Acupuncture

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the world and is used by one third of the world's population as a primary health care system. It is likely that more people have been treated by Chinese medicine throughout history than by any other formalized system of medicine.   

The first formal record of acupuncture was complied in China between 300 B.C. and 100 B.C., but that compilation is so extensive and complete it’s obvious acupuncture had been practiced long before that time. Based on recent archaeological discoveries, scholars now believe acupuncture in a rudimentary form may date back 5000, even 7000 years. Its probably safe to say that acupuncture has been a healing method to some degree at least that long.

The term acupuncture describes a family of procedures involving stimulation of anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques. American practices of acupuncture incorporate medical traditions from China, Japan, Korea, and other countries. The acupuncture technique that has been most studied scientifically involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation.

This highly effective system of medical care is based on natural laws which govern the movement of vital life giving energy, both in nature and in the body. This energy, called "chi", moves through the body in precise channels supporting functions of the body, mind and spirit. When "chi" is moving disharmoniously, imbalance begins to surface in the form of specific symptoms. To address the underlying cause of a condition, these symptoms are viewed in relationship to the totality of a person. The gentle insertion of hair thin needles at specific points along the channels of chi energy, help restore harmony. In the presence of this subtle yet profound intervention, symptoms often resolve and patients frequently experience renewed vitality.

The benefit of acupuncture treatment is now clearly recognized and well documented in western medical journals and in medical institutions across the United States.  

Because of its relatively low cost and its noninvasive nature, acupuncture has become a highly popular form of alternative and complementary health care in the United States.

How widely is acupuncture used in the United States?

In the past two decades, acupuncture has grown in popularity in the United States. The report from a Consensus Development Conference on Acupuncture held at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1997 stated that acupuncture is being "widely" practiced for relief or prevention of pain and for various other health conditions.¹ According to the 2002 National Health Interview Survey--the largest and most comprehensive survey of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use by American adults to date--an estimated 8.2 million U.S. adults had ever used acupuncture, and an estimated 2.1 million U.S. adults had used acupuncture in the previous year.

Is acupuncture safe?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners in 1996. The FDA requires that sterile, nontoxic needles be used and that they be labeled for single use by qualified practitioners only.

Relatively few complications from the use of acupuncture have been reported to the FDA in light of the millions of people treated each year and the number of acupuncture needles used. Still, complications have resulted from inadequate sterilization of needles and from improper delivery of treatments. Practitioners should use a new set of disposable needles taken from a sealed package for each patient and should swab treatment sites with alcohol or another disinfectant before inserting needles. When not delivered properly, acupuncture can cause serious adverse effects, including infections and punctured organs.

The most common complication of treatment is a small bruise or a drop of blood when the needle is removed. Any medical technique involves some risk. Properly performed, acupuncture presents minimal hazard when compared to drug regimens or surgical techniques.

What does acupuncture feel like?

Patients who have received inoculations or other medical injections (shot) from a hypodermic needle are sometimes fearful that acupuncture treatments will be as painful. But such is not the case. Medical hypodermic needles are stiff, hollow and thick for forcing liquids into the patients flesh, usually an uncomfortable, if not painful procedure.

Typically acupuncture needles are fine and flexible, no bigger around than a human hair or piece of thread. People experience acupuncture differently, but most feel no or minimal pain. Insertion of the slender needles goes unnoticed by some, and to others feels like a small pinch followed by a sensation of tingling, numbness, ache, traveling warmth or heaviness.

Sometimes people feel "chi" moving at a distance from the point of insertion.

First-time patients are usually amazed at how comfortable they are during treatment.

Depending on the patient’s condition and the treatment plan, each acupuncture treatment averages thirty to forty-five minutes.

Some people are energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed. Some notice a relief of symptoms or feel more energetic in the days that follow treatment. Most people are pleased to find the sessions are not uncomfortable and even look forward to them.

Improper needle placement, movement of the patient, or a defect in the needle can cause soreness and pain during treatment. This is why it is important to seek treatment from a qualified acupuncture practitioner.

How Many Treatments and How Often?

Because each patient’s health problems and response to treatment are unique, the number and frequency of treatments vary. The number of treatments necessary depends on the condition being treated.

Recent injuries and conditions seen at an early stage will often improve immediately. Those conditions that have been present for longer periods may require more treatment, and serious derangements of structure or metabolism will require extensive therapy.

For many disorders, symptoms reflect underlying conditions that may have to be treated beyond the point at which symptoms have improved. If treatments are stopped too quickly after symptoms begin to respond, the condition may eventually return.

A course of treatments for recent problems in a healthy person may range from 2 to 5. In a person with many health problems and a chronic disease, as many as 8 to 16 sessions may be required before an initial response is seen.

Typically, the recommendation is two to four treatments per week.

Some may not improve until the eighth or ninth visit. Others may require two or three treatments per week for several months for maximum results. And sometimes, despite the acupuncturist’s best effort and skill, the patient does not respond to treatment.

In general, acute or short-term conditions require less treatment than chronic or long-term conditions.

Does acupuncture work?

According to the NIH Consensus Statement on Acupuncture, there have been many studies on acupuncture's potential usefulness, but results have been mixed because of complexities with study design and size, as well as difficulties with choosing and using placebos or sham acupuncture. However, promising results have emerged, showing efficacy of acupuncture, for example, in adult postoperative and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting and in postoperative dental pain. There are other situations--such as addiction, stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low-back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma--in which acupuncture may be useful as an adjunct treatment or an acceptable alternative or be included in a comprehensive management program. An NCCAM-funded study recently showed that acupuncture provides pain relief, improves function for people with osteoarthritis of the knee, and serves as an effective complement to standard care. Further research is likely to uncover additional areas where acupuncture interventions will be useful.

