The American Institute of Alternative Medicine (AIAM), formerly Massage
Away, Inc. School of Therapy, was founded in September 1994. The school
was an outgrowth of Massage Away, Inc., central Ohio’s largest
therapeutic clinic that started in 1990. The therapeutic
massage clinic’s consistent growth, overwhelming customer demands
for their services, and the inability to find quality massage therapists
led to the creation of Massage Away, Inc. School of Therapy. The Licensed Massage Therapy Program opened with 14 students, and
has since graduated over 700 students, with approximately 200 students currently
enrolled in the basic program. The Tui Na Program opened in 2002 with 2 students and has graduated
4 students. There are 4 Tui Na students currently enrolled. The Professional Master's Level Acupuncture Program
opened in 2002 with 11 students and has graduated its first class of seven students. There are 22 students
currently enrolled.
In December 1997, we purchased and moved into our new building in
North Columbus and 12,000 square feet were added in 2000. Our facility includes six lecture/labs, a spa training room,
a student clinic with 12 treatment rooms, a retail area selling
student books, supplies and therapeutic products, a library, kitchen,
student and instructor lounges and administrative offices. We have a committed
staff of 45.
In 2000, the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
of Technology (ACCSCT) accredited the school. AIAM was also approved
for financial aid with the U. S. Department of Education and for the
training of veterans, eligible dependents, reservists and the Ohio
National Guard.
The new millennium brought in a new interest and direction for the
school. In February 2001, owners Helen Yee and Diane Sater, along
with instructor Lou Peters, participated in an extensive
study trip to China where they studied Traditional Chinese Medicine and Tui Na at Chengdu University
of Traditional Chinese Medicine. This educational experience
confirmed the need to expand the program offerings to include both eastern and western philosophies.
In April 200l, David Wang was hired to develop the acupuncture program curriculum.
His 20 years of experience in TCM, along
with his extensive experience teaching and practicing western and Chinese
medicine in China provided the acupuncture program's sound foundation. A Tui Na program was developed
in 2001 providing students the option of learning an eastern form
of bodywork. Both programs opened to students in 2002.
The school made history in July 2001, when AIAM was honored with a visit
by Dr. Haizhou Xie, renowned Traditional Chinese Medical doctor. In
China, Dr. Xie is hailed as a National Living Treasure. Dr. Wang is
a protégé of Dr. Xie. Dr. Xie was bestowed the Honorary
Presidency of the school at a reception attended by physicians, practicing
acupuncturists and students. A China tour and China study tour is led by AIAM each year.
Our name was officially changed to the American Institute of Alternative Medicine (AIAM) in 2002. AIAM better
reflects our mission. In addition, a Board of Directors was elected.
In August 2007, AIAM's Professional Master's Level Acupuncture Program was recognized with five years of accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). ACAOM is the US Department of Education recognized accrediting agency for the approval of programs preparing acupuncture and Oriental medicine practitioners. www.acaom.org
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