The science of Traditional Chinese Medicine also called TCM, which includes Acupuncture, is one of the oldest and most commonly used natural healing medicines in the world. The current literature demonstrates it has at least a 2500 year history. It is based on the philosophy that humans and nature are part of the whole universe which reflects the natural way of being.
For hundreds of years TCM spread throughout many Asian countries like Korea, Japan, and many parts of southern Asia. With the introductions of television and the Internet, TCM has established and rejuvenated itself in Africa, Europe and America. Currently TCM health care providers have practiced in almost every country in the world and in every state in the U.S.
TCM has also been called ‘Oriental Medicine’ or ‘Asian Medicine’. Many Traditional Chinese Medicine doctors are called ‘Acupuncturists’ in the U.S. However, the name of ‘Acupuncturist’ does not define the profession itself. In the clinical practice, TCM has specialties of Internal Medicine, Surgery, Trauma Medicine, Dermatology, Pediatrics, Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology, Health Psychology and Mental Health, Obstetrics and Gynecology. The coverage of treatment intervention includes herb treatment, acupuncture treatment, Qigong treatment, longevity-cultivation, treatment through life style change, proper nutrition and exercise like Taiji.
To become a Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor, a medical student must study five years in a Traditional Chinese Medical School and study the classics on TCM and also modern Western Medicine. All TCM graduates must serve a one year internship on various specialties of TCM practices.