The objective of this course is to teach the physical mechanics necessary to successfully use nine different needling techniques in a clinical situation. Attendees will learn how to integrate body mechanics, hand positioning, and posture to effect obvious changes in the qi while treating a patient. Each technique is explained individually and demonstrated to ensure a thorough understanding of the material taught. A needle is not meant to be inserted into a point, but to manipulate the qi of a patient. The point is only a location, and its actions only happen reliably with correct manipulation of the needle. Understanding how to change the motion and intensity of our needling and supporting hands as well as our body weight is critical to moving beyond insertion and hoped-for results. To reliably create warming, cooling, channel traveling, gathering, spreading, filling, or emptying sensations in our patients requires knowing how to tangibly manipulate the needle. In this seminar, Andrew walks through the physical mechanics of each technique as well as demonstrates them on volunteers from the audience to the keep the presentation practical. The Nine Essential Needling Techniques covered are Burning Mountain 燒⼭山⽕火法, Cooling Sky 透天涼法, Channel Traveling ⾏行行經通絡法, Softening/Spreading 散法, Gathering/Consolidating 聚 法, Sparrow Pecking 雀 啄 法, Pulling Out 提 氣 法, Pinning In 扣 氣 法, and Awakening the Yuan 醒元法.
Students of Chek Life Process Alchemy (CLPA) will learn the key principles of physiological, psychological, and spiritual alchemy, and how CLPA can be used to identify the etiology of psychophysical imbalances. An understanding of how elemental forces, physiological regulatory systems, and the psyche (mind and soul) influence each other will be gained. Students will learn CLPA methods of assessment, how to identify the etiology patient symptoms, and how to guide patients through CLPA stages of healing, awakening, and greater freedom in their lives. Chinese medicine, like alchemy, emerged from observations of the principles and functions of nature. Chek Life Process Alchemy (CLPA) is the product of 32 years of clinical experience and research into body-emotion-mind-soul interrelationships. CLPA will aid acupuncturists and health care professionals in understanding key physiological regulatory systems, and how the psyche and body of a patient respond to and mirror each other. Using key principles of alchemy as expressed via physiological regulatory systems and Jungian principles of depth psychology, the four functions of consciousness, and assessment of an individual’s life story, CLPA provides an efficient means of identifying the etiology behind patient symptoms. Students of CLPA will learn a structured system of patient assessment progression, awareness training, behavioral change that is highly complementary to acupuncture theory and practice. You will learn to use CLPA in combination with acupuncture to resolve root causes of psychophysical challenges and facilitate the patient’s ability to accomplish their stated dream, goal, or objective for healing and life.
Hua To’s “Frolic of the Five Animals” Crane Frolic qigong provides the practitioner with qigong methods for increasing their qi sensitivity and strength. The breathing and movement exercises of the Crane Frolic increase the circulation of qi through the cardiovascular system and help to improve balance in movement. Hua To was a famous Chinese medical practitioner who created a system of qigong health exercises based upon the movements and spirits of five animals: tiger, crane, deer, bear, and monkey. In the workshop we will learn the Crane Frolic which emulates the movement patterns of the crane. These movements are graceful and flowing, integrating the breath with stepping and standing postures. They increase the circulation of qi through the cardiovascular system, help to improve balance in movement, and provide the practitioner with methods for increasing their qi sensitivity and strength.
The focus of this lecture is to reveal that ancient Chinese sages and medical practitioners understood what conventional science is realizing now—thousands of years later. Taiji and qigong activate basic physiological mechanisms that are associated with the reduction of pathology through self-regulatory mechanisms that neutralize the negative effects of oxidative and inflammatory process. In the ancient world, these were associated with longevity: the capacity to extend the duration of wellbeing, and of immortality: the process of sustaining a relationship with the quantum aspect of being wherein one is intimately connected with the aspect of oneself that is eternal. Ancient Chinese sages and medical innovators understood what conventional science is realizing now – thousands of years later. Taiji and qigong activate basic physiological mechanisms that are associated with the reduction of pathology – through naturally occurring self-regulatory mechanisms that neutralize the negative effects of oxidative and inflammatory process. In the ancient world, these were associated with longevity: the capacity to extend the duration of wellbeing, and of immortality: the process of sustaining a relationship with the quantum aspect of being wherein one is intimately connected with the aspect of oneself that is eternal. The foundations of these concepts are expressed in the Three Treasures: San Bao Science. Dr. Jahnke will explore ancient wisdom, contemporary research, and accessible practice to inspire practitioners to consider the power of qigong and taiji.
