Does the Hospital Accept Individual Students or Just Groups?
Changzhou TCM Hospital is happy to accept either individual students or groups of students for the TCM Study Trips. For individual students, it may be possible for the hospital to place you within another study group already attending if this is something you would be interested in.
Is There An Introduction for the Hospital?
At present, there is no English version of the website for Changzhou TCM Hospital. However, the hospital can provide to Asante upon request, an English version of their introduction to the hospital. If you are interested in reading this, please contact us by email to request your copy.
Will I Gain a Certificate?
Yes! All Asante Acadmy students who participate in a Changzhou TCM Hospital Study Trip will receive a certificate upon completion of their clinical placement with the number of hours taken during the clinical portion of the trip counting towards CPD.
How Much Money Should I Bring?
Food and transport are generally cheap in China. We suggest that students budget approximately $20 per day for food and transport, plus extra to allow for activities, excursions and other expenses.
What Happens at the Weekends?
At the weekend, students can either attend the hospital which will remain open for observation, or they can use their time for tourist or cultural activities such as sightseeing our short excursions.
These would need to be organised by the students, and information on activities should be available online or through local tourist information centres.
Will I Have a Guide During the Trip?
No. During the study trip, students will be under supervision of the doctors within the hospital. Outside the hospital, sutdents will be free to move about with a guide. Tour guides can be arranged, but this would need to be arranged by the student upon arrival in Shanghai/Changzhou.
Will I Need a Translator on my Study Trip?
No, most of the doctors can speak English. However, if you do feel that you need a translator, or that it would be helpful, this can be arranged with the hospital.
Can I Practice During My Study Trip?
Yes! If you hold a medical licence, or are a fully qualified practitioner, then you will be allowed to conduct clinical practice under the supervison and guidance of the attending doctor.
Which Departments Can Students Visit?
At the Changzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese medicine, students will have the opportunity to visit and observe in a number of different traditional medicine departments including acupuncture, moxibustion, tuina massage, and preventative medicine.
What is the Daily Itinerary?
The dailiy itinerary will vary accroding to which department students visit, which doctor they are shadowing, and patient case load.
A final itinerary will be provided by the hospital on arrival, but includes a clinical internship across different departments.
How Do I Get To Changzhou TCM Hospital From Shanghai Airport?
Changzhou TCM Hospital will arrange a shuttle service from Shanghai Airport to the hospital, and also for the return journey.
The cost is not covered by the hospital, and the price can be provided on request due to seasonal changes in cost.
Changzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese medicine does not provide accommodation for students during study trips.
However, the hospital can provide help to students arrange local accommodation if needed. This can be arranged closer to the time of the chosen study trip.
How can Traditional Chinese medicine help me?
Traditional Chinese Medicine is commonly used to treat a wide range of health conditions, including, but not limited to:
- Musculoskeletal problems – Both acute and chronic.
- Headaches and Migraines.
- Other pain conditions.
- Insomnia.
- Stress and Anxiety.
- Depression and emotional difficulties.
- Gynaecological issues.
- Fatigue, tiredness, and low vitality.
- Nausea, vomiting, and digestive imbalances.
- Cancer pain and management of treatment side effects.
- Addiction.
- Low immune system.
It is also commonly used during and after pregnancy to help with a number or antenatal and postnatal health issues such as morning sickness, lower back pain, pelvic-girdle pain, postnatal depression, postnatal tiredness and fatigue, as well as issues with lactation and breastfeeding.
In many cases, Traditional Chinese medicine is safely used alongside Western medicine. Although many patients also seek help from Chinese medicine as an alternative to Western medicine for a variety of reasons.
Yes. It is ideal for you to avoid eating and/or drinking caffeinated drinks (tea/coffee etc) for at least 1 hour before your treatment. You should not consume alcohol or drugs prior to treatment. Your treatment may be refused if we feel that you are intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
If possible, it is also best to avoid stressful situations before your treatment, so that you arrived feeling calm and relaxed at the clinic, although, after most treatments, you will certainly feel more relaxed than when you arrived.
