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 Certificate Program
- Medical Qigong Practitioner Certificate Program
- Sports Medicine Certificate Program
- Tuina Massage Certificate Program
Five Element Certificate Program
Five Branches is fortunate to have some of the leading practitioners and teachers of Five Element Acupuncture. Together they have many years of experience in this 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 Five Element Certificate involves three theoretical courses and three 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. The certification requirements may be taken while fulfilling the MTCM degree program.
The progression through the Five Element Certificate Program is as follows:
In order to receive the Five Element Certificate students must complete Five Element Theory I, Five Element Theory II and one additional theory course of their choice. Five Element Clinical Rounds may be taken after completion of Five Element Theory I. Five Element Clinical Internship Rounds may be taken concurrently with Five Element Theory II. Five Element Clinical Paired Internship may be taken upon completion of MEL 310, MEL 420 and MCL 400. Each level of clinical training is required in order to obtain the certificate. The following courses are offered in the Five Element program. Please see course descriptions under the Department of TCM Theory and the Department of TCM Clinical Training.
[ Five Element Certificate Program ]
Five Element Clinical Rounds MCL 300
48 HoursIn this clinical training course, students will be able to observe senior practitioners in clinic as they apply Five Element theory, energetics and spirit of the points with their patients. Students will begin to understand how the principles of Five Element Acupuncture are applied in a clinical setting.
Prerequisite:
MRA 200, Cum Review I; MEL 315, Five Element Theory I
Five Element Clinical Internship Rounds MCL 400
48 HoursIn this clinical training course, students will be asked to diagnose and treat patients, under the direct supervision of senior practitioners, and to apply Five Element Theory, Energetics and Spirit of the Points. Prerequisite:
MCL 300, Five Element Clinical Rounds; MEL 420, Five Element Theory II (or concurrent enrollment)
Five Element Clinical Paired Internship MCL 510
48 HoursIn this second level of hands-on training, students work in pairs and alternate in conducting the patient intake, diagnosis and treatment. The students collaborate in the development of the patient diagnosis and treatment plan, and the presentation of their patient’s case to their clinical supervisor.
Prerequisite:
MCL 400, Five Element Clinical Internship Rounds; MEL 420, Five Element Theory II; MRA 400, Cum Review II
Five Element Theory I MEL 315
2 Units 32 HoursThis course is an introduction to the fundamentals of the Five Elements. Students will explore a map of energy that is particularly well suited for treating the emotional and spiritual levels and will begin to develop the skill to read energetic imbalances through color, sound, odor and emotion. The concepts in this course expand the range of conditions successfully treated by TCM practitioners.
Prerequisite:
MCT 200, TCM Diagnostics; MAC 220/MAC 230, Meridians and Acupuncture Points I/ Lab
Five Element Theory II MEL 420
2 Units 32 HoursThis course builds on the materials presented in Five Element Theory I, providing an opportunity to look deeper into the Elements and their Officials. Students will gain a deeper understanding of Five Element energetics and how to utilize this knowledge in the treatment room. Case studies will be presented throughout the course to enrich the understanding of this system of acupuncture. Prerequisite:
MEL 315, Five Element Theory I
Five Elements: Spirit of the Points MEL 431-433
2 Units 32 HoursAcupuncture points each have a name, a history, and a particular meaning and energy. This course examines the name of the point, its relationship to the Elements and to the corresponding Official (organ system), and its location and its relation to the overall context of the patient. The course includes discussion, meditation, art and poetry. The course is divided into three sections 2 units/ 32 hours each. Sections may be taken out of order:
Section I, MEL 431: Addresses the points of Wood and Fire Meridians
Section II, MEL 432: Addresses the points of Earth, Metal and Water Meridians
Section III, MEL 433: Addresses the points of the Window of Sky, Governor and Conception Vessels.Prerequisite:
MEL 315, Five Element Theory I
Five Elements: Deepening into the Officials MEL 440
2 Units 32 HoursThis course presents the energetics of each of the Officials (Zang Fu) from the Five Element perspective, including the many ways the Officials may present themselves when out of balance, and how imbalances in the Officials express themselves in patients’ physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual lives. Students will explore how imbalances in one Official affect the associated elemental pair, its Ko cycle pair, and the creative Shen cycle. The methodology of choosing points to address the Official, most in need of support will be discussed. Students will learn how an imbalance of the Officials within themselves, and as practitioners, affects their understanding and treatment of patients.
