TCIM at Colleges and Universities

The position of TCIM methods are given in a country’s education system is certainly indicative of the level of the methods’ development and their position in a country's society. The diversity of TCIM also reflects this (not all methods are equally developed) and, of course, the cultural anchorage of a given method plays a significant role in each country. For instance, in Japan, South Korea, China and other countries, TCIM has a dominant position in traditional eastern healing practices, and it is possible to study these disciplines full time at an institute of higher education.

The situation in Western countries such as the US, Canada, Australia and countries within the European Union is different. Chinese medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy, phytotherapy, osteopathy and chiropractic are among the most developed TCIM methods. Energy therapies are also developing.

In this regard, one can see the profound difference between these countries. On the one hand, ancient TCIM methods have had a chance to develop, their healing potential has been verified and they have gained adequate recognition in society due to being taught at universities. In the Czech Republic, on the other hand, TCIM has developed minorly and is often frowned upon by state institutions. There is very little awareness of this field of care.

In foreign higher education systems, TCIM methods appear in two forms:

a) University studies – Students study a given TCIM method for several years and obtain a university degree becoming qualified specialists in the field.

b) College courses, seminars and internships – Students take a course in a specific TCIM method or TCIM methods in general while studying another, related field These courses are often offered at medical schools and to students of other health professions (e.g. nursing).