Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): training, providers, information, guide, self-test, FAQ

TCM medicine is based on a system of vital energies in the body (Qi), which circulate along the meridians and influence all bodily functions. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine has become one of the most important and popular alternative medicine methods in Switzerland. The high effectiveness of acupuncture has been proven by many studies. In addition, there are hardly any side effects.

Treatments based on TCM therapies are based on the knowledge that diseases manifest themselves inside the body and on the surface of the body. Traditional Chinese medicine makes use of this and by influencing the surface of the body, the inside of the body is affected. This directly treats the causes and not just the symptoms. The five TCM therapies are

• Acupuncture
• Chinese medicinal therapy (herbs)
• Dietetics
• Tuina (massage therapy)
• Qi Gong (movement therapy)

These methods support patients on the road to recovery.

There are different TCM degree programs at one university:

• Bachelor's degree
• Master's program
• Master+ program (elective year)
• DSc study program (Doctor of Science)
• PhD program (Philosophical Doctor)

The TCM training requirements vary depending on the type of profession. There are three options:

• Acupuncturist (professional specialization): completed basic training or secondary school leaving certificate
• Doctor of Acupuncture - TCM (university profession): Master's degree from a university - Bachelor's degree required
• Naturopath HFP (further education profession): Secondary level II qualification or equivalent and at least 2 years of professional experience and required module qualifications or certificates of equivalence and minimum age of 25 years at the time of the examination

In a TCM course you learn the following:

• Basic medical training
• Specialist training in acupuncture
• Diagnosis
• Consulting
• Treatment
• Health and ethics
• Work as a therapist
• Operations and management
• Professional experience

Innerhalb der Weiterbildung zur Naturheilpraktikerin / zum Naturheilpraktiker TCM mit eidg. Diplom sind sieben Modulabschlüsse vorzuweisen. Diese sind zum einen eine medizinische Grundausbildung (M1), eine fachspezifische Ausbildung (M2), das Modul M3 „Gesundheit und Ethik), das Modul M4 „Arbeit als Therapeut“, das Modul M5 „Betrieb führen und managen“, das Modul M6, welches die praktische Ausbildung umfasst, sowie M7 „Berufspraxis unter Mentorat“. Für eine detaillierte Modulbeschreibung wenden Sie sich bitte via Kontaktformular direkt an die einzelnen Schulen.

Admission to the higher professional examination (HFP) for naturopaths with a federal diploma in TCM is open to anyone who has a secondary level II or equivalent qualification. Diploma specializing in TCM are admitted if they have a secondary level II or equivalent qualification, are at least 25 years old, have at least two years of professional experience in the specialty with at least 50 percent workload within the last two years prior to registration or at least three years with a 30 percent workload within the last three years prior to registration for the higher professional examination, has no entry in the central criminal record that is incompatible with working as a naturopath, has submitted the case study correctly and had it confirmed by the examination secretariat and can also present all the required module qualifications or certificates of equivalence.

TCM, Traditional Chinese Medicine, includes various methods such as acupuncture, dietetics, Tuina, Qi Gong and Chinese medicines, moxibustion, Shiatsu and Taijiquan, as well as An-Mo / Tui-Na, electro-acupuncture, laser acupuncture, ear acupuncture, cupping, phytotherapy and Tai Chi. These therapeutic procedures, massage techniques, nutritional advice and movement exercises can also be learned individually after comprehensive basic training in traditional Chinese medicine and thus supplemented to form a group of methods.

To register TCM as method no. 185 with the EMR, 600 hours of specialist training and 600 hours of conventional medicine are required; for method no. 231 Naturopathy Traditional Chinese Medicine with the ASCA, 150 hours at level 1 (basic training), 1700 hours at level 2 (specialist training) and 300 hours at level 3 (special method) are required.

Part of a TCM course can also be online. TCM training online is a good way to impart theoretical knowledge. However, it certainly makes sense for TCM to also have a practical part, which usually takes place at the school on site.

A TCM course imparts knowledge in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The following acupuncture courses are available:

• Entry-level courses (without prior knowledge)
• TCM further training
• Chinese medicine training
• Diploma study programs
• Naturopath with federal diploma
• TCM training
• TCM Seminar
• TCM Workshop

Since 2015, the advanced professional examination (HFP) for naturopaths with a federal diploma has been approved. This further training can be completed in the fields of homeopathy, Ayurvedic medicine, Traditional European Naturopathy (TEN) and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

TCM training is, for example, Qi Gong training. Here, exercises combine meditation and concentration with specific movement sequences. This stimulates the flow of Qi and energizes the body and mind. This creates inner balance and restores harmony between body and mind.

The TCM training costs are roughly as follows:

• TCM acupuncture course (cert.) of a few days/weeks between CHF 1'000 and CHF 4'000
• Naturopath with a federal diploma in TCM between CHF 35,000 and CHF 50,000 for five to eight years

TCM coaching can counteract stress, crises, a guilty conscience, external control or excessive demands. With coaching and holistic health promotion, you become aware of your wishes and goals again, increase mindfulness and mobilize mental strength. The aim is to take control of your own life again and achieve your goals.