Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine

This course traces the history of Chinese Herbal Medicine from pre-Han shamanic practices through 2000 years of development to contemporary practice. Focus will be on seminal figures, foundational theories and major currents that continue to shape modern practice. [.25 credit]

Classification of herbs and formulas - This course teaches the traditional classification of individual herbs and formulas. Basic organization of materia medica and formularies are presented. Comparison between older classification systems and contemporary systems are discussed. [4 credits]

This series of classes focuses on the integration of the Five Element theory with classical herbal medicine. Each of the Elements are explored in depth in both theory and practical applications of herbal strategies. Patterns of Disharmony are correlated with the Elements. Signature herbs and formulas are presented for each Element. Earth and Wood are covered in this section. [3 credits]

This series of 5 classes focuses on the integration of the Five Element theory with classical herbal medicine. Each of the Elements are explored in depth with practical exercises to ground zang-fu dynamic theory in the body. Patterns of Disharmony are correlated with the Elements. Signature herbs and formulas are presented for each Element. Metal, Fire, and Water are covered in this series. [5.25 credits]

This course traces the history of Chinese Herbal Medicine from pre-Han shamanic practices through 2000 years of development to contemporary practice. Focus will be on seminal figures, foundational theories and major currents that continue to shape modern practice. The traditional classification of herbs and formulas will be taught. The basic organization of materia medica and formularies will be presented. Comparison between older classification systems and contemporary systems are discussed. [4.5 credits]

This series of classes focuses on the integration of the Five Element theory with classical herbal medicine. Each of the Elements are explored in depth in both theory and practical applications of herbal strategies. Patterns of Disharmony are correlated with the Elements. Signature herbs and formulas are presented for each Element. Earth and Wood are covered in this section. There is a Pulse & tongue practicum teaching a pulse system that evaluates both static and dynamic qualities. Diagnosis of the zang-fu and the substances (qi, xue and jin-ye) are made clear and students will begin to integrate pulse finding into herbal treatment strategies. An overview of tongue diagnosis and its integration into herbal medicine will be presented. Students will have an opportunity to observe multiple tongue conditions in light of their corresponding diagnosis. CHP-623a. [3 credits]

This series of classes focuses on the integration of the Five Element theory with classical herbal medicine. Each of the Elements are explored in depth with practical exercises to ground zang-fu dynamic theory in the body. Patterns of Disharmony are correlated with the Elements. Signature herbs and formulas are presented for each Element. Metal, Fire, and Water are covered in this series. In addition, this class contains the students' orientation to the faculty-supervised clinic. Students will become familiar with policies and procedures and the flow of the clinical day. Prerequisite: CHP-623b. [5 credits]

This class is an introduction to the clinical experience of conducting an intake and developing an herbal treatment. The format is an instructor led intake and group observation and discussion. [.25 credit]

This class is an introduction to the clinical experience of conducting an intake and developing an herbal treatment. The format is an instructor led intake and group observation and discussion. [.25 credit]

This class is an introduction to the clinical experience of conducting an intake and developing an herbal treatment. The format is an instructor led intake and group observation and discussion. [.25 credit]

This class is an introduction to the clinical experience of conducting an intake and developing an herbal treatment. The format is an instructor led intake and group observation and discussion. [.25 credit]

This class is an introduction to the process of conducting an intake and developing an herbal treatment. Student will learn and practice the integration of clinical reasoning and the Four Inspections. Students will begin to cultivate the thought process that leads from intake-to-diagnosis-to- herbal formula. [.25 credits]

This class is an introduction to the process of conducting an intake and developing an herbal treatment. Student will learn and practice the integration of clinical reasoning and the Four Inspections. Students will begin to cultivate the thought process that leads from intake-to-diagnosis-to- herbal formula. Prerequisite: CHP-642b. [.5 credit]

Specialties of Chinese Medicine - This series of classes focuses on Chinese Medicine specialties. The fundamental topics presented in year 1 of the program will be revisited through the lenses of these more advanced presentations. Specialties studied include gynecology, fertility, external medicine, dermatology, neurology, ENT, gastroenterology, pediatrics, immunology, oncology, and urology, and Bi-obstruction syndrome. Prerequisite: CHP-623C. [3.5 credits]

Specialties of Chinese Medicine - This series of classes focuses on Chinese Medicine specialties. The fundamental topics presented in year 1 of the program will be revisited through the lenses of these more advanced presentations. Specialties studied include gynecology, fertility, external medicine, dermatology, neurology, ENT, gastroenterology, pediatrics, immunology, oncology, and urology. Prerequisite: CHP-711A. [4.5 credits]

Specialties of Chinese Medicine - This series of classes focuses on Chinese Medicine specialties. The fundamental topics presented in year 1 of the program will be revisited through the lenses of these more advanced presentations. Specialties studied include gynecology, fertility, external medicine, dermatology, neurology, ENT, gastroenterology, pediatrics, immunology, oncology, and urology, nutrition, and Chinese diet therapy. Prerequisite: CHP-711B. [4.75 credits]