This is very subjective. It depends on the patient, the condition being treated, the severity and duration of the condition and which treatment(s) you receive. For acute stage conditions, you may start to feel some benefits of treatment after the first session, especially if you receive acupuncture or tuina. For chronic or long-standing conditions, a patient will normally need more time. If you are prescribed herbal medicine, the process can take a little longer, and you may only notice changes after a week or two weeks of treatment.
Patient compliance with advice given by practitioners will also have an effect. For example, if you are advised to take herbal medicine, rest or exercise but do not follow a regular routine, you may prolong the amount of time it takes before you start noticing changes to your condition.
For most patients, the effects of treatment are cumulative. This means that each treatment builds on the previous one, so normally over a course of treatments, you will notice increasing changes from one session to the next.
This is subjective, and will vary from patient to patient. It will usually be determined by:
- The condition you are having treatment for.
- The length of time you have had it – Is it acute or chronic in nature?
- The severity of your symptoms.
- Any other underlying issues which may be involved.
- Compliance with advice given by your practitioner – this may relate to herbal medicine, dietary or lifestyle advice or exercise.
Your attending practitioner will normally ask you to come for a follow-up treatment, where they can assess your response to the first treatment. This will also give them the opportunity to determine whether to continue with their original treatment plan or if it requires adjusting. Ultimately, this will help them determine how many subsequent sessions you may need.
If you are visiting Asante for either acupuncture or tuina, it would be helpful for you to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, such as tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt or jumper.
Depending upon what you are receiving treatment for, your practitioner may ask you to adjust or remove certain items of clothing so that he or she can access particular acupuncture points or areas for massage. This would also apply if your practitioner decides to use cupping or moxibustion therapy.
You will be seen by one of our highly trained and professional practitioners. He or she will discuss your main complaint or problem, as well as any related medical history and other related health concerns you may have. They will also examine your tongue and pulse (traditional methods of diagnosis).
If relevant, they may also look at medical reports or scans. They will then discuss the Chinese medical diagnosis with you and explain the relevant treatment options, designing a treatment plan that is most appropriate for you.
The process of consultation and treatment usually last about 1 hour, although this may be shorter if you are coming just for a herbal medicine consultation. For more information, please contact us directly.
Western medicine looks at the discrete physical symptoms of a patient and uses interventions such as drugs or surgery to directly treat or manage a problem. Although nutrition, dietary and lifestyle advice are given, they are usually secondary to those previously mentioned interventions. Western medicine also views the mind and body and seperate entities or systems and treats them accordingly.
Chinese medicine views the patient holistically and examines physical, mental, and emotional symptoms to create a holistic diagnosis. It will acknowledge the patient’s symptoms, but in the context of the whole, and trace these symptoms back to the root cause of an illness or given health problem.
Treatment includes the use of acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage, and Chinese exercise such as Tai Chi or Qi Gong, along with dietary and lifestyle guidance to help reverse ill health.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic medical system that has been developed over thousands of years.
It is based on the concept that disease and ill health occur due to imbalances affecting the flow of vital energy, Qi, throughout the body. TCM aims to restore balance to the flow of Qi, thereby restoring balance to both body and mind, thus rectifying health problems.
It does this by employing three main modes of treatment which are acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and tuina massage. Other aspects of TCM treatment include cupping therapy, moxibustion, Qi Gong and Tai Chi.
These treatment modalities can be used on their own, however, they are usually used in a combined way as they are mutually reinforcing.
Yes! We are happy to offer you an online consultation, usually via Zoom if you are unable to attend the clinic in person. For more information, please contact us directly.
The cost of treatment will depend upon which practitioner you see and also the length of your treatment session.
If your practitioners advises that you require Chinese herbal medicine, this will be priced separately to your other treatment.
