Montana Acupuncture Continuing Education

• NCCAOM Approved for Safety 1 hour
• Outline the basics of clean needle technique, including defining “clean field” and offering recommendations
• Discuss the most common methods of sterilization
• Contrast sterilization vs disposable needles
• Present the most common complications of needling
• Discuss contraindications to needling
• Present the most common infectious agents as risk factors for needling

• NCCAOM Approved for AOM-Biomedicine 1 hour
• Outline current concepts in trigger point theory
• Discuss the neurophysiology of current concepts in trigger point theory
• Distinguish between sclerotomes, dermatomes, myotomes and discuss their importance and trigger point diagnosis
• Discuss objective findings present in trigger point diagnosis
• Explain the importance of segmental relationships and needling

• List the similarities in treatment associated with all acupuncture microsystems
• Describe and point out the location of 17 discrete hand acupuncture points
• Describe and recreate a useful somatotope associated with hand acupuncture
• Compare and contrast 3 different styles of hand acupuncture
• Describe specific needling techniques associated with those hand acupuncture points which require specific needling techniques and/or directions
• List the similarities associated with ear acupuncture and other acupuncture microsystems
• Describe and recreate a clinically-useful somatotope/homunculus associated with ear acupuncture
• Locate the physical structures of the ear, such as the helix, antihelix, triangular fossa, antitragus, etc.
• Describe and point out the location of the major landmarks for auriculotherapy point location
• Describe and point out the location of 36 or more discrete ear acupuncture points
• List the similarities associated with Chinese Scalp Acupuncture and other acupuncture microsystems
• Describe and find treatment areas associated with the somatotope of the cortex of the brain
• Describe and point out the location of the major landmarks, lines, and points, used to find Chinese Scalp Acupuncture treatment areas and lines.
• Describe and point out the location of the 10 most commonly used Chinese Scalp Lines/Areas
• Describe and find the correct layer for needling Chinese Scalp lines, and begin practicing the techniques needed to use this form of acupuncture in clinical practice.
• List the similarities associated with YNSA Scalp Acupuncture and other scalp acupuncture microsystems
• Describe and find treatment areas associated with the YNSA somatotope
• Describe and point out the location of the major landmarks used to find YNSA Scalp Acupuncture points.
• Describe and point out the location of the most commonly used YNSA Scalp Points
• Describe and find the correct procedure and needling technique for treating YNSA Scalp Points, and begin practicing the techniques needed to use this form of acupuncture in clinical practice.

• NCCAOM Approved for AOM-BIO 1 hour
• Develop diagnostic tools and complementary treatment approaches to Achilles tendinopathy and related Achiiles tendon issues
• Outline a complete approach to treatment from assessment to acupuncture to patient advice
• Discover major points and regions used most to treat Achilles tendon issues
• Apply palpation and needling concepts to regions affecting/affected by Achilles tendinopathy
• Devise treatment plans specific to the patient’s Achilles tendon issue

• NCCAOM Approved for AOM-BIO 1 hour
• Develop diagnostic tools and complementary treatment approaches to Morton’s metatarsalgia, capsulitis and forefoot pain
• Outline a complete approach to treatment from assessment to acupuncture to patient advice
• Discover major foot points and regions used most to achieve better treatment outcomes
• Apply palpation and “grid” needling concepts to regions affecting/affected by Morton’s metatarsalgia, capsulitis and forefoot pain
• Devise treatment plans specific to patient’s forefoot complaint

• NCCAOM Approved for AOM-BIO 1 hour
• Develop diagnostic tools and complementary treatment approaches to common foot disorders
• Outline a complete approach to treatment from assessment to acupuncture to patient advice
• Discover major points and regions used most to achieve better treatment outcomes
• Apply palpation and needling concepts to regions affecting/affected by foot disorders
• Devise treatment plans specific to patient’s foot complaint

• NCCAOM Approved for AOM-BIO 1 hour
• Develop diagnostic tools and complementary treatment approaches to Metatarsophalangeal joint pain, Turf toe and first Metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint issues
• Outline a complete approach to treatment from assessment to acupuncture to patient advice
• Discover major foot points and regions used most to achieve better treatment outcomes
• Apply palpation and traction needling concepts to regions affecting the first metatarsophalangeal joint
• Devise treatment plans specific to patient’s first metatarsophalangeal joint complaint

