PanAmerican University of Natural Medicine & Sciences

Doctor of Oriental Medicine (O.M.D., Monastic)



A new and unique approach to Oriental Medical Practice.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM; simplified Chinese: 中医; traditional Chinese: 中醫; pinyin: zhōng yī; literally "Chinese medicine") is a broad range of medicine practices sharing common concepts which have been developed in China and are based on a tradition of more than 5,000 years, including various forms of herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage (Tui na), exercise (qigong), and dietary therapy.

The doctrines of Chinese medicine are rooted in books such as the Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon and the Treatise on Cold Damage, as well as in cosmological notions like yin-yang and the five phases. Starting in the 1950s, these precepts were modernized in the People's Republic of China so as to integrate many anatomical and pathological notions with modern scientific medicine. Nonetheless, some of its methods, including the model of the body, or concept of disease, are not supported by modern evidence-based medicine.

TCM's view of the body places little emphasis on anatomical structures, but is mainly concerned with the identification of functional entities (which regulate digestion, breathing, aging etc.). While health is perceived as harmonious interaction of these entities and the outside world, disease is interpreted as a disharmony in interaction. TCM diagnosis includes in tracing symptoms to patterns of an underlying disharmony, by measuring the pulse, inspecting the tongue, skin, eyes and by looking at the eating and sleeping habits of the patient as well as many other parameters.

Traditional medicine (TM) refers to the knowledge, skills and practices based on the theories, beliefs and experiences indigenous to different cultures, used in the maintenance of health and in the prevention, diagnosis, improvement or treatment of physical and mental illness. Traditional medicine covers a wide variety of therapies and practices which vary from country to country and region to region. In some countries, it is referred to as "alternative" or "complementary" medicine (CAM). Ethnomedicine is a study or comparison of the traditional medicine practiced by various ethnic groups, and especially by indigenous peoples. The word ethnomedicine is sometimes used as a synonym for traditional medicine.

Traditional medicine has been used for thousands of years with great contributions made by practitioners to human health, particularly as primary health care providers at the community level. TM/CAM has maintained its popularity worldwide. Since the 1990s its use has surged in many developed and developing countries. This degree program is designed for 21st century applications.

The term folk medicine refers to healing practices and ideas of body physiology and health preservation known to a limited segment of the population in a culture, transmitted informally as general knowledge, and practiced or applied by anyone in the culture having prior experience. All cultures and societies have knowledge best described as folk medicine.

In the context of academic degrees, the term "philosophy" does not refer solely to the field of philosophy, but we use in a broader sense in accordance with its original Greek meaning, which is "love of wisdom". The World Health Organization (WHO) defines traditional medicine as:
"the health practices, approaches, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plant, animal and mineral-based medicines, spiritual therapies, manual techniques and exercises, applied singularly or in combination to treat, diagnose and prevent illnesses or maintain well-being."

Traditional use of herbal medicines
Traditional use of herbal medicines refers to the long historical use of these medicines. In the written record, the study of herbs dates back 5,000 years to the ancient Sumerians, who described well-established medicinal uses for plants. Ancient Egyptian medicine of 1000 BC are known to have used various herbs for medicine. The Old Testament also mentions herb use and cultivation in regards to Kashrut. Their use is well established and widely acknowledged to be safe and effective, and may be accepted by national authorities.

Therapeutic activity
Therapeutic activity refers to the successful prevention, diagnosis and treatment of physical and mental illnesses; improvement of symptoms of illnesses; as well as beneficial alteration or regulation of the physical and mental status of the body.

Prerequisites
Candidate must be a practicing acupuncturist with a graduate degree from a recognized institution.

Links
Traditional Medicine - World Health Organization
www.who.int/inf-fs/en/fact134.html‎
Fact Sheet N 134. September 1996. TRADITIONAL MEDICINE. The term " traditional medicine" refers to ways of protecting and restoring health that existed ...

WHO | Traditional medicine
www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/2003/fs134/en/‎
Fact sheet N°134. Revised May 2003. Traditional medicine. What is traditional medicine? Traditional medicine refers to health practices, approaches, ...

WHO | Fact sheets - World Health Organization
www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/en/‎
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