The minimum qualifications required for the membership of the PRTCM are a minimum of three years of high intensity training in the theory and practice of Chinese Medidine. The content of the training is expected to be equivalent, or closely similar to that of the training given at the Irish College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (see below).

How can I train to be an Acupuncturist?

The Irish College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (the ICTCM), established in 1983, is the teaching institution of the PRTCM. It runs a full professional training course in Acupuncture TCM, called the Licentiate in TCM (Lic.TCM) which begins in October each year. A summary of this course is provided below, for reference.

Professional Acupuncture training - the Lic.TCM- Syllabus:

• History and Classical sources of Chinese Medicine
• Philosophical foundations of Chinese Medicine
• Yin Yang theory
• Wu Xing theory (Five Phase theory)
• The Five Vital Substances

• Anatomy and physiology of TCM
• Ba Gang theory (the Eight Principles)
• Zang Fu theory
• Jingluo theory
• Location of Acupuncture points - theory and practice

• Causes of disharmony and Disease
• Methods of treatment
• Principles of therapeutics
• Acupuncture
• Moxibustion

• Dietary therapy
• Other TCM treatment methods such as cupping
• Differentiation of Patterns of Disharmony
• Diagnostic method - the four Examinations
• Pulse diagnosis

• Tongue diagnosis
• Principles and priorities of Treatment
• Classification and action of Points
• Acupuncture Point selection
• Needling technique

• Treatment techniques
• Patient management
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills
• Clinical Management
• The treatment of common diseases - Aetiology and Pathology of Disease

• The treatment of common diseases - with reference to Western pathology and Disease differentiation including infectious diseases, pain management, respiratory diseases, Headache, Rheumatism and Arthritis, Digestive diseases, cardio-vascular disorders, skin disease, back pain, emotional and mental disorders, childhood disorders, gynaecological disorders, infertility, urogenital disorders, eating and dietary irregularities, congenital and acquired deficiencies.
• Introduction to Western Pharmacology - drug side effects and withdrawal

• Clinical techniques and procedures - including sterile procedures.
• Clinical Management
• The procedures and ethics of referral
• Professional Ethics and Codes of practice
• Consultation and liaison procedures.

How can I train to be a Chinese Herbalist or a Medical Qigong practitioner?

You are advised to visit the website of the ICTCM for more details on the various Professional training courses provided.