Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Leading Acupuncture Education Since 1972
Established in 1972, the International College of Oriental Medicine (ICOM) stands as the UK's longest-established acupuncture training institution. Our mission combines academic excellence with compassionate healthcare, rooted in classical Chinese medicine principles. Accredited by the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board (BAAB), we offer a Licentiate in Acupuncture at Level 6, equivalent to a bachelor's degree with honours. Our curriculum uniquely integrates Stems and Branches theory, a foundational element of traditional Chinese medical thinking, alongside Western medical sciences. With small class sizes ensuring personalized support, students benefit from extensive clinical practice through our teaching clinic, providing low-cost treatments to the community.Our graduates, including renowned figures like Giovanni Maciocia, are equipped with both traditional wisdom and modern clinical standards. As a registered charity (No. 274066), we maintain accessible fees while upholding rigorous educational standards approved by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care. Our flipped classroom model combines online flexibility with in-person practical sessions, accommodating students balancing work and family commitments. Located in East Grinstead's historic Van Buren House, we continue Dr. Van Buren's legacy of fostering reflective practitioners dedicated to lifelong learning and public healthcare service.
Services
Acupuncture Training
CPD Courses
Student Clinics
Online Learning
Clinical Practice
Western Medicine Integration
Stems and Branches Theory
Professional Accreditation
Career Development
Community Healthcare
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- UK's longest-established acupuncture training college since 1972
- Small class sizes with 100% clinical module attendance requirement
- Unique integration of Stems and Branches theory in curriculum
- Flipped classroom model combining online flexibility with practical sessions
- Graduates eligible for British Acupuncture Council registration
Associations and certifications
- British Acupuncture Accreditation Board (BAAB)
What people say
Engaging learning
Classical and modern integration
Small class support
Practical clinical experience
Expert instructors
Services
Acupuncture Training
Our BAAB-accredited acupuncture program combines classical Chinese medicine with Western medical sciences. Students learn Stems and Branches theory, meridian systems, and clinical practice through small classes and supervised clinics. The three-year full-time or four-to-five-year part-time course prepares graduates for British Acupuncture Council registration with integrated modern healthcare standards.
CPD Courses
We offer continuing professional development courses covering advanced techniques like Ontake Moxibustion, Facial Revitalisation Acupuncture, and Stems and Branches applications. These short programs enhance practitioners' skills through hands-on training and theoretical updates, maintaining professional competence and expanding clinical expertise for qualified acupuncturists.
Student Clinics
Our student clinics provide supervised acupuncture treatments at reduced costs. Patients receive care from trainees under experienced practitioners' guidance, offering students practical experience in diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient communication while serving community healthcare needs in East Grinstead.
Online Learning
The flipped classroom model delivers theoretical content online with in-person practical sessions. This flexible approach combines pre-recorded lectures and digital resources with on-campus workshops, accommodating students' work-life balance while maintaining rigorous academic standards and interactive learning opportunities.
Clinical Practice
Students complete extensive clinical practice through structured modules, gaining hands-on experience in patient assessment, acupuncture techniques, and treatment protocols. The program emphasizes supervised one-to-one consultations, ensuring graduates develop competence in safe, effective acupuncture practice aligned with professional regulatory requirements.
People
Dr J.D. van Buren
Founder
Dutch-born founder of ICOM who established the college in 1972 after studying acupuncture globally. Developed practical applications of Stems and Branches theory, shaping the institution's classical approach to Chinese medicine education.
Giovanni Maciocia
Alumnus
1974 graduate who became a leading authority on Chinese medicine, authoring seminal textbooks used worldwide. Adapted traditional theories to address Western medical conditions, enhancing cross-cultural applicability of acupuncture practices.
Peter Firebrace
Instructor
Senior instructor specializing in point theory and classical acupuncture principles. Leads CPD courses exploring spiritual aspect points and wind points applications in modern clinical practice.
Questions
What accreditation does ICOM hold?
We are accredited by the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board (BAAB) with courses approved by the Professional Standards Authority.
Can I study part-time?
Yes, our acupuncture course offers part-time study over 4-5 years with flexible online and in-person sessions.
Are there clinical practice opportunities?
Students gain extensive clinical experience through our teaching clinic with supervised patient consultations.
What career support exists?
Graduates qualify for British Acupuncture Council registration and receive career development guidance.
Do you offer short courses?
Yes, we provide CPD courses like Facial Revitalisation Acupuncture and Moxibustion techniques for professionals.
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