Certificate Programs
While completing the Master’s Degree program at Five Branches, students have the opportunity to advance their study in a specialized area of concentration. Students are awarded a certificate upon completion of these series to reflect their specialized skills. Some electives are offered every semester, while others are offered when faculty are available.
Certificates are available in:- Five Element Acupuncture
- Medical Qigong
- Sports Medicine
- Tuina Massage
- Orthopedic Shiatsu
Five Element Certificate Program
Five Branches is fortunate in having some of the leading practitioners and teachers of Five Element Acupuncture living in Santa Cruz. They each have studied with Professor Worsley, the founder of the Five Element Acupuncture Certificate. Together they have many years of experience in the specialized field which integrates classical Chinese medical philosophical theory with modern psychology. Additional guest faculty will participate from time to time.
The Law of the Five Elements was formulated by the ancient Chinese as a way to understand the movement of life’s energies in nature. The courses in this department teach students to diagnose and treat the Qi according to this model, thereby addressing a deep level of human experience.
The Certificate Program in Five Element involves three theoretical courses and four levels of clinical training. The clinical training courses allow the students to first observe and later practice the applications of the Five Element Theory, Energetics and the Spirit of the Points on patients. All the certification requirements can be taken as part of the MTCM degree program.
The progression through the Five Element Certificate Program is as follows:
Students must take Five Element Theory I and II. After the completion of the Five Element Theory I, all students are eligible to enroll in Five Element Clinical Rounds. Clinical Internship Rounds can be taken with concurrent enrollment in the Five Element Theory II. The remaining, higher levels of clinical training should be taken in progression.
Students must attend one more Five Element theory course (see choices at right). The following is the list of courses that are offered in Five Element Acupuncture. Please see course descriptions under the Department of TCM Theory and the Department of TCM Clinical Training.
Five Element Theory I
MCT 310 2 Units/32 Hours
Five Element Theory II
MEL 420 2 Units/32 Hours
Five Elements: Spirit of the Points, I
MEL 431 2 Units/32 Hours
Five Elements: Spirit of the Points, II
MEL 432 2 Units/32 Hours
Five Elements: Spirit of the Points, III
MEL 433 2 Units/32 Hours
Five Elements: Deepening Into the Officials
MEL 440 2 Units/32 Hours
Five Elements: Archetypal Acupuncture
MEL 450 2 Units/32 Hours
Five Element Clinical Rounds
MCL 300 48 Hours
Five Element Clinical Internship Rounds
MCL 400 48 Hours
Five Element Clinical Paired Internship
MCL 510 48 Hours
Medical Qigong Practitioner Certificate Program
Five Branches offers a 200 hour Medical Qigong Practitioner (M.Q.P.) course that teaches the basic theories and practical applications of Medical Qigong. The course is based on the textbook Chinese Medical Qigong Therapy: A Comprehensive Clinical Text which is used throughout the course for subject material.
The courses include oral and practical examinations and allow the students to participate in clinical internship at the Five Branches Medical Qigong Clinic. A 200 hour Medical Qigong (M.Q.P.) certificate will be issued to students who have successfully completed Courses 1 through IV (128 academic hours) in addition to 72 hours of Clinical Internship.
The program is four semesters (two years). The final exams include oral and practical examinations plus clinical competencies. See course descriptions under the Department of TCM Complementary Studies and the Department of Clinical Training.
Medical Qigong I
MEL 310 2 Units/32 Hours
Medical Qigong II
MEL 320 2 Units/32 Hours
Medical Qigong III
MEL 330 2 Units/32 Hours
Medical Qigong IV
MEL 340 2 Units/32 Hours
Medical Qigong Clinical Internship Rounds
MCL 400 72 Hours
Qigong Instructor Training Certificate Program
The Qigong Instructor Training Certification program is designed for those who want to instruct Qigong and deepen their own personal practice. The Qigong Instructor Training is taught through three-level courses that focus on Qigong Flowing Forms, Stretches, and Energy Enlivening Exercises based on the Healing Tao System.
The Healing Tao system is derived from ancient techniques rooted in the processes of nature, gathered and integrated into an accessible coherent teaching by Mantak Chia and his students. The practices are designed to improve physical, mental and spiritual well-being. The techniques work directly with the life force or Qi flowing through the meridian system of the body. The aim of the Healing Tao is to restore the individual to a position of harmonious flow with the forces of nature. The teaching method is direct and practical.
The certificate program includes both a practical and a written evaluation at the end of each level of training. Students will have to pass these exams in order to continue on to the next level. An inclusive evaluation will be conducted at the end of the entire program to pass to receive the certification.
This course is open to the public and students alike. However, non degree-seeking students must meet the general education requirements for admission. Additionally, a basic course on Chinese Medicine theory is required for any non degree-seeking students. The prerequisite for this program is a year of Qigong training (two semesters) with a qualified instructor.
