TCM Acupuncture
Frank He, L.Ac.
Department Chair
The Acupuncture courses are divided into didactic and lab sections, emphasizing both theoretical and practical aspects of acupuncture. These courses give students thorough knowledge of traditional and modern meridian theory. The courses proceed from an introduction of meridian theory to point location, functions, indications and treatment planning. The acupuncture curriculum includes thorough training in moxibustion, cupping, gua sha and electrical stimulation. Labs concentrate on accuracy, needling methods, technique and precautions. These courses, integrated with TCM theory and herbology, prepare students to study TCM clinical medicine and to receive clinical training.
[ Required Courses ]
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| MAC 110 1 Units 16 Hours |
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| Chinese medicine theory includes two major systems: Zang-Fu theory and channel theory. The focus is on the 12 regular channels taught in 3-paired circulation cycles (Taiyang and Yangming, Shaoyang and Taiyin, and Shaoyin and Jueyin), plus the Du and Ren channels. Each channel will be covered from the aspect of primary passage, luo connecting channel, divergent channel, and muscular channel. Pathology will be emphasized so students learn to recognize the pathological patterns of individual channels, choosing the appropriate channel to treat the pathology. |
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| Prerequisite: None |
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| MAC 220/230, MAC 320/330 6 Units 96 Hours |
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| This two-semester course sequence presents the acupuncture points of the twelve main meridians, plus the Du and Ren channels. Each meridian and acupuncture point is covered in detail, including functions, indications, location, distribution and clinical applications. The lab focuses on accurate point location and needling techniques. Contraindications and precautions of specific points are emphasized throughout the course. |
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| Prerequisite: Meridians and Acupuncture Points I: MAC 110, Introduction to Channel Theory Meridians and Acupuncture Points II: MAC 220/MAC230, Meridians and Acupuncture Points I/Lab |
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| MAC 350 3 Units 48 Hours |
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| Massage and manipulation, or Tuina, comprise one of the traditional five branches of TCM. Although the TCM program emphasizes the clinical methods of acupuncture and herbology, this course introduces students to various traditional Chinese therapeutic massage systems, including Tuina. Emphasis is on using specific clinical evaluations to formulate therapeutic massage treatments, which may become a part of clinical practice. |
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| Prerequisite: MCT 100 TCM Foundations; MWM 103 Human Anatomy; MAC 110 Channel Theory |
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| MAC 420 2 Units 32 Hours |
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| This course covers the full range of an acupuncture treatment from basic preparation, clean field, sterilization and safety, to complex needling techniques. The different types of needle and clinical applications are discussed in the classroom and practiced in the lab, including electrical stimulation, cupping, moxibustion, and gua sha. Students will learn to insert needles painlessly, bring qi to the points, use different types of needles to treat corresponding illnesses, be proficient in ancillary techniques, such as cupping, moxibustion, electrical acupuncture and gua sha, and understand the mechanism of acupuncture treatment. |
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| Prerequisite: MAC 320/330 Meridians and Acupuncture Points II/Lab |
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| MAC 510/520 3 Units 48 Hours |
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| This course presents the extra meridians and their associated acupuncture points. Ear and scalp acupuncture and over 40 extra points are covered in detail along with their clinical applications. The lab focuses on accurate point location and special ear and scalp needle techniques. |
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| Prerequisite: MAC 320/MAC 330 Meridians and Acupuncture Points II/Lab |
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| MAC 601, MAC 701 5 Units 80 Hours |
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| This course reviews treatment principles and methods according to Channel Theory, with a focus on acupuncture point selection for internal medicine conditions. The focus of this course is the in-depth study of the texts:Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion (CAM), and Acupuncture: A Comprehensive Text (Shanghai). The course complements the TCM Internal Medicine courses and provides students with a comprehensive view of how to apply different TCM theories for diagnosis, and how to select the most appropriate treatment methods for the same conditions. |
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| Prerequisite: MAC 320/MAC 330Meridians and Acupuncture Points II/Lab; MCM 510 TCM Internal Medicine II |
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| CNT 0.5 Units 8 Hours |
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| This course is a review of material previously introduced in the Beginning Theater Clinical Orientation and Meridians and Acupuncture I courses. Students will learn the appropriate procedures of sterilization and sanitation as they apply to the practice of acupuncture. Proper clean needle technique and disposal of needles are covered. Completion of this course is required for entry into Clinical Intern Rounds. Students are required to take a written and practical examination; passing both examinations satisfies the requirements of the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (CCAOM) and enables the student to receive their CNT certificate, which is required for the licensing examinations. |
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| Prerequisite: Course required to be taken during 3rd semester |
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* Electives are offered based on faculty availability and student interest.
[ Elective Courses ]
| Course Title | Code | Unit | Hours |
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| TCM Tuina Massage II | MEL 400 | 2 | 32 |
| Needle Practice | MEL 510 | 2 | 32 |
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| MEL 400 2 Units 32 Hours |
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| This course focuses on clinical assessment and treatment protocols for a variety of common musculoskeletal and internal medicine disorders, expanding on the foundation of TCM Tuina Massage I. Students will learn how to use Tuina as an independent treatment modality, offering TCM massage to those whom acupuncture is either undesirable or inappropriate. This course is required for obtaining the TCM Massage Practitioner Certificate. |
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| Prerequisite: MAC 350 TCM Tuina Massage I |
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| MEL 510 2 Units 32 Hours |
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| Needle Practice is an opportunity to perfect needling technique and to strengthen accuracy of acupuncture point location. Students will be supervised by a senior faculty member and shown how to access points regionally, with demonstrations on proper techniques for needling specified points, and the correct application of adjunct needle methods (fire needle, needle with moxa, three edged needle, cutaneous needles, etc.) This course allows students to improve their needling skills and thereby increase their clinical confidence. |
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| Prerequisite: MAC 320/MAC 330 Meridians and Acupuncture Points II/Lab |
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