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The Best Chinese Medicines Scholarship
Welcome to the Best Chinese Medicines Scholarship Essay Contest! As an advocate for acupuncture, herbal and oriental medicine, Best Chinese Medicines is proud to support and nurture the next generation of practitioners in the United States. We understand the importance of education and the financial challenges that students often face, which is why we are offering five scholarships of $1,000 each to winning students enrolled in accredited CCAOM colleges studying acupuncture, herbal or oriental medicine.
At Best Chinese Medicines, we are committed to promoting acupuncture, herbal and oriental medicine and its invaluable contributions to holistic health and wellness. Through this scholarship program, we aim to not only alleviate the financial burden for deserving students but also encourage the exploration of knowledge to the wider public.
Scholarship Details
Overview
- Five $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to students with outstanding entries that effectively and passionately address one (1) chosen topic (see below).
- This scholarship contest is open to any student currently attending an accredited CCAOM college in the United States and are enrolled in an Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine or Herbalism.
- Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm Pacific Time on January 31st, 2025.
- Winners will be announced by March 1st, 2025.
- Awards will be made by check to each winning applicant.
Publication Opportunity
We understand the importance of sharing knowledge and experiences to inspire others in their journey. As part of our commitment to promoting education, we offer an opportunity for the winning essays and runners-up to be published on the Best Chinese Medicines website. Alongside the published essays, each student’s bio and acknowledgments will be featured for due recognition for their contributions.
Requirements
- 1-5 headshot image files
- Photocopy of student ID
- LinkedIn profile URL
- 1,500 word essay in document, audio, or video format
How to Apply
To apply for the Best Chinese Medicines Scholarship Program, eligible students are required to write a 1,500-word essay on a TCM-related topic provided by the scholarship committee. The essays will be evaluated based on their depth of knowledge, clarity of thought, and originality of ideas. The scholarship recipients will be selected by a panel of TCM experts who are dedicated to the advancement of herbal medicine.
Judges
Kate Downes,
MSAOM,
NCCAOM Dipl.OM
Content Writer & Educator
Kate Downes is a Chinese medicine practitioner with a passion for herbal medicine. In fact, it was her love for plant and earth medicine that first drew her to study Chinese medicine. Kate has a MSAOM (Master of Science, Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine) certification and practiced acupuncture in Indianapolis, IN for five years before packing her bags to roam the world. In order to stay in touch with the wellness community and continue to help others thrive with herbal medicine, she transformed her work from face-to-face patient care to spreading wellness through words. Her life as a remote herbalist and writer has allowed her to work with a variety of wellness brands, health pioneers, and her wonderful clients. She has a special interest in working with women’s health. Kate thoroughly enjoys writing educational and useful pieces for Best Chinese Medicine. Her goal is to help the public gain a better understanding of the wonders of Chinese herbal medicine so they can be empowered in their own quest for natural, vibrant health.
John Staversky,
Certified Clinical Herbalist (CCH)
Chief Herbalist & Content Reviewer
John is well-versed in knowledge of holistic healing. His major interest is in the interaction between physical conditions and emotional and psychological healing.
Essay Topic Choices
Theme: Western vs. Eastern Medicine: Helping People Understand TCM Basics
- Back to Balance: Understanding Excess and Deficiency in Chinese Medicine
Balance is something we all seek, but what does it really mean in the world of Chinese medicine? Explain the concepts of excess and deficiency in the different organ systems and how this diagnosis and treatment style differs from symptom-focused approaches in Western medicine.
-or- - Pills, Powders, Extracts: Which Type of Herbal Formula is For You?
Discuss the different types of preparations of Chinese herbal formulas. What are the benefits of each? When might one type be used over another? For extracts specifically, compare the benefits and differences between alcohol and glycerin-based liquid extracts, and why each might be used.
-or- - How to Find Quality Chinese Herbs and Supplements
Today, many people want to buy organic groceries and use organic supplements. But, this isn’t always possible with TCM products. Explain why achieving 100% organic certification is difficult for many products due to long harvest times and the reliance on wild-sourced herbs. Discuss other ways to look for safe Chinese herbal supplements beyond “organic” certifications.
-or- - Tiny Teapills, Big Impact: Understanding Dosage and Frequency in Chinese Medicine
Teapills can seem strange to most people who are used to taking supplements, vitamins, and medication in just 1 or 2 larger capsules. Discuss why teapills are small, the reasons for taking multiple teapills, and the principles behind this practice.
-or- - Why Herbal Formulas are the Ultimate in Personalized Medicine
Personalization is key in Chinese medicine, and it’s becoming more appealing to us in our modern lives where we crave more than a cookie-cutter approach to our wellbeing. Explain how Chinese medicine uses a personalized approach, how formulas are diagnosed based on pattern rather than disease, and why formulas may need to change as your body aligns and evolves through the healing process.
-or- - The Art of Tongue Diagnosis: A Window into Your Health
Let’s talk tongues. Tongue diagnosis is an important part of TCM observations, but few lay people understand why practitioners do this and what their results might mean. Introduce the concept of tongue diagnosis and explain how it can provide insights into one’s health and serve as a starting point for treatment. Offer a few examples of what you may see on a tongue and what that could indicate.
-or- - Why Work with a TCM Practitioner?
As a TCM student, you likely value the insight of a qualified TCM practitioner! Now, let’s share with the public why working with a practitioner is so important for getting effective results with Chinese herbs and reaching health goals. Explain what it’s like to work with a practitioner, what to look for when choosing one, and the benefits of having a holistic practitioner on your care team.
Previous Scholarships
Making TCM Accessible to the Public (TCM Foundations)
Ended: March 31st, 2024
Traditional Chinese medicine has deep historical roots and concepts that can be difficult for our modern society to understand. Choose one (1) of the following topics and write a 1,500-word essay to share your unique perspective on the prompt. Cite any relevant, high-quality sources you use to inform your work.
- Yin and Yang: Understanding the Balance in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Explore the concept of Yin and Yang in TCM and explain how it influences the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses. How would you convey this concept to the general public in a way that promotes understanding and appreciation for TCM?
-or- - The Five Elements: Exploring TCM’s Approach to Health and Harmony
Discuss the Five Elements theory in TCM and its significance in maintaining physical and emotional balance. How can this knowledge be used to promote holistic well-being and prevent illness?
-or- - Qi: The Vital Energy in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Explain the concept of Qi in TCM and its role in maintaining health. How can the understanding of Qi benefit individuals in their daily lives, and how would you communicate this idea to the public?
-or- - Stick Out Your Tongue: TCM Diagnosis Basics
TCM relies heavily on observation to diagnose patients. Give an overview of the different diagnostic methods in TCM and explain how you might use these to inform your herbal practice.
-or- - East vs. West: How does TCM differ from Western medicine?
How would you educate someone on the differences between TCM and conventional medicine? What ideas, concepts, and experiences are different? In what ways are they similar?
-or- - Herbal Medicine: Nature’s Pharmacy in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Discuss the use of herbal medicine in TCM and its role in promoting health and treating various health issues. How can the knowledge of herbal remedies be integrated into modern healthcare practices?
-or- - TCM Organs: Unlocking the Inner Balance for Optimal Health
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, organs are viewed as more than just anatomical structures—they are associated with specific functions, emotions, and energetic qualities. Choose one TCM organ and delve into its significance in promoting overall health and well-being. Explain its corresponding emotions, related imbalances, and TCM practices to restore balance. How can this understanding of TCM organs be integrated into mainstream healthcare to enhance holistic approaches to health? Discuss specific examples and real-life applications to illustrate the importance of TCM organs in achieving optimal health.