NIH has funded a variety of research projects on acupuncture. These grants have been funded by NCCAM, its predecessor the Office of Alternative Medicine, and other NIH institutes and centers.

How might acupuncture work?

Acupuncture is one of the key components of the system of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In the TCM system of medicine, the body is seen as a delicate balance of two opposing and inseparable forces: yin and yang. Yin represents the cold, slow, or passive principle, while yang represents the hot, excited, or active principle. Among the major assumptions in TCM are that health is achieved by maintaining the body in a "balanced state" and that disease is due to an internal imbalance of yin and yang. This imbalance leads to blockage in the flow of qi (vital energy) along pathways known as meridians. It is believed that there are 12 main meridians and 8 secondary meridians and that there are more than 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body that connect with them.

Preclinical studies have documented acupuncture's effects, but they have not been able to fully explain how acupuncture works within the framework of the Western system of medicine that is commonly practiced in the United States. It is proposed that acupuncture produces its effects through regulating the nervous system, thus aiding the activity of pain-killing biochemicals such as endorphins and immune system cells at specific sites in the body. In addition, studies have shown that acupuncture may alter brain chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones and, thus, affecting the parts of the central nervous system related to sensation and involuntary body functions, such as immune reactions and processes that regulate a person's blood pressure, blood flow, and body temperature.

Benefits of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is often effective with a wide range of complaints, including chronic fatigue, depression, back pain, joint pain, infertility, asthma, addictions, and stress. Acupuncture is also helpful for many chronic illnesses and health concerns that have no clear origin or cause. Patients committed to a healthy lifestyle who receive ongoing acupuncture treatment for maintenance and health promotion often experience:

*Being sick less often and recovering more quickly

*Improvement of vitality and stamina

*Being able to take care of their own health

*Relationships with others deepening and becoming more harmonious

*Reductions in long term health care costs

A recent survey of people who receive acupuncture, conducted by Claire Cassidy, Ph.D., indicates that they see their physicians less frequently and use fewer medications. In addition, over two thirds of those surveyed reported having avoided recommended surgery.

Therapeutic Effects of Acupuncture reported by WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) undertook a review of the current research literature on acupuncture practice in order to promote the "appropriate use of acupuncture in those Member States where acupuncture has not been widely used". Results were published in 2002 as a booklet entitled Acupuncture: Review and analysis of reports on controlled clinical trials. 

The report lists diseases, symptoms or conditions that acupuncture can treat based on collected reports of clinical trials. Its authors emphasize that the report can serve only as a reference, leaving it up to national health authorities to determine for which conditions acupuncture treatments can be recommended. Here is the published list:

"Diseases, symptoms or conditions for which acupuncture has been proved-through controlled trials-to be an effective treatment:

Adverse reactions to radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy
Allergic rhinitis (including hay fever)
Biliary colic
Depression (including depressive neurosis and depression following stroke)
Dysentery, acute bacillary
Dysmenorrhoea, primary
Epigastralgia, acute (in peptic ulcer, acute and chronic gastritis, and gastrospasm)
Facial pain (including craniomandibular disorders)
Headache
Hypertension, essential
Hypotension, primary
Induction of labor
Knee pain
Leukopenia
Low back pain
Malposition of fetus, correction of
Morning sickness
Nausea and vomiting
Neck pain
Pain in dentistry (including dental pain and temporomandibular dysfunction)
Periarthritis of shoulder
Postoperative pain
Renal colic
Rheumatoid arthritis
Sciatica
Sprain
Stroke
Tennis elbow 

Diseases, symptoms or conditions for which the therapeutic effect of acupuncture has been shown but for which further proof is needed:

Abdominal pain (in acute gastroenteritis or due to gastrointestinal spasm)
Acne vulgaris
Alcohol dependence and detoxification
Bell's palsy
Bronchial asthma
Cancer pain
Cardiac neurosis
Cholecystitis, chronic, with acute exacerbation
Cholelithiasis
Competition stress syndrome
Craniocerebral injury, closed
Diabetes mellitus, non-insulin-dependent
Earache
Epidemic haemorrhagic fever
Epistaxis, simple (without generalized or local disease)
Eye pain due to subconjunctival injection
Female infertility
Facial spasm
Female urethral syndrome
Fibromyalgia and fasciitis
Gastrokinetic disturbance
Gouty arthritis
Hepatitis B virus carrier status
Herpes zoster (human (alpha) herpesvirus 3)
Hyperlipaemia
Hypo-ovarianism
Insomnia
Labour pain
Lactation, deficiency
Male sexual dysfunction, non-organic
Ménière disease
Neuralgia, post-herpetic
Neurodermatitis
Obesity
Opium, cocaine and heroin dependence
Osteoarthritis
Pain due to endoscopic examination
Pain in thromboangiitis obliterans
Polycystic ovary syndrome (Stein-Leventhal syndrome)
Postextubation in children
Postoperative convalescence
Premenstrual syndrome
Prostatitis, chronic
Pruritus
Radicular and pseudoradicular pain syndrome
Raynaud syndrome, primary
Recurrent lower urinary-tract infection
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
Retention of urine, traumatic
Schizophrenia
Sialism, drug-induced
Sjögren syndrome
Sore throat (including tonsillitis)
Spine pain, acute
Stiff neck
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction
Tietze syndrome
Tobacco dependence
Tourette syndrome
Ulcerative colitis, chronic
Urolithiasis
Vascular dementia
Whooping cough (pertussis)

Diseases, symptoms or conditions for which there are only individual controlled trials reporting some therapeutic effects, but for which acupuncture is worth trying because treatment by conventional and other therapies is difficult:

Chloasma
Choroidopathy, central serous
Colour blindness
Deafness
Hypophrenia
Irritable colon syndrome
Neuropathic bladder in spinal cord injury
Pulmonary heart disease, chronic
Small airway obstruction

