Going to school to study acupuncture is an exciting decision but before you select your school of study you need to understand the differences in between the two main varieties of school. You will need to understand where the school is located, the various topics of study, exactly how long it will take to complete the course of study, exactly how much the courses will cost, and if course, if financial aid is available to help you pay for school. But the most important thing to look for is a school which follows your philosophy of acupuncture and holistic medicine overall.

Currently there are two distinct philosophies in the world of acupuncture study. It is very important for any prospective acupuncturist to understand the differences between these philosophies before you make a commitment to any one school. You want to select a school whose philosophy matches as closely to your own as possible. So let's take a look at the two different philosophies of acupuncture study. First of all there is the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)/ Eight Elements School and then there is the Five Element School.

The TCM/Five Element School takes a classic approach to the practice of acupuncture. In this type of school the philosophy emphasizes not just the practice of acupuncture but it also includes individual patient counseling. Currently the Five Element School is the less popular of the two philosophies. This type of school is found less often throughout the US that the Eight Element School.

Looking at the other type of education available, the TCM/Eight Elements School is based on a form of diagnosis that has become standardized and has been in wide use in China ever since the start of communism. Built on the foundation referred to as the "Eight Principles", this method of study has a greater following.

The Eight Principles schools focus on herbal therapies along with the traditional practice of acupuncture. The biggest difference between the types of schools is primarily philosophical; however, it is a big difference and one that must be considered thoroughly before you apply to any one school. Many purist argue that the Eight Element Schools are totally devoid of the spiritual element that is the foundation of the Five Element Schools.

Both have their good and bad points and when taken together they both have important philosophies to teach students interested in learning about acupuncture.

Different universities across the states elect to teach one philosophy or a combination of both. Of course it is at the discretion of the school to decide which philosophy they will follow. One well known acupuncture school is Yo San University, located in Marina Del Rey, CA. This university specializes in Taoist Classical Medicine, which combines both the approaches of TCM/Eight Elements as well as the Five Elements School. It is a popular choice of students because they combine methods as well as including the Energetic Systems of Chinese medicine in their teachings and these are based on the I-Ching as well as the "Yellow Emperor's Classic."

The co-founder of this university, Maoshing Ni, believes that this method of study makes it possible for future acupuncturists and healers to have a complete and integrated view since there is a complete connection of all of the elements. This allows students to understand not only the spiritual approach but the healing energies that surround us, as well as the physical application of this ancient practice of Chinese medicine.

It is important that any student of this Chinese healing art understand both philosophies of acupuncture training since it is the basis of study that will impact your practice as a trained and fully qualified acupuncturist. Here's to a successful education and exciting career as an acupuncturist.

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