College of Integrated Chinese Medicine 19 Castle Street, Reading RG1 7SB

"Anyone who is self aware and employs critical thinking could find a flaw in everything- anything can be subject to criticism and will stand somewhere in-between of good and bad, right and wrong. Due to a small space for a review, I’m going to leave out imperfections (which are always too subjective anyway) of this college and tell you instead why currently this is one of the best schools you can find. Most people think that one’s primary education is supposed to turn one into one-of-the-best in a chosen field. This is not so. You need to have an ongoing curiosity, dedication, personal interest and willingness to work hard. Making constant self-enquires to whats, whys and hows is what’s going to turn you into one of the best in your field. A school is only responsible of providing you with essential ground work. It gives me shivers just saying this out loud (because I still can’t believe my luck having had an opportunity to study there): CICM, in the field of Chinese Medicine, with its tutors, lectures, library and facilities, is the soil of such diversity that it can almost be dazzlingly overwhelming with its richness. If you are going to become an acupuncturist, at some point of your career you are going to meet the best and the worst practitioners, of ’TCM’, of ‘Five Elements’, of ‘Stems and Branches’, of ‘Applied Channel Theory’, etc. And most of the best practitioners will have one thing in common- because they are able to achieve desirable effects in their treatments they stay true to the style they’ve been trained in. But here lies the pitfall- enquiry into this very complex medicine system stops. And they don’t go on to (re)discover the lost (as it seems to be the case) knowledge - that all styles of acupuncture are rooted in one and same ‘modality’: five (four) elements as engendered by nature itself. This is why CICM is the place to study- it has the doors open to such exploration. The doors that otherwise are most likely to remain shut. We live in a modern version of the world. We have split our being into three groups: mind, body and spirit. Unfortunately, this is not so in nature and wasn’t in the minds of people until a modern man was born. To understand ancient texts and to be able to practice Chinese Medicine to its fullest potential, one needs to experience, or at least be aware of, the union that lies beneath the so called spirituality and materialism. CICM, unlike any other school, is a threshold into both of these worlds. The truth can only be united within the person who is practising but if you need an eduction to start you off on your journey, this is a place to come to. Thank you, for reading."

"I have been going here for nearly 2 years. Accupuncture certainly gives me a lot of relief. They are very friendly and I would highly recommend them."

"They are so lovely and really know there stuff I definitely recommend they have changed my life xx"

"I came to the college in 1996 and completed the 3 year training, it was a life changing experience for me and I loved every moment. The course was hard work and challenging but worth it. I feel incredibly privileged to work as an acupuncturist. As well as treating patients I work at CICM as the Registrar and its testimony to the staff and course that I have been here for over 20 years. It is a shame to see some negative feedback and I am unable to approach these people as they do not appear to be on our records as ever attending the clinic. We take seriously any complaints so please if you are someone who hasn't had a happy experience here, do please contact me or one of the team."

"Friendly atmosphere, demanding and thorough training program, recognized by BAcCs and Kingston University. Over 3 years at CICM was empowering, life changing experience. I can highly recommend to anyone who is serious about Chinese Medicine and wants to learn and build a career in business of helping people."