapy. The latest research
shows that bodywork is the most widely used complementary health care service in the U.S. Whether you are new to this field, trained
bodywork professional, or a healthcare professional looking to diversify
your skill set, training in Tui Na or Shiatsu at ACTCM can benefit
your practice.
One benefit
of ACTCM’s bodywork programs is its close relationship to
the college’s Chinese medicine program. Asian Body Therapy students have the satisfaction of attending a training program that
utilizes the expertise of an accredited Chinese medical degree program.
ABT students can complete their training either separately from,
or concurrently with, the master’s degree program. Students who choose to transition into the master’s degree program
have the added benefit of being able to transfer in most of their
TCM related coursework.
How will training in Tui Na/Shiatsu benefit my current practice?
Our Asian Bodywork programs offer the following advantages to practitioners:
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Add new skills to your repertoire, distinguishing you from
others in your current profession.
-
Create a personal touch to your practice, by providing a
level of compassion and attention not readily available in most Western clinical settings.
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Enhance the efficacy of other medical treatments
(chiropractic,
physical therapy, acupuncture, etc.)
-
Nurture yourself while learning the skills to nurture others.
How will Tui Na/Shiatsu benefit my patients?
Receiving bodywork therapy affects every system of the body!
Muscular system
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Promotes muscle relaxation and flexibility.
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Increases joint flexibility and range of motion.
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Relieves muscular restrictions, spasms, stiffness and
tightness.
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Reduces muscle soreness, injured muscles repair faster.
Nervous system
-
Stimulates or soothes nervous system, depending on strokes
and techniques used.
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Decreases pain through release of endorphins and through
general relaxation.
Cardio-vascular system
-
Improves circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids.
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Reduces swelling.
-
Delivery of nutrients and removal of metabolic waste products
in the blood is improved.
-
Reduces ischemia, a decrease in blood supply to an organ
or tissue, believed to be a major cause of muscular pain.
-
Reduces blood pressure
Lymphatic systems
-
Bodywork strokes stimulate the lymphatic system, helping
to remove wastes from the body.
-
Strengthens the immune system
Integumentary (skin) system
Respiratory System
Digestive System
Psychological & Emotional Effects
-
Reduces stress and anxiety.
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Enhances well-being, body awareness and body image.
-
Renews energy.
-
Increases mental alertness.
-
Eases symptoms of depression and anxiety.
-
Satisfies needs for caring nurturing touch.
How popular is Massage & Bodywork in the U.S.?
The public interest in and use of bodywork continues to increase every year. Did you know:
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Consumers visit a massage & bodywork therapists 114
million times per year.
-
Consumers spend between $4 and $6 billion dollars per year
on massage and bodywork therapy.
-
54% of primary care physicians and family practitioners
say they would encourage their patients to pursue massage/bodywork
therapy as a complement to medical treatments.
-
78 of this country’s 125 medical schools, including
Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Georgetown, and John Hopkins, now offer courses in alternative medicine…up from 27 in 1995.
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Many companies (e.g. Goldman Sachs, G.E., Young and
Rubicam,
Motorola and American Airlines) are offering massage/bodywork therapy
as an employment perk and as means of reducing stress and absenteeism.
-
The number of massage/bodywork therapists in the U.S. is
estimated at 220,000, including students.
-
More and more hospitals are incorporating massage &
bodywork therapists into their pain management programs, as well
as offering bodywork to patients and staff for stress management.
What types of Asian Bodywork Certificate programs are offered at
ACTCM?
Tui Na Bodywork Certificate (451 hours)
Shiatsu Bodywork Certificate (496 hours)
What distinguishes ACTCM’s bodywork programs in Tui Na and Shiatsu from other programs?
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Our specialized bodywork programs are taught alongside our
Master’s
Program in traditional Chinese medicine, which has a 26-year history
and a strong reputation for producing excellent practitioners. Bodywork
students receive a solid foundation and superior training within
a curriculum that has been in existence for a quarter of a century.
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ACTCM requires
a minimum of 90 semester credit units of undergraduate work as well
as a recommended 3.0 cumulative grade point average.
How large are the classes?
Classes in the Bodywork Certificate Programs can be divided into didactic (or lecture) courses, hands-on courses or clinical
coursework.
Didactic courses range in size from 25-35 students. Hands-on courses
range in size from 8-12 students. Clinical coursework features a
student to teacher ratio of 4:1 and also range in size from 8-12
students.
How much work is expected of me outside of the classroom?
For every hour of didactic or hands-on coursework, students should
expect to spend 1-2 hours of time studying or completing assignments
outside of class.
Can I work towards the Master’s of Traditional Chinese Medicine
(MSTCM) while I’m working on my ABT Certificate?
Yes! ACTCM has created a program of study that incorporates both the Bodywork Certificate programs (either the Tui Na or Shiatsu) and the MSTCM. If you are interested
in completing both, please contact ACTCM’s Admissions Office
at 415-282-7600 (ext. 14).
Will I be eligible to practice massage/bodywork in San Francisco?
Students who complete ACTCM’s bodywork certificate programs are eligible to apply for an Advanced Massage
Practitioner Permit through the San Francisco Department of Public Health.
Requirements
for obtaining a permit to practice bodywork vary by city. For information
on how to apply for a permit to practice within the city of San
Francisco, please visit: http://www.sfdph.org/eh/massage/Mass_Regs2006.pdf.
For information on cities other than San Francisco, contact that
city’s Department of Public Health.
What are the Entry Requirements for the ABT Certificate Programs?
Applicants for the Asian Bodywork certificate programs must meet the following requirements:
Are there any Prerequisite Requirements for the ABT Certificate Programs?
