Welcome to the International College of Oriental Medicine
We are a world-renowned Acupuncture college in East Grinstead, West Sussex, founded by Dr Van Buren in 1972. With its roots standing firmly in the classical tradition, ICOM educates and inspires its Acupuncture students to be committed seekers of an ever-deepening understanding.
Open Days
The best way to find out more about our Acupuncture course is to attend one of our Open Days. We are currently providing these online via Zoom. At these online events you can listen to a talk by the College Principal and Director of Studies. You will also watch a live acupuncture treatment and take a virtual tour of the college. The next Open Days will be held on 2 April and 14 May 2023. More information here.
Applications
You can apply for our Acupuncture course all year round and we do not charge an application fee. There is no application deadline, but there may be a discount available for early applications. You can visit our admissions page to find out more about entry requirements, eligibility and the application process. Find out about our fees and ways to pay here.
Why Study at ICOM?
Among the many reasons to choose the Acupuncture course at ICOM, is our philosophical and practical application of the Stems and Branches theory for which we are internationally renowned. Stems and Branches theory is included in our Acupuncture training course alongside Five Elements theory and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The Stems and Branches theory allows Acupuncture students to go into much greater depth and breadth than that given by conventional Acupuncture approaches. Teaching Stems and Branches theory is unique to ICOM.
Online Study Elements
To assist those who live further away, and those who wish to study whilst juggling work commitments and families, ICOM has adopted the “flipped classroom” model for teaching with much of the teaching now taking place online. Some practical teaching still needs to take place at the college, but the proportion of online study means learning with us can be more flexible than ever. Find out more.
A Living Acupuncture Tradition of Teaching & Clinical Excellence
Are you considering a career in acupuncture? Upon completion of our Acupuncture course, students are awarded a Licenciate in Acupuncture through the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board (BAAB) which will give you access to the register of the British Acupuncture Council. Here is what the BAAB said about ICOM in their latest report.
Student Clinics
For fifty years, part of our mission has been to make Acupuncture treatment accessible to the local community. ICOM clinic serves as a teaching clinic for our Acupuncture students which provides them with superb opportunities to observe experienced Acupuncturists at work. It enables them to learn their art, through direct experience and under the close supervision of highly-skilled registered acupuncturists. These appointments are very low-cost and sometimes even free.
The college provides a diverse, in depth look at Chinese Medicine and provides a perfect balance of practical application and theory. The student clinic is exemplary, ensuring students graduate with an extensive knowledge base and the required practical experience to confidently practice acupuncture.
ICOM is a supportive, caring community and since embarking on this course, I have never looked back.
From my first day ICOM felt like home – everyone was so welcoming, supportive and dedicated to helping us to develop – not only as practitioners, but as people too. The teachers are incredible with their deep knowledge, experience and most importantly, passion.
It’s amazing to be pursuing such a rewarding profession, but it’s even better doing it alongside the strong community here. I really feel privileged to be continuing the long line of incredible practitioners that the college has produced.
The best way to find out about our Acupuncture training course is to come along to one of our virtual Open Days and chat to some of our students. More information and forthcoming dates can be found here.