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HLTTCM001 Current

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.

What You'll Learn

1.

  • 1.1 Identify, access and interpret information on central philosophies of TCM remedial massage
  • 1.3 Compare and contrast TCM, other complementary health modalities and broader health practice

2.

  • 2.1 Determine information needs of different individuals and groups
  • 2.3 Communicate information about TCM remedial massage at level of depth appropriate to audience needs

3.

  • 3.1 Identify key issues that affect the development and sustainability of professional practice
  • 3.3 Access, interpret and collate current information that supports professional practice

4.

  • 4.1 Reflect on professional goals and aspirations
  • 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

Assessment Requirements

Performance Evidence

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

Knowledge Evidence

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.

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Last updated from training.gov.au: 18 April 2026