Clinical Medicine
Joanna Zhao, L.Ac.
Department Chair
The courses in TCM Theory, Herbology, Formulas, and Meridians and Acupuncture Points teach students basic TCM concepts. These concepts explain the functions and indications of herbs, herbal formulas and acupuncture points, as well as diagnose disease patterns. However, these facts alone are not enough to fully diagnose and treat disease.
The goal of TCM education is to train students to treat various diseases included in the various TCM disciplines of Internal Medicine, External Medicine, Gynecology, Pediatrics, EENT, and Traumatology and Orthopedics. In these courses, students will learn how to diagnose diseases and their patterns using theories studied in TCM Foundations and Diagnostics. They will also learn both herbal and acupuncture treatment plans for those disease patterns. 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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| In this course students learn the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of common diseases of the musculo-skeletal system in accordance with both TCM and Western medicine. Class will emphasize the differentiation of bone and soft tissue injuries which are common in industry and sports (injuries, wounds, abrasions, sprains and contusions to the tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints). Students will learn to recognize red flags in orthopedics and make referrals. Students will be able to treat patients with acupuncture and herbs and perform essential orthopedic tests to evaluate the outcomes of the treatments. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to diagnose common sports injuries using TCM and Western medicine perspectives, identify their patterns and give treatment plans which include both herbs and acupuncture. Students will also be able properly instruct patients in the proper rehabilitation and prevention of sports and industrial injuries. This course is required for obtaining the sports injury certification. |
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| Prerequisite: Completion of 3rd semester |
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| MCM 510 3 Units 48 Hours |
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| In this course students learn the history of TCIM, the mechanisms of disease, the principles of making a diagnosis and the common treatment methods associated with a diagnosis. The course also covers etiology, pathogenesis, and signs and symptoms of some common disease patterns of Internal Medicine. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to diagnose common Internal Medicine diseases from TCM and Western medicine perspectives, identify their patterns, devise appropriate treatment plans including herbal formulations with appropriate modifications. |
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| Prerequisite: MRA 400 Cum Review II; MHB410 TCM Formulas I |
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| MCM 630 3 Units 48 Hours |
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| This class presents both Western and TCM knowledge of gynecology. Differential diagnosis of the most common gynecological concerns and disharmonies are covered in detail. The course covers common menstrual disharmonies including irregularity, leukorrhea, PID, PMS, as well as 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. Upon completion of this course, students will have the knowledge to diagnose common gynecological diseases from TCM and Western medicine perspectives and be able to identify their patterns, devise treatment plans and administer appropriate herbal and acupuncture treatments. Students will also demonstrate competency in reading and evaluating lab reports, specifically as they relate to hormone levels. |
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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 the treatment of common diseases in Internal Medicine according to both TCM and Western disease categorizations. The course covers the diseases of Internal Medicine and studies their etiology and pathogenesis, pattern differentiation, treatment principles and corresponding treatment therapies using both herbs and acupuncture. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to diagnose common Internal Medicine diseases from TCM and Western medicine perspectives, identify their patterns, devise appropriate treatment plans and select both herbal and acupuncture treatments. |
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| Prerequisite: MCM 510 TCM Internal Medicine I; MHB520 TCM Formulas II |
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| MCM 810 2 Units 32 Hours |
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| In this course, students learn the treatment of common diseases in the category of External Medicine according to TCM and Western disease categorizations. In studying each disease, students learn its etiology and pathogenesis, syndrome differentiation (patterns), treatment principles as well as the treatment therapies with both herbs and acupuncture. Upon completion of this course, students will have the knowledge to properly diagnose common External Medicine diseases from TCM and Western medicine perspectives, identify their TCM patterns, give treatment plans and perform both herbal and acupuncture treatments properly. |
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| Prerequisite: Completion of 6th semester |
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| MCM 820 3 Units 48 Hours |
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| This class emphasizes common complaints of children and the TCM theories, herbal, acupuncture and pediatric Tuina treatments that apply to the special circumstances of children. This class covers 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. Upon completion the student will have knowledge and skills in diagnosing and treating children’s diseases with herbs, acupuncture and Tuina. |
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| Prerequisite: MHB 610 TCM Formulas III |
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[ Elective Courses ]
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| MEL 600 2 Units 32 Hours |
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| This case study based course will provide the students with clinical applications of the theories and treatment modalities that were introduced in the basic TCM Gynecology course. The focus of this class is on management of female patients during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. The course will go over the special signs, symptoms, indications and contraindications for acupuncture and herbal treatment of pregnant women and new mothers. The course will also present up-to-date gynecological research from hospitals in China that have successfully merged TCM treatments with Western medicine for the treatment of conditions such as infertility, ovarian atrophy, endometriosis and amenorrhea. Upon completion of this course, students will have advanced skills and knowledge of the TCM approach to obstetrics and to clinically useful information when treating patients with gynecological disorders. |
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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 as a modality of support for patients going through chemotherapy and radiotherapy is well documented for its success. The 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. Upon completion of this course students will have a basic understanding of TCM theory related to the development of tumors and cancer in the human body. Students will also understand treatment methodologies utilizing acupuncture and Chinese herbology for cancer patients. |
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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 treatments used for them in TCM. Special emphasis is given to the NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) protocols for the treatment of substance abuse. The class also provides an overview of established methods now used in state and federal drug rehabilitation programs, as well as legal and ethical issues related to treating those with addictions. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to treat patients of substance abuse with the NADA protocol methodology. |
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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 Trauma and Orthopedic course, this class will further discuss the etiology, pathogenesis, differential diagnosis and treatment for traumatic injuries of the skin, tendons, ligaments and muscles from an integrative approach. In this course 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 offered in addition to acupuncture treatment modalities. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to use muscular channel theory for the diagnosis and treatment of more specialized orthopedic conditions and prescribe common patented herbal medicine to supplement the acupuncture treatment. This course is required for obtaining the TCM 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. Upon completion of this course, students have greater knowledge and confidence in handling infants and children while applying TCM modalities for treatment. |
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| Prerequisite: MAC 350 TCM Tuina Massage I; MCM 820 TCM Pediatrics |
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