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 a thorough practical knowledge of meridian theory and modern clinical applications of Traditional Chinese acupuncture. The courses proceed from an introduction of meridian theory to point location, functions and indications, and treatment planning. Labs concentrate on accurate physical point location, needling methods, 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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| 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 Meridian and Acupuncture I courses. The 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 also covered. Completion of this course is required for entry into Clinical Intern Rounds. Upon completion of this course the student will be 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 sitting in the licensing examinations. |
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| Prerequisite: None. Course required to be taken during 4th semester |
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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. This course introduces Channel Theory to first semester students. The focus is on the 12 regular channels taught in 3 paired circulation cycles: Taiyin and Yangming, Shaoyang and Taiyang, Shaoyin and Jueyin. Du and Ren channels are also introduced. Each channel will be covered from the aspects of primary passage, luo connecting channel, divergent channel and muscular channel. Pathology will also be emphasized so that students will learn to recognize the pathological patterns of individual channels and choose the appropriate channel to treat the pathology. Upon successful completion of the course, students will understand the general picture of channel system through which acupuncture works. Students will familiarize themselves with the pathways and pathology of the regular channels laying a solid foundation for further study of acupuncture. |
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| Prerequisite: None |
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| MAC 220 1.5 Units 24 Hours |
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| This course presents the acupuncture points of the first six meridians (Lung, Large Intestine, Stomach, Spleen, Heart, Small Intestine) along with 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 technique. Contraindications and precautions of specific points will also be emphasized throughout the course. After completing this course, students will know the first six meridian systems along with the Du and Ren channels. Students will know the location, function and clinical application of each point, and the clinical uses of these eight channels. Students will be able to accurately locate the points, use correct needling technique and know the contraindications of specific points. |
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| Prerequisite: MAC 110 Channel Theory |
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| MAC 230 1.5 Units 24 Hours |
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| This course presents the acupuncture points of the first six meridians (Lung, Large Intestine, Stomach, Spleen, Heart, Small Intestine) along with 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 technique. Contraindications and precautions of specific points will also be emphasized throughout the course. After completing this course, students will know the first six meridian systems along with the Du and Ren channels. Students will know the location, function and clinical application of each point, and the clinical uses of these eight channels. Students will be able to accurately locate the points, use correct needling technique and know the contraindications of specific points. |
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| Prerequisite: MAC 110 Channel Theory |
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| MAC 320 1.5 Units 24 Hours |
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| This course covers the acupuncture points of the six remaining meridians—Urinary Bladder, Kidney, Triple Burner, Pericardium, Gall Bladder and Liver. 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 will also be emphasized throughout the course. Upon completion of this course, students will know the remaining meridian systems, points, functions and clinical uses, including needling techniques and contraindications of specific points. |
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| Prerequisite: MAC 220/MAC 230 Meridians and Acupuncture Points I/Lab |
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| MAC 330 1.5 Units 24 Hours |
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| This course covers the acupuncture points of the six remaining meridians—Urinary Bladder, Kidney, Triple Burner, Pericardium, Gall Bladder and Liver. 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 will also be emphasized throughout the course. Upon completion of this course, students will know the remaining meridian systems, points, functions and clinical uses, including needling techniques and contraindications of specific points. |
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| Prerequisite: MAC 220/MAC 230 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, make up one of the traditional five branches of TCM. Although our program emphasizes the clinical methods of acupuncture and herbology, this course introduces the students to various traditional Chinese therapeutic massage systems, especially tuina. Emphasis in class is on using specific clinical evaluations to form specific therapeutic massage treatments that may become a part of clinical practice. After completing this course, students will be able to use TCM massage techniques to influence patients’ health without acupuncture needles. |
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| Prerequisite: MWM 201, Human Anatomy; MCT 100, TCM Foundations and 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 acupuncture treatment from the basic preparation, clean field, sterilization and safety, through complex needling techniques. The different types of needle and clinical applications will be discussed in the classroom and practiced in the lab, including electrical stimulation, cupping, moxibustion, and gua sha. Case management will also be discussed so that students will know how to start as an intern to practice acupuncture effectively and also be able to manage potential risks in the practice of acupuncture. After completing this course, students will be able 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 1.5 Units 24 Hours |
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| This course presents the Extra Meridians and their associated acupuncture points. Additionally, 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. After completion of this course, students will know extra meridian theory, ear and scalp acupuncture and clinical applications and locations of extra points. Students will be able to accurately locate these points and use corresponding needling techniques. |
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| Prerequisite: MAC 320/MAC 330, Meridians and Acupuncture Points II/Lab |
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| MAC 520 1.5 Units 24 Hours |
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| This course presents the Extra Meridians and their associated acupuncture points. Additionally, 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. After completion of this course, students will know extra meridian theory, ear and scalp acupuncture and clinical applications and locations of extra points. Students will be able to accurately locate these points and use corresponding needling techniques. |
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| Prerequisite: MAC 320/MAC 330, Meridians and Acupuncture Points II/Lab |
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| MAC 601 2 Units 32 Hours |
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| This course is the first of two classes which review treatment principles and methods according to Channel Theory, with a focus on acupuncture point selection for Internal Medicine conditions. The focus of this class is in-depth study of the texts: Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion (CAM) and Acupuncture: A Comprehensive Text (Shanghai). This course complements the TCM Internal Medicine courses and provides the students with a more comprehensive view of how to apply the different TCM theories for diagnosis as well as the selection of the most appropriate treatment methods for the same conditions. Upon completion of this course, students will understand how to analyze internal medicine conditions according to Channel Theory and how to treat those conditions with acupuncture and ancillary techniques. |
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| Prerequisite: MAC 320/MAC 330Meridians and Acupuncture Points II/Lab; MCM 510 TCM Internal Medicine II |
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| MAC 701 2 Units 32 Hours |
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| This second course, continues the study of general treatment principles and methods according to Channel Theory, with a focus on acupuncture point selection for Internal Medicine conditions. The focus of this class is in-depth study of the texts: Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion (CAM) and Acupuncture: A Comprehensive Text (Shanghai). This course complements the TCM Internal Medicine courses and provides the students with a more comprehensive view of how to apply the different TCM theories for diagnosis as well as the selection of the most appropriate treatment methods for the same conditions. Upon completion of this course, students will understand how to analyze internal medicine conditions according to Channel Theory and how to treat those conditions with acupuncture and ancillary techniques. |
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| Prerequisite: MAC 320/MAC 330 Meridians and Acupuncture Points II/Lab; MCM 510 TCM Internal Medicine II |
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Following are Elective Courses
[ 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 class will primarily focus on clinical assessment and treatment protocols for a variety of common musculoskeletal and Internal medicine disorders while expanding on the foundation of TCM Tuina Massage I. This will give the students the ability to use Tuina as an independent treatment modality and making available the benefits of TCM massage to those whom acupuncture is either undesirable or inappropriate. Upon completion of this class, students will have the skills to assess and treat a number of musculoskeletal problems as well as many internal illnesses using Tuina as a sole source of therapy or in conjunction with other TCM modalities. This course is required for obtaining the TCM Massage Technician Certification. |
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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. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to self-assuredly and accurately needle points on the meridian system and the extraordinary points. |
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| Prerequisite: MAC 320/MAC 330, Meridians and Acupuncture Points II/Lab |
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