TCM Clinical Medicine
Joanna Zhao, L.Ac.
Department Chair
The courses in TCM Theory, herbology and acupuncture teach students the basic concepts of Chinese medical pattern differentiation along with the common functions and indications of herbs, formulas and acupuncture points. However, these facts alone are not enough to fully diagnose and treat disease.
The classes in the Department of Clinical Medicine expand on this knowledge and train students to treat various diseases included in the various TCM disciplines of Internal Medicine, External Medicine, Gynecology, Pediatrics, and Traumatology and Orthopedics. In these courses, students gain advanced skills in differential diagnosis and treatment planning of both common and complex diseases. Training includes detailed instruction of herbal and acupuncture treatment plans. These courses lay the foundation for the students' clinical practices.
[ Required Courses ]
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| MCM 410 3 Units 48 Hours |
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| This course will cover the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of common diseases of the musculo-skeletal system in accordance with both TCM and Western medicine. Emphasis will be on the differentiation of bone and soft tissue injuries, which are common industry and sports injuries. Students will learn to treat patients with acupuncture and herbs and perform essential orthopedic tests to evaluate the outcome of treatments, as well as recognize red flags in orthopedics and make referrals. Students will be able to properly instruct patients in the proper rehabilitation and prevention of sports and industrial injuries. This course is required to obtain the Sports Medicine Certificate. |
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| Prerequisite: Completion of 3rd semester |
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| MCM 510 3 Units 48 Hours |
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| This course reviews the history of TCM internal medicine, the mechanisms of disease, the principles of making a diagnosis, and the common treatment methods associated with a diagnosis. Etiology, pathogenesis, and signs and symptoms of common disease patterns of internal medicine will be reviewed. Students will learn to diagnose common internal medicine diseases from TCM and Western medicine perspectives, identify their patterns, and devise appropriate treatment plans, including herbal formulations with appropriate modifications. |
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| Prerequisite: MRA 400, Cum Review II; MHB 410, TCM Formulas I |
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| MCM 630 3 Units 48 Hours |
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| This course presents both Western and TCM knowledge of gynecology. Differential diagnosis of the most common gynecological concerns and disharmonies are covered in detail, including common menstrual disharmonies, such as irregularity, leukorrhea, PID, PMS, infertility, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Emphasis is placed on the common complaints of women and the TCM herbal and acupuncture treatments for these disharmonies. Contraindications during pregnancy are also covered. The course includes training in the use of Western diagnostic reports in relation to hormonal cycles. |
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| Prerequisite: MHB 520, TCM Formulas II |
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| MCM 730 3 Units 48 Hours |
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| In this course, students learn how to treat common diseases in internal medicine according to both TCM and Western disease categorizations. In studying each disease, students learn its etiology and pathogenesis, pattern differentiation, treatment principles and corresponding treatment therapies, using both herbs and acupuncture. |
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| Prerequisite: MCM 510, TCM Internal Medicine I; MHB 520, TCM Formulas II |
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| MCM 810 2 Units 32 Hours |
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| This course teaches students the treatment of common diseases in external medicine according to both TCM and Western disease categorizations. In studying each disease, students learn its etiology and pathogenesis, syndrome differentiation (patterns), treatment principles and corresponding treatment therapies, using both herbs and acupuncture. |
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| Prerequisite: Completion of 6th semester |
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| MCM 820 3 Units 48 Hours |
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| This course emphasizes common complaints of children, and the TCM theories, herbal, acupuncture and pediatric tuina treatments that apply to the special circumstances of children. Child development, specific patent formulas for children, herbs for breast-feeding moms to pass onto the baby, respiratory ailments, enuresis, special children’s disharmonies such as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), and TCM health recommendations for children, will be reviewed in the course. |
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| Prerequisite: MHB 610, TCM Formulas III |
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[ Elective Courses ]
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| MEL 490 .5 Units 8 Hours |
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| This is an introductory level course on hepatitis C that encompasses East/West diagnosis and treatment plans. TCM diagnosis and modalities for treatment such as acupuncture point prescriptions, herbal formulas, nutritional considerations and supplementation will be reviewed. Students will learn the functions of the liver from Chinese, Western and naturopathic perspectives. Western diagnostics, such as lab and imaging reports, will be covered. Supportive care for patients undergoing Western anti-viral therapy, and complications and associated symptoms of hepatitis C infection, including liver damage, fatty liver disease, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases will be addressed. This course is a prerequisite for Hepatitis C Clinical Training. |
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| Prerequisite: Completion of 2nd Semester |
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| MEL 600 2 Units 32 Hours |
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| This case study based course will provide students with the clinical applications of theories and treatment modalities introduced in TCM Gynecology. The focus of the course is on management of female patients during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. The course will review the special signs, symptoms, indications and contraindications for acupuncture and herbal treatment of pregnant women and new mothers. Current gynecological research from hospitals in China that have successfully merged TCM and Western medicine treatments for conditions, such as infertility, ovarian atrophy, endometriosis and amenorrhea, will be covered in detail. |
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| Prerequisite: MCM 630, TCM Gynecology |
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| MEL 610 2 Units 32 Hours |
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| The use of acupuncture to support patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy is well documented for its success. This course will introduce the theory and pathogenesis of cancer mechanisms from a TCM perspective. TCM treatment modalities for cancer as well as detoxification methods for chemo-radiation therapy are covered in detail. Case studies will also be presented. |
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| Prerequisite: Completion of 6th semester |
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| MEL 620 2 Units 32 Hours |
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| This course is designed to help students understand addiction/chemical dependency and the TCM treatments that apply. Special emphasis is given to NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) protocols for the treatment of substance abuse. The course provides an overview of established methods currently used in state and federal drug rehabilitation programs, as well as the legal and ethical issues related to treating individuals with addictions. |
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| Prerequisite: Completion of 5th semester |
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| MEL 700 2 Units 32 Hours |
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| Based on the TCM Traumatology and Orthopedics course, students will further discuss the etiology, pathogenesis, differential diagnosis and treatment for traumatic injuries of the skin, tendons, ligaments and muscles from an integrative approach. Students will review X-rays, learn how to perform specific orthopedic tests for common musculoskeletal injuries, and make proper referrals when necessary. Herbal formulas for poultices, plasters and compresses will be taught, in addition to acupuncture treatment modalities. This course is required to obtain the Sports Medicine Certificate. |
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| Prerequisite: MRA 600, Cum Review III |
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| MEL 800 2 Units 32 Hours |
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| This is an advanced course in TCM pediatrics designed for students intending to specialize in the treatment of infants and children. The course will review in more detail the foundation of both Western and Chinese medical theories as they apply to pediatrics. The course will cover diagnostic and treatment modalities for infectious, respiratory, digestive and certain congenital and genetic diseases in children. Emphasis will be given to clinical application through case studies, patient demonstration and the practice of pediatric tuina. |
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| Prerequisite: MAC 350, TCM Tuina Massage I; MCM 820, TCM Pediatrics |
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