Acupuncturist Program: Year 1
| The focus of year one will be on the orientation into the paradigm of Chinese medicine. Following the introduction of fundamental theories and concepts the student will gradually be introduced to diagnosis, disease and treatment principles. The practical training will be focused on Taiji Quan. The study of the Chinese language is used to develop a deeper understanding of the fundamental concepts and to prepare the student for independent research of TCM manuscripts still in their language of origin, as well as preparation for possible further studies in China for those students who choose to do so. ….. Year 1 of the program is a particularly significant phase of the program in that students from diverse backgrounds and with diverse levels of knowledge will establish in themselves not only the actual detailed knowledge of TCM, but also a solid conceptualization of the medicine as a whole. In general, this involves a transition from the romantic view of TCM to the realism of the medicine as a science in its own right. With the study of western science initiated in tandem with that of TCM, students will begin to foster the integrated medicine approach advocated within the TCM profession today. |
Term 1 – Fall
101. Fundamentals of TCM (lecture) 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.
7 credits
102. Meridians: theory and location (lecture) Covers the following topics: introduction to the origin and development of the meridian system; introduction to the twelve regular meridians and eight extraordinary; meridian gen-jie (root-branch), four sea, and six meridian diagnosis. Study revolves around investigation of the earliest classical citings of these topics in the Huangdi Neijing, Bo Shu and Shang Han Lun.
Concurrent 101, 197
4 credits
103. Yang Sheng Fa: nourishing vitality principles (lecture) Introduction to the naturalist (Daoist) world view, using the naturalist theories of yin-yang, qi and the 5 phases (wu xing). Discussion will focus on living and eating according to natural principles, and the use of Chinese medical dietetics (food-as-medicine) in the prevention and treatment of disease. In addition, discussions on body constitution, characteristics: genetic and environmental factors and a brief introduction to western clinical nutrition are included in the form of student presentations. Properties and functions of whole foods and some TCM herbs will be discussed and students will be introduced to relevant information from TCM classic texts including the Huangdi Neijing.
3 credits
104. Introduction to Chinese Medicinal Substances (lecture) 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.
1 credit
106. Taiji Quan (practical) A participation course designed to introduce students to the benefits of the physical exercise of taiji quan.
2 credits
109. Chinese Language I (lecture) 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.
3 credits
157. Touch Ethics/Body Landmarks (lecture & practical) A practical course which identifies the physical boundaries in the doctor/patient relationship. Issues of permission, safety and multidimensional boundaries will be included. Course will include palpation of major anatomical landmarks of the body.
1 credit
197. Western Anatom&Physiology (lecture & practical) 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.
4.5 credits
Term One Total Credits: 25.5
Term 2 – Winter
151. TCM Diagnostics (lecture) 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
7 credits
159. Chinese Language II (lecture) 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
3 credits
161. Acupoints (lecture & clinical) Offers a complete study of the location of all regular points, a study of the therapeutic use of points, the memorization of the location, special point groupings and function of the 140 most frequently used points, the understanding of the relationship of the functions of points and the treatment of illness. Students will learn the exact surface location of all acupoints on the 12 regular meridians according to the modern standard. Students will be able to express these locations both verbally as well as practically, on the human body. Students will also learn the various special point groupings as well as their functional significance and therapeutic uses. Students will gain knowledge of the therapeutic uses and functions of all acupoints studied.
Prerequisites 102, 151 (or concurrent)
7 credits
164. Point Location Lab (practical) Adjunct and concurrent to course 161. Acupoints will be located on other students in class.
Prerequisites 102, 151 (or concurrent)
2 credits
167. Counseling Skills I (lecture & practical) The study of principles and ethics of therapeutic counseling. Focus is on methods of interaction.
2 credits
197. Western Anatomy&Physiology (lecture & practical) 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.
4.5 credits
Term Two Total Credits: 25.5
Year 1 Total Credits: 51
Year 1 Credit Hours: 765
Acupuncturist Program – Revised March 2013
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