• NCCAOM Approved for AOM-BIO 1 hour
• Develop diagnostic tools and complementary treatment approaches to heel pain, plantar fasciitis and plantar fascia disorders
• Outline a complete approach to treatment from assessment to acupuncture to patient advice
• Discover major points and regions used most to treat plantar fascia disorders
• Apply palpation and needling concepts to regions affecting/affected by heel pain, plantar fasciitis and plantar fasciopathy
• Devise treatment plans specific to the patient’s plantar fascia complaint

• NCCAOM Approved for AOM-BIO 1 hour
• Develop diagnostic tools and complementary treatment approaches to lateral ankle issues, inversion injuries and sinus tarsi syndrome
• Discover the association between lateral ankle injuries and sinus tarsi syndrome
• Outline a complete approach to treatment from assessment to acupuncture to patient advice
• Gain a better understanding of the distribution, pathology and function of the six leg muscle channels
• Devise a treatment plan specific to patient’s lateral ankle injury and sinus tarsi syndrome

• NCCAOM Approved for AOM-BIO 1 hour
• Develop diagnostic tools and complementary treatment approaches to tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Outline a complete approach to treatment from assessment to acupuncture to patient advice
• Discover major points and regions used most to treat issues related to the tarsal tunnel of the foot
• Apply palpation and needling concepts to regions affecting/affected by tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Devise treatment plans specific to the patient’s medial foot/tarsal tunnel complaint

• NCCAOM Approved for AOM-Biomedicine 1 hour
• Discuss Neuromuscular Manifestations of HIV and Electroacupuncture
• Review the use of Acupuncture and Microcurrents in AIDS patients
• Discuss Effects of Massage Therapy on the HIV-Exposed Newborn and Adult
• Describe how Massage Therapy enhances immune function in adults

• NCCAOM Approved for Safety 3 hours
• Define HIV
• Outline HIV epidemiology and symptoms
• Discuss the effects of HIV on health and wellness
• Review current facts about the HIV and AIDS epidemic both in the U.S. and worldwide
• Discuss strategies for preventing HIV in the health care workplace
• Outline universal precautions and additional precautions to prevent transmission of HIV by blood
• Apply what to do when there has been a possible exposure to HIV infection
• Define and discuss confidentiality laws covering the medical records of HIV/AIDS patients
• Define and discuss behavioral interventions for HIV/AIDS patients
• Outline the screening of HIV-infected persons for HIV transmission risk

• NCCAOM Approved for Safety 2 hours
• Assess the historical characteristics and epidemiology of HIV/AIDS
• Describe how HIV is spread and how it may be prevented
• Summarize the pathophysiology of HIV infection and AIDS
• Outline the natural history, diagnosis, and stages of HIV infection
• Illustrate the current treatment strategies for HIV infection and discuss common opportunistic infections associated with HIV

• NCCAOM Approved for AOM-Biomedicine 2 hours
• Summarize the biology and transmission of HIV/AIDS
• Describe the clinical and serological progression of HIV/AIDS
• Outline the diagnosis and follow up monitoring for HIV/AIDS
• Produce a synopsis of the medical management of HIV/AIDS
• Identify the 5 classes of HAART medications and their mechanism of action
• Recognize the interactions of vitamins and nutrients with the various classes of HIV medications
• Identify therapies to address constitutional symptoms, medication side effects, and symptoms of immunosuppression
• List homeopathic and botanicals that have demonstrated effectiveness in treating HIV

• NCCAOM Approved for AOM-Biomedicine 3 hours
• Practically apply the integrative neuromuscular Acupoint therapy
• Discuss anatomical aspects related to muscle and nerve as it pertains to the application of Acupuncture
• Evaluate the special considerations of treating neck pain with Acupuncture
• Classify sports and recreational activities as well as work conditions associated with conditions treatable by Acupuncture
• Apply needling safety in treating neck and lower back pain
• Utilize treatment protocols for neck and low back pain