Diseases, symptoms or conditions for which acupuncture may be tried provided the practitioner has special modern medical knowledge and adequate monitoring equipment:

Breathlessness in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Coma
Convulsions in infants
Coronary heart disease (angina pectoris)
Diarrhoea in infants and young children
Encephalitis, viral, in children, late stage 
Paralysis, progressive bulbar and pseudobulbar"

Commentary:

It is important to utilize the concept of controlled clinical trials to learn more about the factors leading to successful treatment with acupuncture. The limitations of such trials are that individual factors and patient characteristics are de-emphasized, and individualized treatments are not possible. It may be possible to obtain better results if treatment is individualized, and this will obviously be impossible to study using standardized trials. However, the review by the World Health Organization is a helpful addition to the increasing body of research supporting the use of Traditional Chinese medicine.

Auricular Acupuncture

Frequently Asked Questions:

My doctor does not believe in acupuncture. Do I have to believe in order to obtain results?

In fact, acupuncture works very well for horses, dogs, oxen, and cats, most of whom probably don't "believe" in acupuncture, either. It is always beneficial to have confidence in your physician, but faith in a particular technique is not required to obtain results.

Why would I see an acupuncturist?

Many patients begin acupuncture treatment to find relief from a wide range of physical conditions.  Many who are not experiencing ailments also seek treatment to maximize their wellness and maintain balance.  The greatest reason to begin acupuncture treatment is to cultivate vitality and radiant health and to stimulate the tremendous healing power of the body, mind and spirit.

Is acupuncture covered by insurance?

A growing number of insurance companies will reimburse for acupuncture treatments. Consult your insurer for the terms of coverage on your policy.  Some insurance plans require preauthorization for acupuncture.

 However, full payment is due at the time of each treatment.  A receipt will be given after each treatment for patients to submit for insurance reimbursement.

Do I have to be ill to benefit from acupuncture?

Absolutely not. Many patients come for regular treatments to achieve increased effectiveness and enjoyment in life. Acupuncture can also be a powerful preventative measure to keep patients healthy throughout the year. 

How do I get the most out of each treatment?

The best general advice is to come in a calm state. Try to arrive ten or fifteen minutes before your appointment to allow yourself a chance to relax. Similarly avoid strenuous exercise or sexual activity in the hour before treatment is not recommended.

You should not have recently eaten a large meal, nor should you be fasting for more than 6 hours before your appointment. The use of alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, teas or sodas or other non-prescription drugs is also not recommended prior to or just following a treatment.

Comfortable, loose clothing should be worn, and, if possible, you should not wear any metallic jewelry, watches, or earrings. Makeup and nail polish should be minimized or eliminated.

Please also avoid the use of perfumes, colognes or strongly scented cosmetics.

What happens during the treatment?

Depending on the areas to be treated, you may be positioned on your back, your stomach, your side, or sitting. Be certain that you can remain relaxed in this position, as you may not wish to move for the duration of the treatment, usually 15 to 25 minutes.

It is best to practice a slow and relaxed abdominal breathing during treatment, and to avoid trying to do any mental work. Abdominal breathing means allowing your abdomen to expand as you inhale, and to contract as you exhale.

What sensations will I experience during treatment?

Usually, there is a pleasant state of calm, which develops during the treatment and may persist for some time. You may even fall nearly asleep during the session. In areas that have been treated, a sensation of heaviness or swelling may persist for up to an hour or so after treatment.

You may find that the pain or discomfort of the condition may be reduced by 20 or 30% or even completely eliminated. Frequently, the relief will persist, though in some situations the pain will return after a few hours or days to its former level. In certain conditions, a worsening of pain is to be expected before improvement is seen.

For some disorders, no effect is noticed immediately and the condition takes a few days or a series of treatments to respond. Be sure to tell us of the response to treatment at the next appointment so that necessary changes can be made to your treatment.

What should I do after treatment?

It is often helpful to sit quietly following a treatment, and relax. A gentle walk or very mild exercise can also be helpful. Large meals, vigorous exercise, alcohol or excessive aggravation should be avoided.

I want to come for treatment, what do I do next?

Call the office. We will discuss your concerns and schedule an initial visit.  

During your first visit we will explore a treatment schedule that will best meet your needs. 
 

THIS STUFF SHOULD BE A SEPARATE PAGE. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ACUPUNCTURE TRAINING DIFFERENCES IN ACUPUNTURE TRAINING.

International Academy of Medical Acupuncture Inc. (IAMA)

http://www.iama.edu/

Acupuncture Certification

The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners accepts this entire program as pre-requisite to sit the NBCE Acupuncture examination qualifying for State licensure.

Earn 100, 200, 300 or more hours of continuing education credit in Acupuncture by combining cyber (distance learning) and classroom hours. *Meets the educational requirements for both National and State Boards for certification and licensure. *Individual State requirements vary. 15 hours CE per both “distance” and “on-site” modules. Meets educational recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) for physicians.

Only three classes required of attendance making it much more economical to fly or drive from anywhere in the U.S.

New Certification Program Schedule for 2006 combining classroom hours and "distance learning".

Classes #2, #4, #6 and #7 offered through "distance learning"  

Only attend Classes #1, #3 and #5

This Accelerated program combining both classroom and distance education allows four of the seven classes to be taken through the distance/on-line format. Some States may only accept for license renewal educational credit those programs which the doctor is in actual physical attendance, whereas most States allow distance education to qualify for license renewal. Three of the seven classes Class #1, #3 and #5 15 hours each (45 hours total) are in physical attendance which will meet the yearly license renewal requirement of all States.

