Frequently Asked Questions
When does the course start and finish?
The course starts annually in January and meets quarterly for a period of 18 months. Quarterly immersion weekends take place from Friday-Sunday 9:00 am – 6:00pm and are conducted in Olympia WA.
What is included in the course?
The primary focus of the course is on TCM theory and the use of theory to select and perform acupuncture therapy. There is an emphasis on hands on practicums and review of essential theories, diagnostics and practice management. On line presentations between the immersion weekends will consist of a variety of learning tools including video, lectures, forums and reading assignments. On line consultations by appointments will also be available to students throughout the program and after graduation.
What if I live out of state?
In November 2017, the State of Washington, Department of Health, Nursing Quality Assurance Board approved the inclusion of medical acupuncture for Nurse Practitioners with 300 hours of training. If you are enrolling from another state, we advise you to check with your state board of nursing to ensure medical acupuncture is allowed and the criteria are the same.
ACUPUNCTURE & INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE INSTITUTE LLC.
Acupuncture Training: Course Syllabus
Winter, 2023
Course Number: 005
Course Title: Acupuncture Training Program
Class Meetings
Classroom instruction: Friday-Saturday-Sunday 09:00 am – 6:00 pm
Course Dates:
January 27, 28, 29, 2023
April 21, 22, 23, 2023
July 14, 15, 16, 2023
October 13, 14, 15 2023
January 06, 07, 08, 2024
April 06, 07, 08, 2024
Location: Acacia Acupuncture
Address: 1800 Cooper Point Rd. SW, Bldg. 15, Olympia, WA
Tel: 360-539-5222
Prerequisites: Nurse Practitioner
- Course Description
This course explores the concepts and theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how to apply them in the clinical practice. After completion of the program students will have proficiency in using TCM theory to diagnose and treat medical conditions using the appropriate selection of acupuncture points and therapies to support an integrative approach to cares. It also provides training in additional acupuncture therapies and other techniques used in treatment. The focus of instructions will focus on proficiency in hands on skills to include acupuncture, tuina, electro-acupuncture, auricular, laser therapy, cupping, and Roduraku analysis and other integrative practices that facilitate and promote wellness, restoration of health, and the management of chronic and acute conditions in adults using an integrative approach to care. Strategies include nutrition, movement, mind body approaches, spirituality, complementary and alternative modalities and botanicals. Ultimately providing an expanded template for nurse practitioners to incorporate integrative health principles into their practices.
- Course Outcomes
At the completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- Examine and demonstrate the theories and application of TCM; basic concepts and theories that provide the basis of point selection, promote health and well-being in patients.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the application of acupuncture treatment and other TCM therapies.
- Examine the legal, safety and ethical issues of an integrative health practice, strategies for effective collaboration with diverse healthcare disciplines to meet the needs of patients with various health concerns.
- Review evidence-based studies to support the use of acupuncture and integrative approaches to promote health and well-being and manage health conditions.
- Instructional Resources
Machiocia, G. (2015), The Foundations of Chinese Medicine: 3rd Ed. A Comprehensive Text, New York, N.Y. Elsevier.
Machiocia, G. (2007), The Practice of Chinese Medicine: The Treatment of Diseases with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs, 2nd Ed. New York N.Y. Churchill, Livingston
Deadman, P. Al-Khafaji, M. (2007). A Manual of Acupuncture, 2nd Ed. Vista, CA, Journal of Chinese Medicine Publication
Calhoun, DC. (2019) Acupuncture Techniques 101: Safety, CNT, and Needling Techniques, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Cats TCM Notes Press,
Calhoun, DC (2019), Acupuncture Techniques 102: Moxibustion, Three-edged Needle, Cutaneous Needle Therapy, Gua Sha, Cupping and Electroacupuncture, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Cats TCM Notes Press,
The Manual of Acupuncture is also available as an App at http://amanualofacupuncture.com/
which is recommended.