This course provides a supervised clinical experience for the students treating their own patients. Support and guidance are provided to assist the students through the process of intake, diagnosis, treatment planning, formula selection and modification. Students will also learn to fill their own prescriptions in the school's herbal dispensary. Prerequisite: CHP-623C. [2 credits]

This course provides a supervised clinical experience for the students treating their own patients. Support and guidance are provided to assist the students through the process of intake, diagnosis, treatment planning, formula selection and modification. Students will also learn to fill their own prescriptions in the school's herbal dispensary. [2.5 credits]

This course provides a supervised clinical experience for the students treating their own patients. Support and guidance are provided to assist the students through the process of intake, diagnosis, treatment planning, formula selection and modification. Students will also learn to fill their own prescriptions in the school's herbal dispensary. [2.5 credits]

This course provides a supervised clinical experience for the students treating their own patients. Support and guidance are provided to assist the students through the process of intake, diagnosis, treatment planning, formula selection and modification. Students will also learn to fill their own prescriptions in the school's herbal dispensary. [3 credits]

Li Fang Fa Yao - This hands-on class teaches the diagnostic and clinical thought process necessary to create a safe and effective herbal formula. This class walks the students though an intellectually rigorous, step-by-step method for thinking through a clinical case. Ample time is given for students to practice these skills in small groups. Prerequisite: CHP-623A. [0.5 credit]

Li Fang Fa Yao - This hands-on class teaches the diagnostic and clinical thought process necessary to create a safe and effective herbal formula. This class walks the students though an intellectually rigorous, step-by-step method for thinking through a clinical case. Ample time is given for students to practice these skills in small groups. Prerequisite: CHP-731A. [0.5 credits]

Pulse & tongue practicum - This hands-on class teaches a pulse system that evaluates both static and dynamic qualities. Diagnosis of the zang-fu and the substances (qi, xue and jin-ye) are made clear and students will begin to integrate pulse finding into herbal treatment strategies. An overview of tongue diagnosis and its integration into herbal medicine will be presented. Students will have an opportunity to observe multiple tongue conditions in light of their corresponding diagnosis. [.5 credit]

In this course, students identify and describe various parts of herbal medicinals and their preparations; including decoctions, pills, granules, wines and other topicals. Students prepare Chinese herbs according to what is most suitable for a disease condition. Students also learn how to interpret the different processing and manufacturing techniques commonly utilized for the manufacturing of plant and nonbotanical medicinals while learning how to procduce various forms of herbal preparations for topical and internal administration. Philosophical discussions concerning herbal cultivation through growing, harvesting, manufacturing and dispensing of herbs for the therapeutic administrtion will also be an integral aspect of this course. A materials fee is required. Prerequisite: CHP-623C. [ 1 credit ]

This class represents the students' orientation to the faculty-supervised clinic. Students will become familiar with policies and procedures and the flow of the clinical day. [.25 credit]

This course enables students to dispense and compound formulas prescribed and generated by the Chinese Herbal Program`s student teaching clinic. Emphasis is placed on reinforcing students' knowledge related to herb identification, classification, quality, storage, and special preparation. Prerequisites: AOM-615A, AOM-615B or CHP-623C. [0.25 credit]

This course enables students to dispense and compound formulas prescribed and generated by the Chinese Herbal Program`s student teaching clinic. Emphasis is placed on reinforcing students' knowledge related to herb and formula identification, classification, quality, storage, special preparation and category. Prerequisite: CHP-770A. [0.25 credit]

This course enables students to dispense and compound formulas prescribed and generated by the ChineseHerbal Program`s student teaching clinic. Emphasis is placed on deepening students' knowledge, advanced practice and explanations related to herb and formula name, formula classification (eg: "formulas that tonify"),quality (eg: restore/strengthen), storage, special preparation and category (eg:'tonify the qi and blood' formulas). Prerequisite: CHP-770B. [0.5 credit]

Pre-clinic meetings give students a chance to present relevant case histories and receive feedback from experienced supervisors and fellow student herbalists in an open and supportive environment. Student clinicians will have the opportunity to exchange ideas around client care and further develop critical thinking skills. [.5 credit]

Pre-clinic meetings give students a chance to present relevant case histories and receive feedback from experienced supervisors and fellow student herbalists in an open and supportive environment. Student clinicians will have the opportunity to exchange ideas around client care and further develop critical thinking skills. [.25 credit]

Pre-clinic meetings give students a chance to present relevant case histories and receive feedback from experienced supervisors and fellow student herbalists in an open and supportive environment. Student clinicians will have the opportunity to exchange ideas around client care and further develop critical thinking skills. [0.25 credit]

This course covers normal function of the body from the conventional biomedical perspective. Principles, processes, and systems most relevant to the practice of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are emphasized. [3 credits]

Formal scientific writing provides a method to communicate ideas and to persuade readers about the validity of scientific argument and/or discovery. The written body of work within an academic discipline provides an important method for defining the boundaries of that field. The focus will be on using evidence based information and data pertaining to integrative health. Students will be exposed to primary research papers, review papers, and lay articles about science. The experience will improve their ability to make complex scientific research understandable. [1.5 credits]