The cyber distance program is the same identical material which has been offered in the IAMA classroom over the last 28 years. Study at your own pace when you want to. Spend the time and money you would traveling and sitting in a classroom with your family and/or leisure activity. Participant will be given a password to access the IAMA website where the class material may be studied on line at home or office when you want to or download the educational material and graphics to read and study anytime or place you desire to include your favorite easy chair.

“Fellowship” (FIAMA) (Level One) 105 hrs.
**Additional 45 hrs for VA for total of 150 hrs with follow up of 50 hrs clinical Class #1, #3 and #5 on site classroom seminar. Class #2, #4, #6 and #7 Distance Learning Program **Virginia DC’s require 200 hours of Acupuncture education. Following (or during) the Fellowship program, another 45 hours may be taken through the first three modules of the Diplomate program for a total of 150 hrs. In addition, 50 hours of clinical must be supervised by a practitioner licensed to practice in the U.S. The IAMA has over 100 Diplomates (Dipl.Ac.) and Fellows (FIAMA) in VA licensed and willing to help DC’s and MD’s receive clinical training through observation and application.

“Diplomate” (Dipl.Ac.) (Level Two)  105 hrs.
All seven modules (15 hrs each) Distance Learning Level Two individual modules may be taken at any time for those doctors in States such as Maine, Virginia, Indiana who require more than 100 hours. Diplomate (Dipl.Ac.) is earned following the attainment of the Fellowship (FIAMA) (Level One program). Requirements are: one must complete 105 hours over seven modules in the Level Two distance learning and cyber study program. In addition, 30 clinical case study presentations for peer review are required earning an additional 100 CE credits.

http://www.samra.edu/

SAMRA University of Oriental Medicine

Master of Science in Oriental Medicine Program

The University's primary academic program is designed to offer the Master of Science in Oriental Medicine degree, with extensive study in diagnostics and methods of treatment including acupuncture and herbology.

The program offered by Samra University of Oriental Medicine is designed to meet the requirements of the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education (BPPVE) for the award of the degree of Master of Science in Oriental Medicine. The program is also designed to prepare students to sit for licensure in California and in other states. More information on licensure is given below.

Students must enter the University with the equivalent of two academic years (90 quarter units or 60 semester units) of study, then complete four and one half academic years of study in acupuncture, herbology and Oriental medicine. This can be completed, full time, in 40 months. Students should note that the California Acupuncture Board will not allow a student to sit for the licensure exams who has not completed an academic program of at least 36 months of study.

To be awarded the degree, a student must have earned a minimum of 348 quarter units of credit in prescribed courses and in approved electives accepted for transfer and/or taken while enrolled in Samra University. This includes the units earned prior to enrollment for the degree program. It does not include credit for any co-requisite basic science courses taken at Samra (see Admissions Requirements). Because of the nature of courses required in this profession, many students will graduate with more than the minimum number of units.

Department of Acupuncture- Course descriptions

350 Introduction to Acupuncture I
Introduction to the art and science of acupuncture, including major types of channels and major types of points. Detailed study of channel pathways and acupuncture point locations of the Ren tion), Du, Lung, Large Intestine, Stomach, Spleen, Heart, and Small Intestine meridians. 
Prerequisite or Corequisite: 361 Fundamental Theories of Chinese Medicine. Corequisite: 310 Topographical Anatomy. (3/30)

351N Introduction to Acupuncture II
(Formerly Points Location and Theory I)
A detailed study of channel pathways and acupuncture point locations of the Urinary Bladder, Kidney, Pericardium, San Jiao, Gall Bladder, Liver, and Extra Points. 
Prerequisite or corequisite: 361 Fundamental Theories of Chinese Medicine. Corequisite: 310 Topographical Anatomy. (3/30)

352N Acupuncture Anatomy
(Formerly Points Location and Theory II)
A detailed study of acupuncture point locations and their channel pathways in relation to anatomical regions, nerves, bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and vessels, with an emphasis on channel and collateral theory and treatment. 
Prerequisites: 310 Topographic Anatomy; 361 Fundamental Theories of Chinese Medicine; 350 Introduction to Acupuncture I; 351N Introduction to Acupuncture II. (3/30)

353N Acupuncture Point Energetics
(Formerly Points Location and Theory III)
A detailed study of energetic functions of the acupuncture points for the 14 meridians, plus review of point locations and channel pathways for the 14 channels. 
Prerequisites: 350 Introduction to Acupuncture I; 351N Introduction to Acupuncture II. (3/30)

354N Microsystems
(Formerly Points Location and Theory IV)
Introduction to Auricular, Scalp, Hand, Foot, Eye, and Face microsystems of acupuncture, with an emphasis on treatment applications.
Prerequisites:350 Introduction to Acupuncture I; 351N Introduction to Acupuncture II. (3/30)

355N Acupuncture Therapeutics I
(FormerlyPoints Location and Theory IV) 
A detailed study of therapeutic strategies and point combinations for major channel problems and Zangfu syndromes. 
Prerequisites: 352N Acupuncture Anatomy; 353N Acupuncture Point Energetics. (3/30)

356N Acupuncture Therapeutics II
(New course)
A continuation of the study of therapeutic strategies and point combinations for major channel problems and Zangfu syndromes.
Prerequisites:352N Acupuncture Anatomy; 353N Acupuncture Point Energetics. (3/30)

357 Secondary Vessels
(Formerly Points Location and Theory V)
A comprehensive study of the Eight Extra, Cutaneous, Sinew, Luo, Divergent channel points, meridian pathways, energetics, and therapeutics. 
Prerequisites: 352N Acupuncture Anatomy; 353N Acupuncture Point Energetics. (3/30)

456 Acupuncture Techniques I
Lectures and demonstrations, with practice sessions, of the techniques of acupuncture, including Clean Needle Technique, sterile technique, use of disposable needles; insertion and removal of needles; and managing emergency situations.
 Prerequisites: 352N Acupuncture Anatomy; 353N Acupuncture Point Energetics. (3/30)

