Course Director Linda Heffernan, Lic.Ac.TCM. , A member, of TCMCI, (The Traditional Chinese Medicine Council of Ireland), has been practicing Acupuncture and Herbalism in Galway since 1984.

The College was subsequently established in 1996.

The Professional Training Course offers a comprehensive study of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, (encompassing both Systems, the ancient 5 Element Acupuncture and the 8 Principle Acupuncture), Herbalism, Diet, Anatomy & Physiology, and an in depth Clinical Training.

Many people are studying Acupuncture to make a new career for themselves, others study to understand health and wellbeing.

Acupuncture is now widely accepted as a primary form of Health care and has been endorsed by the World Health Organisation as a very effective and successful form of treatment.

VHI and BUPA Insurances also recognise Acupuncture Treatment.

Many Graduates go on to work full time and have opened their own practices.

Some practice on a part time basis and continue with their previous occupations. There is no typical profile. Students come from all walks of life and all ages, with very different backgrounds. The College fields students from a wide variety of occupations including students with Science Backgrounds, Nurses, Physiotherapists, and Medical Degrees. Also Osteopaths, Naturopaths and Reflexologists. We also have many students without a Science background and teach a comprehensive Anatomy & Physiology Module to accommodate this. Prospective Students sit an Interview for Course Application. Study is intensive and a high commitment is necessary.

Students have the option to study in China on completing their Licentiate and some go on to practice abroad.

The process of regulation was initiated in November, 2002, by the former Minister for Health, Micheal Martin, to standardise the practice and training requirements for practitioners and students.

As a consequence of this an amalgamation of Acupuncture Associations in Ireland has been formed, namely the TCMCI (Traditional Chinese Medicine Council of Ireland). There is an Education Commission, a Sub Committee of the TCMCI which is Regulating the Practice and Education of Acupuncture in Ireland, Linda Heffernan, the College Director is a member of this Education Commission and this process is ongoing. Mary Harney the current Minister for Health launched this newly formed Council on the 26th June this year.

The College of Integrative Acupuncture is the only one offering a three year Licentiate Programme in the West of Ireland. Three years is a minimum requirement by regulation. When the students complete their 3 year programme, they receive a Licentiate in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. The College of Integrative Acupuncture has a very high standard of education and it is now renowned both in Ireland and abroad.

For a prospectus or enquiries contact Course Director Linda Heffernan or Co-Ordinator Jane McHugh at (091) 561676.

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