Acupuncture Canada The Natural Health Domain
Forward Chinese Medicine is an exciting and rapidly growing health discipline. Although it is relatively new to the West, it is, in fact, thousands of years old, and due to its efficacy, it will be around for thousands more. It is exciting to see its emergence in cities small and large across the country, and to be in the midst of it all. As a profession in B.C., and all across Canada, Chinese Medicine has a very strong foothold that is continually growing stronger. We are now recognized by the Ministry of Health and we are self-regulating. Also, many extended health care plans now cover acupuncture, and both I.C.B.C. and W.C.B. accept acupuncture claims. These are all signs of growth that indicate continual wider acceptance by the public and private sectors.
One of the wonderful things about Chinese Medicine is that its focus is on health rather than on disease. Therefore, ideally it is used to preserve health and to prevent disease. This is a simple idea, but one that is very different from the focus of Western Medicine that most of us have grown up with. Most people who enter our clinics do have a disease or concern that has brought them to us, but our focus is still on their health and bringing them back to this state, as well as educating people on how to stay that way.
In the past in China, and indeed in many small villages still, the focus on health was very apparent. In these places, Doctors of Traditional Chinese Medicine were not paid when anyone in their village was ill. Their job was to keep everyone healthy and it was only in so doing that they would make their living. This model would be impossible to apply here in the West, but it is a wonderful illustration of the beauty of Chinese Medicine at its best.
MISSION AND OBJECTIVES Our goal at the West Coast Institute of Oriental Medicine is to provide quality education and training in the discipline of acupuncture and traditional Chinese diagnosis. Upon completion of the program, each graduate will have the skills necessary to write all licensing examinations and will be ready to begin their careers as T.C.M. acupuncturists.
Objectives:
- To provide a two and a half year diploma program in T.C.M. based acupuncture.
- To provide a strong foundation in the traditional art that is Chinese Medicine.
- To meet and surpass all guidelines set by the governing body of acupuncture.
- To instill a strong business sense in each student.
- To maintain small class sizes in order to better facilitate learning.
- To provide students with clinical experience and the public with these services.
- To help each student to set up a clinical internship.
LOCATION AND FACILITIES
The West Coast Institute of Oriental Medicine is located in Nanaimo, B.C.. Nanaimo is located in central Vancouver Island with easy accessibility to Vancouver, Victoria, the Sunshine Coast and the Pacific Rim. Our surroundings include the ocean, the gulf islands as well as mountains and lakes. If you enjoy the outdoors, there is ample opportunity for kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, and skiing amongst others. It offers affordable living in comparison to the expenses of big city living. Along with the academic focus, the West Coast Institute of Oriental Medicine is proud to provide the experience of West Coast living.
The college itself is located within walking distance of downtown Nanaimo and is one block off of the water. The clinic has been in this location for three years and is continually expanding its services.
Source: Acupuncture Arlington