Department of Acupuncture (AT)

The acupuncture curriculum is designed to lead the student to proficiency in acupuncture and its related modalities; moxibustion, cupping, and massotherapy. The approach involves extensive hands on instruction along with explanation of the principles and concepts underlying the medicine. Training lakes place in several stages. In the first stage, students acquire the skills of accurate point location, basic needle technique, and an understanding of meridian and point symptoms and use. In the second stage, treatment techniques are refined and knowledge of treatment strategy is broadened. Advanced training takes place primarily in the clinic where students practice on a wide variety of clients under supervision of ACTCM faculty. During the period of intensive clinical training, classes are offered in different systems of acupuncture; auricular (ear) acupuncture, acupuncture for chemical dependency, Japanese style, and the application of acupuncture to clinically common diseases. The massotherapy portion of training presents the student with several options including the development of skills in either Tui Na or Shiatsu, as well as earning a certificate in the chosen style which can qualify the student for employment.

Meridians and Points I, II, III & IV
AT521, 522, 523, 524           12.0 Credits
This four-course sequence presents the points of the fourteen channels and selected extra points. Points are located through comparative review of traditional and modern anatomy. Hands-on practice in locating points is emphasized; therapeutic indications and treatment methods utilizing acupuncture and moxibustion are discussed. Instruction is given in the functional selection of points through the application of differential diagnosis of conditions. The channels are studied following the circadian sequence of Qi movement through the channels. This course prepares students for clinical practice by developing the skill to accurately locate points and the ability to understand and compose point prescriptions.

The first course in the sequence focuses on the hand Tai Yin lung channel, the hand Yang Ming large intestine channel, the foot Yang Ming stomach channel, and the foot Tai Yin spleen channel. The second course focuses on the hand Shao Yin heart channel, the hand Tai Yang small intestine channel, and the foot Tai Yang urinary bladder channel. The third course focuses on the foot Shao Yin kidney channel, the hand Jue Yin Pericardium channel, the hand Shao Yang Triple Warmer channel, and the foot Shao Yang gall bladder channel. The final course in the sequence focuses on the foot Jue Yin liver channel and the Governing and Conception vessels and extra points. (Prerequisite for AT522: AT521; Prerequisite for AT523: AT522; Prerequisite for AT524: AT523; Co-requisite for AT521: FC450.; Co-requisite for AT522: FC451)

Meridian Theory
AT534                                 2.0 credits
Meridian theory is the basis of diagnosis and acupuncture treatment. This course is designed to provide the necessary instruction and training for the student to be familiar with meridian theory including regular, extra and other meridian systems. The student will be introduced to the symptoms of meridians, the pathway of meridians and how to use them for differential diagnosis and treatment. Upon completion of the course, the student will understand the functions, similarities and differences of each meridian and will be able to palpate the meridian surface anatomy as an aid in diagnosis. (Prerequisites: AT521-524, CM516)

Acupuncture Techniques I, II, & III (with Lab)
AT535, 536, 537                  10.0 credits
This three-course sequence provides students with a wide range of acupuncture treatment skills that serve as a foundation for the clinical practice phase of the program, and helps students develop confidence as practitioners. The first course in the sequence includes point preparation, angle and depth of insertion, and needle removal. Different kinds of tonification and sedation needling techniques, moxibustion, bloodletting, cupping, through and through, and seven star needle techniques are also taught. Treatment precautions, how to handle needling side effects, and safety issues are introduced. In the second course of the series, students learn how to administer treatment by practicing techniques on one another in preparation for treating patients in the clinic. The final course of the sequence introduces the practice electro-stimulation and the micro-systems of ear and scalp acupuncture. Students also continue to practice acupuncture skills introduced in the earlier courses. (Prerequisites for AT535: AT522, CM516; Co-requisite: CT576; Prerequisites for AT536: AT523, AT535; Prerequisites for AT537: AT524, AT536)

Points Review Lab
AT539                                1.0 credit
In this lab course, students review the location of the points of the 12 regular channels, the Governing and Conception vessels, and the common extra points. The course also reviews anatomical landmarks, the standards for proportional measurement, and locating points by channels and by regions. (Prerequisite: AT524)

Acupuncture Theory I & II
AT540, 541                        4.0 credits
This course sequence covers acupuncture diagnostic skills and treatment prescriptions based on the paradigms of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The first course focuses on the different functions and uses of specific points, including five shu, source, luo, xi-cleft, back-shu, front-mu, lower he-sea, confluent and influential points. Emphasis is placed on how to use these points to compose acupuncture prescriptions. The course also covers how to treat diseases using Five Elements and Eight Entities theory. The second course covers introductory chrono-acupuncture, as well as different acupuncture treatment methodologies and strategies including treatment for eliminating evils, regulating Qi and blood, and addressing organ dysfunction. (Prerequisites for AT540: AT534, AT537, passage of 1st level Comprehensive Exams; Prerequisite for AT541: AT540)

Acupuncture Treatment for Disease I & II
AT545, 546                        6.0 credits
This course sequence presents the use of acupuncture therapy to treat diseases and conditions commonly encountered in the clinic including pain and internal conditions. It focuses on disease etiology, pathogenesis and differentiation from the perspective of both TCM and conventional Western medicine. Students gain familiarity with treatment principles and meridian and point selection for each condition. Advanced treatment skills are practiced, and adjunctive therapies to acupuncture are presented. (Prerequisites for AT545: AT541, CM520; Prerequisite for AT546: AT545)

