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News / Events Acupuncture Accreditation 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.orgJuly State Medical Board Overview The results of the July 2007 SMB exam are official and posted on the SMB website. Students will get their results in the mail next week. Overall, we did well for both first timers and retakers. Here are some stats from the 46 schools (includes an out of state Schools category):
Acupuncture China Study Tour The American Institute of Alternative Medicine, in conjunction with top teaching hospitals in China, is proud to offer our students this unique opportunity to learn, on a voluntary basis, in one of the country's best Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospitals. These educational programs are excellent avenues for enhancing the clinical experiences and skills of our students.The China Cultural Tour enables you to experience a fascinating culture and explore six UNESCO World Heritage Sites in three different cities in China. The Educational Program has two programs to choose from: Acupuncture or Traditional Chinese Medicine. Students in acupuncture and Chinese Massage Therapy programs at AIAM may choose to satisfy part of their clinical internship requirements by talking advantage of the China Study Tour internships. Students work side-by-side with expert doctors for up to 4 weeks of intensive clinical training. Weekly lectures are given by renowned practitioners specifically tailored to your group. Students reside near the hospital and are immersed in the culture of China. Your time in China is an investment in your education. Guests may also attend either the tour portion or both study and tour. Please visit the AIAM Acupuncture China Study Tour web site for more details. AIAM Acupuncture China Study Tour Smoking Cessation Have you been wanting to stop smoking, but haven't really known the right way to stop? It's really not as hard as you may think. If you smoke... ♦ you will be twelve times more likely to die from lung cancer ♦ you will be ten times more likely to die from some form of lung disease ♦ you will be ten times more likely to die from cancer of the larynx ♦ you will be six times more likely to die of heart disease ♦ you will be twice as likely to die of a stroke If you stop smoking now you can increase your chances of living from two to twelve times longer and save thousands of dollars in medical expenses and the cost of cigarettes! Quit Smoking with Acupuncture People who seek out acupuncture for smoking cessation are usually highly motivated to quit smoking. They may have attempted to quit previously without success, but now feel that they are ready. Their reasons for wanting to stop smoking are varied. Some may have developed health problems from smoking, such as shortness of breath, a chronic cough or an increased frequency of colds and flu; others may not be experiencing adverse health consequences, but want to prevent them from developing and improve their health. Some decide to stop smoking when a loved one develops a smoking-related illness such as emphysema or lung cancer. The diseases associated with smoking are widely known. Many no longer want the expense and dependency of tobacco or they feel a social pressure not to smoke. Ultimately, one has to want to quit smoking for him or herself, and not for anyone else. It just won't work. They have to be self-motivated. Every person who chooses acupuncture to quit smoking has a strong desire to quit now, rather than putting it off indefinitely. What Does the Treatment Involve? The acupuncture program for smoking cessation at the American Institute of Alternative Medicine consists of *3-5 visits. Before your first appointment, you will fill out an extensive questionnaire that gathers information about your smoking history and health background. The form assists in identifying the behaviors, habits and triggers that lead to smoking. Some are social smokers, some smoke for pleasure, some smoke alone or for emotional reasons or when stressed. Nicotine is a powerful mood-altering chemical that can be sedating or stimulating, depending on the individual. A few examples of triggers for smoking are: ♦ Smoking when on the phone ♦ Smoking when angry, upset, sad or lonely ♦ Smoking when drinking coffee or alcohol At the first appointment, your questionnaire is reviewed and discussed, and a physical exam including blood pressure, lung exam, and methods from traditional chinese medicine (TCM) such as taking the pulse and observing the tongue are employed. The purpose of this interview is to determine the Chinese medical diagnosis for you and the individualized treatment you will receive. Taking into account each person's unique smoking habits and physical and emotional make-up, every patient's acupuncture treatment is tailor-made and designed for him or her. No two people are treated exactly the same. At this session, you learn to identify your particular triggers for smoking and how to avoid them. Acupuncture can reduce the cravings and lessen the withdrawal symptoms associated with your efforts to quit smoking. Since the first month of quitting is probably the most difficult, the acupuncture program can ease you through this time. The first appointment is geared toward preparing you to become a non-smoker; it also includes your first acupuncture treatment. The next four sessions are acupuncture treatments to help you stop smoking and begin lessening your dependence on cigarettes. The acupuncture treatments for your quit smoking program are spaced out over two to three weeks, usually two treatments the first week, and then based on your individual needs. Some patients require more treatments than others, depending on their individual case. The treatments focus on any physical or emotional withdrawal symptoms that may arise, and also aid in relaxation. Of course, if you are having difficulty quitting, the program may be modified to fit your needs. *Three to five treatments is an average; many long-term or heavy smokers may need more treatments. Does It Just Involve the Ear or Are Other Points Involved? There are no "magic" acupuncture points for smoking cessation. Each patient is custom-treated according to his or her specific and unique diagnosis. Usually a combination of body acupuncture points and points on the ear are used. After the needles are inserted, you will relax for about 30 minutes. Are Any Other Techniques Used Between Sessions? Often you are prescribed herbs or supplements to control cravings or withdrawal symptoms. Exercise is encouraged and dietary recommendations are given (foods to avoid and foods to be included during the withdrawal phase). Sometimes a small metal pellet is tacked onto a specific point on the ear to reduce cravings. How Does It Compare to Other Methods? Because the acupuncture smoking termination program is individualized, it is often successful for those who have been unable to stop smoking through other methods. Often, our patients may have tried Nicorette gum, the nicotine patch or some type of organized program. If the individual sticks with it, the acupuncture quitting program can lead to permanent cessation. How Much Does the Program Cost? The initial consultation is $80 at our professional clinic/$40 at our intern clinic, and the four acupuncture treatments are $60/$30 at the professional/intern clinic respectively. Our acupuncture program to help you quit smoking will only be effective if you meet us halfway. Acupuncture will not "do it" for you. You need to have the genuine desire to quit smoking. It's very important to enlist the support of friends and family. Everyone will respond to acupuncture and quitting smoking differently. Some may sail through the process will little or no problems, while others may have a harder time with withdrawal. Be assured that acupuncture can reduce the stress and difficulty of quitting smoking, and can aid you in your decision to quit smoking. We support you in your efforts to begin a healthy and smoke-free life! Please call (614) 825-6255 to set up an appointment. |
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