Chinese Medicine Education - Certificate Programs

Find Chinese medicine education in the United States and Canada. Chinese medicine education offered through several acupuncture schools and other Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) schools include certificate programs that are comprehensive, and can enhance your professional aspirations.

A good example of one of the many certificate programs extended through an in-depth Chinese medicine education is the certificate in Chinese herbal medicine (CCHM). This Chinese medicine education program is a postgraduate course for licensed acupuncturists and covers a tremendous curriculum that includes Chinese medicine education in botany, Chinese medical terminology, herbal formulation and therapeutics, Chinese medicine principles and theories, and other related subject matter. Though each school varies in its Chinese medicine education; a number of these programs average about 62 credits.

Other certificate programs offered through Chinese medicine education courses are the Asian bodywork and Qigong courses. Chinese medicine education in these subjects encompass practical training and academics in a range of topics including but not limited to TCM theories, anatomy, qigong, clinical bodywork, shiatsu, biomechanics, kinesiology, Thai massage, Tuina, and other related studies. In many instances, successful students who have completed all bodywork training requirements are awarded Tuina and shiatsu massage certificates.

In addition, some Chinese medicine education courses are extended through home-study programs, as well as in-class studies. These certificate and continuing education programs include courses in herbology. In this Chinese medicine education course, students are introduced to Chinese herbal medicine, pathology, tonic herbs and formulation, and many more associated topics of interest.

Furthermore, several alternative healing schools will provide Chinese medicine education certificate and/or diploma courses in Oriental medicine nutrition, skin care, wellness and acupressure.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding appropriate Chinese medicine education to help attain your dream job, let education within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs [http://school.holisticjunction.com/clickcount.php?id=6634739&goto=http://www.holisticjunction.com/search.cfm] near you.

Chinese Medicine Education: Certificate Programs
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Physical Therapy Colleges: The Challenge That Lies Ahead

The world of physical therapy is both intense and important, as it helps individuals to deal with their ability to function regularly. Individuals will go through treatments for injuries and will need physical therapy to be able to go through the regular motions of life again. Physical therapists must be knowledgeable in a wide range of topics, as they are expected to be able to help each and every patient with each and every issue they have. These physical therapists must be licensed, highlighting the importance of physical therapy colleges across the nation.

If you want to act as a physical therapist you must receive a proper education and go through the proper licensing channels. The physical therapy college that you choose is going to directly affect how simple and easy it is for you to pass your licensing requirements.

You should expect to go to one of these colleges for multiple years, as this specific health care position requires an extensive amount of information. Individuals will use their undergraduate career as pre-physical therapy, taking all of the courses necessary to get into one of these schools. This undergraduate education is the first step toward getting your license. If you are looking to up your chances of getting into these programs, take as many science courses as possible, as well as any advanced mathematics courses as possible. Students who manage to volunteer in hospitals and physical therapy practices in high school will also have a better chance of getting into an undergraduate program.

Focus on your undergraduate career and take the courses that you need to take to be able to get into these schools. These course include anatomy, physiology, biology, physics, statistics, social sciences, and physical therapy-geared courses.

These colleges work to prepare you for getting your license by providing you with the courses that you need to pass your licensing exam. These different educational programs will provide you with a masters degree or a doctorate, highlighting the difficulty of the program. Expect to take courses that range from biology and physiology to exercise physiology and neuroscience. Students should also plan on taking classes including pathology, radiology, pharmacology, examinations, therapeutic interventions, and physical therapy practice.

Each college is also going to prepare you to get your license by providing you with lab instruction, giving you one-on-one clinical experience. You are going to work with real physical therapists to learn how to operate with a client, giving you the tools that you need to help patients from the first day of your licensing.

You will finally get your license after going through the rigors of college when you pass the requirements set by your state. Some states will require you to pass through the National Physical Therapy Exam. Each state requires a different amount of clinical observing for those who wish to be licensed.

Physical Therapy Software Can Prepare You For Medicare Audits

Medicare Recovery Audit Contractors (RAC) will be in full force in 2010 so now is the time to prepare. Not only does Medicare require documentation over-and-above the other payers, they are now hiring contract consultants to detect and correct past improper payments. Under this audit program, claims a therapy clinic submits, even if approved, is subject to audit.

If you are an owner or Director of a rehab clinic, then you understand the challenges of providing an ever-increasing standard of care - while at the same time - trying to improve your center's productivity and revenues in the face of diminishing reimbursements.

