Galway College of Integrative Acupuncture FAQ’s

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Chinese Medicine is a comprehensive system of health care with a clinical history of more than 3000 years. Chinese Medicine includes acupuncture, Chinese herbology, Tuina, Qi Gong, Tai Chi and bodywork, dietary therapy and exercise based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles. These therapies work with the natural vital energy inherent within all living things to promote the body's ability to heal itself. This system of health care is used extensively in Asia and is rapidly growing in popularity in the West. The last 20 years has seen a huge increase in the number of practicing Acupuncturists in Ireland, its efficacy speaks for itself.

How does Traditional Chinese Medicine work?

Chinese Medicine is based on an energetic model rather than the biochemical model of Western medicine. The ancient Chinese recognized a vital energy behind all life forms and life processes. They called this energy qi (pronounced chee). In developing an understanding of the prevention and cure of disease, healing practitioners discovered that energy flows along specific pathways called meridians. Each pathway is associated with a particular physiological system and internal organ. Disease arises due to a deficiency or imbalance of energy in the meridians and their associated physiological systems. Acupuncture points are specific sites along the meridians. Each point has a predictable effect upon the vital energy passing through it. Modern science and Kirlian Photography has measured the electrical charge at these points, corroborating the locations of meridians. Traditional Chinese Medicine uses an intricate system of pulse and tongue diagnosis, palpation of points and meridians, medical history and other signs and symptoms to create a composite diagnosis. A treatment plan is then formulated to induce the body to a balanced state of health.

In simple terms, each person has a pair of organs which is their core or soft spot. If the body becomes imbalanced, these pair or organs will react and symptoms associated with them will surface. If we take the example of a person who has a Liver and Gall Bladder imbalance, there will be an aggravation of symptoms in the Spring, especially if the person does not reduce alcohol and rich food, as these organs have peak function in the Spring. The symptoms of Liver and Gall Bladder imbalance are Sighing, moodiness, abdominal distension, sluggishness, tiredness, irritable bowel, headaches, craving chocolate, the person will easily fly off the handle. The Liver governs the mental planning ability. The person may have difficulty making plans and carrying them through. The Gall Bladder governs decision making, so a person might be indecisive. Constant frustration is another symptom of imbalance in these organs. The Liver and Gall Bladder organs and meridians systems pertain to all the tendons and ligaments in the body and influence the eyes: Anger affects the Liver and resentment the Gall Bladder, when these organs are in trouble, we see a green hue in the face. Each pair of organs has an associated body odour. The body odour associated with the Liver and Gall Bladder is Rancid. When we smell the rancid body odour it directs us to treat these organs energy systems.

Each organ has a pathway of electrical energy that connects the Organ to the Meridian, by inserting needles in the Acupuncture Points along the Meridians we effect a change in the associated organs. If we needle a Liver point in the foot close to the big toe, it will send an electrical impulse all the way along the Meridian pathway to the Liver and it will increase the function of the Liver.

Also pairs of organs have connecting pathways to the brain, so in effect when we treat Liver and Gall Bladder Points, we are treating the part of the brain that governs these organs: In effect Acupuncture treats the brain. The result of this Acupuncture Treatment is the person will feel better in themselves, have more energy, will be less frustrated, fly off the handle less quickly, their planning ability will be better and they will be more decisive.

Each organ has a peak 2 hour period each day and a corresponding 2 hour low period. For example the Stomach Energy Peaks at 7 – 9 a.m. and is low between 7 – 9 p.m. We do not have digestive enzymes to digest food in the evening between 7 – 9 p.m. The stomach has more digestive enzymes in the morning, which validates the old saying “Breakfast like a King, Lunch Like a Prince, and Supper like a Pauper”

Muxibustion Many conditions may be alleviated very rapidly by acupuncture and Oriental medicine. However, some conditions that have developed over a course of years will be relieved only with slow, steady progress. As in any form of healing, the patient's attitude, diet, determination and lifestyle will affect the outcome of a course of treatment. Patients are encouraged to actively participate in their healing process. Although Oriental medicine can treat most conditions, there are circumstances that can be dealt with more effectively by Western medicine. In such cases, your acupuncturist will recommend you contact a Western medical doctor.

What conditions does acupuncture treat?

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine's ability to treat many common disorders. The most frequent reasons for people to seek Acupuncture Treatment are, Tiredness, Sinusitis, Backache, Infertility, and Insomnia, also including:

acupuncture foot Gastrointestinal disorders, such as food allergies, peptic ulcer, chronic diarrhoea, constipation, indigestion, gastrointestinal weakness, anorexia and gastritis;
Urogenital disorders, including stress incontinence, urinary tract infections, and sexual dysfunction; Gynaecological disorders, such as irregular, heavy, or painful menstruation, infertility in women and men, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS);
Respiratory disorders, such as emphysema, sinusitis, asthma, allergies and bronchitis;
Disorders of the bones, muscles, joints and nervous system, such as arthritis, migraine headaches, neuralgia, insomnia, dizziness and low back, neck and shoulder pain;
Circulatory disorders, such as hypertension, angina pectoris, arteriosclerosis and anaemia; Emotional and psychological disorders, including depression and anxiety;
Addictions, such as alcohol, nicotine and drugs;
Eye, ear, nose and throat disorders;
Supportive therapy for other chronic and painful debilitating disorders.

