Elements and Performance Criteria

Central philosophies of TCM Remedial Massage include:
Qi xue
Jin-ye
Shen and jing
Yin and yang
Wu xing
Jing luo
Zang fu
Curious fu
Patterns of disharmony
Causes of illnesses

Major methods of treatment include:
Acupressure
An mo
Tui na
Gua sha
Moxibustion
Cupping
A range of TCM Remedial Massage sequences and techniques

Other complementary therapies may include:
Therapies in which the practitioner is trained or informed

TCM Remedial Massage assessment techniques may include:
Examination of physical features
Palpation
Observation
Listening and smelling
Taking of blood pressure, temperature, radial pulse rate and quality
Percussion
Listening to heart and chest sounds using a stethoscope
TCM pattern differentiation
Discussion/questioning
Any other method in which the practitioner has been trained to a competent standard
Procedure which is conducted according to legislative and regulatory requirements

Information on other complementary therapies may include:
Historical development
Current availability
Tools and techniques
Interactions between different therapies
When therapies may be used
Underpinning philosophy

Relationship between therapies may include:
Contra-indications to treatment
Effects of one treatment over or with another
Treatment according to stage of condition

Enquiries may require explanation of:
Duration of treatment
Expected treatment outcomes
Possible approaches to treatment
Estimated cost of treatment
Availability of health fund rebates
Work cover eligibility
Professional status of practitioner
Availability of home visits
After hours service
Provision for hospital visits

Appropriate information may include:
Confirmation of appointment date and time
Clinic location and directions
Cost of initial consultation
Payment options

Clinic's guidelines may include:
Procedures and guidelines
Purpose or mission statement
Code of ethics or practice
Level of competency and degree of supervision
Partnership/group decisions, agreed practice

Legal and regulatory guidelines may include:
OHS guidelines
Anti-discrimination legislation
Privacy Act
Infection control

Relevant documentation may include:
Nature of enquiry
Client/patient contact details
Recording of incidents
Appointment details

Critical aspects of assessment:
Ability to work or model work which demonstrates an understanding of underpinning values and philosophies in the TCM Remedial Massage framework
Knowledge of the philosophies, principles and tools of TCM Remedial Massage practice
Knowledge of a range of alternative and complementary therapies
Demonstrated ability to correctly identify client/patient information needs
Demonstrated ability to provide client/patient with required information
Demonstrated ability to appropriately record details of client/patient enquiries according to clinic guidelines
Demonstrated ability to explain relevant products and services
Demonstrated communication skills in a one-to-one and group setting

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units:
Work effectively in the health industry

Underpinning knowledge and skills:
Knowledge of philosophical tradition of western and eastern massage
Knowledge of the history and development of TCM Remedial Massage
Knowledge of the effects of TCM Remedial Massage application to the body surface
Knowledge of the fundamental theories of TCM Remedial Massage including qi xue, jin-ye, shen and jing, yin and yang, wu xing, jing luo, zang fu, curious fu, TCM Remedial Massage diagnosis and the concept of patterns of disharmony, function and dysfunction according to TCM Remedial Massage, major points and functions, origins and development of disease
Knowledge of basic TCM Remedial Massage terminology and pronunciation
Knowledge of sociology of health and the health care system
Knowledge of ethical issues in natural medicine
Knowledge of OHS requirements in the workplace
Knowledge of the current political context of health care
Knowledge of the dynamic interchange between the physical, mental, social, environmental and spiritual landscape
Knowledge of the rationalistic, analytical approach to an understanding of disease
Knowledge of the vitalistic, empirical approach to health
Knowledge of the TCM Remedial Massage integration of these approaches to health
Knowledge of the qualitative, quantitative, cultural and traditional lines of evidence used in TCM Remedial Massage
Knowledge of the philosophy, principles and practices of other alternative and complementary therapies including Shiatsu, Naturopathy, massage
Knowledge of the principles of TCM Remedial Massage therapy and its epistemology within the therapeutic systems of the east and west
Knowledge of how TCM Remedial Massage- Remedial Massage works with the conventional medical model
Ability to communicate in group and one-to-one settings

Resource implications
Resource requirements may include:
An appropriately stocked and equipped clinic or simulated clinic environment
Relevant texts or medical manuals
Relevant paper-based/video assessment instruments
Appropriate assessment environment
Skilled assessors

Method of assessment
Assessment may include:
Practical demonstration and simulations
Short tests and essays
Oral questioning and discussion

Context of assessment:
This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of work conditions. Assessment may contain both theoretical and practical components and examples of covering a range of clinical situations.