Rehabilitation is the typical fee-for-service program that the new auditors will target and it is important to note that claims can be audited as far back as October 1st 2007.   The RAC auditors will be qualified therapists and certified coders who will know what they are looking for, and how to find it.

Therapy clinics that have been on the fence about  transitioning from paper based documentation to an electronic medical records system should get on board in 2009.  A good physical therapy software solution will enable clinics to overcome, and continue to thrive in the face of such government regulations. Complete and accurate clinical documentation is the key to meeting Medicare requirements and a good therapy software program that is integrated with billing is the best solution.

Look for therapy software that provides more than just a glorified word processor with PDF storage, but something that guides your therapist to the correct documentation and requires completion of that documentation. Clinic owners review some of the nation's large outpatient rehabilitation chains (such as Select Medical) when evaluating software. Companies like this use proven solutions that are typically available in a scalable, affordable solution for small clinics.

Details about RAC can be found at http://bit.ly/Lq7x5.

Gait Training Physical Therapy

Many people believe that since walking is something that they have been doing for most of their lives, no one needs to teach them how to walk again after an injury. Unfortunately, most injuries to the spine and lower extremities do alter walking mechanics and can lead to additional disability if not corrected with physical therapy and fitness training. With or without injury, gait (walking mechanics) frequently deteriorates with age....not necessarily because of age, but most often due to getting weaker.

What is gait? Gait is a manner of walking, stepping or running. More specifically, it is a series of rhythmical, alternating movements of the trunk and limbs which result in the forward progression of the center of gravity (body). Another way to think of gait is as a series of "controlled falls".

How is gait evaluated? We visually observe patients walking on a treadmill or up and down a long hallway. A treadmill allows us to precisely control speed and to observe close-in. If necessary, patients can also be recorded on video while walking/running. The video can then be slowed down, reversed, and repeated as needed during a physical therapy session to perform a more detailed assessment of gait.

Some of the things we look for during a gait evaluation are symmetry of the gait cycle, step and stride length, cadence, and walking base. Symmetry is one of the most important aspects of gait. The movement of one side of the body should mirror the other side of the body. Arm swing, foot placement, step length, foot impact should all be very similar right vs. left.

Injuries and or weakness often lead to heavier impact (usually, but not always) on the opposite side. Since the average human takes 10-15,000 steps each day, increasing the impact of one foot by a force of just 10 lbs (each step) can add up to a lot of extra stress being added to that leg (upwards of 75,000 lbs) every day. No wonder "bad" walking mechanics eventually lead to more injuries.

Another common gait deviation is foot placement. If a patient is having difficulty controlling where the foot is landing (for example: too close to the other leg, turned out/in), they may have significant hip muscle weakness or neurological issues.

The vast majority of gait deviations can be corrected or compensated for with proper physical therapy and fitness training. Most physical therapists are experts in gait evaluation and training. Left untreated, significant gait deviations can lead to injury. Taking that first step, and getting a gait evaluation, could be a step in the right direction for better health.

How to Do Basic Indian Head Massage Therapy

Indian head massage or champissage is performed mainly on the head, neck, face and shoulder part of the body. It aims in giving the client freedom from stress and tension while experiencing a soothing massage treatment. This therapy uses gentle massage strokes commonly used in a Swedish massage therapy.

Before performing an Indian head massage or any other type of therapeutic massage, it is important to prepare the environment, location, massage oil, and massage table or chair, and even your massage skills.

In order to give a successful, effective, and satisfying Champissage therapy, you need to set up and create a good mood inside the massage therapy room. Secure a room in your house where there are no distractions or noise during the session. Make sure that you and your partner are comfortable with the location and that the aura in that room is pleasing and positive. Scented candles, massage oils, and soft or instrumental music are options you and your partner would want to use to spice up the relaxing environment. Massage oil can greatly enhance the gliding motion which is mostly used in a head massage; however it can be uncomfortable to some patients especially when applied on the forehead. Indian head massage can be done without applying oil on the skin. Place the chair in your preferred spot and begin the therapy.

Most massage spas that offer this technique have their patients evaluated for abnormalities on the head or injuries to avoid problems. It would be wise if you also do this on your partner prior to massaging the head, neck, face, shoulders and upper arms. In case you felt anything out of the ordinary such as bumps or swelling, do not proceed with the therapy as you can only aggravate the condition.

