Course Descriptions – Year 1

Term 1

101. Fundamentals of TCM (lecture) 7 credits. Introduction to fundamental theories including: YinYang; Qi; five phases; six essential substances; meridian theory; onset of disease, classical Chinese physiology (zang xiang), etiology and prognosis; seven emotions. Discussion of these topics will include their classical and modern interpretations.

102. Meridians: theory and location (lecture) 4 credits. Topic areas include: introduction to the origin and development of the meridian system; introduction to the twelve regular meridians and eight extraordinary meridians through investigation of their earliest classical citings. Meridian gen-jie (root-branch), four seas and the six jing will also be introduced. Concurrent 101, 197

103. Yang Sheng Fa (nourishing life principles) (lecture) 3 credits. Introduction to the naturalist (Daoist) world view; adjusting to the changes in nature and life; understanding social custom and relationship; living and eating according to natural principles; food and fasting as medicine.

104. Introduction to Chinese Medicinal Substances (lecture) 1 credit. An overview of the origins of Chinese medicinal substances as well as their habitat, collection, and processing. The fundamental properties of Chinese medicinal substances will also be introduced. Basic botanical knowledge will be included as it applies.

106. Taiji Quan (practical) 2 credits. A participation course designed to introduce students to the benefits of the physical exercise of taiji quan.

109. Chinese Language I (lecture) 3 credits. An introduction to the modern Chinese language (Mandarin) with a focus on grammar, character writing and recognition, and how to negotiate a dictionary to look up terms and characters. Course content centers on TCM terminology and TCM in an informal setting.

157. Touch Ethics/Body Landmarks (lecture and practical)  1 credit. A practical course which identifies the physical boundaries in the doctor/patient relationship. Issues of permission, safety and multi-dimensional boundaries will be included. Course will include palpation of major anatomical landmarks of the body.

197. Western Anatomy/Physiology Theory & Lab (lecture & practical) 9 credits. An in-depth study of the body’s skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive and endocrine systems, as well as an introduction to basic biochemistry and cellular physiology as defined by allopathic/Western medicine. The above is combined with a directed, detailed study of human anatomy. The skeletal, muscular, vascular and nervous systems will be examined in depth. As well, surface landmarks and other details of surface anatomy will be investigated. This course is delivered over two terms.

Term 2

151. TCM Diagnostics (lecture) 7 credits. Topic areas include: the four methods (observation, osculation/olfaction, interrogation,  palpation); an introduction to the main signs and their meaning in TCM;  an introduction to tongue diagnosis and pulse taking in TCM; an introduction to the ba gang (eight unifying principles); basic clinical discussion and record keeping. Prerequisite 101

159. Chinese Language II (lecture) 3 credits. A continuation of the skills taught in Chinese Language I. Course content centers on a more formal TCM setting and will include introduction to translation of modern Chinese TCM writings. Prerequisite 109

161. Acupoints: location and function (lecture) 7 credits. A complete study of the location of all acupoints on the twelve regular meridians; therapeutic uses of the points; functions of the 140 most frequently used points; understanding of the relationship of the functions of points and the treatment of illness. Prerequisites 102; concurrent with 151

164. Point Location (practical) 2 credits. Adjunct and concurrent to course 161. Acupoints will be located on other students in class. Prerequisite 102; concurrent with 151

167. Counseling Skills I (lecture & practical)  2 credits. The study of principles and ethics of therapeutic counseling.  Focus is on methods of interaction.
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Course Descriptions
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