457 Acupuncture Techniques II
A continuation of Acupuncture Techniques I, including a review of Clean Needle Technique, and an introduction to tonification and sedation techniques, moxibustion, cupping, electrostimulation. 
Prerequisite: 456 Acupuncture Techniques I. (3/30)

458 Acupuncture Techniques III
A continuation of Acupuncture Techniques II, covering scalp and auricular techniques, needling of difficult points, and advanced techniques. 
Prerequisites: 457 Acupuncture Techniques II; 354N Microsystems. (3/30)

One required Acupressure or Tuina course selected from among the following:

441 Acupressure I
Basic principles and techniques of the application of pressure to acupuncture points to elicit a therapeutic reaction.
Corequisite: 361 Fundamental Theories of Chinese Medicine. (3/30).

442 Acupressure II (Elective)
Continuation of Acupressure I. 
Prerequisite: 441 Acupressure I. (3/30)

541 Tuina l
Studies of the Chinese method of acupressure and therapeutic massage.
Prerequisites: 361 Fundamental Theories of Chinese Medicine; 350 Intro duction to Acupuncture I; 351N Introduction to Acupuncture II. (3/30)

542 Tuina II (Elective)
A continuation of Tuina I. 
Prerequisite: 541 Tuina I. (3/30) 

Department of Clinical Training - Course des

Training

The 1100 hours of clinical training are divided into the following categories:

Observation: 170 hours observing interns and clinicians
Phase 1: 200 hours of patient care under close supervision
Phase 2: 200 hours of patient care under close supervision
Phase 3: 200 hours of patient care, moderate supervision
Phase 4: 200 hours of patient care under progressively less supervision
Clinic Seminar:  90 hours of presentation and discussion of case studies

 

538 Herbal Pharmacy
Supervised practical experience in the herbal pharmacy, selecting, weighing and compounding herbal prescriptions.
Prerequisite: 33 1-334 Chinese Herbology I-IV; 601 Clinical Observation I; 602 Clinical Observation I: Procedures. (2/40)

601 Clinical Observation I
An orientation to the acupuncture clinic for entering interns. Classroom sessions include discussions of basic diagnostic protocol, traditional Chinese medical therapies, and the patient-practitioner relationship. Students spend a minimum of 40 hours observing clinicians and advanced students in their examination and treatment of patients. 
Prerequisite: 492Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation; 602 Clinical Observation: Proce dures. (2/40) Note: Clinic can be started after completing the 5th academic quarter of the full-time schedule.

602 Clinical Observation I: Procedures
A prerequisite to 601 Clinical Observation I. All aspects of clinic procedures including: Clean Needle Technique protocol and the prevention of infection from blood borne pathogens. (2/20)

605 Clinical Observation IA
A continuation of Clinical Observation I, with emphasis on incorporating diagnostic skills into a cohesive clinical procedure. Students spend a minimum of 40 hours observing clinicians and advanced students.
Prerequisite: 601 Clinical Observation 1. (2/40)

606 Clinical Observation IIB
A continuation of Clinical Observation hA. 
Prerequisite: 605 Clinical Observation hA. (2/40) 607Clinical Observation!!: Presentations Review of Oriental Medical theory, acupuncture, herbology, diagnosis, and their application to case studies in preparation for seeing clinic patients. (2/20) 
Prerequisite: 601 Clinical observation; 602 Clinical Observation I: Procedures.

611 Clinical Internship: Phase lA
Practical experiences in the clinic, at progressive levels of responsibility, under the supervision of clinical staff. 
Prerequisites: 605/606 Clinical Observation II; 607 Clinical Observation II: Case Presentations. (4/80)

612 Clinical Internship: Phase lB
A continuation of Clinical Internship: Phase 1A. 
Prerequisite: 611 Clinical Internship: Phase 1A. (4/80)

612L Clinical Seminar: Phase 1C
Presentation and discussion of cases attended by interns. This course must be taken concurrently with a Clinical Internship Phase. No credit for Phase lB is recorded until the seminar is completed. Course credit is included in Phase lB. (0/20)

621 Clinical Internship: Phase 2A
Practical experiences in the clinic, at progressive levels of responsibility, under the supervision of staff. 
Prerequisite: 612 Clinical Internship: Phase lB and 612L Clinic Seminar. (4/80)

622 Clinical Internship: Phase 2B
A continuation of Clinical Internship: Phase 2A. 
Prerequisite: 621 Clinical Internship: Phase 2A. (4/80)

622L Clinical Seminar: Phase 2
Presentation and discussion of cases attended by interns. This course must be taken concurrently with a Clinical Internship Phase. No credit for Phase 2B is recorded until the seminar is completed. Course credit is included in Phase 2B. (0/20)

631 Clinical Internship: Phase 3A
Practical experiences in the clinic, at progressive levels of responsibility, under the supervision of staff. 
Prerequisite: 622 Clinical Internship: Phase 2B. (4/80)

632 Clinical Internship: Phase 3B
A continuation of Clinical Internship: Phase 3A. 
Prerequisite: 631

632L Clinical Seminar: Phase 3
Presentation and discussion of cases attended by interns. This course must be taken concurrently with a Clinical Internship Phase. No credit for Phase 3B is recorded until the seminar is completed. Course credit is included in Phase 3B. (0/20)

641 Clinical Internship: Phase 4A
Practical experiences in the clinic, at progressive levels of responsibility under the supervision of staff. 
Prerequisite: 632 Clinical Internship: Phase 3B. (4/80)

642 Clinical Internship: Phase 4B
A continuation of Clinical Internship: Phase 4A. 
Prerequisite: 641 Clinical Internship: Phase 4A. (4/80)

