Natural healing practitioner training: Lara Di Lenardo's experience report - I swapped my office job for a career as a TCM therapist

Lara Di Lenardo

Please tell us about your career.

I originally completed a commercial apprenticeship. After various jobs in international companies and several longer trips abroad, it was time for a new challenge. Working in an office didn't fulfill me. I decided to take a new direction. In 2011, I completed my training as a TCM therapist and started my own practice at two locations in Glattbrugg and Ermatingen in a medical practice.

Why train in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?

During my travels abroad, I reflected on myself again and again. This led me to the realization that my vocation lies in the therapeutic field. As I have a particular affinity with Asian culture and have also spent some time there, I soon decided on a Far Eastern form of therapy. Chinese medicine has proven itself over thousands of years and is the cradle of many holistic therapies. So the decision was easy for me. I looked for a TCM school that offered training at weekends, as I was still working in the office during my naturopathic training. The "Naturopath" training concept at Biomedica Zurich appealed to me right from the start, as weekend and evening courses are offered.
The more I looked into TCM and this school, the more I knew that it was just right for me. Another plus point was that TCM is recognized by health insurance companies, which certainly makes it easier to start my own business. In addition to all the positive facts, I also had a great gut feeling and I quickly registered for the naturopath training course. I could hardly wait for the first course.

How is the training to become a naturopath in TCM at Biomedica Zurich structured?

The training at Biomedica Zurich to become a TCM naturopath is structured in a flexible modular system. In 2007 I started with the medical basics with evening courses. Conventional medical knowledge (Western medicine) is an important and complementary part of the TCM training. I attended the basics of traditional Chinese medicine one weekend a month. I then continued with the TCM focus on acupuncture and tuina. In 2016, I successfully completed the two-year herbal training course (Chinese medicines) and was thus able to expand my therapeutic range as a TCM therapist.

Why did you choose Biomedica Zurich?

Before I decided on Biomedica, I also looked at other TCM schools. The modular system with weekend and evening courses was decisive for my decision. The possibility of taking double courses or taking a break in between gives students a high degree of planning freedom for individualized training. Everyone decides for themselves how long their naturopathic training should last.

How does TCM training support your professional activity or your life?

My life has changed significantly as a result of my TCM training. The many experiences I have had with my patients on a daily basis as a naturopath have helped me to develop both professionally and personally. In my profession as a naturopath TCM, I am challenged on a daily basis. When I can successfully support people, it fills me with enormous joy and pride. Nature with its countless herbs and the activation of self-healing powers is a gift. I am fascinated by the success of my patients and myself. Thanks to the vocation I have found, I have become more balanced and more in touch with myself.

What did you particularly enjoy learning during your naturopathic training?

Basically, I really liked the fact that I was able to combine theoretical knowledge with practice. I had the opportunity to apply what I had learned in all areas and use my head and my hands. Whether in acupuncture or in the Tuina lessons - it was always very exciting to see how what I had learned worked for my fellow students or patients. Empathizing with other people as a naturopath helped me to progress and is a path to success. It is just as important to learn to distance yourself from concerns and illnesses. Compassion is essential in this work, but it must not interfere with private life.
The naturopathic training prepared me very well for my work. I still learn every day. Especially in the area of diagnostics. You get the necessary tools during your studies, but afterwards it challenges a therapist anew every day.

Were there any problems to solve during your training?

Of course - as with every new beginning. Challenges make life exciting. Apart from learning a new subject, the biggest difficulty was certainly the allocation of resources. Working full-time in a responsible job, completing a naturopathic training course, having time for my partner, family and circle of friends and perhaps also having time for myself is not without its challenges. As those around me knew how important this training was for me, they all understood that I had to make certain sacrifices, especially in my private life.

Did you have an "aha" effect during your training as a TCM naturopath?

Yes, there were several. Of course, when getting to know my own body and during the courses on the basics of conventional medicine. But I was also able to see how a small needle can have a big effect when practising acupuncture. The longer the naturopathic training went on, the more aha effects there were, as the puzzle gradually came together over time.

Is there a specific project, a success that was achieved thanks to what you learned?

In November 2019, I passed the higher professional examination for the federal qualification. I was put through my paces over two days. After many years in practice, I had the opportunity to reassess my position. Successfully completing this intensive examination is a great achievement. This is a wonderful, crowning achievement for all the years of work and a great recognition. I can now bear the title "Naturopath with a federal diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine". I am very proud of this.

Who would you recommend training to become a TCM alternative practitioner?

I would recommend TCM training as a naturopath to anyone who is looking for a therapeutic challenge from the Far East. Traditional Chinese Medicine is a very broad-based medicine with its own diagnostic system. It is an experiential medicine with a clear theoretical structure that treats the person as a whole.

What was the atmosphere like during your studies to become a naturopath in TCM?

The atmosphere at Biomedica Zurich is informal and very personal. I was able to experience this naturopathic school from the perspective of both a student and a lecturer and always felt at ease. The lecturers as well as the school management take time to answer any questions or problems. In addition to the professional management, a good atmosphere is fundamental for such a comprehensive and enriching course of study.

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