Introduction to Tui Na
AT565                               3.0 credits
This course covers physio-massage and soft tissue manipulation within Traditional Chinese Medicine, including the following topics: Chinese physio-massage history, theory and application; indications for massage therapy; development of the student's ability to apply manipulation methods (including strengthening exercises for the hands); and the study of clinical applications of Tui Na for common diseases. The course focuses on practical therapeutic techniques for specific problems, such as neck and shoulder pain, back pain, sciatica, headaches, anxiety, fatigue, PMS and indigestion. The role of proper breathing and movement, as well as stretching exercises for both practitioner and client, is emphasized. (Prerequisites: AT523; Co-requisite: AT524)

Advanced Tui Na (E)
AT566                               3.0 credits
This course provides advanced training in Tui Na techniques, including therapeutic techniques to address spine and joint conditions, and further training in the clinical application of Tui Na manipulations for various diseases. (Prerequisite: AT565)

Advanced Tui Na Practicum (E)
AT567                               3.0 credits
This course is the practicum component for AT566. (Prerequisite: AT566)

Acupuncture for Sports Injuries (E)
AT645                               3.0 credits
This course covers the acupuncture treatment of common sports injuries. The three stages of injury progression are studied, and as part of the diagnostic workup, palpation of points and channels in the areas commonly injured is practiced. Various needling and other techniques are introduced and practiced. (Prerequisite: AT541)

Needling Lab (E)
AT630 1.0 credit
This lab course provides an opportunity for further needling practice under the close supervision of faculty. Ways to approach the needling of various anatomical areas and tissue types are also reviewed and demonstrated. (Prerequisite: AT536)

Japanese Acupuncture Techniques (E)
AT632 3.0 credits
The Japanese acupuncture tradition provides a valuable set of theoretical perspectives and treatment modalities. This course covers fundamental Japanese acupuncture techniques and theory. (Prerequisite: AT541)

NADA Introduction (E)
AT634                              3.0 credits
This course teaches students to identify chemical dependency conditions and utilize specific protocols for treatment. The course also offers practical information on topics such as how to work with substance abuse counselors, the Twelve Step Model, research and funding sources. (Prerequisite: AT541)

Auricular Acupuncture (E)
AT635                              3.0 credits
This course focuses on the most clinically significant micro-system in Traditional Chinese Medicine: the ear. Students examine the physical structures of the outer ear, locate acupoints on the various auricular surfaces, and learn the therapeutic and diagnostic applications of those points. Students learn how to use auricular acupuncture for a number of specific disorders, both as an independent modality and in combination with major-channel acupoints. (Prerequisite: AT541)

Eight Extra Meridians (E)
AT637                              3.0 credits
This course provides a sequential investigation of the eight extra meridians: Ren, Du, Chong, Dai, Yin Wei, Yang Wei, Yin and Yang Qiao. It covers meridian pathways, channel points, crossing points, meridian energetics and associated symptom/sign complexes, as well as how to recognize unique meridian symptom/sign complexes and determine appropriate point combinations. (Prerequisites: AT541)

Integrated Treatment of Stroke (E)
AT639                              3.0 credits
This course focuses on the medical condition of stroke/cerebral vascular accident, examining its causes, anatomy, physiology and assessment. Current diagnosis and treatment approaches are presented from both a TCM and a biomedical perspective. In addition, the course addresses care and rehabilitation of stroke patients, and discusses research findings related to TCM treatment of stroke. (Prerequisite: passage of 2nd level Comprehensive Exams)

Introduction to Shiatsu
AT662                             3.0 credits
This course introduces the practice of Japanese medical Shiatsu. Students learn various skills including manipulation of hands and fingers, meridian palpation, massage, Hara diagnosis, patient self-care, medical diets, herbal formulas and energy movement exercises. Students also learn Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and philosophy, point selection, treatment principles and meridian diagnosis as they relate to the practice of Shiatsu. (Prerequisites: AT523; Co-requisite: AT524)

Shiatsu I: Guided Practice (E)
AT663                            3.0 credits
This elective course is taken concurrently with AT662. Students learn the information and skills necessary to confidently provide at a beginning level a comprehensive, full-body, one hour long Shiatsu treatment. This highly effective, traditional form of manipulative therapy is designed to correct physical and energetic imbalances, as well as ameliorate the effects of stress on the body/mind system. (Co-requisite: AT662)

Advanced Shiatsu Therapeutics I (E)
AT664                           3.0 credits
This course provides students with advanced training in Shiatsu techniques, focusing on the treatment of common musculo-skeletal disorders of the neck, shoulder, thorax and low back, from both an Eastern and Western perspective. (Prerequisites: AT662 & AT663)

Advanced Shiatsu Therapeutics II (E)
AT665                           3.0 credits
This course reviews the Shiatsu techniques presented in previous Shiatsu courses and provides further advanced training in therapeutic techniques. The course focuses on the treatment of common musculo-skeletal disorders, useful treatment points, and therapeutic exercises. (Prerequisite: AT664)