Seminars for Chiropractors, Medical Doctors, Acupuncturists, and other Healthcare Providers

AcuPractice™ provides seminars designed specifically for chiropractors and medical doctors. Our 135-Hour Acupuncture Certificate and Fellowship Program is a nine-weekend medical acupuncture seminar series, which doctors of chiropractic will find thoroughly prepares them to sit for the NBCE Acupuncture Examination. In designing this program we have included Hands-On Demonstration & Practice Sessions, as well as didactic instruction to accelerate learning and improve clinical results.

Continuing Chiropractic Education Credits Sponsored by The University of Bridgeport College of Chiropractic (Accepted by Florida, and Most Other States for Continuing Education for Chiropractic Licensure).

Nashville Programs: Sponsored by the Tennessee Chiropractic Association and Approved by the Tennessee Board of Chiropractic Examiners.

Filled with advanced acupuncture training, our seminars consist of personal attention and hands-on practice. For the dates and locations of currently scheduled 135-Hour Acupuncture Certification Programs.

The weekly outline

Please Note: Doctors who require more than 135 Hours of training may take this program more than once. Our classes are so packed with information, that doctors actually enjoy repeating classes and programs. In fact, doctors who have taken classes multiple times, consistently report that they get even more out of a class the second or even third time. Please check with your individual state to verify educational requirements.

Weekend 1: Acupuncture: The Clinical Fundamentals

The first weekend of the program provides the doctors with an understanding of the theories that form the basis of acupuncture and Oriental medicine. Yin/Yang, the 5 Elements, the 8 Principles, Qi, Jing, Shen, the Zang/Fu (Organs), and Pathogenic Influences, are all addressed, as well as an introduction to diagnostic techniques such as reading the tongue and the radial pulse.

Goals and Objectives:

The main points participants are expected to learn and take away from this seminar are:
  • A clear understanding of the fundamental theories that support acupuncture and Oriental/Asian medicine including, but not limited to: The clinical applications of Yin and Yang, 5 Elements, The Substances, and Pathogens.
  • An understanding of the main clinical theories relating to Chinese Organ (Zang/Fu) Physiology and common Pathologies.
  • Understanding some of the contemporary theories, which bridge the gap between Oriental and Western medical paradigms.

Weekend 2: Acupuncture Techniques Demystified

Effective acupuncture treatment consists of point selection, location, and needle technique. Doctors leave this weekend with an understanding of how to apply different acupuncture techniques, including both invasive and noninvasive techniques. Clean needle technique, basic needling, cupping, guasha, and moxibustion techniques are all discussed, demonstrated, and practiced. Practitioners of all levels will find this an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on training in various treatment techniques, which are practiced throughout the rest of the series.

Goals and Objectives:

The main points participants are expected to learn and take away from this seminar are:
  • A fresh and clear understanding of Clean Needle Technique (CNT), and the importance of maintaining CNT in practice.
  • Understanding of reasons for needle selection.
  • A refreshed understanding of the techniques, which they may have taken for granted, and others which they may want to add to their repertoire.
  • A fresh understanding of how and when to best use which Oriental medical treatment technique in practice.
  • A rehearsed understanding of the use of cupping, guasha, moxa, and other less popular techniques of Oriental/Asian medicine.

Weekend 3: Acupuncture Points and Meridians I

In the first Points weekend we cover about half of the main meridians of acupuncture and the major points on those meridians. We explore the locations, actions & indications, needle depth & direction, and treatment techniques used, for each of the major points. In addition we discuss point combinations for treating many disorders ranging from pain to internal dysfunctions. Significant classroom time is spent locating and needling acupuncture points.

Goals and Objectives:

The main points participants are expected to learn and take away from this seminar are:
  • A deeper insight into the points you do and will use daily, and reasons to consider using some points that you may have neglected in the past.
  • A clinically useful overview of the Meridian systems pathways and uses: Main, Sinew, Divergent, Luo, Skin, and Extraordinary.
  • A clinically useful overview of acupoint categories and their uses: Shu, Mu, Yuan, Luo, Xi, Element, Tonification, Sedation and Horary.
  • A clinically useful overview of 4 of the 12 Main meridians and the Ren and Du: Review the meridian pathways and the significance of these pathways in relation to the Zang Fu and presenting pathologies.
  • A clinically useful understanding of about 40 of the most commonly used acupuncture points: reasons to use them, as well as specific techniques for locating, and treating these points.

Weekend 4: Acupuncture Points and Meridians II

In the second Points weekend we cover the remainder of the main meridians and points of acupuncture as well as the extraordinary points and the secondary and Extraordinary Meridians. As in the first Points class, we explore locations, actions & indications, needle depth & direction, and treatment techniques, while discussing relevant point combinations. Significant classroom time is spent locating and needling acupuncture points.

