Virginia Chiropractic Continuing Education

• Interpret phenomena in terms of Yin &Yang
• Apply the theory of Yin-Yang to Chinese medicine
• Describe the concepts of deficiency and excess of Yin & Yang
• Identify phenomena according to the Five Elements
• Apply the theory of Five Elements to Chinese medicine
• Summarize the interrelationships of the Generating, Controlling, and Over-acting Cycles of the Five Elements  
• Differentiate the origin, nature, & functions of Pre-Heaven Essences
• Explain the functions of Qi in the body
• Outline the relationship between Blood and Qi
• Explain the relationship between Blood and Essence
• Contrast and Compare Blood and Body Fluids
• Identify the different aspects of the Mind as it is understood within Chinese medical theory

• This contains all courses with the educational objectives listed from Acupuncture 452 through Acupuncture 461

• Describe the functional activities of Qi and their associated physiological processes in the body
• Explain the role of the Original Qi as the dynamic motive force for transformation
• Analyze the interrelationship of the Essence and the Fire of the Gate of Life
• Explain the process of the movement of Qi in the body
• Summarize the role of the bones as one of the deepest energetic layers
• Paraphrase how the entering and exiting of Qi from the space between the skin and  muscles regulates sweating
• Describe how Qi enters and exits from the joints, and how this process can become interrupted
• Explain the nature and functions of the Yin and Yang organs in general, and the essential differences between them
• Infer how the Kidneys, as the foundation of Yin and Yang and the origin of Fire and Water in the body, impact the other Organs
•  Give examples of how the role of the Stomach and Spleen as the “center,” impacts the body’s function
•  Summarize the relationships between Heart and Blood
• Outline how anger affects the Liver and how a Liver disharmony affects our moods

• Describe the importance of the Pericardium channel in acupuncture treatment
• Discuss the significance of the Triple Burner in the Qi mechanism
• Match the Heart with various emotions, substances, & organs
• Differentiate the relationships of Blood to the Heart, Liver, and Spleen
• Recognize the various aspects of the soul, and the organs to which those aspects are most closely related
• Give examples of how the Liver and Spleen interact in making and storing the Blood
• Explain the significance of the descending of Lung-Qi and the ascending of Liver-Qi
• Relate the free flow of Liver-Qi to the Spleen's function of transformation and transportation
• Explain how a deficiency of Spleen-Qi, leading to the formation of Phlegm, affects the Lungs
• Summarize the relationships between the Kidneys and the Spleen
• Discuss the complexities of the relationship of Blood to Spleen, Heart and Liver
• Distinguish the roles played by the Yin and Yang organs, in the management of fluids
• Diagram the more significant interrelationships of the five Yin organs
• Compare and Contrast the Extraordinary organs with the Yin & Yang organs

• Explain how climatic factors can become a cause of disease
• Assess the influence of the constitution on predisposition to health or disease
• Compare diagnostic signs of a strong or weak constitution
• Discuss how excessive physical work and exercise can cause disease
• Relate the significance of poor diet and eating habits as a cause of disease
• Summarize the importance of paying attention to a patient's constitutional type
• Interpret clinical meaning of changes in the tissues and other parts of the body
• Recognize the importance of the tongue as a pillar of diagnosis
• Integrate tongue and pulse diagnosis to confirm suspected patterns and indicate the presence of patterns not evident from other signs and symptoms
• Recognize the frequency of tiredness as a complaint in Western patients, and utilize  methods of questioning to ascertain appropriate patterns of disharmony
• Differentiate the clinical significance of feelings of cold, heat, and fever, and their different clinical significance in exterior and interior conditions
• Justify the importance of questioning and observing the patient's emotional state
• Recognize the significance of asking about menstruation, leucorrhoea, pregnancy, and childbirth
• Examine children's symptoms, in the areas of digestion, respiration, sleep and immunization

• Describe the role of the radial pulse in diagnosis
• Give examples of the problems inherent in pulse diagnosis
• Discuss the clinical significance of the three levels of the pulse
• List the factors to take into account when evaluating the pulse
• Recognize signs from palpating the temperature, moisture, and texture of the skin
• Explain how palpation of the abdomen provides valuable diagnostic information
• Recognize the various forms taken by 'Excess of Yang' and 'Deficiency of Yang'
• Recognize the various forms taken by 'Excess of Yin' and 'Deficiency of Yin'
• Summarize the diagnostic significance of the sounds of breathing, cough, vomiting, hiccup, borborygmi, sighing etc.
• Analyze the implications of ascending/descending and entering/exiting of Qi
• Point out the significance of the smell of bodily secretions
• Identify the Full/Empty nature of a condition, according to the presence or absence of a pathogenic factor and the strength of the body's Qi

