Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish the foundations of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) remedial massage practice, evaluate what makes a sustainable practice and then to develop an approach to own practice. It also includes the ability to communicate key information about TCM to others.
This unit applies to TCM remedial massage therapists.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements define the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element |
1. Establish foundations of TCM massage practice | 1.1 Identify, access and interpret information on central philosophies of TCM remedial massage 1.2 Evaluate the TCM remedial massage system of treatment and its application to current health issues 1.3 Compare and contrast TCM, other complementary health modalities and broader health practice |
2. Represent the TCM framework | 2.1 Determine information needs of different individuals and groups 2.2 Identify key messages that represent the philosophy and practice of TCM remedial massage 2.3 Communicate information about TCM remedial massage at level of depth appropriate to audience needs |
3. Determine requirements for sustainable TCM massage practice | 3.1 Identify key issues that affect the development and sustainability of professional practice 3.2 Identify economic, environmental, human and social considerations, and their impact on professional practice 3.3 Access, interpret and collate current information that supports professional practice |
4. Develop approach to own practice | 4.1 Reflect on professional goals and aspirations 4.2 Identify and assess professional opportunities in TCM remedial massage practice 4.3 Reflect on opportunities and constraints of individual personal circumstances 4.4 Make decisions about practice direction, based on reflection and research 4.5 Develop practical strategies that address own practice goals |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:
used critical thinking skills to:
reviewed and reflected on information from a range of sources about TCM remedial massage practice
evaluated and articulated requirements for sustainable TCM remedial massage practice
communicated key messages about TCM remedial massage to meet the information needs of at least three different individuals or groups
developed goals for own practice that reflect the values and philosophies of TCM
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:
philosophies and principles of TCM:
historical development
central philosophies
meridians and meridian therapy
yin and yang
five elements
Qi, blood, body fluid and body essence
five zang and six fu organs system
aetiology - six pathogenic factors and seven emotions
mechanism of TCM diseases
importance of personal health strategy
philosophical tradition of western and eastern body therapies
rationalistic, analytical approach to an understanding of disease
vitalistic, empirical approach to health
nature of the dynamic interchange between the physical, mental, social, environmental and spiritual landscape
TCM remedial massage system of treatment and effects of application to the body surface
different styles of treatments and their key features and purpose
relaxation
tonification
key features of complementary therapies used in conjunction with TCM massage, including:
gua sha
cupping
acupuncture
moxibustion
place of TCM in relation to allied health services
professional networks and industry bodies
different models of professional practice and their key features:
sole practitioners
employment opportunities
components of sustainable practice:
economic – opportunities and viability
environmental
human – personal health, professional development
social responsibility
legal and ethical considerations (national and state/territory) and how these are applied in individual practice:
children in the workplace
codes of conduct
continuing professional education
discrimination
dignity of risk
duty of care
human rights
informed consent
insurance requirements
mandatory reporting
practitioner/client boundaries
privacy, confidentiality and disclosure
records management
work role boundaries – responsibilities and limitations
work health and safety
Assessment Conditions
Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that reflects workplace conditions. Where simulation is used, it must reflect real working conditions by modelling industry operating conditions and contingencies, as well as using suitable facilities, equipment and resources.
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The Foundation Skills describe those required skills (language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills) that are essential to performance. |
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency. |