Both the Tui Na and Shiatsu Certificate Programs have prerequisites
in the following areas:
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Anatomy (6 quarter credits or 4 semester credits).
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Physiology (4 quarter credits or 3 semester credits).
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CPR (Therapist
level only)
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First Aid (Therapist level only)
If a student has not completed these courses prior to being
accepted into ACTCM’s Asian Bodywork program, the courses may
be taken concurrently at ACTCM or an outside degree-granting
institution.
Anatomy and Physiology may be considered for transfer into the
program if completed at a regionally accredited institution.
Coursework taken at an international institution or an unaccredited
institution will not be accepted for transfer. However, students
in this situation with the approval of the Dean of Master's
program will be permitted to take a Challenge Exam in the equivalent
subject area. For more information on tuition for Challenge
Exams, please see ACTCM’s Fee and Tuition Schedule.
When do these programs start, and what is the deadline to apply?
ACTCM’s Asian Bodywork
Certificate Programs start twice a year, in the spring and in the
fall alongside the Master's degree program.
How Do I Apply for Admission?
To apply, please submit a the following to the Office of Admissions:
* A completed
health certificate will be required upon acceptance.
To request an
Application for Admission, please call (415) 282-7600 x14, email admissions@actcm.edu,
or download one by clicking here.
What are the
2007 Tuition & Fees?
Tui
Na Tuition:
|
1st Year |
2nd Year |
Subtotal |
|
Didactic
Units |
$3,672 |
$0 |
$3,672 |
|
Clinic
Units |
$816 |
$3,672 |
$4,488 |
|
Total |
$4,488 |
$3,672 |
$8,160 |
*Tuition does
not include Anatomy &
Physiology
Shiatsu Tuition:
|
1st Year |
2nd Year |
Subtotal |
|
Didactic
Units |
$3,672 |
$0 |
$3,672 |
|
Clinic
Units |
$816 |
$4,896 |
$5,712 |
|
Total |
$4,488 |
$4,896 |
$9,384 |
*Tuition does
not include Anatomy &
Physiology
Do you offer Financial Aid or Scholarships?
Federal Financial Aid is available to those who qualify who are
also concurrently enrolled in ACTCM’s master’s degree
program. Several scholarships are also available:
American Specialty
Health Scholarship
A scholarship designed to aid students in further their studying
in alternative healing careers.
Massage Magazine
Scholarship
Five scholarships of $1,000 each are given to students who have
more than 90 hours of training and are currently enrolled in a Massage/Bodywork
program.
Who are the ACTCM Asian Body Therapy Faculty?
ACTCM’s faculty have been carefully selected, not only for
their vast clinical experiences and knowledge of bodywork &
massage and traditional Chinese medicine, but for their ability
to transfer this information and skills to students. The majority
of the faculty are Chinese trained physicians who have the ability
to convey the institution's deep appreciation of traditional Chinese
medicine and the understanding necessary for dealing with the health
problems of today's modern society.
A brief listing
of core bodywork certificate faculty is listed below. A full listing
of ACTCM’s faculty can be found in our 2006-2007 catalog, which is available online at:
www.actcm.edu/html/actcmcatalog.pdf.
Betty (“B.J.”) Green, C.S.T., C.T.M.T., Certified Shiatsu
Therapist and Acupressure Table Massage Therapist, 1969. Past position:
Director and Shiatsu/Massage Instructor, The Shiatsu Institute and
Therapy Center, San Francisco, California. Present position: clinical
practice.
Chulong Xue, L.Ac., M.B./B.S., Guangzhou University of Traditional
Chinese Medicine, 1984; Licensed Acupuncturist, California, 2005. Past positions: Visiting Lecturer and Director, Asante Academy of
Chinese Medicine, Middlesex University, London, UK; Clinician, London,
UK; Orthopedic Surgeon, Guangzhou University of TCM, China; Clinical
practice and research, Guangdong Academy of TCM, China; Research
and management, China Academy of TCM, Beijing, China. Present position:
clinical practice.
John Ellis, L.Ac., MSTCM, American College of Traditional Chinese
Medicine, 2003; Licensed Acupuncturist, California, 2003; Internship
in private clinic, 2003-2005; 300 hours advanced training in Acupuncture
Orthopedics, Cedar-Sinai Medical Center. Present position: clinical
practice.
Laurence Mourey, L.Ac., MSTCM, American College of Traditional
Chinese
Medicine, 1996; Diplomate in Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine,
NCCAOM, 1996; Licensed Acupuncturist, California, 1997. Present
position: clinical practice, ACTCM Assistant Dean of Student Services.
Liping Zhu, L.Ac., MSTCM, American College of Traditional Chinese
Medicine, 2004. Licensed Acupuncturist, California, 2004; Qigong study, International Life Science Academy, Sichuan, China,
1992-1994;
Daoist studies, Taiyi Swimming Dragon Form Association, 1990-1996;
Resident student, San Francisco Zen Center, 2000-present. Present
position: Qigong and Tai Ji Quan instructor, San Francisco.
Richard Su, Ph.D., Pathology, Royal Postgraduate Medical School,
London University, UK, 1987; Graduated from Fourth Medical University
in China, 1965. Previous positions: Professorship and Directorship
at Fourth Medical University, China; Post-doctorate at Bristol University
Medical School, UK; Visiting Scientist, Uppsala University (Sweden),
Salzburg University (Austria), and Texas University, Medical Branch
in Galveston; Guest Professor at Aarhus University, Denmark; Visiting
Professor at University of Health Sciences, School of Medicine,
Antigua. Present position: Chair, Department of Biomedical
Sciences
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