The three main objectives of this one-hour introductory lecture into the topic are to: 1. Explore the difference between an ordinary treatment and an exceptional treatment experience. 2. Learn at least two things you can do immediately to create an exceptional experience for your patients. 3. Become aware that incorporating either of these two adjunctive modalities into your treatments has been clinically proven to improve patient outcomes and increase patient satisfaction. Instead of providing everyday, ordinary treatments you can create exceptional treatment experiences for your patients. By doing so, you have an opportunity to enjoy your work more fully and make your treatments more effective and valuable. Join Dr. East for this discussion on the difference between an ordinary treatment and an extraordinary treatment experience. She will share with you a few simple, and highly effective, tools, techniques and modalities you can incorporate into your practice right away to create exceptional treatment experiences for your patients. In addition, she will explain why they have been clinically proven to increase patient satisfaction and treatment outcomes.
Guohui Liu will present the theory and treatment of tai yin disease in the Shang Han Lun. Symposium attendees will learn to identify the early stage of tai yin disease, which has not been discussed in contemporary textbooks. Furthermore, the disorders of the channel and the disorders of the organ in tai yin disease will be classified and discussed in detail. Attendees will learn how to identify them from the perspective of qi transformation and, based on case studies, learn how to treat them. Tai yin disease in the Shang Han Lun is frequently related to digestive disorders. As early as the 3rd century, Zhang Ji recorded many diagnostic skills and formulas to treat tai yin disease which are applicable today. This presentation will classify information about tai yin disease in the Shang Han Lun into two categories: disorders completely belonging to tai yin disease and disorders partially belonging to tai yin disease. It will also discuss how to identify them according to Guohui Liu’s experience. He will analyze the formulas in detail. Case studies will be used to demonstrate how to manage these diagnostic skills and treatment approaches in clinical practice.
The five main objectives of this three-hour workshop are to: 1. Explore the difference between an ordinary treatment and an exceptional treatment experience. 2. Learn tools, techniques, and a variety of adjunctive modalities that you can implement immediately to create an exceptional experience for your patients. 3. Become aware that incorporating many of these modalities into your treatments has been clinically proven to improve patient outcomes and increase patient satisfaction. 4. Gain valuable ways to objectively measure treatment progress and approach patient care with a collective mindfulness. 5. Have an exceptional experience during the lecture through demonstration, practice, and group discussion. Join Dr. East Haradin for this fun, interactive three-hour workshop which will explore specific ways you can take your treatments to the next level by providing exceptional treatment experiences rather than just plain treatments. By doing so you will not only improve patient satisfaction and treatment outcomes, you will have the potential to increase the value, and price, of your treatments. Dr. Haradin will share with you the key components of an exceptional treatment experience, including: 1. A prepared practitioner: ways you can practice mindfulness, prevent burn out and work from your highest potential. 2. Tools, techniques, and adjunctive modalities you can include in your treatments to make them extraordinary. 3. The use of objective measurements. 4. A collective and mindful approach to patient care. Woven into the workshop will be hands-on-practice and experience of many of the tools, techniques, and modalities explored.
Considerations of diet and food preparation, which are having a direct impact on your patients' health and your treatment outcomes, are presented in this workshop. Sarica goes beyond the standard advice of eating organic, gluten-free, and so on, into the role of modern agriculture and food production methods. She will explore more deeply how simple, often overlooked techniques of ancestral food preparation such as soaking, culturing, and making broths can help to overcome many common digestive complaints in the clinic by introducing the use of predigestion. Is nutritional guidance part of your care for your patients? It is a powerful way to help your patients help themselves, and support the good you do for them in the treatment room. However, if you have found that the standard suggestions to eat whole, organic foods, to read labels, avoid gluten, or apply paleo principles aren’t enough, this workshop is for you. Have you wondered how legumes, grains, and dairy, common components of the human diet, have become "off-limits" for many? Learn about the important methods of predigestion through traditional food preparation techniques, a missing link in the modern picture of health.
Attendees will learn the differences between interstitial cystitis and urinary tract infection in terms of Chinese medicine. Based on analysis of case studies, attendees will learn how to differentiate and treat interstitial cystitis from the perspective of qi transformation in the Interstitial cystitis is a common yet difficult disease for middle-aged women. It is easily confused with urinary tract infection and treated as damp-heat alone in clinic. After studying the Shang Han Lun for more than four decades, Guohui Liu has found that the qi transformation theory related to the tai yang, tai yin, and jue yin diseases are quite useful in dealing with this disease. Based on analysis of his own case studies, Guohui Liu will lay out the strategies and formulas to treat this disease.
