The Seattle Institute of East Asian Medicine (SIEAM) is launching a new Certificate in Asian Medical Bodywork (CAMB) program in May 2026, offering a fresh entry point into the profession. This 690-hour program is designed to meet Washington state’s requirements for licensed massage therapy (LMT), allowing graduates to practice legally while potentially continuing toward master’s or doctoral degrees in acupuncture. The curriculum integrates East Asian theory with biomedical education, focusing on core modalities like tuina and shiatsu.
The CAMB aligns with new national standards set by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM). Students engage in supervised clinical rotations, learning to treat musculoskeletal and internal conditions through touch, assessment, and adjunctive therapies like cupping and gua sha. This "apprenticeship-style" education also emphasizes qi gong for practitioner vitality. As the demand for massage therapy grows, this program provides a template for institutions nationwide to create structured, entry-level pathways that ground bodywork practitioners in the rich framework of East Asian medicine.
What is Acupuncture Today?
Acupuncture Today is the only national publication serving licensed acupuncturists and doctors of traditional medicine. It is the most complete resource for news and product information in this profession for 20+ years. AT reaches 30,000+ doctors and students of acupuncture and traditional medicine through our print and online editions each month.