• NCCAOM Approved for Safety 1 hour
• Know how to prepare for a medical emergency
• Review four emergency medical conditions: Stroke, Heart Attack, Difficulty Breathing, Diabetic Emergencies
• Recognize the causes, symptoms and signs for these emergencies
• Understand how to provide the appropriate emergency treatments

• NCCAOM Approved for Safety 1 hour
• Gain the knowledge to develop an Emergency Preparedness Manual for your office
• Define crisis management procedures in advance for fires, child abduction, workplace violence, bomb threats and other situations
• Explain the importance of an emergency continuity plan
• Recognize why CPR was changed and compare the new rules
• Perform more effective CPR even before you refresh your certification

• NCCAOM Approved for Safety 1 hour
• Recognize Altered Mental Status and apply the appropriate emergency response
• Distinguish types of Burns, their mechanisms of injury and pathophysiology
• Plan for the treatment of burns and the appropriate emergency response
• Apply and use the Rule of Nines
• Recognize Allergic Reactions, discuss their pathophysiology and the proper emergency response

Hour 1  Intro 

• Contrast benefits of non???thermal versus thermal lasers     
• Discuss the history and method of action of non???thermal lasers         
• Distinguish the unique benefits of non???thermal violet lasers     
• Demonstrate the easy of using non-thermal lasers      

Hour 2  Nutrition – Part 1   

• Utilize basic applied clinical nutrition information to support the foundation  for healing in patients   
• Explain the 4 keystones of health     
• Identify digestive dysfunction and create a plan for correction     
• Assess acid reflux and hypochlorhydria     

Hour 3  Nutrition – Part 2     

• Review the importance of gallbladder function in liver detoxification   
• Outline the basics of leaky gut   
• Explore the cascade of poor health   
• Integrate clinical tips and suggestions   

Hour 4  Case Studies   

• Recognize the opportunity of when to use non???thermal laser therapy and  which conditions respond best to it     
• Review non???thermal laser techniques for resolving immune, pain, brain and  organ system presentations   
• Discuss multiple non???thermal laser therapy applications     

Hour 5  Functional Lab Testing   

• Determine whether to treat empirically or test    
• Interpret basic laboratory values using functional levels   
• Selecting from the specialty lab test options for objective feedback and to  target treatment plans     

Hour 6  Non-Thermal Laser Applications   

• Integrate non???thermal laser therapy with acupuncture treatments for  exponential patient outcomes   
• Perform non???thermal laser treatments for FDA cleared conditions and  successful therapies for conditions not yet formally studied    
• Demonstrate using non???thermal laser for immune system strengthening and  faster infection resolution      
• Apply non???thermal laser techniques to balance energy or emotional centers  of patients to enhance acupuncture treatments

• NCCAOM Approved for Ethics 1 hour
• Define morality and ethics and distinguish between the two
• Describe three moralities that health professionals must integrate into their own moral life
• Identify some major sources of moral beliefs in Western societies
• Distinguish between an ethical issue and ethical problem
• List three ways that ethics is useful in everyday professional practice
• Describe what material cooperation entails
• Identify some mechanisms available to protect the personal moral convictions of health professionals

• NCCAOM Approved for Ethics 2 hours
• Identify the goal of professional ethics activity.
• Describe the basic idea of a caring response and some ways this response in a professional relationship is distinguished from expressions of care in other types of relationships.
• Identify three component parts of any ethical problem.
• Describe what an agent is and, more importantly, what it is to be a moral agent.
• Name the three prototypical ethical problems.
• Describe the role of emotions in ethical distress.
• Distinguish between two varieties of ethical distress.
• Compare the fundamental difference between ethical distress and an ethical dilemma.
• Define ethical paternalism or parentalism.
• Describe a type of ethical dilemma that challenges a professionals desire (and duty) to treat everyone fairly and equitably.
• Identify the fundamental difference between distress or dilemma problems and locus of authority problems.
• Identify four criteria that will assist you in deciding who should assume authority for a specific ethical decision to achieve a caring response.