Explore, learn, and practice simple, accessible methods of medical qigong that practitioners can use for themselves and their patients. The foundations are the classical Chinese Three Treasures concept of body-jing, heartmind-qi, spirit-shen, and the four baskets of practice: body practice, breath practice, mind practice, and self-applied massage. Long before acupuncture, and as a part of the methods for discovering herbal medicine and acupuncture, there was self-observation and self-cultivation: qigong. The insight and awareness cultivated by ancient sages created Chinese medicine. Today’s clinical practitioners of Chinese medicine can still cultivate the wisdom and insight of the ancients through the practice of qigong in modern times. Dr. Jahnke, with the experience accumulated through ten trips to China and 35 years of clinical practice, will support participants in learning and practicing an accessible form of medical qigong: Bu Zheng Qigong. The foundations for this class are the classical Chinese Three Treasures body-jing, heartmind-qi, spirit-shen, and the four baskets of practice: body practice, breath practice, mind practice, and self-applied massage. A key theme is the idea that teaching people to help heal themselves is in accord with the Huang Di Nei Jing and actually increases financial success.
This course will discuss combining modern neuroscience and ancient practices for the achievement and assessment of peak states of consciousness. Attendees will explore the neurophysiological components of peak states, what they look like in the brain, different components of state awareness, and tools used to assess, support, and train these states. This course will focus on the neuroscience of peak states and inherent trait changes, including what happens on a neurophysiological level while in peak states. Explore EEG assisted meditation, attention and state awareness, where “state” refers to the cognitive, sensory integration and self referential aspects that can arise during a peak experience: the loss of self-consciousness and and how it is essential for states of flow. Learn about tools for assessment, training, and state attainment such as neurofeedback, heart rate variability, TCM, and a number of new neurostimulation technologies such as pulsed electromagnetic fields, transcranial direct current, and cryotherapy.
What will practitioners learn: • How to work with recreational and professional athletes of all ages. • How TCM herbs and formulas and pattern differentiation helps patients and practitioners. • Alternatives to performance-enhancing drugs and pain medications, and treatment protocols for anxiety, altitude sickness, anemia, blood sugar imbalance, muscle soreness, injury prevention, digestive disorders, sleep disorders, and overtraining. • How to differentiate topical treatments. • Why quality control is important in herbal dispensing and formulation. • Guidelines for best practices in herbal dispensing (AHPA white paper). • Case study of amateur and professional athletes. • Tips on treating athletes of all ages. Whether your clients are weekend warriors, amateurs, or professionals, we will discuss nutritional needs, eating plans, and mind-body approaches for athletes based on the latest research. Learn about alternatives to performance-enhancing drugs and pain pills. Protocols for anxiety, altitude sickness, anemia, blood sugar balance, injury prevention, muscle soreness, digestive health, sleep disorders, and overtraining will be presented. Discover how constitutional TCM herbs and formulas can maximize recovery and performance. We will look at methods for obtaining the best results from the use of ginseng, schizandra, astragalus, cordyceps, curcumin, and pomegranate. Best practices for herbal dispensing and communications strategies will also be discussed. This course is taught by Andrew Gaeddert, who has over thirty years’ experience working with athletes from world record holders to first time exercisers. The morning session will be devoted to discussion of key herbs, with nutrition, lifestyle, and protocols in the afternoon.
1. Chinese medicine methodology for maintaining metabolic balance throughout the lifetime. 2. Identify metabolic syndrome from both Eastern and Western perspectives. The number of people in our society who suffer from type 2 diabetes, essential hypertension, elevated cholesterol, high BMI, abdominal fat, and fat in the liver is increasing exponentially. This is often characterized in Western medicine as "metabolic syndrome". Chinese medicine, along with other natural approaches, can help prevent the development of metabolic syndrome, and reverse its effects once it has become entrenched. In this lecture, metabolic syndrome and Chinese medicine pattern differentiation and treatment practices will be presented.
The practitioner will learn the history and properties of cannabis in Chinese medicine and why it was forgotten. Also, they will learn about the endocannabioid system, cannabinoids, and CBD:THC ratios, terpenes, flavonoids, dosage, and modes of delivery from both a modern science and TCM perspective. The cannabis industry is the fastest-growing industry in the Unites States. Our forefathers in Chinese medicine used cannabis, but over the centuries, knowledge of its powerful properties has been lost. In this course, you will learn the history and properties of cannabis in Chinese medicine and why it was forgotten. You will learn about the endocannabioid system, CBD:THC Ratios, dosing, and terpenes from both a modern science and TCM perspective.
