|
|
| Home »» Your Career »» Professional Bodies »» Complementary Therapy |
| Complementary Therapy |
Due to the increased popularity of complementary therapies in Ireland in recent years, it has lost the stigma more traditionally attached to it as an “alternative” form of medical practice. Instead, it has become more widely accepted by conventional medical practitioners and more frequently used by people suffering from all kinds of ailments. In order to satisfy this demand, then, more courses and degree programmes in these disciplines are being provided and promoted. Worryingly, however, there is in fact no legal registration in Ireland for some of these practices – as is the case with chiropractors for example. Moreover, many of the course programmes in Ireland are in serious need of modification, lacking the standardised qualification accreditation to give them the recognition they warrant.
While some therapies offer internationally recognised training programmes this is not the case across the board. For those seeking a qualification in complementary therapies, it is of paramount importance that they undertake their training at an accredited institution. Awards are currently in the process of review by the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). In July 2007 HETAC announced the development of Interim Standards for all complementary therapies based on the level indicators and award-type descriptors of the NFQ. There are many professional bodies representing the various different forms of complementary therapies in Ireland – from Chinese Medicine practices to reflexology and Shiatsu. Detailed below are some of the more renowned organisations and what they seek to do.
Occupational therapy assists people who have difficulty achieving a healthy and balanced life. The Association of Occupational Therapists in Ireland (AOTI) is the only organisation that tries to promote the profession in Ireland. It carries out the assessments of an individual’s qualifications and makes its recommendations to the Department of Health and Children. For more extensive details about membership and the validation of qualifications see www.aoti.ie.
Chiropractice is the science of applied neurophysiologyic diagnosis based on the theory that health and disease are related to the function of the nervous system. The Chiropractic Association of Ireland (CAI) was founded in 1983 to maintain standards and be the professional voice for chiropractors in Ireland. There is, however, currently no legal registration of chiropractice in Ireland, which means that regardless of qualifications or ethical standards anybody may call themselves a chiropractor in Ireland. The CAI thus only accepts chiropractors who have graduated from institutions that meet rigorous international standards. In this way, the CAI acts as a body charting legitimate chiropractors in Ireland. For more details about training standards in Ireland as well as information about the CAI go to www.chiropractic.ie.
The Irish Health Culture Association (IHCA) has been providing Ireland’s leading qualifications in the holistic therapy field since 1969. It offers several one-year programmes and diploma courses in Ki Massage Therapy, Yoga and Holistic Nutrition and Dietetics. For further information about a career in holistic medicine visit www.healthculture.net.
Reflexology is the practice of massaging or squeezing the feet or hands in order to encourage a beneficial effect on other parts of the body. The Society of Reflexologists was originally founded in 1984, but it wasn’t until 1991 that the Irish Council of Reflexologists was formed. The council promotes the growth of reflexology in Ireland and also supports other bodies in the field of complementary therapies. For a full list of accredited training schools in Ireland go to www.reflexology.ie.
Osteopathy is an approach to healthcare that concentrates on the musculoskeletal system as a means to well-being. The Irish Osteopathic Association (IOA) was formed in 1989, as an association of professional and qualified osteopaths practising in Ireland. Its aim was to establish a publicly recognisable grouping of osteopaths and ensure that all members have been trained to the same high standard. Learn more about osteopathy and the IOA at www.osteopathy.ie.
Useful Links:
Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland (AOTI)
Chiropractic Association of Ireland (CAI)
Irish Health Culture Association (IHCA)
Irish Osteopathic Association (IOA)
Irish Reflexologists' Institute (IRI)
Irish Society of Homeopaths (ISHOM)
Traditional Chinese Medicine Council of Ireland (TCMCI)
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Michelle Clancy, from Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim, has worked in the pharmaceutical industry in Dublin for several years. In March this year, however, she decided to embark on a course in reflexo ... |
|
|
read more |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| Related Articles |
|
Alexander Technique,
Alternative Medicine,
Angel Therapy,
Aromatherapy courses,
Case Study,
Complementary Therapy,
Feldenkrais Method,
Homeopathy,
Massage,
Reiki,
Rolfing,
Shiatsu Massage
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
| |
| also in this section |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
Hot Links |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
POLL |
|
| |
|
