Swedish Institute

See also, our Massage Therapy Program.

"All of acupuncture's laws first must be rooted in the spirit."
-Ling Shu/Spiritual Pivot, chapter 8
Han dynasty 206 B.C.E. - 220 C.E.

The approach to acupuncture at the Swedish Institute is rooted in the spirit, philosophy and practice of classical Chinese acupuncture. Classical Chinese acupuncture is a collective term that pertains to the various traditions stemming from Taoist roots and governed by the principles outlined in the ancient texts of Chinese medicine. The curriculum provides a strong foundation in the philosophical, psychological, theological and clinical aspects of this timeless healing art.

Dean for Academic Affairs, Jeffrey C. Yuen, is a renowned scholar and 88th generation Taoist priest who believes that acupuncture is not only a professional practice, but also a personal discipline which should be undertaken with a deep conviction toward compassionate outreach and concern for the welfare of others.

Course of Study

The acupuncture program offers a Bachelor of Professional Studies/Master of Science degree in acupuncture. The full-time program can be completed in three years. Classes are small and offered during weekday afternoons and evenings. Occasionally, special intensive classes are scheduled on weekends.

Our 144.5 semester credit hours program is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT) and the Accrediting Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCCAOM national certification exam in acupuncture. Graduates are eligible for New York State licensure as acupuncturists, provided they meet all other requirements of the state's education law.

Curriculum

The integrity of an individual's body, mind, spirit and environment is the focus of our holistic model. Students are introduced to the energetic paradigm of Chinese medicine, which offers an individualized assessment that meets every patient as an individual.

A key feature of our curriculum is the in-depth study of the historical development of Chinese medicine, including the influential texts. By studying the historical development, students come to recognize acupuncture as an evolving discipline that reflects the continuum of human development, a living body of truth which continues to evolve and stay relevant to the times. The classical medical literature-in particular the Nei Jing and the Nan Jing-documents the theoretical foundations of this healing art.

The perspective of classical Chinese acupuncture offers exceptional insights into the Secondary Vessels--the Sinew Channels, Luo Vessels, Divergent Meridians and Eight Extraordinary Vessels. These are studied in addition to the Primary Meridians. This foundation provides practitioners with the insight needed to treat conditions of varying degrees of chronicity, analyze syndromes from different schools of thought, and devise highly personalized treatment plans.

Clinical Experience

Through the study and practice of clinical skills, students bring the insights of Chinese medical theory to life. Students receive comprehensive training in assessment, pulse and tongue evaluation, needling styles of various traditions, moxabustion, cupping and Chinese medical massage. The muscular and skeletal anatomy of the body are studied, along with the anatomy and physiology of the internal organs. The study of biomedical pathology allows an understanding of patients' medical history and prognosis and possible treatments from a biomedical viewpoint.

Students begin their clinical training after their second semester. They assume increasing responsibility in clinic, first as observers, then as assistants and finally as interns treating patients under the supervision of licensed acupuncturists. They also have the opportunity to treat patients in a series of sessions at off-site clinics in the community. The interns assess and treat patients with a wide variety of conditions that may involve the respiratory, digestive, reproductive, cardiovascular, or musculo-skeletal systems of the body.

Our Faculty

Jeffrey C. Yuen, our Dean for Academic Affairs is an 88th generation Taoist priest who has been involved with the Chinese healing arts since childhood. His breadth of knowledge of Chinese history and his scholarly research in the classical language allows for the unique interpretation of the classical medical texts which he brings to the students. Mr. Yuen lectures nationally and internationally to many schools and medical centers.

Our faculty have been trained in a variety of styles, reflecting our inclusive approach to acupuncture. They share a passion for this ancient healing art. Some of them were among the earliest students of acupuncture in the United States. Biographies of our deans and department chairs are available on our school website.

Enrollment

The Acupuncture Program welcomes a diverse population of students. It seeks applicants with academic strength, maturity, promise of fully utilizing the offerings of the school program, and a commitment to contributing to the profession of acupuncture. Our small class size allows for students to get to know each other well and develop a supportive learning community.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have completed at least 60 semester credit hours from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, and meet certain prerequisites in bio-science, anatomy and physiology. For more details see our web site or catalog.

Open House

New students are admitted in September. Those interested in the program are invited to attend an Open House, at which Mr. Yuen often presents an introduction to classical Chinese acupuncture.

If you are interested in any of our programs and would like to find out more, arrange a tour of the school, or observe a class please Request Information.