On qualified patients, you can start by massaging the shoulders to release tension and stress. You can simply do this by pressing the back of the shoulders in an upward stroke with your thumb. Repeat the process for at least three repetitions. Now shift to the neck area and begin by slowly stimulating the nerves with soft gliding touch of your fingers. This allows the neck to relax and get ready for a neck massage. Massage using your thumbs in a circular motion as you move up to the bottom of the hairline at the neck. Repeat this technique three times going from the bottom of the neck all the way to the top while holding your thumb at the bottom of the back of the skull. Slowly release and work again on the shoulders. After you are done with the shoulder massage, focus the therapy on the scalp. You can do this in a combing motion using your fingers. Spread your fingers and face them upward as you gently squeeze the head on the scalp using the heel of your hands. Use the palm and heel of the hand to vigorously rub the back and side of the head. Lastly, do repetitions of hand gliding motions from the center of the forehead down to the temple. Finish the therapy session by brushing the head using light sliding massage technique.

Say Goodbye to Stress - A Massage From a Certified Massage Therapist Can Change Your Life Forever!

Americans are working harder and longer than ever before. Men, women, and even sometimes teenagers provide income that a family relies on to live in today's downward trending economy. A day filled with relaxation and pampering could be exactly what you need to distress the woes of everyday life. Our lives are filled with stress and countless responsibilities that can be overwhelmingly hectic at times. Isn't it time that you took a few minutes for yourself and enjoyed a massage?

If you're in need of relaxation to the maximum, you'll definitely want to go to a massage therapist for at least an hour. Many massage therapists offer 30 minutes massage, but those simply aren't long enough to get the full joy of the massage. Find a certified massage therapist in your area and set up an appointment. If you're a male, don't be afraid to set an appointment just because of your gender. In today's lifestyle, many males enjoy the relaxing massage experience. There are many different kinds of massages, so before you get your appointment be sure to know which kind of massage your body needs.

Swedish therapy is very popular in today's society because it is very sensual and relaxing. It's so relaxing, in fact, that many people go to sleep during the massage. Many massage therapists who provide a Swedish massage use lotion or oil while making smooth careful strokes across the body. A Swedish massage is what is suggested for first time massage clients because it is society's norm. However, if a Swedish massage seems too light for you, there are other alternatives.

A deep tissue therapy is available from many massage therapists, but can sometimes cost a little extra money. During a deep tissue therapy, the therapist targets the deeper layers of muscle and tissue making a very different experience from a Swedish massage. A deep tissue massage is best if you have tight or strained muscles, high levels of stress, or recovering from an injury. Some people feel sore after a deep tissue massage because of the amount of pressure the therapist uses, but this subsides quickly.

If you're really out to pamper yourself, many therapists provide a hot stone massage. During a hot stone massage, the therapist places heated, smooth stones across pressure points on the body to loosen and relax muscle tissue. The warm stones provide a soothing warmth leaving the client feeling completely relaxed. The most important task is for the client to feel submersed in relaxation at the hands of the therapist.

Natural Pain Relief For Arthritis - Massage Therapy

Unfortunately there's no cure for arthritis and the arthritic changes that arthritis brings to your joints, but you can relieve the pain that accompanies this medical condition.

Two treatments which are easy and are worth trying are massage therapy, and also massage with essential oils.

Massage Therapy: Gentle Massage Can Relieve Pain

When you massage a painful arthritic joint, you help the blood circulation to the joint, and this aids healing. Another benefit is that the muscles relax, and this relieves pain too, because tight muscles around the joint make it even more painful.

Although you can massage painful joints yourself, for best results visit a massage therapist, because the therapist will know the best way to massage your hands, or whichever joints are affected. Ask to be shown some easy massage techniques that you can perform at home.

Massage therapy can't reverse arthritis, but many people find that they can keep arthritis at bay with massage therapy.

Essential Oils For Arthritis Pain Relief

Massage therapy can help even more if you massage your joints with essential oils. Essential oils are fragrant oils which are refined from plants, roots, and trees. Pain relieving essential oils for arthritis treatment include ginger, lavandin, and eucalyptus.

For an arthritis joint massage, very small quantities of pure essential oils (about one drop per teaspoon) are added to a carrier oil like apricot or almond oil. You can make up your own massage oil from essential oils and a carrier oil, and can use it to massage painful joints twice a day.

Not only do the essential oils smell wonderful, but they're also very relaxing.

As with massage therapy, it's best to get advice and a couple of treatments from a professional aromatherapist at the beginning, and then you can continue the treatment with essential oils at home.

Although massage therapy and essential oils massage therapy are not a cure for arthritis, they do relieve the pain. These treatments can also help you to regain and maintain movement in your joints, so that you live your life.