• NCCAOM Approved for Ethics 1 hour
• Identify six steps in the analysis of ethical problems encountered in everyday professional life and how each plays a part in arriving at a caring response.
• Describe the central role of narrative and virtue theories in gathering relevant information for a caring response.
• List four areas of inquiry that will be useful when gathering relevant information to make sure you have the story straight.
• Describe the role of conduct-related ethical theories and approaches in arriving at a caring response.
• Describe why imagination is an essential aspect of seeking out the practical alternatives in an ethically challenging situation.
• Discuss how courage assists you in a caring response.
• Identify two benefits of taking time to reflect on and evaluate the action afterward.

• NCCAOM Approved for Ethics 2 hours
• Define the terms confidential information and confidentiality.
• Identify the relationship of a patient's legal right to privacy with his reasonable expectations regarding confidential information.
• Describe how the telling and keeping of secrets is relevant to understanding the importance of confidentiality.
• Discuss the ethical norms involved in keeping and breaking professional confidences.
• Name five general legal exceptions to the professional standard of practice that confidences should not be broken.
• Consider practical options that a professional can take when faced with the possibility of breaking a confidence.
• Discuss some important aspects of documentation that affect confidentiality.
• Compare ethical issues of confidentiality traditionally conceived with those that have arisen because of computerized medical records and patient care information systems.
• Describe the key ethical strengths and challenges of the recent U.S. federal regulations related to privacy considerations (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996).
• Read case scenarios illustrating ethical decision making

• NCCAOM Approved for Ethics 1 hour
• Describe three basic legal concepts that led to the doctrine of informed consent.
• Describe three approaches to determining the disclosure standard for judging that a patient or client has been informed.
• Discuss three major aspects of the process of obtaining informed consent.
• Distinguish "general consent" from "special consent" documents.
• Differentiate between the never-competent and once-competent patient or client and the challenges posed by each in regard to informed consent.
• Compare informed consent as it is used in health care practice and in human studies research.
• Describe some considerations one must always take into account to be sure one is being culturally competent and honoring cultural difference when informed consent is the standard.

• This course contains all courses with the educational objectives listed from Functional Medicine and Nutrition Virtual Classroom 201 through 210

Hour 1

• Describe the characteristics and mechanisms of actions of essential oils.
• Explain several key controversies in aromatherapy and the implications.
• Generalize the safety and quality issues surrounding the clinical use of essential oils.
• Compare the various modes of applications of essential oils.
• Summarize the pharmacology and biotransformation of essential oils and its constituents.
• Recognize the potential interactions of essential oils with medications and nutraceuticals.

Hour 2 

• Generalize the various considerations for prescribing essential oils.
• Calculate equivalent dosages of essential oils using several different units of measurement.
• Apply the guidelines for appropriate prescribing the internal use of essential oils.
• Determine the proper application and dosage for various essential oils used for digestive health.
• Specify the usage and dose determination for essential oils for mental health.

• Analyze the concept of central pain processing and the consequences of dysfunction of descending inhibition.
• Associate FM with trauma and abuse, depression, anxiety, sleep disorder and pain processing disorders with emphasis on limbic system dysfunction, aberrant stress physiology, and ultimate failure of descending anti-nociception. 
• Assess the difference between regionalized somatic pain and true central allodynia
• Describe the accurate differential diagnosis of patients presenting with suspicion of FMS
• Identify common subsets of clinical disorders that may lead to an erroneous diagnosis of FMS (i.e., “pseudo” FMS)

• Describe and Identify the functional medicine approach to common pediatric problems
• Develop a comprehensive functional medicine assessment and treatment of common pediatric problems such as constipation, headaches and migraines, upper respiratory infections and otitis media, food sensitivities, allergies, asthma and atopy
• Examine the salient features of history, physical examination and laboratory testing to best implement functional medicine interventions to common pediatric problems
• Utilize a functional medicine approach to assess what each child may need to get or get rid of to treat each of these common pediatric problems 
• Summarize the literature supporting the use of functional medicine in pediatrics
• Recognize the four pillars of a functional medical approach to chronic pediatric illness – gastroenterologic, immunologic, metabolic and neurologic
• Classify and explain the importance of the genetic and genomic susceptibilities/predisposition and environmental triggers of chronic pediatric illnesses
• Utilize a functional medicine approach to assessing and treating chronic pediatric disease such as ADHD, Autism, Autoimmune Encephalitis, Anxiety, Allergy and Atopy
• Interpret the literature citations and develop protocols based on emerging evidence supporting a functional medicine approach to these chronic pediatric problems
• Appraise the assessment and management of the importance of the microbiome in immune tolerance, allergy and autoimmunity.