Prerequisite:
MEL 420, Five Element Theory II
Five Elements: Archetypal Acupuncture MEL 450
2 Units 32 HoursThis course discusses how Jungian psychology archetypes are viewed within the Five Elements of Chinese medicine, exploring the similarities that exist between modern Jungian psychology and Chinese medicine. The emphasis of the course will be on personal growth. Rituals, slides, Qigong exercises, stories, and spiritual poetry are used to create a “sacred space” for this exploration. The course will discuss the ancient Chinese models of the Five Elements and Twelve Officials as a system based on archetypal images. Comparisons will be drawn between Eastern and Western approaches. Students will learn to recognize archetypal emotional imbalances patterns in their patients and influence these energies through acupuncture points.
Prerequisite:
MEL 420, Five Element Theory II
Medical Qigong Practitioner Certificate Program
Five Branches offers a 200 hour Medical Qigong Practitioner (M.Q.P.) certificate. The courses teach the basic theories and practical applications of Medical Qigong. The program is based on the textbook Chinese Medical Qigong Therapy: A Comprehensive Clinical Text. 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 training.
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 Practitioner Certificate Program ]
Course Title Code Hours Medical Qigong Clinical Internship Rounds MCL 400 48 Medical Qigong I MEL 310 32 Medical Qigong II MEL 320 32 Medical Qigong III MEL 330 32 Medical Qigong IV MEL 340 32
Medical Qigong Clinical Internship Rounds MCL 400
48 HoursConducted in a small class setting, Clinical Internship Rounds gives students exposure and first-hand experience with Medical Qigong diagnoses and treatments. This is a hands-on experience in which the different aspects of energetic dysfunctions and symptom manifestations are studied and experienced by the Medical Qigong students. Through the careful guidance of the instructor, the Medical Qigong students will assist in all phases of diagnosis and treatment. Seventy-two hours of clinical training are required for the Medical Qigong certificate.
Prerequisite:
MEL 310, Medical Qigong I; MEL 320, Medical Qigong II; CNT; CPR/First Aid
Medical Qigong I MEL 310
2 Units 32 HoursIn Medical Qigong I, students are led through a progressive series of Qigong( Energy Skill) meditations and exercises. Students experience basic applications of Medical Qigong purgation, tonification, and regulation energetic skills. Each class includes lecture and personal application of energetic medicine. Students are taught to recognize specific Medical Qigong prescription exercises and meditations, (purging excess conditions, tonifying deficiencies, dispersing stagnations and regulating Qi, Blood and Body Fluid), and learn how and when to apply them in clinic. Students are introduced to energetic psychology, discharging toxic emotions, and how to handle the emotional discharges and toxic energetic releases coming from their patients. Prerequisite:
MCT 100, TCM Foundations; MAC 110, Meridian Theory or concurrent enrollment
Medical Qigong II MEL 320
2 Units 32 HoursIn Medical Qigong II, students are led through a progressive series of advanced Shengong (Spirit Skill) meditations and exercises. These exercises and meditations are specifically used for developing advanced intuitive diagnostic skills. Students are taught how to establish proper energetic boundaries, and neutralize specific psycho/emotional interactions such as, projection, transference, and counter-transference. Upon completion of this course, students are prepared to participate in the Medical Qigong clinical training and assist the instructor with performing treatment protocols.
Prerequisite:
MEL 310, Medical Qigong I; MEL 320, Medical Qigong II; CNT; CPR/First Aid
Medical Qigong III MEL 330
2 Units 32 HoursIn Medical Qigong III, students learn an energetic overview of the esoteric principles and foundational structures that govern Traditional Chinese Medical Qigong. Course content includes: the study of the Three Outer Forces and the influences on the human body, energy, food and diet, prenatal and postnatal Jing, Qi and Shen, the body’s energetic internal structures, The Five Spiritual Aspects of the Five Yin Organs, Advanced Shengong Cultivation Methods, The Six Transportations of Shen, The Eight Supernatural Powers, soul projection, spirit projection and energy projection, the energetic principles and functions of Medical Dao Yin Training, and how to rectify Qi deviations.