Is acupuncture safe? Is it painful?

In the hands of a comprehensively trained acupuncturist, your safety is assured. Acupuncture needles are pre sterile disposable needles are always used.

Undergoing an acupuncture treatment bears no resemblance to the feeling of receiving an injection, since the main source of pain from injections is the larger diameter, hollow needle and the medication being forced into the tissue by pressure. Acupuncture needles are very fine and flexible, about the diameter of a human hair. In most cases, insertion by a skilled practitioner is performed without discomfort. You may experience a sense of heaviness or electricity in the area of insertion. Most patients find the treatments very relaxing and many fall asleep during treatment. In some cases, your practitioner may also recommend herbs, or dietary, exercise or lifestyle changes.

Can one practice anywhere?

The Qualification is Recognised in many countries. If a student plans to travel abroad, we recommend they make the appropriate enquiries to each Countries Acupuncture Council/ Association, as there are prerequisites for different Countries. As in some countries, you cannot practice Acupuncture unless you are a G.P.

What are the prerequisites for attending the College?

There is no typical profile. Students come from all walks of life and all ages, with very different backgrounds. The College fields students from a wide variety of occupations including students with Science Backgrounds, Nurses, Physiotherapists, and Medical Degrees. Also Osteopaths, Naturopaths and Reflexologists. We also have many students without a Science background and teach a comprehensive Anatomy & Physiology Module to accommodate this. Prospective Students sit an Interview for Course Application. Study is intensive and a high commitment is necessary. Students have the option to study in China on completing their Licentiate and some go on to practice abroad.

What is the cost of the Course?

Our Course Fees are available on request. A deposit is required, pending a placement on the course being offered to you. Books will be required and a list will be supplied when students register with the College. Exam fees are additional.

Is financial aid available?

This the prospective student must ascertain for themselves. External Financial Aid has been a factor for some students, and the College endeavours to aid this process if deemed appropriate, and will deal with each application on an individual basis.

What is the value of attending an accredited College?

Recognition of your Qualification by Governing Bodies, in Ireland and Abroad, enabling the student to obtain Membership to Recognised Acupuncture Associations and Obtaining Professional Insurance.

REGULATION – ACCREDITATION – PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE

Currently in Ireland due to the ongoing process of Statutory Regulation which was initiated by the Government in 2002, the main Acupuncture Associations have amalgamated to form a new Association. This is the Regulating and Accrediting body in Ireland. Its formulation was instructed by the Irish Government to regulate Standards of Teaching and Practice in Ireland.

The aim of Regulation is to heighten the standards of both the Education and Practice of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese medicine and an adherence to a strict Code of Practice and Ethics.

The Regulatory Body is divided into a Council, an Ethics and Standards Committee, a Membership Committee, and an Education Commission.

The Education Commission is setting the standard for all Acupuncture Education in Ireland. Linda Heffernan, The College Director is a member of this Education Commission. The College of Integrative Acupuncture is one of the three Training Colleges in Ireland Accredited to the Traditional Chinese Medicine Council of Ireland (TCMCI).

It is a prerequisite to gain Membership to the newly formed Association, that students complete a full Three Year Part Time Acupuncture Course, with adequate Clinical Training.

Acupuncture is now recognised by VHI, Vivas and BUPA Health Insurances. Practitioners will be accepted into this scheme from Approved Associations.

How long does it take to graduate?

It’s a three year Licentiate Programme, with set additional hours of External Clinical Experience in a recognised Practice with experienced practitioners. These additional set hours can be achieved over the period of at least 1 month, or can be extended to 1 year depending on individual circumstances.

Qualification:

The College of Integrative Acupuncture, Galway offers a programme of study in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Curricula leads to a Licentiate in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lic.Ac.TCM.

The College organises a graduation ceremony on Completion of the Licentiate programme.

The College of Integrative acupuncture, Galway exists to prepare candidates to enter the practice of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine to instil graduates with the theoretical structures and analytical abilities necessary for continued professional learning through their practice and to provide graduates with an understanding of bioethics and professional responsibilities.

Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance:

Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance is obligatory and is made available once the practitioner is accepted as a member of an association. Practitioners abide by a strict code of practice and Ethics.

If students obtaining professional Licences as Acupuncturists and Chinese Medicine Practitioners wish to practice in other countries, they are advised to become thoroughly familiar with the requirements for Licencing in the Country in which they wish to practice, as individual requirements vary in different countries.

Examinations:

Each student will take end of year Examinations at the scheduled time with a nominal charge. Repeat examinations due to examination failure, postponement of exam, or examination due to a transfer process are subject to fees. Comprehensive exams are normally taken in May and June.

Student Code of Conduct:

At the discretion of the College, a student may be dismissed from the College for behaviour disruptive of the educational mission of the College, for Academic dishonesty, alcohol and drug abuse and for acts or inattention which violate professional ethics in patient care.

All students will abide by the code of Ethics and Practice set out by the College of Integrative Acupuncture.

Venue / Location of Lectures:

Year 1 and Year 2 takes place in the modern educational facilities of the National University of Ireland, Galway, (NUIG). Year 3 – Clinical Year takes place in the Clinic and Lecture Rooms of Course Director Linda Heffernan in Dominick Street, Galway.

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