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the mechanisms of mind-body interconnections. The course focuses on the structure and function of the nervous, endocrine and immune systems, and how they connect to each other. Emphasis is placed on applying tools and techniques that capitalize on these pathways to positively affect health and well-being. Prerequisites: ISCI-547A OR ISCI-548. [3 credits]

This course provides an overview of the active compounds in commonly used Chinese herbs and natural products, the environmental factors that can influence their use and potency, and potential mechanisms of these compounds in the human body, along with routes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination. The interactions of Chinese herbal medicines, over-the-counter and prescription pharmaceuticals, nutritional supplements, and recreational substances are explored within the context of available evidence. Emphasis is placed on enhancing clinical safety through proper product handling, preparation, and dosing; use of research evidence to inform practice; and understanding adverse event reporting mechanisms. Prerequisites: CHP-623C and ISCI-548. [4 credits]

This course introduces an integrative bioscience perspective of acupuncture and expands the framework for communication with patients and medical practitioners. Students will develop a basic mechanistic understanding of acupuncture`s effects on physiological and pathophysiological processes. In addition, students will build skills in finding, appraising and interpreting clinical acupuncture research. [3 credits]

This course introduces an integrative bioscience perspective of acupuncture and expands the framework for communication with patients and medical practitioners. Students will develop a basic mechanistic understanding of acupuncture`s effects on physiological and pathophysiological processes. In addition, students will build skills in finding, appraising, and interpreting clinical acupuncture research. Prerequisites: AOM-699 and RSCH-601. [2 credits]

This course addresses surface anatomy and regional anatomy to specifically introduce the student to surface landmarks and to prepare students for the study of acupuncture points. The anatomical layers of the body parts and anatomical considerations for safe needling are also addressed. [3 credits]

This course covers abnormal function of body systems from the conventional biomedical perspective. Principles, processes, and medical conditions most relevant to the practice of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are emphasized. Prerequisite: ISCI-548. [3 credits]

This course reviews techinques used to assess health from a biomedical perspective. Understanding reports from conventional medical physicians can deepen the traditional practitioner`s understanding of their patient. Students will learn the techniques used in physical exam by practitioners of conventional medicine. Prerequisite: ISCI-548. [2 credits]

This course provides a foundational understanding of addiction from an integrated science perspective. The biological effects of drugs, neurobiological changes in addiction, and challenges in achieving and maintaining drug abstinence are discussed. The evidence for conventional and CAM approaches to treatment are reviewed and students learn clinical strategies for working with addiction. Prerequisites: Take one of the following: ICSCI-547A or ISCI-548. [3 credit]

This course continues the study of different regions of the body (both in health and in disease) that began in ISCI640, examining both the surface anatomy and deep anatomy of the region. The course is designed to support the study of Point Location in the Acupuncture program. [2 credits]

This course discusses the purpose, methods, risks, and benefits of common diagnostic procedures in conventional medicine. Students develop a basic knowledge of written diagnostic reports as relevant to patient care in acupuncture and herbal medicine. Emphasis is placed on applying an understanding of diagnostic studies in communication with patients and healthcare providers. Prerequisite: ISCI-758B. [3 credits]

This course teaches students the signs and symptoms of medical and mental health emergencies or situations, within the scope of practice of an acupuncture practitioner. The emphasis is on recognizing situations that necessitate referral of a patient to a Western Medicine practitioner, emergency department or urgent care facility. Training in blood borne pathogens, clean needle technique and relevant safety practices are included. This course also addresses safety issues with special populations and provides a beginning framework for understanding pharmacological and nutritional supplement safety issues. [2 credits]

This course reviews and builds on the etiology and pathophysiology covered in previous coursework to discuss diagnosis and treatment from biomedical and Chinese medical perspectives. The biomedical differential diagnosis of a patient presenting with a certain set of signs and symptoms is compared with the diagnosis derived from theories within Chinese medicine. Biomedical and Chinese medical treatment strategies are also compared and contrasted. Prerequisites: AOM-615A and ISCI-648. [2 credits]

This course deepens students understanding of the integration of acupuncture and herbal medicine with allopathic medicine as introduced in prior course work. Students will be introduced to common diseases and treatment strategies, learn how to assess and treat common diseases from a Chinese medical perspective and learn when and how to collaborate and refer to allied wellness practitioners as well as allopathic providers. The focus of this semester will be the clinical application of treatment strategies. This course lays the foundation for later specialty electives. Students may use the Natural Care Center student clinic as a lab to apply the material taught in this course. Prerequisite: ISCI-758A. [3 credits]

Formal scientific writing provides a method to communicate ideas and to persuade readers about the validity of scientific argument and discovery. A written exploration of concepts offers an important method for defining the boundaries within an academic discipline. This course offers students an introduction to scientific writing. The focus will be on using evidence-based information and data pertaining to integrative health. Students will be exposed to primary research papers, review papers, and lay articles about science. The experience will improve their ability to make complex scientific research understandable. [1.5 credits]