1. Learn to identify the patients with liver disease. 2. Learn which lab tests are used to diagnose liver disease and fatty liver. 3. Identify Chinese diagnoses and herbal formulas used for liver support and fatty liver. 4. Understand Western and Eastern management of fatty liver disease. Chances are good that you are treating people with chronic liver disease, including fatty liver, but may not know it. Chronic liver disease affects more 50 million people worldwide yet the vast majority of people with liver disease have not been diagnosed and often feel well until the last stages of disease. The fastest growing chronic liver disease is fatty liver disease and, very soon, will become the primary reason for liver transplant in the developed world. People with liver disease need to be identified, receive a Western diagnostic workup, and use Chinese medicine, nutritional support and other non-pharmaceutical treatments. This course will explore the theory and practice of integrated Chinese medicine for chronic liver disease, especially fatty liver disease in conjunction with metabolic syndrome. Supportive and safe Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture will be explored. Case studies and open discussion will round out the seminar.
What will practitioners learn: • How to work with recreational and professional athletes of all ages. • How TCM herbs and formulas pattern differentiation helps patients and practitioners. • Alternatives to performance-enhancing drugs and pain medications, treatment protocols for anxiety, altitude sickness, anemia, blood sugar imbalance, muscle soreness, injury prevention, digestive disorders, sleep disorders, and overtraining. • How to differentiate topical treatments. • Why quality control is important in herbal dispensing and formulation. • Guidelines for best practices in herbal dispensing (AHPA white paper). • Case study discussion with amateur and professional athletes. • Tips on treating athletes of all ages. Whether your clients are weekend warriors, amateurs, or professionals, we will discuss nutritional needs, eating plans, and mind-body approaches for athletes based on the latest research. Learn about alternatives to performance-enhancing drugs and pain pills. Protocols for anxiety, altitude sickness, anemia, blood sugar balance, injury prevention, muscle soreness, digestive health, sleep disorders, and overtraining will be presented. Discover how constitutional TCM herbs and formulas can maximize recovery and performance. Investigate methods for obtaining the best results from the use of ginseng, schizandra, astragalus, cordyceps, curcumin, and pomegranate. Best practices for herbal dispensing and communications strategies will also be discussed. This course is taught by Andrew Gaeddert, who has over thirty years’ experience working with athletes from world record holders to first time exercisers. The morning session will be devoted to discussion of key herbs, with nutrition, lifestyle, and protocols in the afternoon.
Attendees will learn to differentiate most major shoulder, hip, and SI joint pathologies. With this information, the workshop will then present specific protocols for treatment of these pathologies. Included will be a demonstration of needle techniques and myofascial massage techniques to better treat these pain syndromes. There will also be a demonstration of the use of electro-stimulation in treating these disorders. Attendees will learn to differentiate most major shoulder, hip, and SI joint pathologies. With this information, the workshop will then present specific protocols for treatment of these pathologies. Included will be a demonstration of needle techniques and myofascial massage techniques to better treat these pain syndromes. There will also be a demonstration of the use of electro-stimulation in treating these disorders.
Practitioners will learn the tripartite organization of the Shen Nong Ben Cao (SNBC) and how it defines the application of herbs for preventing illness, treating symptoms or affecting disease. Practitioners will also learn how the tripartite organization defines the dosage of herbs and will discuss examples from each category of upper, middle, and lower herbs along with clinical applications. Qing dynasty practitioner Chen Xiuyuan said that the study of Chinese medicine was actually quite easy, yet today, herbal medicine is seen as either incredibly academic or encourages the use of set formulas without modification. In this workshop, JulieAnn Nugent-Head outlines how the Shen Nong Ben Cao (SNBC) provides clear guidance to application of herbs for longevity, mild symptoms and disease. By its tripartite organization, the SNBC clarifies herb dosage and appropriate length of treatment. Discussing specific herbs from each category as well as clinical case examples, participants will come away from this lecture with a clear and applicable understanding of herbs for wellness and disease.
