Australia Chiropractic Continuing Education

• Discuss the history and philosophy of acupuncture
• Identify and differentiate the three founders of Chinese Medicine
• Differentiate the three pillars (three central influences of Chinese thought)
• Identify the first material used to make acupuncture needles
• Identify acupunctures struggle to survive and become recognized and accepted
• Recognize the most influential scripts and texts used in early acupuncture history
• Discuss the most significant events in acupuncture history from the early 20th century to the present time

• Discuss acupuncture theory (Yin/Yang, Qi and Five Elements)
• Differentiate Yin/Zang organs and Yang/Fu organs
• Differentiate the different types of Qi
• Identify the Five Elements/Phases
• Differentiate the four interactions of the Five Elements/Phases
• Identify the Five Shu (Transporting) Points

• Discuss Vital Substances, Mind (Shen) and the Function of Yin and Yang Organs
• Differentiate Qi, Blood, Body Fluids and Essence (Jing)
• Identify and interpret the Mind (Shen)
• Identify and differentiate the function between the twelve internal organs Yin/Zang and Yang/Fu organs
• Identify and differentiate the six Extraordinary Yang organs

• 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

• This contains all courses with the educational objectives listed from Acupuncture 205 through Acupuncture 211

• 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

• 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

• Identify the layers of integument that you are piercing while doing acupuncture
• Compare and contrast the physiological consequences of superficial, medium and deep needling
• Differentiate which depth of needling is appropriate for the desired effect
• Describe the neurological pathways involved with acupuncture needling
• Explain the significance of needle retention time

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

Hour 1:

• Review and expand on, from a Western perspective, the neurophysiological basis of acupuncture
• Outline the pain pathway from the periphery to the central nervous system
• Review excitation/contraction coupling and muscle contraction theory
• Discuss the functions and distribution of alpha and gamma motor neurons

Hour 2:

• Explain and emphasize the functions of interneurons in the spinal cord
• Discuss muscle spindles and golgi tendon organs anatomy
• Explain the role of muscle spindles and golgi tendon organs in acupuncture
• Contrast slow versus fast stretch
• Introduce the concept of the “central integrated state” as it relates to acupuncture and acupuncture therapy
• Emphasize the relevance of cerebellar function to acupuncture as it relates to cerebellar output and modulation

• Acquaint the clinician with the physiological effects of acupuncture and needling
• Provide supportive literature for the physiological effects of acupuncture and needling
• Present the concept of central desensitization as it relates to acupuncture and needling
• Discuss how needling affects pain modulation, range of motion, muscle activation and the chemical environment surrounding trigger points

• Review the 2 major afferent pain pathways
• Discuss the local, segmental and cortical responses to pain and a painful stimulus
• Describe the major, descending inhibitory pathways for pain including the enkephalinergic, serotonergic and noradrenergic pathways
• Describe the cholinergic inhibitory pathway for pain
• Explain how acupuncture affect these pain pathways

• Discuss the layers of the skin as related to a practitioner’s perception during acupuncture
• Review the neurological pathways involved with acupuncture
• Summarize the local, segmental and cortical effects of acupuncture
• Contrast the physiological effects of depth of insertion and retention time of acupuncture

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

• 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 acupuncture

• Identify the various styles of acupuncture
• List the branches of Chinese Medicine
• List the various way of stimulating acupuncture points
• Recognize the strengths and weakness of various acupuncture related treatments
• Describe the application of each of the Branches of Chinese Medicine

• This contains all courses with the educational objectives listed from Acupuncture 400 through Acupuncture 420

• This contains all courses with the educational objectives listed from Acupuncture 400 through Acupuncture 461

• Describe the paradigm and progression of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
• Define the five branches of Chinese medicine.
• Explain the basic relationships and theoretical constructs of Yin and Yang
• Identify the most clinically useful associations of Yin and Yang
• Summarize the most clinically useful functions of Yin and Yang

• Compare and contrast Yin and Yang disorders.
• Describe the Yin and Yang relationships within the human body.
• Give Examples of how the Eight Principles relate to one another and to Yin and Yang
• Summarize how the Eight Principles function in relation to human physiology
• Explain how the Eight Principles relate to pathology

• Differentiate Uses of 5 Element Theory in Chinese Medicine
• Reconstruct the Five Elements according to the Creative and Control Cycles
• Explain the functioning of the Creative Cycle
• Explain the functioning of the Control Cycle
• List the Organs Associated with each Element

• Compare and contrast the qualities and characteristics associated with the Five Elements
• Summarize the qualities and characteristics associated with the Five Elements
• Point out the major differences between the Five Elements
• Reconstruct the major Correspondences of the Five Elements
• Differentiate Individuals based on the Five Elements

• Outline the times of day associated with the Organs in Chinese Medicine
• Interpret the significance specific times with regard to Organs
• Relate the Essential substances in Chinese Medicine
• Explain theoretical process of Substance Production
• Reconstruct the role of the three warmers in Qi, Blood, and Fluid Production

• Relate the Theoretical Process of Jing Formation
• Give examples of The Functions of Jing
• Describe Functions of Shen
• Diagram Fluid Production
• Assess Common Fluid Pathologies