Student acupuncturists: Career choice and views on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)

Introduction: New Zealand, like many other Western countries, has experienced an increase in the use of complementary and alternative treatment modalities, such as that of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) based acupuncture. While there has been an increase in the utilization of TCM-based acupuncture, there has also been an increase in the number of individuals graduating with a degree specializing in acupuncture. Limited research exists that has examined why individuals have chosen to study TCM-based acupuncture. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to identify reasons why students chose to study acupuncture. A secondary aim was to identify and examine students' views on TCM. Methods: Fifteen TCM students from the Auckland region of New Zealand who were majoring in either acupuncture or Chinese herbal medicine were interviewed at the institution at which they were studying. An inductive thematic approach was used to analyze the data. Results: Previous experience of acupuncture and its perceived efficacy were identified as a salient reason for studying TCM. TCM was perceived as providing a holistic approach to health and healing, and was perceived to have fewer side effects compared to conventional medicine. Conclusions: This study identified factors that influenced both Chinese and non-Chinese individuals to study TCM. Student practitioners believed in the effectiveness of acupuncture and other TCM treatment modalities. Acupuncture was perceived to provide a holistic approach to health and healing, taking into account both physical and emotional states.