Course Description
Section I
ACU 1000
Introduction to Acupuncture
This course will introduce the participants to the history of formation and development
of acupuncture, its context of modern medicine with an historical and scientific overview.
Advanced research of acupuncture theory, needle techniques and clinical application
will also be addressed.
ACU 1010
Theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
This course will cover basic theories of TCM that includes Yin Yang Theory; Theory
of Five Elements; Essence, Energy, Blood and Body fluid as fundamental substances
and Zang-Fu organs.
ACU 1120
TCM Pathogenesis
This course introduces the concept of health, illness and the etiology of disease.
It also introduces the six external pathogens, seven emotional factors and five endogenous
factors. The pathogenesis of illness, the imbalance of Yin-Yang, and physical, mental
and spiritual disharmonies will be presented for study. The dysfunction of the internal
organs and meridians, abnormal relationships between the organs, and the pathogenesis
of common symptoms and signs will be explained.
ACU1030
TCM Diagnostic Methods
This course introduces the four traditional diagnostic methods in TCM: inspection,
auscultation/olfaction, inquiry and palpation. It focuses on tongue and pulse diagnosis.
The four methods will be used to determine symptoms, signs, and the underlying disharmony
or imbalance.
ACU1040
TCM Syndrome Analysis and Treatment
This course is essential for the analysis and treatment of patients in the clinic.
Analysis according to eight principles, five elements, six meridians and four levels
will be addressed. The special methods of triple burner, and Qi, Blood and Body fluid
will also be discussed.
ACU1050
Meridians and Points Locations
This course will introduce the classical meridians and meridian theory. The superficial
and deep pathways and their branches will be covered. Palpitation, anatomical landmarks
and the acupuncture units of measurements will be introduced, in order to locate points
and their function.
ACU1060
Needle Technique
This course will cover the preparation of the patient for treatment, the insertion
and withdrawal of needles, gaining the Qi sensation, and tonification and reduction
methods. The course will also cover the prevention and management of needling complications,
the forbidden points, contraindications of needling, and ancient needle techniques.
Section 2
ACU2000
Acupuncture Management for Neurological Disorders
This course will review the common signs and symptoms of neurological disorders and
describe links of twelve meridians related to neurological disorders. Also, the treatment
of common neurological disorders; Scalp acupuncture therapy—location, indications
and manipulation will be discussed.
ACU2010
Acupuncture Management of Head and Facial Problems
This course will cover current concepts in pathology, diagnosis and differential diagnosis
of head and facial problems. Differential diagnosis specifically to headache, tinnitus
and hearing gloss, dizziness and vertigo, facial palsy, facial spasm, facial pain,
toothache, allergic rhinitis and myopia based on the diagnosis of TCM. Evidenced based
treatment, including body acupuncture, ear acupuncture, point rejection, laser acupuncture,
scalp acupuncture and moxibustion.
ACU2020
Acupuncture Management of the Upper and Lower Extremities
This course will cover the general principles of acupuncture therapy for the upper
and lower extremity problems due to different sources. The differential diagnosis
for problems such as rheumatic arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, periarthritis of
shoulders, polyneuritis, brachial plexus neuralgia, Raynaud’s disease and many more
will also be discussed.
ACU2030
Acupuncture Management of Spine and Thoracic Problems
In this course the learner will become familiar with important points to be selected
for spinal and thoracic problems such as neck strain and sprain, cervical spondylopathy;
thoracic pain; intercostals neuralgia; herpes zoster; low back pain and sciatica.
The learner will evaluate and manage these common problems based on the diagnosis
of TCM.
ACU2040
GI Disorders
Review of common signs and symptoms of gastrological disorders and describing meridians
link related to these disorders
ACU2050
Cardiovascular Diseases
Review of common signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disorders and describing meridians
link related to these disorders.
ACU2060
Psychological Disorders
Review of common signs and symptoms of psychological disorders and describing meridians
link related to these disorders.
ACU2070
Gynecology Systems
Review of common signs and symptoms of OB/GYN disorders and describing meridians link
related to these disorders.
ACU2080
Urology systems
Review of common signs and symptoms of urological disorders and describing meridians
link related to these disorders
ACU 2090
Respiratory Systems
Review of common signs and symptoms of respiratory disorders and describing meridians
link related to these disorders
ACU2095
Acupuncture Management for Conditions Recommended by WHO
The learner will become familiar with evidenced-based treatment, including body acupuncture,
ear acupuncture, scalp acupuncture, and electrotherapy. The differential diagnosis
for eye disorders, respiratory disorders, gastrointestinal disorders and genitourinary
disorders, based on the diagnosis of TCM, will be discussed with important acupuncture
points to be used.
Section 3
ACU3000
Clinical Experience
The clinical unit is structured to reinforce the classroom presentations into practical application. Clinical rotations take place at state-of-the-art facilities in New York City.
Students will have the opportunity to observe and obtain hands-on experience in treating patients in these facilities. They will view practical application of syndrome differentiation and selection of acupuncture points, sterilization for acupuncture points, needle insertion and manipulation techniques to achieve painless and effective result. Students will also have the opportunity to discuss the cases with the treating Acupuncturists in the handling of some commonly seen patients in the real world practice of acupuncture.