The workshop will go deeper into the history and properties of cannabis in Chinese medicine and why it was forgotten. Attendees will learn about the endocannabioid system, CBD:THC ratios, dosing, and terpenes from both a modern science and TCM perspective. The practitioner will learn how to apply the Eight Principles to arrive at a differential diagnosis to personalize their patients\' CBD:THC ratio, terpenes/strains, and dosage and modes of administration. Lastly, this course will discuss the major therapeutic directions of cannabis with case studies. Currently there are no systems that personalize cannabis medicine from either a Western or Eastern perspective. In this course, you will learn about the endocannabioid system and its relation to yin and yang theory and the Eight Principles of diagnosis to arrive at a differential diagnosis. This will allow the practitioner to personalize the patients’ CBD:THC ratio, terpenes/strains, dosage, herb combinations, and modes of administration to treat a variety of conditions. Also, this course will discuss the major therapeutic directions of cannabis with case studies based on the Eight Principles.
Practitioners will learn the 4-Doctor approach created by Paul Chek, and how to use this to create balance and structure in patients' programs and therapy. Understand that the 6 Foundation Principles and the 4 Doctors: Dr. Happiness, Dr. Movement, Dr. Quiet, and Dr. Diet, are essential to long-term success for all people, and are the bedrock of any living philosophy. Step 1 is to start by clearly defining a dream, goal, or objective to direct your client’s intention, awareness, and energy. Step 2 is to help your patient define their 4-Doctor habits from the perspective of yin/yang balance. Step 3 is to establish goal-affirmative 4-Doctor core values to guide effective choices, so patients feel healthier, become stronger, recover from an injury, and enjoy improved mental-emotional capacity, and/or athletic performance. Learn the 4-Doctor approach to create balance and structure in your clients’ programs and experience high levels of body-mind performance with Paul Chek. As foundation principles, Dr. Happiness, Dr. Movement, Dr. Quiet, and Dr. Diet, are essential to long-term success for all people, and are the bedrock of any living philosophy. Start by clearly defining a dream, goal or objective to direct your client’s intention, awareness and energy. Next, explore your client’s current 4-Doctor habits from the perspective of yin/yang balance. Finally, establish goal-affirmative 4-Doctor core values to guide effective choices, so patients feel healthier, become stronger, recover from an injury, and enjoy improved mental-emotional capacity and athletic performance. Paul’s 1-2-3-4-step system is efficient and provides a structured approach to balancing and enhancing performance, is harmonious with acupuncture principles and practices, and is used by healthcare professionals, coaches, and elite athletes worldwide.
Wu Wei Zi, the dried fruit of the Schizandra vine, has a long history of use, primarily as a treatment for lung disorders and as an astringent, but modern research has uncovered other applications that point to enhancement of mental and physical function. This presentation will explore the development of Wu Wei Zi arising from research efforts during the past sixty years and its new clinical applications. The original applications of Wu Wei Zi, as recorded in ancient texts, mostly point to its inclusion as a minor ingredient in formulas for lung diseases and for astringent effects. This early work led to Wu Wei Zi as a frequently used herb, but one which did not generate much interest in further development. Perhaps the most important ancient use came with the formula Sheng Mai San, the pulse-generating powder that has become an important base for modern prescriptions. During the post-revolutionary period in China, research into Wu Wei Zi's effects on the brain and immune system became a new area of interest, stimulated by research outside of China. Most practitioners of Chinese medicine tend to use Wu Wei Zi according to its more limited ancient applications, so this presentation will broaden the understanding of its clinical use, particularly for enhancing performance.
Sleep serves many purposes according to TCM, yet modern science is still discovering new facts that practitioners should know, some of which confirm what TCM has been espousing for generations. Learn how to merge TCM’s philosophical and physiological understanding of sleep with the newest research, with emphasis on practical strategies for enhancing patient care. Dr. Dunas will address the role of sleep, how much is needed, and how it affects peak performance and recovery.
The current therapy for stroke patients is repeated stimulation to damaged neurons, and the extent of recovery is linked to the frequency of these stimulations. Over the years, knowledge of brain structure, development, and function has dramatically increased. This new knowledge has led to proposals that new neuronal connections can be forged within brain tissue damaged by cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) or trauma. This session will describe the combined use of three rehabilitative therapies for stroke patients: Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture (YNSA), physical therapy, and guided imagery. Bomzon and Amir will also cover the outcome of this combined therapy in patients who have experienced a CVA or who suffer from chronic pain. The current therapy for stroke patients is repeated stimulation to damaged neurons, and the extent of recovery is linked to the frequency of these stimulations. Over the years, knowledge of brain structure, development, and function has dramatically increased. This new knowledge has led to proposals that new neuronal connections can be forged within brain tissue damaged by cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) or trauma. This session will describe the combined use of three rehabilitative therapies for stroke patients: Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture (YNSA), physical therapy, and guided imagery. Bomzon and Amir will also cover the outcome of this combined therapy in patients who have experienced a CVA or who suffer from chronic pain.