Please see course descriptions under the Department of Complementary Studies.
Qigong Instructor Training Level I
MEL 411 2 Units/32 Hours
Qigong Instructor Training Level II
MEL 412 2 Units/32 Hours
Qigong Instructor Training Level III
MEL 413 2 Units/32 Hours
Sports Medicine Certificate Program
Orthopedic acupuncture has become a growing trend in the world of sports. Athletes use acupuncture to heal joint pain, muscle strains and sprains, and to prevent further injury. The benefits of stress reduction and increased energy provided by acupuncture are also helpful in keeping athletes in top performance and in alleviating tension prior to competition.
The Five Branches Sports Medicine certificate program is designed for students who are particularly interested in helping patients increase stamina, flexibility and de-stress to remain in peak form. The program emphasizes treatment of orthopedic injuries such as shin splints, tennis elbow, knee injuries, low back pain, sprained ankles, and other impairments.
The certificate program is comprised of two academic classes, three specialized clinical training sessions, and two specific examinations. The first exam tests knowledge in anatomy and physiology, TCM and channel theories and is a prerequisite for participation in the related clinical training. The second is a practical examination.
For specific course descriptions please refer to the Department of Clinical Medicine, Department of TCM (under electives) and Department of Clinical Training (under Clinical Specialty Options).
Successful completion of the following coursework and final examination will award the student with the certificate:
TCM Trauma and Orthopedics
MCM 520 3 Units/48 Hours
Advanced Trauma and Orthopedics
MEL 700 2 Units/32 Hours
Sports Medicine Rounds
MCL 300 1.5 Units/48 Hours
Sports Medicine Internship
MCL 600 1.5 Units/48 Hours
TCM Tuina Massage Practitioner Certificate Program
Tuina utilizes a variety of hand techniques which are usually practiced on a clothed body. Tuina works on the energy channels and points, using the same principles as acupuncture—except that the hands and fingers are used rather than needles. Tuina has the potential to release stagnant energy flows and tensions enhancing the healing process. Getting things moving again re-establishes the proper functioning of the body and the recovery of damaged tissues. Tuina works holistically, treating the mind through the body and vice versa. It leaves patients with a deep sense of physical and mental relaxation, and well-being. Another important effect of Tuina is to bring the patient’s awareness back to what is going on within their own body, which is an essential first step in any healing process.
The TCM Tuina Massage Technician Certificate Program at Five Branches Institute consists of 176 hours of both theoretical and clinical instructions leading to the certification. Students may obtain all courses required for the certificate program while fulfilling their MTCM degree.
This program is also open to students who are not enrolled in the MTCM program, provided they meet the general education enrollment requirements for Five Branches Institute and have taken the prerequisites MCT 100, MAC 110, MCT 200, MWM 201 and MWM 203.
The following are the list of course required for the certification. Please see course descriptions under the Department of TCM Acupuncture and the Department of Clinical Training.
TCM Tuina Massage I
MAC 350 3 Units/48 Hours
TCM Tuina Massage II
MEL 400 2 Units/32 Hours
TCM Tuina Massage Clinical Internship Rounds
MCL 400 48 Hours
TCM Tuina Massage Clinical Internship
MCL 600 48 Hours
Orthopedic Shiatsu Certificate Program
Orthopedic Shiatsu is a form of Asian Physical Medicine that combines TCM channel theory with Shiatsu massage and western orthopedic tests. The essence of Shiatsu combines diagnosis and therapy in one treatment. Orthopedic Shiatsu embraces this essence and specifically focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal problems. Students will learn palpation skills to diagnose imbalances within the primary 12 channels, the muscle channels, nerves and joints while simultaneously treating them with Shiatsu.
Orthopedic Shiatsu is ideal for acupuncturists who want to deepen their understanding of channel theory through palpatory diagnosis. Students will also sharpen their skills in Western physical assessment. Advanced practitioners will gain the clinical skills to assess and treat acute and chronic orthopedic conditions.
There are three distinct levels leading to certification: Shiatsu I explores Shiatsu Massage, practitioners learn to give a full body shiatsu session and learn the basic kata or sequence. Shiatsu II introduces orthopedics combined with Shiatsu. This course features the anatomy of the 12 muscle channels and their relationship to orthopedic tests. Shiatsu III & IV combine trigger point diagnosis and myofascial release techniques. Students learn to combine Shiatsu and acupuncture techniques.
Completion of the Orthopedic Shiatsu Certification Program, together with courses from the MTCM program, leads to national certification and meets the bodywork requirements to sit for the Asian Bodywork Therapy (ABT) examination and become a Diplomate in Asian Bodywork Therapy by the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine).
Shiatsu I
AJA 110 3 Units/48 Hours
Shiatsu II
AJA 120 3 Units/48 Hours
Shiatsu III
AJA 210 3 Units/48 Hours
Shiatsu IV
AJA 320 1 Units/16 Hours