• Discuss the catecholamine pathway will be presented in an organized fashion with emphasis on real world applications. 
• Review clinical case studies. 
• Assess different genetic mutations within the catecholamine pathway . 
• Individualize treatment plans in practice. 
• Demonstrate a basic road map of the catecholamine pathway. 
• Use genetic parsing software and the tools attained form this course to highlight and modulate genes/SNPs of interest. 
• Derive natural therapeutic agents to modulate epigenetic expression. 
• Utilize basic nutrigenomic assessment and treatment knowledge in the catecholamine pathway.

• Define and explain the different terms that identify exercise intensity and their relationship to maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max).
• Discuss the history of exercise physiology and how technology influenced research and ultimately, exercise guidelines.
• Differentiate the physiological responses to sprint interval training and to low-to-moderate intensity continuous training.
• Reconstruct a lay explanation to patients and/or clients of why sprint interval training is an extremely effective strategy for improving overall health and fitness.
• Summarize key research studies that support sprint interval training.

Hour 2

• Recognize additional research that supports sprint interval training.
• Identify key physiological benefits of sprint interval training.
• Recall important case study benefits.
• Outline effective overall strategies for implementing sprint interval training.
• Distinguish appropriate sprint interval exercises for differing populations.

Hour 1:

• Summarize the differences between genomics, genetics, and epigenetics
• Illustrate how genomics can affect risk and outcomes in auto-immune and inflammatory conditions
• Interpret relative function of genes based on presence of relevant SNPs
• Identify genes and SNPS involved in autoimmune disease and chronic inflammation
• Assess Dietary, Lifestyle and Herb/Nutrient recommendations based on genomics

 Hour 2:

• Apply nutritional genomics in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases
• Outline basic disease pathogenesis in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases
• Explain which genes and SNPs are relevant depending on the clinical scenario
• Assess other contributors to chronic inflammation and autoimmune disease

• NCCAOM Approved for Professional Enhancement 1 hour
• Recognize acute situations for which homeopathic remedies are appropriate and effective
• Apply limited homeopathic remedies to acute care situations that arise in practice and day- to-day life
• Evaluate methods of application of homeopathic remedies to fit the situation at hand
• Distinguish between the available homeopathic remedies for a specific situation in order to select the most appropriate remedy for the individual
• Use homeopathic remedies in concert with existing therapeutic training

• NCCAOM Approved for AOM-Biomedicine 3 hours
• Identify the 3 types of acupuncture points and identify what a homeostatic point is
• Describe the phases (latent, passive and active) of acupuncture points
• Illustrate the anatomical characteristics that make up all acupuncture points
• Outline the location of 25 commonly used homeostatic acupuncture points
• Differentiate discrete anatomical characteristics that make up homeostatic acupuncture points
• Explain the common indications and cautions for use of the homeostatic acupuncture points
• Review the neuroanatomy of spinal nerves and explain how it relates to paravertebral (Bladder Shu) points
• Discuss and demonstrate needling technique for the homeostatic acupuncture points
• Demonstrate point location on live models

• NCCAOM Approved for Safety 1 hour
• Understand the terminology of decontamination, disinfection and sterilization in a clinical setting.
• Explain the basis of universal precautions and its implementation
• Discuss the latest research and evidence for risk of treatment table contamination in chiropractic and manual therapy offices.
• Learn the recommended evidence based disinfection methods of clinician hands, tables and equipment for manual providers.
• Identify the Spaulding Classification System for disinfection and sterilization of patient care items and equipment.

