Complaint Review: Academy For Five Element Acupuncture - Hallandale Beach Florida

To potential new students at Academy for Five Element Acupuncture: please understand that anybody for any reason can write a report here. I graduated from the school and feel extremely happy with my decision, my experience, and my professional preparedness to be in the field. When I read this original complaint, I feel sorry that this person had such a bad experience and I do not know the details. But I absolutely would recommend the school, both educationally, and ethically. I have found in my dealings with the school that when students leave angry from the program (which does happen once in a while), it is never really about the program. It may be about the fit between the student and the school, sometimes, as not everyone is a good fit for this profession and the sensitivity required to excel at it. But more often, it is because in my opinion the student has personal issues that seem to rise to the surface. If someone is a difficult person, in such a small school this will eventually get in their way. People are not always ready to take responsibility for this kind of experience unfortunately, especially when there is money/investment at stake. I would like to emphasize that in my opinion, this is not the fault of the school. And I would wager that it happens at all kinds of schools, all the time.

I'm not sure what the issues were with the person writing this, but I and most of my classmates have had a very different experience with the Academy for Five Element Acupuncture. The school is now (2014) in downtown Gainesville, Florida, a great location for a school, and most of the teachers and administrators are probably different from the time this review was written (2006). Yes, most acupuncture schools in the country are TCM-based, and yes, the board exams are more geared toward TCM, but we are very aware of that. We signed up for five element acupuncture because of the things about this type of acupuncture which appeal to us.

We are aware that we will have to study TCM in addition to that, but are willing to do so because of the amazing qualities of five element acupuncture. And the herbal program that is an optional part of our program that most people sign up for is very heavily TCM-based, so we are getting a very good taste of TCM. But the Five Element Acupuncture we are learning is inspiring, and I'm very glad that I am learning it and then adding TCM to this foundation. My class is into its second year (out of 3), and out of our 27 students, only 2 have quit the program for reasons not related to their satisfaction with the school. And yes, it is a program that depends very much on your own drive to learn.

We have intensive 2 or 3-week sessions in Gainesville each quarter, and the rest of the time we study on our own and observe acupuncturists in our areas (except for the 3rd year, when we are at the school full-time and have our clinic year). But this is the type of program we all wanted because of busy lives at home (all over the country and in several foreign countries), and we are very happy with the program of study this school offers. It is not for everyone. Many people need a daily structured environment and need to be in a classroom to get things done. But the students at this school are very self-motivated and thrive in this type of structure. I know I do. Anyway, loving the school, and looking forward to the 3rd year clinic year!

I am a student at the Academy for Five Element Acupuncture. I am very grateful for my school and the caring teachers and administrators who run it. They all are devoted to their students above and beyond any other educational programs I have attended. Certainly the intensive format is not for everyone. And Five Element acupuncture demands that students undergo rigorous personal development, something that not everyone is ready for. The beauty of this school above all is their devotion to the Five Element system in particular. This is a loving and deep form of acupuncture that is being kept alive in a system that is sadly geared more and more to passing tests. I appreciate that I am learning a medicine that has heart. I know my future patients will too.

I went to the school. And wrote down my experience in a paper linked below.
http://kenmcdonaldfamily.com/styled-7/

I am considering this school for my 21 year old son. How do I find the basis of these complaints? How many? How current?, etc.

Once again, a student reports abusive treatment by the Academy of Five Element Acupuncture.  Year after year they continue to complain of the same types of harassment, threats, being forced to pay more, being denied testing, and of being threatened by suspension and eventually being forced out of the program.  I still hear of sexual discrimination as in, if you are Heterosexual you are not as "evolved" as the Homosexual student and are not treated as well.  I also hear that if you are a more mature woman you are treated worse because you are not as likely to put up with being intimidated by threats and lies as a younger woman with less experience may be.  I don't know when the state is going to get wise to these guys and clean house but I hope that another year of students do not have to go through the stress of being abused in order to become an acupuncturist.  I would think that this school would have learned by now that you don't have to destroy someone emotionally and financially to teach them acupuncture.

I've just completed the first intensive of the acupuncture course at the Academy for Five-Element Acupuncture. Yes, the non-stop 15-day, 9a-6p structure is brutal, but probably not anymore so than some types of medical training. I found the information solid and the teachers respectable. However, I will say that the intensive-type training scenario is not for everyone. In fact, I found out quickly that it was not for me. Though five-element schools regularly use the intensive-format to accommodate students who do not wish to permanently move to the school's location, I found such a schedule impeded my learning. Instead, I feel that a two-day/week type of curriculum would work best for me. I can also state with some authority that AFEA-trained acupuncturists are extraordinary practitioners. I have received acupuncture for 5 years from a variety of skilled practitioners. My two AFEA-trained practitioners, however, far exceed the others in their skill, compassion, and competency. Thus, I would have to say that if you can take the grueling format, you will not be disappointed in the quality of education you receive.

It sounds like you are quite upset about your education. Some details would be nice as to the "abuse" you mentioned running rampant not jsut at your school but all Five Element schools. Please fill us in. Thank you Eric

Since the original report was filed. The Academy for Five Element Acupuncture has ripped off a lot more students. They got new people to join, took their tuition and then told them they were moving from Hallandale to Gainsville Florida, and would not give them a full refund. They are still trying to force students they do not like out of their sham of a program. Do not go to this horrible acupuncture school... you will be very sorry. These people are very deceitful and abusive. There is a whole group of people that are trying to get this schools licenses revoked.