Acupuncture Internship in China

I am findraising in an effort to go to China and fulfill my life's dream.  Since I was a child, I have wanted to study and practice acupuncture. In particular to study in China.  I have sutdied in schools and privately with teachers in the United States.  I now have the opportunity to attend a three week intensive internship at a hospital in china through the Beijing Mebo TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) Training Center.  The program includes morning rounds in the hospital and afternoon/evening classes focusing on the conditions most encountered in a clinical setting.  The last week of the program is specifically focused on addressing cardiovascular disease and diabetes, two of the most prominant medical afflictions in the united states. 

THE DREAM

My dream to study acupuncture and other healing modalities actually began with studying the martial arts.  I watched movies where very skilled masters would kick an opponents butt and then heal them with the use of acupuncture and herbal medicine.  When I was young, I focused mainly on the martial arts side of my dream, but as I am growing older, I am devoting more and more time to the healing arts.  While studying in China is not necessary to become a good acupuncturist, the medical system in China is one based on integration of traditional and modern medicine and is becoming increasingly integrated in practice.  In fact my senior thesis was on integrative medicine and its benefits to patients and cost savings to companies on health care and lost productivity of their employees. It is a logical progression for me to visit and study in such an atmoshpere to see my research in real life practice. 

WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE

For those of you unfamiliar with acupuncture, it is part of a complete medical system practiced in China and other Asain countries for approximately the last 3,500 years.  It is part of what is known today as Traditional Chinese Medicine, which includes bodywork, dietary therapy, and herbal medicine as well.  Acupuncture is the gentle insertion and manipulation of acupuncture needles, most are slightly larger than a human hair, into specific points on the body known to have a therapeutic effect.  Acupuncture was first introduced in the United States in the early 1970s and has gained immense popularity as a viable form of alternative medicine.  More recently, the Affordable Health Care Act has included acupuncture as a credible treatment to be included by insurance companies and some states are even including it in their Medicare programs. 

 MY NEED FOR CROWD FUNDING AND MY OPPORTUNITY

I have spent most of my adult life helping others in need.  I have adopted and raised two children with special needs, and raised a foster child who has now blessed me with my first grandchild, all while raising my own two birth children.  I am the type of person who is willing to do nearly anything to help those in need, who are deserving of it, in any way I can; financially, pysically, or offering emotional support. My giving, caring nature is why I was drawn to studying the healing arts as I find pleasure in helping others feel better.  I have come to realize that it is my own giving nature that has contributed to me putting off my dream of going to China and studying, even if only for a short time, as I have devoted my time and resources to others.  Therefore at this point in my life, I am looking to others to help me achieve my dream. 

I am currently practicing acupuncture on a part time basis and teaching fulltime in Oklahoma City Public Schools.  As a stroke of luck, the clinical program in China which is offered twice a year, usually in May and November, happens to be during the same time that I am off of teaching for my fall break, October 13th through the 24th this year.  That is the urgency with which I am seeking help from generous people like you.  The tuition for the three week program is $1,900; Room and Board for three weeks is about $1,330; Airfare is approximately 1,100; for a grand total of $4,330.00.  I am in need of raising up to $5,000 so I have some extra funds for incidentals while so far away from home. 

After attending the clinical internship in China, I plan on increasing my practice in Oklahoma City by offering more community clinic opportunities to individuals in need. Community Acupuncture is a low cost model of clinical practice which allows the acupuncturist to treat more than one client at a time in a group setting.  This is accomplished by using only points located on the legs and arms, mostly from the knee and elbow down, and some on the head and neck when necessary.  It is a very effective model of practice which would allow me to offer affordable health care alternatives to those in need.

At this time the only reward I can offer for donations is my heartfelt gratitude.  I will also give a limited number of free treatments to those in my area who help me achieve my dream.