• NCCAOM Approved for AOM-Biomedicine 1 hour
• Discuss the layers of the skin as related to a practitioner’s perception during needling
• Review the neurological pathways involved with needling
• Summarize the local, segmental and cortical effects of needling
• Contrast the physiological effects of depth of insertion and retention time of needling

• NCCAOM Approved for AOM-Biomedicine 2 hours
• Describe and summarize the mechanisms by which acupuncture exerts effect on pain modulation and musculoskeletal function
• Describe joint and muscle mechanoreceptor anatomy and physiology and how they relate to acupuncture
• Define and discuss the ascending and descending neurological pathways affected by acupuncture
• Outline the importance of cortical representation and the sensory/motor homunculus and relate them to acupuncture points with examples
• Demonstrate the importance of the cerebellum and its role in acupuncture treatment of musculoskeletal disorders

• NCCAOM Approved for AOM-Biomedicine 1 hour
• Determine why communication is imperative in clinical encounters
• Classify rights and responsibilities of the patient -provider partnership
• Recognize barriers and benefits regarding improved communication
• Apply numerous strategies to improve and solidify patient interactions
• Summarize how to fix the system so providers will provide better quality visits

• NCCAOM Approved for AOM-Biomedicine 1 hour
• Identify the ways your conscious or unconscious bias toward patient characteristics may enter the clinical relationship
• Outline ways to improve your clinical communication with patients who are elderly, poor or ethnic minorities.
• Distinguish male and female patient communication styles and plan what to do when your patient wants a different gender provider
• Compare the way Jewish, Irish, Italian, and other cultures present differently as patients and prepare your communication style appropriately
• Internalize the seven ideal interpersonal traits patients want in their health care providers

• NCCAOM Approved for AOM-Biomedicine 1 hour
• Recognize deceptive behaviors from other people and integrate these skills
• Use tips garnered from former CIA officers to separate truth from lies
• Determine motivations for patients to lie to health care providers
• Strategize ways to avoid being lied to by your patients and staff
• Assess the consequences of lying and how it compromises clinical relationships

• NCCAOM Approved for AOM-Biomedicine 1 hour
• Identify common acupuncture point classification groups
• Compare the use of different point categories in clinical practice
• Describe the point location for points within commonly used groups
• Explain the local anatomy and neurology involved with key points
• Outline indications for use of some points and point categories

• NCCAOM Approved for AOM-Biomedicine 1 hour
• Examine the origin of the Qi symbol
• Define Qi Identify and describe the types of Qi
• Explain Qi as it relates to triple warmer metabolism
• Describe and compare the types of Qi pathology
• Review the pertinent points on the Pericardium channel
• Explain how the neurological development of the brachial plexus relates to the pericardium meridian function
• Demonstrate the local anatomy of the pericardium channel in the upper extremity

• NCCAOM Approved for AOM-Biomedicine 2 hours
• Discuss the Ren Mai’s overall function
• Introduce a selection of clinically useful points on the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) meridian
• Discuss the Du Mai’s overall function
• Introduce a selection of clinically useful points on the Du Mai (Governing Vessel) meridian
• Explore the anatomy and indications surrounding LV14

• NCCAOM Approved for Safety 3 hours
• Assess state, federal and board rulings regarding fee discounts, particularly time-of-service discounts and hardship discounts, and the extent to which they may be impacted by anti-kickback legislation, insurance regulations, self-referral laws, marketing restrictions, and the tenets of unprofessional conduct..
• Identify potential problems associated with routine approval of hardship discounts and the requirement for inquiry and documentation regarding qualifying for same.
• Distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate/illegal marketing relating to fees and professional services.
• Demonstrate how these discounts are regarded by relevant professional boards, and state and federal enforcement agencies.
• Explain terms associated with time of service discounts and relevant factors associated in calculating an appropriate reduction in fees.
• Identify specific conduct and activities within the practice of healthcare that violate a host of regulatory and statutory proscriptions relating to pre-paid fee arrangements.
• Explain the development of current fee discounting legislation, rules and holdings.
• Distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate/illegal marketing relating to fees and professional services.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge regarding the roles played by the various state and federal enforcement agencies as they related to fee splits and kickbacks.
• Assess one's working knowledge regarding the process by which state and federal rulings regarding fees impact a healthcare provider's practice in light of marketing, fee-splitting and anti-kickback legislation, insurance regulations, self-referrals, and the tenets of unprofessional conduct generally.

