Eight Branches Academy of Eastern Medicine

Mission Statement

The Eight Branches Academy of Eastern Medicine offers students a comprehensive education with a firm foundation in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Compliant with the criteria set out by all the major North American regulatory councils, the Eight Branches program distinguishes itself by emphasizing the integration of specialized modes of both Asian and Western medicine into the course curriculum. Program fundamentals include advanced training in acupuncture, moxibustion, herbal therapy and Western medicine. The curriculum is further enriched with training in Japanese-style acupuncture, five-element acupuncture, Zen Shiatsu, Tuina, nutritional therapy, Taoist arts and participation in student and professional clinics.

History

Before 358 Dupont was established as Eight Branches Academy of Eastern Medicine, it was Kokoro Dojo - a peaceful sanctuary tucked behind the residences and busy storefronts in the heart of the Annex. Kokoro Dojo was a Zen Shiatsu school focused on the teachings of Shizuto Masunaga. Kokoro Dojo served its community for 25 years. These teachings emphasize personal development through meditation, Qi Gong, and extensive hands-on practice, in addition to technical instruction.

After studying Traditional Chinese Medicine in British Columbia, Toronto and Chengdu, Ryan Brooks was introduced to Kokoro Dojo, and found that its principals of practice coincided profoundly with his own. He established a thriving practice and became an integral part of the Dojo, teaching TCM theory and diagnosis; in addition to completing the Zen Shiatsu program himself.

Dondrub and Diana, who managed the Dojo and clinic, welcomed Ryan's idea of incorporating a technical acupuncture program that included the Zen and Taoist principals of the Masunaga traditions.

The program was received enthusiastically by its students, and driven by an increased demand for comprehensive TCM instruction in Toronto, Eight Branches Academy of Eastern Medicine was established in 2010. With the addition of other treatment modalities and practitioners, the Dojo developed into Eight Branches. The name "Eight Branches" refers to the eight foundational branches of Chinese medicine: acupuncture, moxibustion, herbology, bodywork, nutrition, meditation/exercise (tao yin, qi gong, tai ji), cupping and gua sha.

The core principles of Eight Branches are:

• Education based upon the 8 foundational branches of Eastern Medicine

• Balanced courses, offering both in-depth theory and extensive hands-on practice

• Focus on personal development and care based on the Daoist Arts, which enrich the understanding of this system of medicine.

Programs Offered

Diploma in Advanced Traditional Chinese Medicine
4350 hours, 12 semesters (completed in 4 years full-time)

1260 Clinical Hours

Diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine
3375 hours, 9 semesters (completed in 3 years full-time)

900 Clinical Hours 

Diploma in Acupuncture & Moxibustion
2250 hours, 6 semesters (completed in 2 years full-time, can be completed in 3 years part-time)

660 Clinical Hours 

Certificate in Acupuncture & Moxibustion
500 hours, 3 semesters (completed in 1 year full-time)

Certificate in Chinese Herbology
500 hours, 3 semesters (completed in 1 year full-time)

Certificate in Asian Bodywork Therapy
500 hours, 3 semesters (completed in 1 year full-time)

Highlights of these programs include:

• curriculum rooted in traditional teachings, favouring relevant material to engage students;
• emphasis on practical components, as traditionally the practice of Eastern Medicine was not taught exclusively out of a textbook;

• strong emphasis on personal development and the maintenance of self-health ensuring that graduates can integrate a healthy lifestyle with the building of a healthy practice;

• clinical experience gained by following and learning from teachers;

• specialized and affordable internships, offered in China, so that students can experience this vast clinical environment;

• low student to teacher ratio, so that students receive personalized attention and focus;

• the only school in Ontario to offer extensive clinical training and practice in all eight branches of Eastern Medicine;

• school is situated in a light-filled, spacious, dojo-style building and located in the Annex neighbourhood of Toronto, Canada - a vibrant, multi-cultural urban centre;

• graduates are welcomed as life-long participants of Eight Branches, and are invited to audit previously studied courses, free of charge, so that they can refresh their skills and further their knowledge of course materials;

• graduates are counselled and supported in the development of personal practices;

• fully-stocked herbal apothecary and on-site library;

• graduates of Eight Branches Academy are prepared academically to successfully complete board regulatory examinations in Canada and the United States;

• instructors are hand-selected according to expertise, academic knowledge and practical experience of course materials;

• diverse faculty includes TCM doctors trained in the East as well as the West, Medical Doctors, Naturopathic Doctors, Chiropractors, Registered Massage Therapists, Osteopaths, Nutritionists, Shiatsu Therapists, and Psychotherapists;

• manageable tuition fees;

• EBAEM’s affiliation with Eight Branches Healing Arts Centre provides countless opportunities to participate in a wide variety of workshops, seminars, and extra-curricular classes.

Eight Branches Academy of Eastern Medicine welcomes patients, families, students, educators, and practitioners at all levels of practice to visit and contribute to the centre.

We provide a calm, inclusive environment that facilitates many kinds of clinical treatments, studio classes, and studies.

Contact Information

Ryan Brooks

Principal
Eight Branches
 Academy of Eastern Medicine
358 Dupont Street

Toronto, ON Canada M5R 1V9

Toll Free: 1-855-888-8565 [Canada & U.S.A.]
Local: 416-925-5722

Fax: 647-494-0100
E-Mail: info@eightbranches.ca
Web site: www.eightbranches.ca