Prerequisite:
MEL 320, Medical Qigong II
Medical Qigong IV MEL 340
2 Units 32 HoursIn Medical Qigong IV, students are introduced to advanced Medical Qigong theories and clinical application. Topics include: energy purgation, tonification, regulation and cultivation, as well as the exercises and meditations used as homework prescriptions in Medical Qigong clinical training. Other topics are: clinical protocols, combining Medical Qigong with other TCM modalities (acupuncture, massage, cupping, moxa and herbs), clinical ethics, clinical burnout, principles and parameters of Medical Qigong therapy, contraindications, and clinical observations of pathological energetic patterns, internal organ prescriptions, and Healing Sound Therapy. Upon completion of this course, students are ready to begin practicing on their own, utilizing Medical Qigong treatment protocols in combination with other TCM modalities, and empowering their patients by teaching them modified Qigong prescriptions to suit their personal needs.
Prerequisite:
MEL 330, Medical Qigong III
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, specialized clinical training courses 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 and Department of Clinical Training. Successful completion of the following coursework and final examination will award the student with the certificate:
[ Sports Medicine Certificate Program ]
Course Title Code Hours Sports Medicine Clinical Rounds MCL 300 48 Sports Medicine Clinical Internship MCL 600 48 TCM Traumatology and Orthopedics MCM 410 48 Advanced TCM Trauma and Orthopedics MEL 700 32
Sports Medicine Clinical Rounds MCL 300
48 HoursIn this specialized clinical training course, students are able to observe senior practitioners in clinic practice as they apply acupuncture, Chinese medicinal herbs and Tuina massage to a broad spectrum of patients with sports injury-related conditions. Prerequisite:
MRA 200, Cum Review I; Passing the specialized round examination
Sports Medicine Clinical Internship MCL 600
48 HoursIn this final stage of clinical training, students gain greater responsibility to diagnose and treat patients, applying classical and specialized acupuncture and herbal formula treatment plans for a variety of sports injuries, as well as utilizing Western medical diagnostic techniques and examination when appropriate.
Prerequisite:
MCL 300, Sports Medicine Clinical Rounds; MCM 410, TCM Trauma & Orthopedics
TCM Traumatology and Orthopedics MCM 410
3 Units 48 HoursThis 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.
Prerequisite:
Completion of 3rd semester
Advanced TCM Trauma and Orthopedics MEL 700
2 Units 32 HoursBased 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. Prerequisite:
MRA 600, Cum Review III
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 reestablishes 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 Practitioner Certificate Program at Five Branches University consists of 176 hours of both theoretical and clinical training leading to the certification. Students may complete the 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 University and have taken the prerequisites MCT 100; MAC 110; MCT 200; MWM 103 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 Practitioner Certificate Program ]
Course Title Code Hours TCM Tuina Massage I MAC 350 48 TCM Tuina Massage Clinical Internship Rounds MCL 400 48 TCM Tuina Massage Clinical Internship Rounds MCL 600 48 TCM Tuina Massage II MEL 400 32
TCM Tuina Massage I MAC 350
3 Units 48 HoursMassage 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.
Prerequisite:
MCT 100, TCM Foundations; MWM 103, Human Anatomy; MAC 110, Channel Theory
TCM Tuina Massage Clinical Internship Rounds MCL 400
48 HoursA continuation of the theoretical and practical TCM Tuina Massage course, this course presents students with an opportunity to practice a broad spectrum of applications of Tuina massage with patients in the clinic, under supervision of senior practitioners.
Prerequisite:
MAC 350, TCM Tuina Massage I
TCM Tuina Massage Clinical Internship Rounds MCL 600
48 HoursA continuation of the theoretical and practical TCM Massage course and the Tuina Massage Clinical Internship Rounds, this clinical course offers students an opportunity to apply the Tuina massage techniques they have learned in class and observed in clinic with their own patients, under the supervision of a senior practitioner of Tuina massage.
Prerequisite:
MEL 400, TCM Tuina Massage II; MCL 400, TCM Tuina Clinical Internship Rounds
TCM Tuina Massage II MEL 400
2 Units 32 HoursThis 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. Prerequisite:
MAC 350, TCM Tuina Massage I