• NCCAOM Approved for Safety 3 hours
• Assess the relationship between the implementation of efficient office systems, accurate record keeping, patient communication, and adherence to professional standards of conduct within the context of malpractice allegations by patients who engage in sports.
• Identify actions suggestive of malpractice negligence and conduct that fails to live up to the standard established by law for the protection of others.
• Demonstrate a professional relationship can spring into existence when the healthcare professional is hired by a third party to oversee the health of athletic participants.
• Distinguish the duties an examining physician has regarding informing those athletes he examines about abnormal test results.
• Explain the legal concept of “assumption of the risks” within the context of sports participation and how it affects a healthcare professional’s liability.
• Identify “therapeutic exceptions” to providing informed consent excusing the practitioner from fully disclosing matters where they might unfavorably affect the outcome of a patient’s treatment.
• Explain a healthcare professional’s duty to warn patients engaged in sports regarding injury prevention following treatment.
• Examine a practitioner’s duties regarding athletes’ return to play in instances when head injury and concussion may be a factor.

• NCCAOM Approved for AOM-Biomedicine 1 hour
• Describe the origins of the 8 extra vessels and review Chinese embryology
• Review the locations and functions associated with each of the 8 extra vessels and extraordinary meridians
• Discuss the meaning of moving Qi between the kidneys, Ming Men, Dan Tien, Ching Mai, Ren Mai, Du Mai, Dai Mai, Yin Qiao Mai, Yin Wei Mai, Yang Qiao Mai and Yan Wei Mai

• NCCAOM Approved for AOM-Biomedicine 3 hours
• Define the neuroanatomy of Acupoints
• Utilize the ten basic Anatomic Features of Acupoints
• Summarize the dynamic phases and physical properties of Acupoints
• Apply Acupuncture to restore normal energy metabolism of Acupoints
• Explain the general principles of the healing process induced by Acupuncture
• Apply Acupuncture to induce analgesia
• Discuss the hypothesis of Acupuncture Mechanisms
• Critique the evidence supporting the broad sense hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis

• NCCAOM Approved for AOM-Biomedicine 3 hours
• Evaluate the three types of Acupoints
• Discuss the neuroanatomy of the 24 primary homeostatic Acupoints
• Identify symptomatic (ASHI) Acupoints and evaluate their spinal mechanisms
• Indicate the principles of using spinal segmentation in Acupuncture Therapy
• Use quantitative evaluation to predict the efficacy of Acupuncture therapy
• Collect information to evaluate a patients healing potential
• Prevent syncope and needling reaction during Acupuncture Treatment
• Recognize placebo and nocebo effects in Acupuncture Pain Management

• NCCAOM Approved for AOM-Biomedicine 3 hours
• Describe the history of the San Jiao
• Associate the San Jiao to Vagal Nerve function
• Breakdown each of the 3 “burners” into their component parts
• Review the salient points on the San Jiao Meridian
• Summarize the function and indications of the Shu Points and apply that to the San Jiao channel

• NCCAOM Approved for AOM-Biomedicine 1 hour
• Explain how needle manipulation works on a physiological basis and extrapolate as to when to apply these techniques
• Summarize some of the more relevant literature surrounding the use of one of the most commonly used acupuncture points: Stomach 36
• Describe the physiology of tongue color, shape, coating and spirit (movement)
• Compare clinical examples of tongue appearance and identify key components of the tongue exam
• Interpret the meaning of clinical findings during the tongue exam and correlate them to physiology

• NCCAOM Approved for AOM-Biomedicine 3 hours
• Discuss anatomical aspects related to muscle and nerve of the upper extremity as it pertains to the application of Acupuncture
• Evaluate upper limb pain commonly encountered in the clinical practice of Acupuncture
• Discuss anatomical aspects related to muscle and nerve of the lower extremity as it pertains to the application of Acupuncture
• Evaluate lower limb pain commonly encountered in the clinical practice of Acupuncture
• Apply the treatment protocol of homeostatic, paravertebral and symptomatic Acupoints for upper and lower extremity pain syndromes
• Use Acupoint treatment protocols for headache, trigeminal neuralgia, shingles and TMJ disorders

• NCCAOM Approved for AOM-Biomedicine 1 hour
• Describe the functions of the 3 warmers/burners
• Apply the influential points for each burner/warmer
• Discuss the different types of Qi
• Summarize the formation of Qi, Jing, Shen, blood and pure fluids, according to Chinese medicine