Attendees will learn about the Japanese method called Shonishin, translated as “children’s needles”, used for the treatment of children ages 0-7. Shonishin is a method of enhancing children’s health that can be used both for supplementing the immune system and recovery from certain children’s ailments. The material will be given in lecture and demonstration. This course will also include use of TCM herbal remedies and treatment strategies. When the people you know have children, it is great to be able to help from babyhood on. Shonishin, first popularized in southern Japan, is used to enhance childrens’ immunity, diagnose their constitutions, and get them through many common ailments. The main methods do not insert needles, but use gentle, brief tapping and rubbing of acupuncture channels. A lovely way of interaction, it can stand alone as treatment or be combined with herbs and other therapies. The workshop includes a demonstration of a once-a-month method for wellness, as well as techniques for acute and chronic issues. Whether you are experienced in treating children or want to begin now, this class will show quick, effective ways to positively influence childrens’ health.
Attendees will learn background of Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture (YNSA), and how to use it to treat patients with acute or chronic pain and neurological diseases, including: 1. The needling points of YNSA. 2. The diagnostic areas of YNSA and how to use them to select the correct needling point. 3. How YNSA is applied to a patient with neurological disease and pain. 4. How to apply YNSA to treat any energy imbalance in the body. 5. How to combine YNSA with any TCM treatment. Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture (YNSA) is named after the Japanese physician, Dr. Toshikatsu Yamamoto, who developed this acupuncture system in 1973. YNSA is used to treat neurological conditions, and is effective in stroke patients with pain and/or restricted mobility. YNSA is comprised of basic acupuncture points (somatopes), mainly on the scalp. In addition to providing symptomatic relief, YNSA is sometimes curative. Attendees will learn background of YNSA, and how to use it to treat patients with acute or chronic pain and neurological diseases, including: 1. The needling points of YNSA. 2. The diagnostic areas of YNSA and how to use them to select the correct needling point. 3. How YNSA is applied to a patient with neurological disease and pain. 4. How to apply YNSA to treat any energy imbalance in the body. 5. How to combine YNSA with any TCM treatment.
The objective of this course is to focus practitioner attention on the three stages of injury recovery and the associated TCM therapies for each stage, relying particularly on use of herbal medicine. The presentation will elaborate upon the approach applied in the English-Chinese Encyclopedia of Practical Traditional Chinese Medicine volume on Orthopedics and Traumatology, with updated information since its publication in 1989. Treatment of injury is one of the foundations of acupuncture practice, but the herbal component of therapy is often given little attention, relying primarily on a single therapeutic principle—vitalizing blood—and use of some well known topical oils, liniments, and plasters. However, TCM has a richly developed field of traumatology that includes consideration of injury in stages—initial, intermediate, and chronic—with different herbal therapeutics based not only stage, but location of injury, depth, and assessment of progress. The experience with traumatic injuries can be applied as well to the effects of surgery, radiation therapy, localized infection and inflammation, and childbirth.
This workshop will include discussion of the behavioral symptoms of illness, psychology as expressions of energetic syndromes, and TCM sexual energy and breath healing techniques, or qigong. The workshop will include exercises for in-office treatments or take-home protocols for patients, with an emphasis on how to teach patients to become familiar with feeling and moving qi. Familiarity with this material broadens treatment room conversations to include emotion and behavior as viewed from a TCM perspective, and helps patients understand how the condition of their qi is responsible for their behavior, interpersonal interaction patterns, and love relationships, as well as physical health. This workshop will include discussion of 1) the behavioral symptoms of illness, 2) psychology as expressions of energetic syndromes, and 3) TCM view of sexual energy and breath healing techniques, i.e., qi gong. The workshop will include exercises for in-office treatments or take-home protocols for patients, with an emphasis on how to teach patients to become familiar with feeling and moving qi. Familiarity with this material broadens treatment room conversations to include emotion and behavior as viewed from a TCM perspective, and helps patients understand how the condition of their qi is responsible for their behavior, interpersonal interaction patterns, and love relationships, as well as physical health.
Attendees will learn clinically applicable treatments for various disorders. These will include unique uses and external applications of herbs and self-massage techniques. Attendees will gain an understanding of the process of passing clinical and theoretical information from generation to generation and how this is reflected in the way that Chinese medicine develops through the ages. Andy Ellis has had the great fortune in the last 40 years to study with excellent practitioners of Chinese medicine. His goal for this workshop is to pass on some of the techniques, formulas, and life advice he has received from his teachers. He will select noteworthy lessons, particularly effective treatments, and sage advice to pass on to upcoming generations. Attendees will learn clinically applicable treatments for various disorders, including unique uses and external applications of herbs and self-massage techniques.