Department of Oriental Medicine - Course descriptions

255 Qi Gong
An introduction to Chinese philosophy and theories of Qi as expressed in the exercises and breathing techniques of Qi Gong. 
Prerequisite: None. (3/30)

256 TaiQi
An introduction to Chinese philosophy and theories of Qi as expressed in the patterns of movement of Tai Qi. 
Prerequisite: None. (3/30)

360 Chinese Medical Terminology
An introduction to basic Chinese terminology and characters useful in understanding acupuncture, herbology and Chinese medical theory. 
Prerequisite: None. (3/30)

361 Fundamental Theories of Chinese Medicine
An orientation to Chinese medicine and introduction to the concepts of yin and yang, 5 elements, basic substances, organ physiology, etiological factors, 8 principles. 
Prerequisite: None. (3/30)

362N Chinese Medical Philosophy
(Formerly Essentials of Chinese Medicine I)
An introduction to Confucian, Buddhist, Taoist and other theories comprising the philosophical bases of Chinese Medicine, with reference to issues of health and illness, lifestyle, and methods for cultivation of one's Qi and spirit. 
Prerequisite: None. (3/30)

363N Zangfu Syndromes I
(Formerly Essentials of Chinese Medicine II)
In-depth study of the signs, symptoms and syndromes relating to the differentiation of disharmony according to Qi and Blood, Zangfu organs, and combination organ syndromes, including a discussion of the etiology and treatment principles. 
Prerequisite: 360 Chinese Medical Terminology; 361 Fundamental Theories of Chinese Medicine. (3/30)

364N Chinese Medical Diagnosis
A study of the four traditional methods of Oriental diagnosis, including observation, ausculation/olfaction, inquiry and palpation. Study includes signs, symptoms, tongue analysis, and pulse analysis. Includes a one-hour practical session. 
Prerequisite: 361 Fundamental Theories of Chinese Medicine. Recommended prerequisite: 363N Zangfu Syndromes I. (4/40)

365N Five Elements Theory
(New Course)
An in-depth study of Five Elements Theory and its application to syndromes of dysfunction in Chinese Medicine. 
Prerequisites: 361 Fundamental Theories of Chinese Medicine. (3/30)

366N Zangfu Syndromes II
(Formerly Essentials of Chinese Medicine IV)
Continuation of the in-depth study of signs, symptoms and syndromes according to Qi and Blood, Zangfu organs, and combination organ syndromes begun in Zangfu Syndromes I, with the addition of and special emphasis on appropriate herbal and acupuncture treatment modalities. 
Prerequisites: 363N Zangfu Syndromes I; 364N Chinese Medical Diagnosis, at least one Acupuncture Therapeutics course, and one Herbal Prescriptions course. (3/30)

545 Chinese Internal Medicine I
Studies of disorders of the respiratory system, various types of pain, and urinary disorders. 
Prerequisites: 366N Zangfu Syndromes II, at least one Acupuncture Therapeutics course, and one Herbal Prescriptions course. (3/30)

546 Chinese Internal Medicine II
Studies of disorders of the gastrointestinal system, neuromuscular system, genital system, and hematology. 
Prerequisites: 366N Zangfu Systems II; at least one Acupuncture Therapeutics course, and one Herbal Prescriptions course. (3/30)

547 Chinese Internal Medicine III
Studies of disorders or neurology, psychology, sleep, cardiovascular system, and tumors. 
Prerequisites: 366N Zangfu Syndromes II; at least one Acupuncture Therapeutics course, and one Herbal Prescriptions course.
(3/30)

548 Chinese Internal Medicine IV: ObIGyn
Studies of disorders of the female reproductive system and of obstetrics.
Prerequisites: 366N Zangfu Syndromes II; at least one Acupuncture Therapeutics course, and one Herbal Prescriptions course. (3/30)

549N Shang Han Lun/Wen Bing
(Formerly Essentials of Chinese Medicine III)
In-depth study of the signs, symptoms and syndromes relating to the differentiation of disease according to the Shang Han Lun (Six-Channel Differentiation), Wen Bing (Four Level Differentiation), and San Jiao Differentiation, with appropriate herbal and acupuncture treatment modalities. 
Prerequisites: At least one Chinese Internal Medicine course, one Acupuncture Therapeutics course, and one Herbal Prescriptions course. (3/30)

Department of Herbology- Course descriptions

330 Botany and Introduction to Herbology
A basic study of plant life, including plant morphology, and the classification and basic properties of Chinese herbs. 
Prerequisite or corequisite: 361 Fundamental Theories of Chinese Medicine. (3/30)

331 Chinese Herbology l
A detailed study of approximately 90 Chinese herbs, their classification, name, taste, properties, entering channels, actions, and indications, contraindications and preparation. Includes a brief introduction to a few commonly used formulas for each category of herbs. Herb categories to be covered include: Warm Acrid Herbs that Release the Exterior, Cool Acrid Herbs that Release the Exterior, Herbs that Clear Heat, and Down-ward Draining Herbs. 
Prerequisites: 330 Botany and Introduction to Herbology; 361 Fundamental Theories of Chinese Medicine. (3/30)

332 Chinese Herbology ll
A detailed study of approximately 90 Chinese herbs, their classification, name, taste, properties, entering channels, actions, and indications, contraindications and preparation. Includes a brief introduction to a few commonly used formulas for each category of herbs. Herb categories to be covered include: Herbs that Drain Dampness, Herbs that Expel Wind-Dampness, Herbs that Cool and Transform Phlegm Heat, Warm Herbs that Transform Phlegm-Cold, Herbs that Relieve Coughing and Wheezing, Herbs that Expel Phlegm by Inducing Vomiting, Aromatic Herbs that Transform Dampness, Herbs that Relieve Food Stagnation, Herbs that Regulate the Qi. 
Prerequisites: 330 Botany and Introduction to Herbology; 361 Fundamental Theories of Chinese Medicine. (3/30)