Goals and Objectives:

The main points participants are expected to learn and take away from this seminar are:
  • A deeper insight into the points they do and will use daily, and reasons to consider using some points that they may have neglected in the past.
  • A clinically useful overview of the Meridian systems pathways and uses: Main, Sinew, Divergent, Luo, Skin, and Extraordinary.
  • A clinically useful overview of acupoint categories and their uses: Shu, Mu, Yuan, Luo, Xi, Element, Tonification, Sedation and Horary.
  • A clinically useful overview of 4 of the 12 Main meridians and the Ren and Du: Review the meridian pathways and the significance of these pathways in relation to the Zang Fu and presenting pathologies.
  • A clinically useful understanding of about 40 of the most commonly used acupuncture points: reasons to use them, as well as specific techniques for locating, and treating these points.

Weekend 5: Respiratory, Digestive, and Genitourinary Disorders

This weekend begins with a thorough review of the principles of internal medicine diagnosis. Drawing on these theories, as well as the points and techniques learned in earlier weekends, this weekend addresses conditions of the respiratory system from allergies and the common cold to COPD. We also address upper and lower GI conditions, as well as UTIs, incontinence, enuresis, prostate conditions and the like.

Goals and Objectives:

The main points participants are expected to learn and take away from this seminar are:
  • An understanding of the Oriental medical model of the Organs, Substances and relationships involved with respiratory, digestive and genitourinary physiology & pathology.
  • An understanding of organ functions and dysfunctions and how they relate to Oriental/Asian medicine’s view of the disorders presented.
  • An understanding of how to diagnose and treat selected respiratory, digestive & genitourinary disorders, according to the principles of Oriental medicine.

Weekend 6: Auricular Acupuncture and Other Microsystems

This class focuses on the microsystems of acupuncture that include special points on the ears, hands, and scalp. These microsystems include points which are not found on the regular acupuncture meridians, but are particularly effective. In addition to time spent locating and needling microsystem points, theoretical foundations, actions and indications, as well as specific treatment techniques are all covered in depth.

Goals and Objectives:

The main points participants are expected to learn and take away from this seminar are:
  • An understanding when to use Chinese Scalp Acupuncture, and techniques for applying the therapy with maximum benefit and minimal discomfort to the patient.
  • An understanding how and when to use selected points drawn from “YNSA” Scalp Acupuncture, for the treatment of painful conditions.
  • An understanding of how to formulate specific individual treatments, as well as effective empirical treatment protocols, utilizing and integrating various microsystems with standard acupoints.
  • An understanding of how and when to use selected points drawn from Chinese Hand Acupuncture, and Ear Acupuncture.
  • An understanding of the clinically applicable theories and the use of (milliamp) electro acupuncture.
  • An Understanding of how and when to use the Eight Extraordinary Meridians.

Weekend 7: Acupuncture for the Treatment of Pain

Participants learn how to diagnose and treat many painful conditions of the head, upper, mid and low back, thorax, neck, shoulders, arms, wrists, and hands, hips, legs, ankles, and feet. We cover many musculoskeletal, and neurological conditions. Acupuncture points, zonal treatment, and select microsystems are all addressed.

Goals and Objectives:

The main points participants are expected to learn and take away from this seminar are:
  • Increased ability at diagnosing pain syndromes.
  • Increased ability at formulating specific individual treatments, as well as applying effective empirical treatment protocols, for many pain presentations and diagnoses.
  • Increased ability in working with the Main, Tendino-Muscular, and Extraordinary Meridians.
  • A confident approach for selecting the appropriate treatment techniques.
  • A positive approach for selecting specific needling techniques for the treatment of pain.
  • Comfort in utilizing selected points and techniques drawn from Chinese Scalp Acupuncture, Japanese Scalp Acupuncture, Chinese Hand Acupuncture, and Ear Acupuncture, for treating painful conditions.

Weekend 8: Women's Health

Built on all the previous material in the series, this class looks in detail at the diagnosis and treatment of most women's health concerns surrounding menstruation, PMS, conception/infertility, breast health, and menopause. This weekend is one of our most requested classes.

Goals and Objectives:

The main points participants are expected to learn and take away from this seminar are:
  • An understanding of the Oriental medical model of female physiology & pathology.
  • An understanding of hormonal functioning and dysfunctions and how they relate to Oriental/Asian medicine.
  • An understanding of how to diagnose and treat selected menopathies, gestational and postpartum disorders, according to the principles of Oriental/Asian medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion, herbal patent medicines, and diet and lifestyle recommendations, based on Oriental Medical theories.

Weekend 9: National Board Exam Review Class with an Introduction to Chinese Herbal Medicine

This class completes the program, tying up loose ends with a thorough review of all of the material presented throughout the previous 8 weekends. The first day of this weekend is spent reviewing all the information that needs to be studied, in preparation for taking a national board exam in acupuncture. The second day is devoted to herbal medicine. Chinese Herbal Patent Medicines are available as over-the-counter medicines in all Asian communities around the world, and are readily available throughout the US. Participants learn how to use a few of the most common, safe, and effective of these remedies.

Goals and Objectives:

The main points participants are expected to learn and take away from this seminar are:
  • A clear, rehearsed understanding of the principles discussed in previous weekends.
  • An understanding of how best to study for a National Board exam in Acupuncture
  • An understanding of how to best utilize the various tables and other study tools provided.
  • When to use many of the safer and most effective herbal patent medicines.
  • An understanding of which patent medicines are most important to have on hand in an office.