Learn about the nature of "causality" in TCM and biomedicine, compare methodology on whether "acupuncture works" in TCM and biomedicine, and review how actual, randomized, controlled trials define causality. Discuss the ideas of treat the "spirit", "obtain the qi", and "penetrating divine illumination" in early TCM texts. Examine the dramatic difference between placebo effects (as defined by biomedicine) and "the penetrating divine illumination", as well as clinical implications for acupuncture and herbal medicine. What is the fundamental difference between "causality" as defined in biomedicine and East Asian medicine? What is "evidence" in the two systems? The difference will be examined by contrasting the biomedical idea of placebo effects and the concept of the "penetrating divine illumination." Professor Kaptchuk will present a history of the "penetrating divine illumination" from the Nei Jing to early 19th century and why it disappears from Asian medical texts. Clinical implications will be discussed, which will form the foundation for the afternoon talk on how the soul and physical body are inextricably linked.
The skillful use of acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and nutrition provides benefits to athletes at a time when they are searching for any and all means of performance enhancement. What has been learned from this specialized application of Chinese medicine can be applied to anyone seeking optimal performance to achieve their personal goals. This lecture will focus on enhancing human performance beyond the sporting world. Whitfield Reaves will discuss the integration of acupuncture and the principles of Chinese medicine used in sports medicine, both for the athlete and the active person. Attendees will gain new skills and confidence in the care of the athlete and the active patient. The skillful use of acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and nutrition provides benefits to athletes at a time when they are searching for any and all means of performance enhancement. What has been learned from this specialized application of Chinese medicine can be applied to anyone seeking optimal performance to achieve their personal goals. This lecture will focus on enhancing human performance beyond the sporting world. Whitfield Reaves will discuss the integration of acupuncture and the principles of Chinese medicine used in sports medicine, both for the athlete and the active person. Attendees will gain new skills and confidence in the care of the athlete and the active patient.
Gain inspiration from a broad overview of the 2500-year-old yangsheng (nourishment of life) teachings on how to live longer and be healthier, happier, and wiser in doing so. Attendees will learn how best to care for their own wellbeing and serve as models and teachers for their patients. Gain inspiration from a broad overview of the 2500-year-old yangsheng (nourishment of life) teachings on how to live longer and be healthier, happier, and wiser in doing so. Attendees will learn how best to care for their own wellbeing and serve as models and teachers for their patients.
The skillful use of acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and nutrition provides benefits to athletes at a time when they are searching for any and all means of performance enhancement. What has been learned from this specialized application of Chinese medicine can be applied to anyone seeking optimal performance to achieve their personal goals. This lecture will focus on enhancing human performance beyond the sporting world. Whitfield Reaves will discuss his favorite techniques, formulas, and acupuncture points, used in the athletic community since before the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, where Whit supported American athletes. Included will be the importance of proper zang-fu diagnosis, mental preparation, and postural stability. Attendees will gain new skills and confidence in the care of the athlete and the active patient. The skillful use of acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and nutrition provides benefits to athletes at a time when they are searching for any and all means of performance enhancement. What has been learned from this specialized application of Chinese medicine can be applied to anyone seeking optimal performance to achieve their personal goals. This lecture will focus on enhancing human performance beyond the sporting world. Whitfield Reaves will discuss his favorite techniques, formulas, and acupuncture points, used in the athletic community since before the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, where Whit supported American athletes. Included will be the importance of proper zang-fu diagnosis, mental preparation, and postural stability. Attendees will gain new skills and confidence in the care of the athlete and the active patient.
This workshop will describe the nature of the "soul" (ling-hun) in Chinese medicine. Far from being marginal, it is central to the Nei Jing and many other early Chinese medical texts. The talk will review the five components of the soul—hun, po, yi, zhi and shen—on existential, moral, and spiritual levels, and their intrinsic relationship to the physical body. After describing these five components, Dr. Kaptchuk will examine the unifying foundational Chinese medicine concept of "the ladder of the soul” and its relevance to herbal and acupuncture practice. This workshop will describe the nature of the "soul" (ling-hun) in Chinese medicine. Far from being marginal, it is central to the Nei Jing and many other early Chinese medical texts. The talk will review the five components of the soul—hun, po, yi, zhi and shen—on existential, moral, and spiritual levels, and their intrinsic relationship to the physical body. After describing these five components, Dr. Kaptchuk will examine the unifying foundational Chinese medicine concept of "the ladder of the soul” and its relevance to herbal and acupuncture practice.