• Identify the four pathological patterns of Qi disharmony
• Defend the importance of distention as a characteristic of Qi stagnation
• Identify the four Blood pathology patterns
• Distinguish between various types of Blood stasis in the Liver, Heart, Lungs, Stomach, Intestines and Uterus
• Recognize the causes of Blood stasis
• Identify the three types of pathological Body Fluid patterns
• Give examples of Phlegm in Chinese medicine
• Outline the role of the Spleen, Lungs and Kidneys in the production of Phlegm
• Differentiate between the various Heart pathologies
• Discuss how pathologies of the Pericardium differ from those of the Heart
• List the general characteristics of Liver pathology
• Differentiate between the various Liver pathologies

• Describe how exterior Wind (combined with Heat or Cold) can invade the Lung Exterior portion to cause exterior patterns
• Discuss and differentiate the effects of Dryness and Dampness on the Lungs
• Recognize Lung Deficiency patterns
• Identify Lung Excess patterns
• Differentiate Lung Phlegm patterns
• Describe and differentiate Spleen Deficiency Patterns
• Compare and contrast Spleen Cold-Dampness and Damp-Heat in the Spleen
• Analyze the significance of the duality of Kidney-Yin and Kidney-Yang in Kidney pathology
• Point out the differences and similarities associated with Yin, Yang, and Jing Deficiencies in the Kidneys
• Outline the importance of heredity in determining the strength of a child's Kidneys
• Apply the significance of Stomach-Qi in prognosis
• Illustrate how Stomach-Qi manifests on tongue and pulse

• List the main functions of the Small Intestine
• Describe the main functions of the Large Intestine
• Summarize the role of diet in Large Intestine pathology
• Discuss the importance of the Gall Bladder's function of storing bile
• Relate the pathology of Gall Bladder pathology to that of the Liver
• Outline the main Bladder function of transforming and excreting fluids
• Explain why the Kidneys do not have Full patterns
• Differentiate Damp-Heat in the Bladder from Damp-Cold in the Bladder
• Give examples of symptoms of the stages of external Wind invasion
• Identify the main clinical manifestations of the emergence of Latent Heat
• Recognize Damp-Heat in the Gall Bladder and Liver
• Distinguish between Bright Yang, Greater Yang, Lesser Yang, Greater Yin, Lesser Yin, and Terminal Yin patterns
• Distinguish between Wei, Qi, Ying and Blood Level patterns

• Identify patterns according to the Three Burners
• Relate patterns according to the Three Burners to those of the Four Levels
• Integrate the relationship between the channels and the organs in disease
• List the causes of channel problems
• Diagnose channel patterns 
• Identify the Generating and Overacting sequence patterns
• Relate the Qi of the channels to a flow of water
• Explain the importance of the Transporting Points in clinical practice
• Describe the connection between the channels and the environment
• Summarize the dynamism of points at the end and beginning of the channels
• Outline the significance of the regulating, balancing and integrating functions of the extraordinary vessels
• List the different ways that opening and coupled points can be used to open the Vessels
• Determine when to use the extraordinary vessels

• Cite the clinical applications of the Governing Vessel
• Recall the clinical applications of the Directing Vessel
• Distinguish the five branches of the Penetrating Vessel
• Relate the clinical applications of the Girdle Vessel
• Give examples of the clinical applications of the Yang Stepping Vessel
• Discuss how the Yin and Yang Stepping Vessels combine in Pathology
• Recognize the importance of adopting the correct treatment principle
• Point out how the Root and Manifestation relate to each other
• Describe how a Manifestation can become a Root of further Manifestations
• Explain the importance of tracing clinical manifestations back to their Roots
• Summarize the importance of knowing when to tonify Qi or expel pathogenic factors
• Recognize the importance of being aware of residual pathogenic factors
• Compare herbal treatment and acupuncture

• Compare and contrast Yin and Yang as they relate to Acupuncture theory, diagnosis and treatment
• Explain the 8 Principles and apply them to Acupuncture diagnosis
• Describe the interrelationships of the Five Elements, and explain their significance in acupuncture theory
• Recall the daily time allotments associated with each organ and meridian according to the Horary Cycle
• Distinguish the main functions and pathologies of the Yin organs
• Recognize the main points in point prescriptions used to treat many common disharmonies of the organs
• Identify the functions and pathologies associated with Qi, Jing, Blood, Shen and Fluids
• List the 71 Meridians of acupuncture
• Reproduce a chart of the most important acupuncture points.
• Identify areas of further study needed by the student for successful performance on a national board exam in acupuncture.

• Describe the history of alcohol and drug abuse
• Define the reasons for the impact of alcohol and drug abuse
• Indicate the types of drug and alcohol abuses
• Recognize substance abuse in one's practice
• Develop strategies for dealing with our patient's and our own drug/alcohol addictions

• Apply manual therapy interventions for people living with HIV disease
• List the applicability of soft tissue mobilization, muscle energy technique, and myofacial release in the treatment of patients with HIV disease
• Describe craniosacral therapy and lymphatic drainage techniques in the treatment of patients with HIV disease

• Identify aspects of macronutrient deficiency and progression to AIDS
• Describe pathophysiological malnutrition in HIV Disease
• Discuss micronutrient deficiency and progression to AIDS
• Identify nutritional therapies in the treatment of AIDS patients

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Explain the difference between HIV infection and AIDS
• Outline the methods of transmission of HIV
• Explain why early treatment of HIV infection is advantageous
• Discuss the basic factors in treatment
• Assess the individual HIV-AIDS patient for nutritional needs
• Explain the basic nutritional guidelines for the HIV infected patient.
• Discuss the classification of nutrients and their sources
• List some tools that may be used to do a nutritional analysis.
• Recognize AIDS nutritional deficient syndromes and other co morbidities
• Suggest some food plans/food treatments for nutritional deficiencies caused by the HIV infection or other opportunistic infections.
• Discuss  the steps to good nutritional counseling
• Discuss some nutritional problems that may face the HIV patient and list some remedies for these issues.

