CITCM > Welcome & About the Director

Welcome to the Canadian Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (CITCM), where your journey to becoming an acupuncturist and doctor of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) will begin.

CITCM was established with the belief that quality education will create the future foundation for the profession. Therefore, we strive to provide a comprehensive curriculum, with a highly qualified faculty, modern teaching facility and a well-established clinical training system to ensure the objectives of the program.

The principles of holism, harmony, and balance which are the essence of TCM, in conjunction with an emphasis on the role of mind and spirit in the process of healing have a remarkable influence on our perspective of health and wellness. The demand for qualified practitioners continues to grow as an increasing number Canadians and people all over the world are using acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine as part of their health care regime. Recently, in Alberta, Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine have commenced the process of moving into self-regulation under the Health Professions Act together with 27 other recognized health care professions. Following implementation of that regulation, standards of education and practice will soon come into place that will require high standards of training and competency for candidates seeking entry in to this profession. This is truly an exciting time, providing both opportunities and challenges.

Having been through 11 years of university education with both Chinese medicine and western medicine, and a subsequent 20 years of teaching, research, and clinical practice, it is my dream to share my knowledge and experience with people who wish to see this profession expand and develop.

As the director of CITCM, I would like to warmly welcome you to learn the ancient science and great medical treasure that is TCM, to acquire the knowledge and skills that allow you to proactively serve your community in the prevention of illness, and to practice a medical tradition that saves lives and relieves physical and psychological disorders by promoting a natural healing process. With enthusiasm and dedication, as well as guidance under well-educated and experienced teachers and practitioners, I believe you will have great success in your studies as well as in your future practice.

Dr. Cheng earned her Bachelor's Degree in TCM and Western Medicine in 1983 from the Hunan College of TCM, China. She did further study at Tianjin College of TCM, China culminating in 1987 with a Master's Degree in Medicine and Acupuncture. In 1990, she received her Ph.D. in Medicine from the Chengdu University of TCM, China with a specialty in Acupuncture and Chronomedicine.

Dr.Cheng has over 20 years of clinical experience as a physician, herbalist and acupuncturist. She has taught as a professor at several colleges as well as instructed foreign students in China. She has translated several publications and is a published author of several TCM works. She is currently the Director of the BodyMind Synergy Health Centre, a member of several professional association boards and Vice-President for the Alberta Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctors. Dr. Cheng is an active participant in the process of regulating TCM in Alberta. She also teaches courses on TCM to medical professionals and offers public education workshops on TCM. In September 2004 her long-time dream of starting a school of TCM was realised with the opening of CITCM, which she is proud to be the director of.