TCM, Traditional Chinese Medicine, includes various methods such as acupuncture, dietetics, Tuina, Qi Gong and Chinese medicines, moxibustion, Shiatsu and Taijiquan, as well as An-Mo / Tui-Na, electro-acupuncture, laser acupuncture, ear acupuncture, cupping, phytotherapy and Tai Chi. These therapeutic procedures, massage techniques, nutritional advice and movement exercises can also be learned individually after comprehensive basic training in traditional Chinese medicine and thus supplemented to form a group of methods.

To register TCM as method no. 185 with the EMR, 600 hours of specialist training and 600 hours of conventional medicine are required; for method no. 231 Naturopathy Traditional Chinese Medicine with the ASCA, 150 hours at level 1 (basic training), 1700 hours at level 2 (specialist training) and 300 hours at level 3 (special method) are required.

Since 2015, the advanced professional examination (HFP) for naturopaths with a federal diploma has been approved. This further training can be completed in the fields of homeopathy, Ayurvedic medicine, Traditional European Naturopathy (TEN) and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

TCM medicine is based on a system of vital energies in the body (Qi), which circulate along the meridians and influence all bodily functions. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine has become one of the most important and popular alternative medicine methods in Switzerland. The high effectiveness of acupuncture has been proven by many studies. In addition, there are hardly any side effects.

TCM training is, for example, Qi Gong training. Here, exercises combine meditation and concentration with specific movement sequences. This stimulates the flow of Qi and energizes the body and mind. This creates inner balance and restores harmony between body and mind.

TCM coaching can counteract stress, crises, a guilty conscience, external control or excessive demands. With coaching and holistic health promotion, you become aware of your wishes and goals again, increase mindfulness and mobilize mental strength. The aim is to take control of your own life again and achieve your goals.

The TCM training costs are approximately as follows:

• TCM acupuncture course (cert.) of a few days/weeks between CHF 1'000 and CHF 5'000
• Naturopath with a federal diploma in the field of TCM between CHF 35,000 and CHF 60,000 for five to eight years

Please enquire about current prices at the school offering the course of your choice.

Part of a TCM course can also be online. TCM training online is a good way to impart theoretical knowledge. However, it certainly makes sense for TCM to also have a practical part, which usually takes place at the school on site.

A TCM course imparts knowledge in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The following acupuncture courses are available:

• Entry-level courses (without prior knowledge)
• TCM further training
• Chinese medicine training
• Diploma study programs
• Naturopath with federal diploma
• TCM training
• TCM Seminar
• TCM Workshop

There are different TCM degree programs at one university:

• Bachelor's degree
• Master's program
• Master+ program (elective year)
• DSc study program (Doctor of Science)
• PhD program (Philosophical Doctor)

Admission to the Advanced Federal Professional Examination (AFPE) for naturopaths with a federal diploma in TCM is open to anyone who has completed upper secondary school or an equivalent qualification. Diploma specializing in TCM are admitted to the Advanced Federal Professional Examination (AFPE) if they have completed upper-secondary level or an equivalent qualification, are at least 25 years old, have at least two years of professional experience in the specialty with a workload of at least 50 percent in the last two years prior to registration or at least three years of professional experience with a workload of at least 30 percent in the last three years prior to registration for the Advanced Federal Professional Examination (AFPE), has no entry in the central criminal record that is incompatible with the activity as a naturopath, has submitted the case study correctly and received confirmation from the examination secretariat and also has all the necessary module qualifications or certificates of equivalence. certificates of equivalence.

Treatments based on TCM therapies are based on the knowledge that diseases manifest themselves inside the body and on the surface of the body. Traditional Chinese medicine makes use of this and by influencing the surface of the body, the inside of the body is affected. This directly treats the causes and not just the symptoms. The five TCM therapies are

• Acupuncture
• Chinese medicinal therapy (herbs)
• Dietetics
• Tuina (massage therapy)
• Qi Gong (movement therapy)

These methods support patients on the road to recovery.

Within the continuing education, further training to become a naturopath TCM with a federal diploma, seven modules must be completed. These are basic medical training (M1), subject-specific training (M2), module M3 "Health and ethics", module M4 "Working as a therapist", module M5 "Running and managing a business", module M6, which comprises practical training, and M7 "Professional practice under mentorship". For a detailed module description, please contact the individual schools directly using the contact form.

The TCM training requirements vary depending on the type of profession. There are three options:

• Acupuncturist (professional specialization): completed basic training or secondary school leaving certificate
• Doctor of Acupuncture - TCM (university profession): Master's degree from a university - Bachelor's degree required
• Naturopath HFP (further education profession): Secondary level II qualification or equivalent and at least 2 years of professional experience and required module qualifications or certificates of equivalence and minimum age of 25 years at the time of the examination

In a TCM course you learn the following:

• Basic medical training
• Specialist training in acupuncture
• Diagnosis
• Consulting
• Treatment
• Health and ethics
• Work as a therapist
• Operations and management
• Professional experience