Education Curriculum Reform for the Training of Amma-Massage-Shiatsu, Acupuncture and Moxibustion Therapists / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

ABSTRACT

[Objective] The increasing number of acupuncture and moxibustion training schools as well as the diversity of new student and patient needs is changing the educational environment of practitioners of Amma massage, acupuncture, and moxibustion. This raises the question whether the present curriculum can meet the challenges presented by these changes. This study presents the findings of a questionnaire survey designed to elucidate basic data relevant to the creation of the ideal curriculum.<br>[Methods] A questionnaire was sent to a total of 111 schools nationwide, comprising 70 training schools for the visually impaired and 41 vocational schools affiliated with the Society of Oriental Medicine. The staff member responsible for curriculum organization in each school completed the questionnaire.<br>[Concluding remarks] The response rate was 70.3% (78/111 schools). The questionnaire survey revealed that one group of individuals was responsible for the curriculum. It was also made clear that education was advancing, not by a fundamental curriculum-based teaching system, but by individual teaching staff.<br>Ensuring future development in the education system for practitioners of Amma massage, acupuncture, and moxibustion will require introducing a core curriculum. Discussion is also necessary.