Acupuncture

ACUPUNCTURE CHANNELS & POINTS
AC 101 – 104
Prerequisites: none
A core acupuncture series that teaches the locations and functions of acupuncture points along the twelve regular channels, the Ren (Conception) and Du (Governing) extraordinary vessels, and the pathways, characteristics, and functions of the regular channels, extraordinary vessels, muscle channels, divergent channels, and cutaneous regions. Also presents the actions and indications of points, concepts related to the five elements, yuan-source points, luo-connecting points, xi-cleft points, alarm points, the shu-connecting points of the back, influential points, window of the sky points, and ghost points.

Acupuncture Channels & Points I
AC 101 ∙ 3 units – 3-hour lecture/practical Prerequisites: none
Focuses on acupuncture channel theory and the Ren (Conception), Du (Governing), Lung, and Large Intestine channels.

Acupuncture Channels & Points II
AC 102 ∙ 3 units – 3-hour lecture/practical Prerequisites: AC 101
Focuses on the Stomach, Spleen, Heart, Small Intestine, and Urinary Bladder channels.

Acupuncture Channels & Points III
AC 103 ∙ 3 units – 3-hour lecture/practical Prerequisites: AC 101
Focuses on Kidney, Pericardium, Triple Burner, Gall Bladder, and Liver channels.

Acupuncture Channels & Points IV
AC 104 ∙ 3 units – 3-hour lecture/practical Prerequisites: AC 101, 102 & 103
Focuses on the “extra points” outside of the regular channels, including common extra points and micro-systems (auricular, scalp, nose, hand, and foot), and special points used by Master Tong.

ACUPUNCTURE TECHNIQUES
AC 111 – 113
Advances development in the safe and efficacious application of Oriental Medicine by teaching the art and science of acupuncture techniques and other treatment modalities including moxibustion, cupping, spooning, and electrical stimulation.

Beginning Acupuncture Techniques
AC 111 ∙ 2 units – 2-hour lecture/practical Prerequisites: none
Introduces fundamental theory, technical knowledge, and skills essential to the practice of acupuncture and other modalities of Oriental Medicine, including principles of hygeine, disinfection, sterilization, Clean Needle Technique (CNT), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) protocol and training, cautionary measures, contraindications, and the importance of informed consent. Includes assembly of student kits; practice in needle insertion and manipulation on vegetables and silicone; and education in the following: indirect and direct moxa; suction cups (including sliding techniques); electrostimulation, various styles of needling; magnets; beads; dermal friction; and gua sha (spooning).

Intermediate Acupuncture Techniques
AC 112 ∙ 3 units – 3-hour lecture/practical Prerequisites: AC 111
Incorporates exercises to improve needling and moxibustion techniques, develop protocols and methods to handle various needles, and cultivate an appropriate mentality, spirit, and mind for practice. Includes instruction in precise needling technique based on palpatory examination; methods for inducing “Qi Arrival” using both supporting and inserting hands; specialized acupuncture techniques such as the guide-tube system (Japanese-style needling); tonification and sedation techniques; Japanese-style moxibustion treatment; intradermal needling; cautions and contraindications to needling; and Clean Needle Technique (CNT) review.

Traditional Chinese Acupuncture Techniques
AC 113 ∙ 3 units – 3-hour lecture/practical Prerequisites: AC 111
The third course in the Acupuncture Techniques series provides instruction and practice in advanced acupuncture techniques and needle manipulation skills including warm-needle and through-and-through needling; advanced points; classic Chinese needling techniques (Yang Yi Zhou, Nei Jing); tonification and sedation; and three-edged, cutaneous, intra-dermal, and electrical stimulation.

ACUPUNCTURE THERAPY
AC 201, 203 & 204
Provides and overview of the variety of acupuncture therapies applied to effect change within the body while also preparing students for the California Acupuncture Licensing Exam (CALE).

Acupuncture Therapy: Traditional Chinese Acupuncture
AC 201 ∙ 3 units – 3-hour lecture
Prerequisites: AC 101, 102 & 103
Teaches the clinical use of acupuncture point combinations referenced in Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion (Cheng Xinnong, ed.). Presents acupuncture point prescriptions for various differential diagnoses and disease categories, as well as treatment points on the ear and scalp, and drug detoxification protocols. Also covers the extraordinary vessels and their paired confluent points (including clinical diagnosis and treatment), and expands upon the treatment system used by Master Tong, incorporating point functions, locations, needling depths, combinations, and techniques.

Acupuncture Therapy: Beginning Japanese Acupuncture
AC 203 ∙ 2 units – 2-hour lecture
Prerequisites: AC 112
Focuses on the core tenets of Japanese hari acupuncture, which features a highly sophisticated system of protocols and techniques that release stagnant conformations through subtle manipulations of the body’s neuro-endocrine system. Also discusses magnets and ion pumping cords.

Acupuncture Therapy: Advanced Japanese Acupuncture
AC 204 ∙ 2 units – 2-hour lecture
Prerequisites: AC 203
Further develops the instruction of Japanese hari acupuncture to include more advanced diagnostic and treatment methods, point combinations, and orthopedic techniques.