Acupuncture Course

Lesson 1 • Zang-Fu Organ System Overview

Introduces the twelve organ systems as functional energetic units rather than anatomical structures. Builds the physiological map for point selection logic.

Lesson 2 • Etiology and Pathogenesis in TCM

Covers external, internal, and miscellaneous disease causes including Six Pathogenic Factors and Seven Emotions. Enables pattern differentiation in later chapters.

Lesson 3 • TCM Diagnostic Framework Introduction

Introduces the Four Examinations and Eight Principles as the diagnostic backbone. Prepares students to collect and interpret clinical data systematically.

Lesson 4 • Qi, Yin-Yang, and Vital Substances

Defines Qi types, Yin-Yang polarity, Blood, and Body Fluids as TCM's physiological currency. Anchors all organ and pathology discussions that follow.

Lesson 1 • Musculature and Fascial Planes

Maps major muscle groups, tendons, and fascial layers relevant to needle depth and angle. Prevents inadvertent muscle trauma during insertion.

Lesson 2 • Neurovascular Structures and Safety Zones

Identifies arteries, veins, and nerve trunks near common acupuncture sites. Establishes contraindicated depths and angles to prevent serious adverse events.

Lesson 3 • Neurophysiology of Acupuncture Response

Explains De Qi sensation, A-delta and C-fiber activation, and endorphin release mechanisms. Bridges TCM theory with biomedical evidence for clinical confidence.

Lesson 4 • Thoracic and Abdominal Organ Proximity

Covers pleural boundaries, lung fields, and abdominal organ positions relative to surface points. Critical for safe needling of chest, back, and abdomen.

Lesson 1 • Extra Points and Auricular Locations

Introduces commonly used extra points and ear acupuncture zones outside primary channels. Expands point selection options for specialised clinical presentations.

Lesson 2 • Proportional Measurement Methods

Teaches cun measurement using body-proportional and finger-width methods. Accuracy here directly determines clinical precision in all subsequent point location work.

Lesson 3 • Governing and Conception Vessels

Maps Du Mai and Ren Mai pathways, their points, and their roles as Qi reservoirs. Essential for midline needling and extraordinary vessel treatment strategies.

Lesson 4 • Twelve Primary Meridians: Upper Body

Traces Lung, Large Intestine, Heart, Small Intestine, Pericardium, and Triple Warmer pathways with key points. Builds upper-body point repertoire for clinical use.

Lesson 1 • Insertion Techniques and Needle Angles

Teaches guide-tube insertion, perpendicular, oblique, and transverse angles for varied body regions. Angle selection is determined by anatomy and therapeutic intent.

Lesson 2 • Needle Types, Gauges, and Selection

Covers filiform needle dimensions, gauge-to-tissue matching, and specialty needle types. Correct selection prevents unnecessary discomfort and tissue damage.

Lesson 3 • Infection Control and Sterile Technique

Establishes single-use needle protocols, hand hygiene, and clean-field preparation standards. Compliance with professional hygiene standards is non-negotiable for licensure.

Lesson 4 • Adverse Events and Emergency Response

Identifies needle fainting, stuck needle, broken needle, and pneumothorax risks with response protocols. Prepares students to manage complications calmly and competently.

Lesson 1 • Six-Stage and Four-Level Differentiation

Covers Shang Han Lun six-stage and Wen Bing four-level frameworks for acute febrile conditions. Expands diagnostic range beyond chronic internal medicine presentations.

Lesson 2 • Integrating Biomedical and TCM Diagnoses

Maps common biomedical diagnoses to corresponding TCM patterns for dual-diagnosis documentation. Enables communication with referring healthcare providers.

Lesson 3 • Bi, Wei, and Painful Obstruction Patterns

Differentiates wind, cold, damp, and heat Bi syndromes and Wei atrophy patterns. Musculoskeletal presentations are among the most common acupuncture referrals.

Lesson 4 • Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation

Identifies deficiency and excess patterns for each organ system using signs and symptoms. Organ patterns directly determine point prescription logic in Chapter 6.

Lesson 1 • Empirical and Master Point Combinations

Introduces historically validated point pairs and master combinations for common presentations. Provides reliable clinical shortcuts grounded in classical literature.

Lesson 2 • Treatment Frequency and Dosage Planning

Establishes guidelines for session frequency, number of needles, retention time, and course length. Dosage decisions directly affect treatment outcomes and patient compliance.

Lesson 3 • Contraindications and Special Populations

Identifies absolute and relative contraindications including pregnancy, bleeding disorders, and implants. Adapts treatment planning for paediatric, elderly, and medically complex patients.

Lesson 4 • Local, Adjacent, and Distal Point Strategy

Applies the three-zone selection framework to build balanced prescriptions for any condition. Distal point selection is the hallmark of classical acupuncture efficacy.

Lesson 1 • Musculoskeletal Pain Conditions

Develops protocols for neck, shoulder, low back, and knee pain using pattern-differentiated prescriptions. Musculoskeletal pain represents the largest patient population in acupuncture clinics.

Lesson 2 • Mental-Emotional and Sleep Disorders

Treats anxiety, depression, insomnia, and stress using Heart, Liver, and Kidney pattern frameworks. Mind-body integration is a core strength of acupuncture in modern practice.

Lesson 3 • Digestive and Internal Medicine Conditions

Addresses IBS, nausea, constipation, and Spleen-Stomach disharmony patterns. Internal medicine conditions require precise organ pattern differentiation for effective treatment.

Lesson 4 • Headache and Neurological Conditions

Treats migraine, tension, and cluster headache types plus facial pain and Bell's palsy. Channel pathway analysis determines point selection for head and face conditions.

Lesson 1 • Cupping and Gua Sha Techniques

Teaches fire and vacuum cupping, sliding cupping, and Gua Sha for Bi syndrome and stagnation. These adjunct therapies enhance blood and Qi circulation in musculoskeletal cases.

Lesson 2 • Electroacupuncture Protocols

Applies electrical stimulation to needles using frequency and waveform selection for specific conditions. Electroacupuncture is evidence-supported for pain, paralysis, and neurological rehabilitation.

Lesson 3 • Moxibustion Theory and Application

Covers direct, indirect, and moxa stick techniques with indications and contraindications. Moxa extends treatment options for cold-deficiency patterns unresponsive to needling alone.

Lesson 4 • Auricular and Scalp Acupuncture

Develops auricular microsystem and scalp zone protocols for systemic and neurological conditions. Microsystem approaches allow treatment when body points are inaccessible.