Yes. All of our practitioners speak English. We are also fortunate to have native speakers of Mandarin, Portuguese and Russian.
Yes. All of Asante’s practitioners are fully qualified to a minimum of BSc level, with several holding Masters and PhD qualifications, and they have been practicing and teaching for at least 15 years.
Our staff are members of relevant governing bodies within the U.K. such as the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), The Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture (ATCM) and The Acupuncture Society. They are all fully insured to practice.
Asante Academy of Chinese Medicine is an authentic, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinic and teaching institute, which has been running for over 20 years. We offer treatment to patients using acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, tuina massage, cupping and moxibustion. We also run partnerships with local NHS hospitals providing acupuncture for pain mangement.
For more information about Asante and our history, visit our 20th Anniversary page!
We run a variety of accredited educational courses at Diploma and Certificate level, as well as several short courses and workshops. Additionally, we also offer classes in Chen style Tai Chi and Qi Gong.
We run a fully equipped Chinese herbal medicine dispensary and have other products for sale including herbal teas, ointments, creams, and a variety of Chinese medicine books.
No. We aim to run our courses on a flexible basis, working around the availability of both students and tutors. This has enabled us to provide a more bespoke experience for students and also allows for one-to-one training.
Teaching usually takes place from 9/9.30 to 4/4.30 Monday to Friday and from 10 to 4 on Saturdays. We may sometimes be able to schedule teaching for Sundays, but this would need to be done in advance to ensure tutor availability.
For groups of students, providing numbers are confirmed in advance, we can provide a more fixed timetable if this is desired.
Yes! Provided you successfully complete the course you are taking, upon graduation, you will be eligible to apply for full membership with either the ATCM or The Acupuncture Society. If you already have student membership, it is easy to upgrade to a full member.
You will also need to purchase practice indemnity insurance. This can be done through Holistic Insurance Services or Balens Insurance Brokers.
For further information, please visit our website or contact us directly.
Yes! Our Diploma in Chinese Herbal Medicine is accredited and recognised by the Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture (ATCM), while our 4 main certificate courses are accredited and recognised by The Acupuncture Society.
If you choose to study any course which is accredited by either organisation, you must join them as a student member once you enrol on your chosen course. Your student membership can be upgraded to a full membership upon successful completion of your course.
For more information on joining the ATCM or The Acupuncture Society, please visit HERE. Alternatively, you can contact us directly for more information.
Certainly! Our core courses will include teaching on all aspects of Chinese medicine theory, diagnostics, anatomy and physiology, and theory of disease in TCM, as well as all the specific theory and practical information relating to whichever subject you are studying, whether it be acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine or tuina massage.
Our tutors will provide you with the relevant teaching materials that you will need. Once you enroll, you will receive a course manual which contains all the relevant information you will need.
If you do have some prior knowledge of Chinese medicine this will also be advantageous.
Our core teaching courses cover the three main areas of Traditional Chinese Medicine. They are Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and Tuina massage. We also run more specialised courses in TCM for Pain Management, Maternity Acupuncture, and Male/Female Infertility.
We also provide classes in Tai Chi and Qi Gong. All of our courses consist of both theory (classroom teaching and/or online) and practical (clinical observation and supervised practice).
For more information on teaching courses, please visit the page for the course(s) you are interested in or alternatively you can contact Asante directly for more information.
Yes. This is very common in China and in the West. Tuina massage is often used in conjunction with acupuncture and/or Chinese herbal medicine. This combination of treatment modalities can reinforce and strengthen the therapeutic effects of acupuncture and/or Chinese herbal medicine.
Yes. This is very common in China and in the West. Acupuncture is often provided alongside Chinese herbal medicine and Tuina massage therapy. This combination of treatment modalities can reinforce and strengthen the therapeutic effects of Chinese herbal medicine and/or tuina.