• Identify the classification methods for the diagnosis of HIV infection
• Describe the methods of transmission of HIV
• Explain the global epidemiology of HIV
• Summarize the origin and evolution of SIV and HIV
• Outline the crossover of HIV to the human population

• Describe the principal HIV-associated neurological complications
• List the clinical features of HIV-associated dementia
• Summarize the diagnosis and treatment of HIV neuropathy
• Identify common cardiovascular complications in HIV patients
• Explain the etiology of HIV-associated cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure

• Outline the general concepts of the immune response to viral infection
• Compare and contrast innate immunity versus acquired immunity
• Describe the role of the CD4 T lymphocyte response in HIV infection
• Explain why the immune response fails in HIV infection
• Discuss the potential for vaccines to HIV

• Describe the interactions between the emotional state, nervous system function, and the immune system
• Explain the role of life style in proper immune function
• Summarize how vitamins and nutrients influence disease susceptibility
• Recognize the antibacterial, antiviral, and immunostimulatory effects of certain botanicals

• 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

Hour 1

• Indicate the immune system’s complexity as it fits into the body’s function
• Give examples of various Interleukins involved in the immunity
• List neurotransmitters, and vasoactive dilators
• Contrast TH1 and TH2 immune cells and apply a working knowledge of their clinical phenotype.

Hour 2

• Discuss signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and current therapy.
• List the major immune cells responsible for allergic reactions
• Name the major receptor responsible for IgE sensitization, and what cells it is primarily found on.
• Summarize the meaning of WAO.
• List signs and symptoms of a typical allergic response after re-exposure to a sensitized allergen
• List different methods of allergy testing and critique their strengths and weaknesses.
• Give an example of a complicating factor that might skew an IgE(total) test result
• Apply the terms sensitivity and specificity in lab tests
• Categorize who is at risk of allergic sensitization.

Hour 3

• List 1-2 examples of research supporting IgE sensitization prevention.
• List 1-2 examples of factors which may increase risk of IgE sensitization.
• Explain the effect of smoking on IgE
• Have working knowledge of the effect of SO2 on health, and its primary source.
• Describe how and why it Ragweed is fast becoming worse of a problem throughout the US and worldwide.
• Indicate a potential sequela of Rhinoconjunctivitis and why it is meaningful to treat
• Identify and name a treatment backed by clinical evidence for Ragweed allergy and its meaning for natural therapy to be used by non-prescribing practitioners
• Describe a potential problem with medical Sublingual allergy therapy, and then defend it.
• Outline the major allergens in Ragweed.
• Give an example of co-sensitivity
• Define Pan allergen and give an example

Hour 1

• List the cells where histamine is predominantly found.
• Describe the role of the Mast Cell.
• Explain histamine’s function and recall what causes its release.
• List the Histamine receptor types and where each are each found.
• Summarize or give examples of symptoms in over activation of histamine receptors.
• Many of our patients are on OTC Antihistamine medications.  List their effects, positive and negative.

Hour 2

• Quote what OAS stands for.
• Define OAS and describe what happens to those with this problem.
• Recognize at what age(s) OAS occurs.
• Memorize, recognize and describe 1-5 OAS examples.
• Educate your patient on how to deal with OAS.
• Describe NFkB as a system
• Describe NFkB’s role in canonical and non-canonical pathways
• Explain what IκBα is and its potential role in downregulating inflammation

Hour 3

• Discuss how specific herbs, nutrients, and Vitamin E work to manage histamine at both a macro and microscopic level.
• Be able to describe allergic inflammation
• Discover how NSAIDs are being noted to reduce CNS diseases with inflammation and may help manage allergic disorder(s). 
• Identify what particular NSAID is naturally occurring and available to us and your patients to help them manage their allergic inflammation.  Calculate its clinical dose and avoid its lethal dose.
• List various SPMs (Specialized Proresolving Mediators)
• Describe how SPMs can control IgE production and play a potential role in the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease.
• Relate histamine’s role in IBS (Irritable Bowel), name and synthesize the type of 2 known GI receptors involved.

• Dissect and identify musculature of the anterior cervical spine.
• Identify and learn the origin and insertion of specific musculature of the anterior cervical spine.
• Describe the innervation of specific anterior cervical musculature.
• Learn the anatomic relationship of anterior cervical spine musculature to other structures.