333 Chinese Herbology III
A detailed study of approximately 90 Chinese herbs, their classification, name, taste, properties, entering channels, actions, and indications, contraindications and preparation. Includes a brief introduction to a few commonly used formulas for each category of herbs. Herb categories to be covered include: Herbs that Stop Bleeding, Herbs that Invigorate the Blood, Herbs that Warm the Interior and Expel the Cold, Herbs that Tonify the Qi, Herbs that Tonify the Blood, Herbs that Tonify the Yang. 
Prerequisites: 330 Botany and Introduction to Herbology; 361 Fundamental Theories of Chinese Medicine. (3/30)

334 Chinese Herbology lV
A detailed study of approximately 90 Chinese herbs, their classification, name, taste, properties, entering channels, actions, and indications, contraindications and preparation. Includes a brief introduction to a few commonly used formulas for each category of herbs. Herb categories to be covered include: Herbs that Tonify the Yin, Herbs that Stabilize and Bind, Substances that Calm the Spirit, Aromatic Substances that Open the Orifices, Substances that Extinguish Wind and Stop Tremors, Herbs that Expel Parasites, Substances for External Application. 
Prerequisites: 330 Botany and Introduction to Herbology; 361 Fundamental Theories of Chinese Medicine. (3/30)

419 Chinese Nutrition
A study of nutrition from the perspectives of traditional Chinese Medicine. 
Prerequisite: 363N Zangfu Syndromes I; 33 1-334 Chinese Herbology I-IV (3/30)

435 Herbal Prescriptions I
Building upon the knowledge of individual herbs, this course introduces the concept of herbal formulation, presenting classical formulae that release the exterior , clear heat, drain downward, and harmonize. The course includes a discussion of how to adjust the formulae to the condition of individual patients. 
Prerequisites: Completion of 33 1-334 Chinese Herbology I-IV; 363N Zangfu Syndromes I; 364N Chinese Medical Diagnosis. (3/30)

436 Herbal Prescriptions II
Discussion of the formulae that treat Dryness, expel Dampness, warm Interior Cold, and tonify Qi.
Prerequisites: Completion of 33 1-334 Chinese Herbology I-N; 363N Zangfu Syndromes I; 364N Chinese Medical Diagnosis. (3/30)

437 Herbal Prescriptions III
Discussion of the formulae that nourish the Blood, nourish and tonify Yin, warm and tonify Yang, regulate Qi, invigorate the Blood, stop Bleeding, and stabilize and bind. 
Prerequisites: Completion of 33 1-334 Chinese Herbology I-IV; 363N Zangfu Syndromes I; 364N Chinese Medical Diagnosis. (3/30)

438 Herbal Prescriptions IV
Discussion of formulae that anchor and settle the Mind, nourish the Heart to calm the Mind, open the orifices, extinguish Wind and stop tremors, treat phlegm, reduce food stagnation, expel parasites, and that are used for external application.
Prerequisites: Completion of 331-334 Chinese Herbology I-IV; 363N Zangfu Syndromes I; 364N Chinese Medical Diagnosis. (3/30)

537 Herbal Prescriptions Review and Synthesis
(New course)
Review and synthesis of the classical formulae required by the California Acupuncture Committee and commonly used in traditional and modern practice. (3/30)

Medical Acupuncture for Physicians

http://www.hmieducation.com/

Medical Acupuncture for Physicians presents the fundamentals of acupuncture theory, channel and point location, approaches to diagnosis and therapy, needling techniques, and patient management. It is a practice-oriented program that creates a sophisticated structure for the intelligent use of acupuncture.

The training is organized into three units that involve lectures, home study and video course viewing, and supervised clinical training.

There are two format options for the full program. Both involve the introductory weekend and one clinical unit.

The comprehensive HMI curriculum represents 300 hours of formal instruction in the medical acupuncture.

There is also a reduced 220-hour format of the essential HMI curriculum, which involves fewer home study videos than the comprehensive curriculum. Participants in the essential format will be able to responsibly integrate acupuncture into their medical practices at the conclusion of the program, but will not have the breadth or depth of theoretical and clinical information that participants in the comprehensive format have.

UNIT 1: INTRODUCTORY WEEKEND

You will receive a copy of the Acupuncture Energetics textbook upon acceptance into the program, and are required to read sections of the book prior to attending the introductory weekend. In Los Angeles, course chairman Dr. Joseph Helms begins the program with an historical and scientific overview of acupuncture, and explains its context in modern medicine. He discusses the traditional models of acupuncture, including the circulation of Qi energy, characteristics and symptoms of the energy axes, the action of command points, and the five phases model. He talks about the realistic application of acupuncture to primary care and to pain management problems. The introductory weekend is a preview of all the material that is covered in the course. Its goal is to create an intellectual structure to organize the new information.

Sections addressing palpation and needling skills are integrated into the introductory weekend to initiate learning the manual skills of acupuncture. This involves lectures on the anatomy of major acupuncture points, and small group work palpating trigger points, acupuncture channels, and acupuncture points. Basic needling technique is also taught. You are requested to watch one videotape of the acupuncture points and channels prior to attending.

OPTIONAL CLINICAL INTENSIVE WORKSHOP

An optional one-day program follows the introductory weekend for those physicians who wish to begin needling simple cases while completing the full training program. This day offers supervised training at the treatment table on point anatomy, palpation, and needling, and will enable you to safely treat uncomplicated acute musculoskeletal pain.

