Career Opportunities in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) . Visit www.tcmcity.com. Email us at info@tcmcity.com

1. Career Opportunities in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
We all know that a good massage can be delightfully relaxing and de-stressing. But
did you know that massage is also commonly used for much more than just
titillating the senses?
People's outlook on health is changing. In recent times, many have begun to travel
back in time to rediscover the ancient healing treasure resulting in a noticeable
increase in the acceptance of taking a holistic approach to healthcare among
Singaporeans and elsewhere. TCM, being one of the oldest systematically
documented healthcare systems is among the more popular forms of alternative
medicare, in part due to a sustained public awareness campaign and a more
transparent regulatory regime.
Tuina (pronounced "twee nah"), an integral aspect of TCM, is an ancient form of
oriental bodywork, which roughly equates to a combination of Physical and
Chiropractic therapy. Tuina was developed over 2,000 years ago and is today still
effectively used in hospitals and clinics throughout China to treat soft tissue
injuries, digestive system disorders, gynecological problems, pediatric problems,
and various types of pain.
Consisting of a combination of massage, acupressure and body manipulation,
Tuina works by applying pressure to acupoints and meridians to remove the
blockages that prevent the free flow of energy. Removing these blockages from the
meridians, which can be thought of as roadmaps of the entire terrain of the body,
restores the balance of energy in the body, leading to improved health and vitality.
Tuina offers a drug-free, non-invasive safe approach based on the body's natural
ability to heal itself.
Tuina therapy is rapidly gaining interest in the western medical community and
Singapore. This has inevitably led to many career opportunities. The need for
skilled manpower is on the rise in remedial massage therapy, Chinese Medicine
dispensing, acupuncture and internal medicine. By merely scanning through the
positions available for such skilled personnel, it is not difficult to conclude that
professionally trained massage therapist are in demand in sectors such as private
health clubs, stress reduction therapy/remedial centers. Health and wellness
centres, sports and fitness clubs, beauty, spa and the resort industry, hospital and
the healthcare industry, rehabilitation centers, TCM clinics, remedial centres,
educational and training Institutions.
For or those that have an aptitude in Chinese medicine, jobs are abundant in TCM
Medical Hall, manufacturing (product development), pharmacies, restaurants, TCM
Clinics, life science medical research laboratories, sales, health and fitness centres,
the herbal foods industry, the beauty and spa industry, integrative remedial and
treatment centres. The scope is wide ranging from marketing, sales, teaching,
nutritionist, health consultants to social workers for the aged etc..

2. The information age has also transformed the landscape where such skills and
knowledge can be acquired and developed. Unlike the days where expertise is
passed down from generation to generation as part of family tradition, local
institutions have stepped forward to provide such training in response to the call
to address a potential shortage of skilled manpower. One school is TCM
Professional Centre (www.tcmprofessional.com). As a school of traditional and
complementary medicine, it offers courses ranging from short courses to
professional and diploma level programmes focusing on skills upgrading, academic
progression, continuous education and enrichment programmes. Their
programmes are accredited with the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine as well
as the Singapore Workforce Development Agency through its administration of the
National Skills Recognition System.
One of the school's students, Charmaine Shepherd, was suffering from chronic
digestive disorders and auto-immune disease for over 15 years. After exhausting
all mainstream possibilities, she tried Chinese physical therapy and within a very
short time most of her symptoms had disappeared. She explains "I was so
impressed by this experience that I changed from a scientific career to study
traditional Chinese medicine." She believes that because most Chinese medicine
methods are safe and simple to learn they are beneficial to promoting health
within the whole family.
With an impressive lecturing staff of over 30 qualified physicians from leading
universities and more than 230 graduates since September 2003, TCM Professional
Centre is rapidly gaining international recognition. The school is already an
approved training provider under the Ministry of Manpower Skills Redevelopment
Program and is also accredited with the Singapore Acupuncture Association, which
is a member of the World Federation of Acupuncture Moxibustion Society. Its links
with the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine has paved the way for more
professional exchanges.
A progressive TCM sector through career development and continuing education
will contribute towards an integrative healthcare system and a more caring
society.
By Khoo Eng Lim MSc,MMIS
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Posted on 14 December 2009
http://sg.jobsdb.com/SG/EN/Resources/JobSeekerArticle/Career%20Opportunities%20in%20T?ID=577