Oshio

As I look out at the Garry Oak trees blowing in the wind, and the bright June sunshine illuminating the leaves, I am reminded of why Victoria, BC is one of the best places in Canada to live. Thinking about the family, friends and patients I have helped through the years with Acupuncture treatments to relieve their pain, Herbal formulas to strengthen their constitution, I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to study Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to help to re-set the balance of the Yin and Yang energies in the body. More recently, the World Health Organization has endorsed the use of Acupuncture to help with over 150 conditions. Indeed, the number of people in the West who have experienced and benefited from Acupuncture treatments is growing steadily. It is a practical, interesting and meaningful skill to learn.

In British Columbia, the practice of Acupuncture has been regulated by the CTCMA since 2003. Currently, there are 6 colleges in BC that offer the 3 year Diploma of Acupuncture that is necessary to be able to sit the Board Exams to become a Registered Acupuncturist in BC. Oshio College in Victoria is one of the best. Why? Oshio is a small college with a big heart. Dr. Yin, Dr. Hu and the highly experienced faculty at Oshio have both sound knowledge of TCM, and the kindness and patience required to pass it on.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a complex and limitless system of diagnosis and treatment, of which Acupuncture is but one limb. In addition to the 365 Acupuncture points, the 400+ single herbs, which combine into over 200 classical Formulae, and all the Traditional Diagnostic methods that are taught, today’s Acupuncture and TCM students have to be well informed about modern allopathic bio-medicine as well. It is a huge courseload, and it is important to have teachers who are concise, experienced, and also patient enough to lead new students through the mountains of information.

Luckily, we have a strong team of such teachers at Oshio College in Victoria. For this reason, I believe that Oshio College is truly the best place to study TCM Acupuncture and Herbs in Victoria.

Lisa Cumberland