UNIT 2: HOME VIDEO STUDY

The core video course curriculum involves the precise identification of the acupuncture channels and points. The integration of gross anatomy, physiology, pathology, and therapy in acupuncture becomes progressively clear as you learn the locations and indications of the points. You are expected to read the textbook during this study period.

Specialty video course lectures are provided for each clinical pathway. These explore either classical or specialty applications of acupuncture, such as auricular acupuncture, traditional Chinese acupuncture, and techniques of pain management with acupuncture. These videotapes may be watched at the same time as, or following the core curriculum tapes. A brief test must be completed for each videotape and book chapter, and be submitted prior to participation in the clinical unit.

UNIT 3: CLINICAL EXPERIENCE

The clinical unit brings the acupuncture learning process to practical clinical thinking and application. The first part of this unit involves a supervised review of channel and point locations, needling technique, and patient evaluation. The second part is an intensive hands-on session where you gain experience as both an acupuncture patient and an acupuncturist. Practice management is addressed in this session. The entire course is 10 days.

STUDY EXPECTATIONS

The ideal time to complete the course is within three to six months of the introductory weekend. You must be prepared to devote a regular period each week to study the videotapes and locate points on yourself and on family and friends. For example, in the complete 300-hour curriculum, a clinical unit taken at three months requires eight to ten hours of video viewing and study each week, at four months requires seven to nine hours, and at six months, five to seven hours. These requirements are reduced by 40% if you take the 220-hour curriculum. You are also encouraged to reserve at least six hours of weekly study time for the month following the clinical program to review the videos.

PROGRAM GOAL

The goal of the Medical Acupuncture for Physicians program is to enable you to employ acupuncture in your medical practice immediately after the clinical unit, and to be well prepared for later study in any specialized or advanced aspects of acupuncture. Three to six months of serious independent clinical integration following the final unit will ground your experience and allow you to gain confidence in this new modality.

Requirements For Certification in Medical Acupuncture

Candidates for certification in medical acupuncture must meet minimum general requirements, education and training requirements, experience requirements and must successfully pass the Board examination in order to achieve certification.

Acupuncture Education And Training Requirements

1. Subsequent to graduation from medical school, the applicant must have satisfactorily completed a minimum of 300 hours of systematic acupuncture training acceptable to the ABMA. Such training shall include a formal course of study of not less than 200 hours in a program that meets the WFAS standards for such courses as determined by the ABMA.
2. At least 100 hours of the minimum 300 hours of training shall have been clinical training acceptable to the ABMA.
3. All training hours must be acupuncture specific training.
4. Applicants should obtain a current list of ABMA approved training programs by contacting the ABMA office or from the Academy website www.medicalacupuncture.org.
5. Applicants who have obtained training through means other than through an ABMA approved training course must have the Board review their training to determine acceptability in lieu of an approved course of study. Detailed information regarding the content and curriculum of the course, the faculty, and the teaching methodologies employed in addition to appropriate certificates documenting successful completion of said training must accompany the application. The Board, in its sole judgment, shall determine the acceptability of any such training, on a case-by-case basis.
6. For applicants who obtained training from programs not previously approved by the ABMA, the Board may determine that an oral interview of the applicant is necessary, in order for the Board to determine the adequacy of training.

Know the Difference of Acupuncture Training

The practice of acupuncture and Oriental medicine is receiving unprecedented publicity in this country, and acupuncture is being offered by a variety of health care practitioners calling themselves "acupuncturists." Consequently, the general public may be confused over the qualifications of those providing this service.

The American Association of Medical Acupuncturists (AAMA) recommends a program of only 220 to 300 hours of study for what it terms "medical acupuncture" for medical doctors.  See article: Medical Acupuncture for Physicians

Where state chiropractic boards are allowed to certify their licensees in acupuncture, their programs are usually a mere 100 hours. See article: International Academy of Medical Acupuncture Inc. (IAMA)

Note:    Both article’s will interest you, in reviewing the education and clinical training or lack of, that other health care professionals have in regards to their training in acupuncture.

I chose these 2 associations since they are major associations in training other health care professionals in acupuncture.

Nationally accredited acupuncture schools provide a minimum of 1725 hours of training in their educational programs for acupuncture and a minimum of 2175 hours in their programs of Oriental medicine. These hours also constitute the educational requirements for the licensing of Acupuncturists in most states.

The American Association of Oriental Medicine (AAOM) has adopted the position that anyone practicing acupuncture without certification as a Diplomate in Acupuncture (Dipl. Ac.) from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), or an equivalent state license as an Acupuncturist, practices below the prevailing standards of minimum competency for acupuncture.

In speaking to other healthcare providers (Medical Doctors, Chiropractors, Naturopaths, etc.) regarding this topic of administrating acupuncture treatment, several professionals feel that performing acupuncture is not in their scope of practice due to the higher standards of education and clinical training that an acupuncturist must study.

The other set of healthcare providers (Medical Doctors, Chiropractors, Naturopaths, etc.) who do acupuncture, feel they have this right to perform acupuncture because the education they received may have included more hours of education in their perspective fields such as medical school, chiropractic school and/or osteopathic school than the amount of hours that acupuncturists receive in their perspective field. Again this is comparing oranges to apples. 

I point out how the education and clinical training of both professions are completely and vastly different.

These professional’s (Medical Doctors, Chiropractors, Naturopaths, etc.) also like to say they are performing medical acupuncture, meridian acupuncture, scientific acupuncture, etc. By saying this, they feel they are now entitled to do acupuncture.

I feel that since I have been educated and received degrees in both systems of health care, it is my opinion that unless a healthcare professional has received adequate training in acupuncture it poses health risk’s as well as either success or failure of the clinical outcome of the treatment.

The question to ask yourself is, do I want a healthcare professional performing acupuncture on myself and/or my loved ones who has not been adequately trained.

“The ultimate choice that must be made, is by you the patient”

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