How to learn TCM?

[-disciple-]

I was wondering, is TCM an art that must be learned from a teacher, or can it be learned from textbooks and other references? Can somone learn TCM without a proper teacher/instructor?

[herb ox]

For years I tried to learn TCM on my own by reading books and hanging out with an acupuncturist. I did manage to get a decent foundation in TCM as a result. Unfortunately, the body of knowledge required for TCM practice is so vast, some sort of 'formal' instruction (I use the term loosely) is really needed to gain the subtleties and proper methods of diagnosis, etc. Fact of the matter is, popular media books often don't give enough information, and it's tough to find out about all the resources available (texts, etc).

However, that should not discourage you from learning on your own anyways.... but to unlock the deeper stuff in TCM you really need to find someone to guide you on your way. I got my butt back in school... TCM school, in fact, and now I'm learning much more than I ever imagined. But I learned much from my Sifu years before, and from a friend who was going to TCM school, so it's possible to learn quite a bit about TCM just by reading and talking with TCM people. Like us.

peace,
herb ox

[-disciple-]

Thanks! I will be sure to learn from you guys and ask you many questions, as well as try learn on my own. Also, would you know if any TCM schools are located in Maryland? Or are they hard to find?

[herb ox]

Check out The TAI Sophia Institute in Laurel, MD. I'm not sure what else there is in your neck of the woods, but I believe the Maryland Acupuncture Institute closed a few years back....

good luck! And, should you decide to attend, I'd say it's definately worth your while!

peace

herb ox

[kung fu goat]

There is a former taoist priest in NC that is also a OMD in Chinese Medicine. He offers an apprenticeship that teaches everything about the taoist internal system, including TCM, acupuncture, massage therapy, over 500 herbs and formulas, hundred year old dit da formulas, and chi gung remote healing. He basically teaches everything there is to know about chinese martial arts including several high level styles. It is an expensive apprenticeship but you inherit all of his titles, knowledge, and genealogies. It is a three year master course. He is very well qualified. I study Southern Shao Lin Kung Fu from him and believe me he is the real thing. I have seen it.

[Asmo]

If you want to dive a little into Dit Da, defenitally get Tom Bisio's book "A Tooth from the Tigers Mouth". Its more sport medics rather then TCM where you also dive more into deseases and so. Tom's book more goes into sports (read: martial arts) related injuries and effects which I think is generally the type of TCM martial artists are interested in.