The medical majors are very popular among the American and Canadian student nowadays. But the most popular is the major connected with the alternative and fringe medicine. The students are especially interested in the courses of acupuncture and massage. In US and Canada there are several special colleges which are specializing in this field.
Besides the traditional massage therapy course the student of acupuncture and massage colleges can attend the practical classes which refer to the oriental medicine. Moreover, there are many additional courses available, such as Tai Chi, herbal medicine, Tuina (Chinese medical massage), acupressure (Shiatsu), Qigong, homoeopathy and many others.
Majority of the students attend the classes of Oriental medicine with pleasure and great interest. This course includes: Chinese herbal medicine, Chinese medical terminology, Oriental bodywork, homeopathy, acupuncture and needling techniques, instruction in acupuncture, etc. But those students who want to study oriental medicine must have some prior knowledge and skills in the traditional medicine. It is essential requirement for the students.
As for massage courses, the curricula also contains the basic knowledge in anatomy and physiology and, naturally, eastern massage methodic such as Qigong, acupressure and Shiatsu. Besides, the students can choose some additional courses, such as practical classes in the hydrotherapy, Chinese medical massage, aromatherapy, Swedish massage and craniosacral methodic. The students must understand that their major is applied and they have to make much practice to become professional.
The degree which the students obtain after graduation depends on the courses they attended. After courses of massage therapy and Shiatsu the students receive a certificate. If they attended acupuncture and oriental medicine classes, they receive Master of Science degree in the Oriental medicine, or even Doctorate degree. Those students who want to receive Master’s or Doctorate degrees, have to study during four – five years.
The obtaining of the degree in alternative medicine will be very useful also for specialists in the traditional medicine. It helps to extend the outlook of the doctor and became more professional.