This workshop will serve as an overview of Kiiko Matsumoto's latest innovations in the treatment of musculoskeletal and vascular disorders, focusing upon the use of diode rings, a non-insertive adjunct adjunct therapy that can be combined with many modalities of acupuncture treatments. Diode rings are similar to magnets, and have the same general uses. The rings deliver a microcurrent through the skin into the underlying tissues. Unlike the usual distal approach of the KMS style, diode rings can be used directly over a place of pain or numbness, promoting the healing of stressed, inflamed, or injured tissues. Through lecture and demonstration, the attendee will learn how to incorporate diode rings into their treatments to achieve incredible results. For those that practice a more distal approach to their acupuncture treatments, immediate relief of pain can be elusive. While inserting needles at local sites has the potential to harm inflamed tissues, it does offer a simple and often effective solution in the short term. A fantastic compromise is the use of diode rings, which are a non-insertive alternative to needles that can easily be applied along channels directly at the site of pain. Diode rings are similar to magnets, but more effective, and can offer profound long-term results. In this workshop, attendees will learn how to safely use diode rings as an adjunct to more traditional treatments for musculoskeletal and vascular disorders.
Chinese health cultivation teachings usually start with the mind and emotions. This workshop will delve into the harm caused by unregulated emotions and explain, using both yangsheng (nourishment of life) teachings and modern research, how how practitioners and patients can transform them into positive mental states. In many cases, mental and emotional states play a greater role in health and wellbeing than any other factor, because without a level of emotional integration, it is impossible to truly care for ourselves. This workshop will delve into the harm caused by unregulated emotions and explain, using both yangsheng (nourishment of life) teachings and modern research, how practitioners and patients can transform them into positive mental states. It will then offer simple, practical ways to cultivate cooler, calmer, more centered, more connected, and more compassionate states.
This workshop will focus on the diagnosis and treatment of vascular system problems, such as cardiovascular disease, neuropathies, painful varicose veins, and edema. Attendees will learn the most common abdominal patterns related to these conditions in order to help them make differential diagnoses through palpation. The most common applicable root and condition-specific treatments will be covered. Significant attention will be paid to the use of diode rings, a non-insertive, magnet-like device that delivers microsimulation through the skin, as an adjunct therapy for those conditions that present with noticeable signs of pain or numbness. Vascular system disorders are common, painful, and deadly. As an acupuncturist, it can be difficult to deal with these circulatory issues, and often it seems that there is little that we can offer besides the usual promise of reducing inflammation and boosting oxygen circulation in the blood. While that is, in fact, a benefit itself, the external manifestations of vascular issues, such as neuropathies and varicose veins, are often what patients want "fixed". In addition to the usual root- and condition-specific treatments, non-insertive diode rings offer a solution. By painlessly delivering microstimulation through the skin (without the use of electricity), they can reduce inflammation and increase circulation without needling these delicate areas, which are prone to infection.
Learn how to integrate Chinese acupuncture practices with an understanding of anatomy, orthopedics, and sports medicine. Each attendee will improve their skills and gain confidence in the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of many common joint injuries seen in the acupuncture clinic. Treatment of joint pain, injury, and dysfunction is a daily need in the acupuncture clinic, but effective treatment includes more than is typically described in the classic and modern acupuncture texts. A clear understanding of anatomy and the movement pattern of the joint results in a better treatment plan and choice of points. Whitfield Reaves will teach attendees how to effectively use acupuncture, electrical stimulation, and other techniques for common injury sites. The role of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia on the joint will be included, and will lead the practitioner to effective meridian and point selection. Learn how to integrate Chinese acupuncture practices with an understanding of anatomy, orthopedics, and sports medicine. Each attendee will improve their skills and gain confidence in the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of many common joint injuries seen in the acupuncture clinic. Treatment of joint pain, injury, and dysfunction is a daily need in the acupuncture clinic, but effective treatment includes more than is typically described in the classic and modern acupuncture texts. A clear understanding of anatomy and the movement pattern of the joint results in a better treatment plan and choice of points. Whitfield Reaves will teach attendees how to effectively use acupuncture, electrical stimulation, and other techniques for common injury sites. The role of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia on the joint will be included, and will lead the practitioner to effective meridian and point selection.
View the 2018 conference schedule at a glance. The full 2018 program brochure is coming soon.