Are different levels of membership available?
Yes, you can select a level of membership that suits your needs and for students a discounted membership is available. To compare the benefits of different membership options, click here.
The standards of your core curriculum are very high. Why is that?
We’ve matched our membership criteria to the minimum level of proficiency we believe is required and to the curriculum of established professional Tui na courses currently being run in the UK.
The RTCM core curriculum has been developed by Sarah Pritchard and Julia Oji (LCTA) and Rosie Grandage (University of Westminster) to establish a consistently high level of professional competency as Tui na grows in popularity. We want to be as inclusive as possible, embracing styles of practice and therapists from all backgrounds including those who trained in China. There are already many Tui na practitioners whose experience and qualifications exceed the core curriculum and we hope that as more colleges and schools develop new Tui na courses they will use the RTCM core curriculum as a guide.
I’ve been practicing Tui na for years but my paper qualifications don’t match your core curriculum. Can I still become a full member?
Yes, but possibly not immediately. Please contact us to discuss your experience and qualifications. We might ask you to join as an associate member and attend a CPD course or supervised clinic to bring your qualifications up to membership level.
Tui na is a massage therapy, why do you include so much Chinese medicine theory in your core curriculum?
Tui na is one of the four pillars of Chinese medicine alongside acupuncture, herbal medicine and Qi Gong. A sound background in Chinese medicine theory and diagnosis is as essential for the practice of Tui na as it is for acupuncture and herbal medicine.
How can I get 70 hours supervised clinical experience?
Some of our more experienced members who teach Tui na and some colleges run supervised clinics where you can get the hours you need.
I studied Tui na in China. Can I still join?
Yes, absolutely. Please contact us to discuss your experience and qualifications. We may ask you to send us copies of your certificates.
I don’t have 70 hours supervised clinical experience of Tui na, but I’ve been practicing acupuncture/shiatsu for years. Will that do?
Although it’s a branch of Chinese medicine, and there are overlaps with acupuncture and shiatsu, Tui na is a separate therapy with its own specialist techniques, which is why we ask for evidence of practical Tui na clinical experience.
I’ve already spent time and money learning Tui na. Why do I have to go on another course to join the RTCM?
We’ve matched our membership criteria to the minimum level of proficiency we believe is required and the standards of established professional Tui na courses currently being run in the UK. You can still join RTCM as an associate member while you supplement your skills and experience.
Is the membership fee paid annually or monthly? If I join midway through the year do I have to pay for the full 12 months or pro rota?
We have made a decision to change our renewals policy. You can now join at any time of the year and membership can be renewed yearly on the 1st of the month following the month you joined. For example, if you join on the 11th November 2009, you’re renewal date will be 1st December 2010.
We will send you a reminder by post or email. You are more than welcome to set up a standing order, just let us know.