Your attending practitioner will first conduct a consultation with you, much as they would when giving acupuncture. They will ask about your primary complaint or problem, how long you have had it and other relevant information. They may also check your tongue and pulse to aid their diagnosis.
The style of tuina given will depend on the nature of your primary complaint. Our practitioners will always communicate with you to ensure that the pressure applied is not too painful or uncomfortable and to see how you are responding to the treatment.
In general, after a Tuina massage treatment, you may feel deeply relaxed or invigorated, depending upon the way in which the massage is applied. It is normal to sometimes feel slightly sore and achy after a deep tuina session, however, this is only temporary and usually passes quickly.
Tuina is a form of massage therapy used in China and as part of Chinese Medicine. It is based on Chinese Medicine theory and works through massage of acupoints and meridians as well as muscle groups and musculoskeletal joints in the body. It is sometimes referred to as Acupressure. Tuina differs from other massage systems in that it can be used for general well-being and relaxation, but also for treating musculoskeletal issues and a whole variety of health conditions.
Generally, Chinese herbal medicine is very safe, especially when prescribed by fully qualified professionals. The herbs prescribed at Asante are all plant based. We do not use toxic or poisonous plant material, nor do we use any animal or mineral products in our prescriptions. Dosages are used in accordance with traditional formulas which have been safely used for thousands of years and that have treated millions of patients worldwide.
In the UK, there are strict controls placed on which traditional herbal medicine ingredients we can use in practice, this is regulated by law and provides an high degree of safety to patients.
We only work with herbal suppliers who comply with CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) restrictions.
Yes. This is very common in China and in the West. Chinese herbal medicine is usually prescribed alongside acupuncture or tuina treatments if they are necessary. This combination of treatment modalities can reinforce and strengthen the therapeutic effects of acupuncture and/or tuina.
Your doctor or practitioner will discuss with you the reasons and options for you to take Chinese herbal medicine. Depending on the specifics of the condition to be treated, they will likely recommend that you continue with a course of herbs for about 1 month.
After this period, your practitioner will assess your response to the course of treatment, allowing them to determine if you should continue with the same prescription, if it requires adjustment, or if you no longer need to take the medicine.
The effects of Chinese medicine are not as quick acting as Western pharmaceutical medicine, however, they are more natural and far less likely to cause side effects. You should start to notice some effects after about 1 week.
This depends on the form the medicine takes. Traditionally, herbal medicine is prescribed as raw herbs, which are boiled in a decoction to make a tea which you will drink. For preparation instructions, CLICK HERE (PDF Link).
If you are prescribed pre-formulated pills, capsules, powders or granules, your practitioner or the dispensary staff will provide you with the correct dosage information and method for taking the herbs and/or formula.
Your herbal prescription will be prepared by our qualified dispensary staff, usually while you are receiving treatment and can be purchased on the same day. We also offer postal service for prescriptions for patients who are unable to come to the clinic or those patients not living within the U.K. Full instructions on dosage, preparation and how to take your prescription will be given to you.
Depending on the condition you are having treated, your practitioner may decide to prescribe Chinese herbal medicine. Each prescription is tailored to the needs of the individual patient. It is available in different forms from raw herbs, to pills, powders, teas, and creams. Your practitioner will advise on the most suitable choice for you.
Sometimes patients may feel drowsy or slightly dizzy after a treatment, however, this usually passes quickly. Some patients may experience mild bruising at certain points where needles have been inserted. In a very small number of patients, approximately 1%, symptoms may get worse before they improve. This is a normal reaction for some patients, so please do not feel worried if this happens. Any worsening of symptoms usually passes quickly.
After receiving acupuncture, most patients experience a feeling of deep relaxation, although some patients may also feel drowsy or energised. You will be able to carry on your day as normal after treatment, although we would recommend trying to relax if possible and avoid strenuous activity.
Acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of very fine, single-use, sterile, disposable needles into acupuncture points on the body, which are found on energy pathways called meridians. Needles are retained for approximately 20 – 30 minutes. Acupuncture aims to rebalance the flow of Qi in the meridians to relieve blockages and restore health to the patient. Patients may experience different sensations during treatment, such as relaxation, warmth or coolness, tingling, pulsing, heaviness or lightness, or a mild electric sensation. These can vary from subtle to intense.
Tui Na massage is not only an effective treatment for musculo-skeletal problems, such as lower-back pain, frozen shoulder, slipped discs and fractures, but can also be effective for many other conditions, particularly digestive problems and insomnia.
Including the consultation, a Tui Na massage treatment will last approximately 1 hour, although longer or shorter sessions can be requested.
Tui Na is mostly a gentle massage, but there are some techniques which an advanced Tui Na practitioner can use which may be uncomfortable.
If you are suffering from acute pain conditions or have long-standing chronic conditions, sometimes you may experience pain or discomfort when certain locations on the body are treated.
Our practitioners will maintain a dialog with you during treatment to ensure they are aware of how you feel, enabling them to regulate the depth and pressure of the massage.
Tui Na massage can be performed through clothing as well as directly on the skin with oils. You should inform your Tuina practitioner which you prefer.
Chinese Herbal medicine can treat many forms of ill health. The results that can be expected and the length of treatment required depend on the severity of the disease, its duration and the general health of the patient. Some of the more common conditons Chinese Herbal medicine can treat include: skin disease; gynaecological complaints; respiratory conditions; allergies; immune system disorders; chronic pain; psychological problems; addictions; paediatric diseases; migraines and headaches.
Yes. Our practitioners are fully qualified in Chinese herbal medicine and comply with all codes of conduct and regulation relating to the practice of herbal medicine. We adhere to the rules and controls on the regulation of toxic or banned substances. We do not use any animal-based or mineral-based products in our herbal medicine.
It is generally safe to take herbal medicine alongside pharmaceutical drugs, however, if you are taking any prescription or non-prescription drugs, please be sure to inform your practitioner.
Compared to pharmaceutical drugs, adverse reactions to Chinese herbal medicine are negligible. However, we always recommend that if you do experience any side effects, to stop taking the medicine and to contact your practitioner or the clinic directly.
If you would like to book an acupuncture treatment with us, please call 020-7272-6888 / 020-8347-6677. Alternatively you can email us at info@asante-academy.com
Acupuncture is especially effective for all musculo-skeletal conditions, sports injuries, chronic pain syndromes, arthritis, back pain and rheumatism. It is also widely used for digestive issues, migraines, headaches, mental-emotional health issues such as stress, anxiety and depression.
At Asante, we also use acupuncture in the treatment of antenatal and postnatal health issues, such as morning sickness, PGP (pelvic girdle pain), back pain and postnatal depression.
It is also used very effectively alongside Chinese herbs and Tuina massage for many other conditions.
Your first treatment will usually last up to 1 hour to incorporate your initial consultation. Follow-up treatments are normally between 45 minutes to 1 hour. However, you can arrange shorter appointments if necessary.
Generally, acupuncture is relatively pain-free, although this can vary from patient to patient. The intensity of any pain usually depends upon the nature of the condition being treated and its severity, along with the location of needle insertion. Any pain is usually very brief.
Your acupuncturist will be using needles which are very fine and flexible. The needles are usually inserted only to a few millimetres. If this is a worry, your acupuncturist can use even finer needles or needle-free techniques.
Yes, provided that it is delivered by properly trained professionals. Our doctors and practitioners are highly qualified and abide by the strict Code of Practice set out by the various UK governing bodies for acupuncture and Chinese medicine. The Code of Practice have been approved by the Department of Health. Every acupuncturist who practices at Asanté Academy, is qualified at BSc level or above with many of our practitioners holding MSc’s and PhD’s in Chinese Medicine. Our acupuncturists have many years experience in both UK and China and all are members of either ATCM, BAcC or The Acupuncture Society.