TREATMENT AND NEEDLING TECHNIQUE

Purpose
This class provides the bridge between theoretical class presentations and practical application in the Clinical Training and Internship Program. Case discussion includes presenting symptoms, results of diagnostic procedures, Chinese diagnosis, treatment options, and the rationale for the final disposition of the case. If needed, Western diagnostic and therapeutic considerations are also discussed. In this manner, students are given a framework in which they can learn how Chinese medical theory is actually applied in practice. Current clinic cases are reviewed in detail. There is time for questions and discussion and opportunity to work on cases as a group.

Course Educational Objectives
To enable students to formulate accurately an Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine diagnosis, to determine an effective treatment strategy based upon the diagnosis formulated, and to assess the effectiveness of the treatment strategy and its execution. To prepare students for Hawaii State Board of Acupuncture Licensure, National Certification in Acupuncture and National Certification in Herbal Medicine. To enable graduates to set up and maintain successful professional practice of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

This course is designed to train students in:

• Integration of TCM, Taoist Medicine, Herbal Medicine, and Biomedical concepts in treatment plans
• Accurate diagnosis and formulation of treatment strategy based on the diagnosis
• Effective treatment protocols and procedures

Learning experiences provided in this course include

• Acupuncture, Point Location, and Meridian Theory
• Location systems: anatomically, proportionally, by palpation, the anatomical Chinese inch
• All points of the twelve bilateral channels and the Conception and Governing vessels
• Forbidden points, contraindications of points

Collection of Data and Formulating a Diagnosis

• Observation - Noting the Spirit, Color, Body Structure, Tongue, Symptom Site, and Patient's Complexion
• Olfactory Examination - Odor of the Patient's Body and Patient's Secretions, Discharges and Breath
• Audio Examination - Sound of the Patient's Voice, Abdominal Sounds, Respiration, Cough Quality
• Palpation - Noting the Temperature, Moisture, Texture, Sensitivity, Tissue Structure, Rhythms and Qualities of the Abdomen, Chest, Ear, Channels and Points, and the Radial and Regional Pulses
• Enquiry - Asking General Questions, Questions About Medical History, Chief and Secondary Complaints, Sleep Patterns, Excretions, Thirst and Appetite, Digestion, Nutritional Levels and Patterns, Medications, Chills and/or Fever, Perspiration, Pain, Emotional State, Life Style, Exercise, Use of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drugs, Reproductive Cycles and Menstruation, Leucorrhoea, Sensations of Heat, Cold, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Palpitations and Chest Constriction
• Physical Examination Adjuncts - Such as Akabane and Electrical Stimulation

Treatment Techniques

• Clean Needle Technique: Needle Insertion, Depth, Duration, Manipulation, and Withdrawal
• Moxa Application, Direct, Indirect & Other Techniques: Bleeding, Cupping, Gua Sha, Seven Star
• Tonification and Sedation Methods
• Knowledge of Methods and Application of Treatment of Acute and Chronic Conditions, First Aid, Analgesia, Electrical Stimulation, and Safety Issues
• Chi Kung and Oriental Bodywork Therapy