Maciocia, G. (1995). Tongue Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine. Philadelphia, PA. Eastland Press
Flaws, B. (2012). The Secret of Chinese Pulse Diagnosis, 3rd Ed. Portland, OR, NY. Blue Poppy Enterprises.
Hao, JJ, Hao, LL. Wolfe, HL (2011) Chinese Scalp Acupuncture, Portland, OR. Blue Poppy Press
Video
Dr. Paul Lam: Tai Chi for Beginners Begin your journey to better health with Six Easy Steps and/or
Dr Paul Lam: Tai Chi for Life: Gentle Exercises for Seniors and Beginners
See additional book list for recommended text
- Evaluation Methods
In order to receive accreditation from the course, participants are required to complete the following:
Attendance of all Immersion Weekends
Successful completion of practicum and module test.
Participation in on-line modules and reading assignments.
Completion of 100 hours of clinical observation with a Licensed Acupuncturist.
- Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine (AIM) Institute’s Code of Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is openness and honesty in all scholarly endeavors. AIM Institute is a scholarly community dedicated to the discovery, investigation, and dissemination of truth, and to the development of the whole person. Membership in this community is a privilege, requiring each person to practice academic integrity at its highest level, while expecting and promoting the same in others. Breaches of academic integrity will not be tolerated and will be addressed by the community with all due gravity.
- Accommodation & Emergency Information
If you have a disability and require an accommodation to fully participate in this class, contact the Program Director before the start of class or as soon as possible (360-349-7882), email: aiminst18@gmail.com, web: https://aiminst.org, .
If you have an emergency before or during the program that would prevent you from participating or completing the program or at any time during the program please let the director or any instructor know so that we can insure any medical or administrative needs are met.
- Technology Usage
Cell phones, computers, cameras, or other electronic devices may not be used in the classroom or clinical setting unless their use is directly related to learning in the course or clinical setting, and only with instructor permission.
- AIM Institute Conduct Policy
AIM Institute recognizes the nature and challenges of learning a new conceptual model. What makes AIMI unique is the integration of clinical practitioners who clinically participate in different forms of medicine. Therefore, we ask that students respect and learn from each other, extending the professional courtesies expected of medical professionals. It is the policy of AIMI to insure all students feel respected and safe and have the opportunity to learn in a comfortable and safe environment regardless of sex, gender or profession. If you have any concerns regarding the conduct of others or any instructor, please notify the director immediately. Also be aware that for students that display any form of behavior contradictory to the institutes policies, the institute reserves the right to dis-enroll the student and the tuition will be non-refundable.
- Schedule of Topics
See course schedule
For more information contact:
Contact Information:
Dr. Fujio McPherson, DAOM, ARNP, EAMP. Dipl. Ac.
Office #, 360-349-7882,
email address: aiminst18@gmail.com
website: https://aiminst.org
Office Hours: By Appointments
Module 1: January
Resource:
Maciocia, G, 2015, the Foundations of Chinese Medicine, Third Edition, Elsevier, New York, N.Y.
Deadman, P. Al-Khafaji, M, Baker, K. 2001, A Manual of Acupuncture, Journal of Chinese Medicine Publication, East Sussex, England. Or download manual of acupuncture app. http://amanualofacupuncture.com/ on Android or IOS (recommended).
Calhoun, DC. (2019) Acupuncture Techniques 101: Safety, CNT, and Needling Techniques, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Cats TCM Notes Press,
Friday 6.5 |
|
0900-0930 Introduction to TCM |
|
0930-1130 Concepts of Healing |
|
1300- 1500 Concepts of Disease | Part 3: Causes of Disease. P 247-294 |
1500 – 1700 Transformation of Qi | Chapter 4: Transformation of Qi. P 75-89 |
Saturday 6 |
|
0900-1100 Awareness and Perception |
|
1300-1700 TCM Theory I: Yin-Yang, 5-Elements, Vital Substances | Part 1: General Theory: Chapter 1-4. P 1-45 |
Sunday 7.25 |
|
0900-1100 Yin organ Interaction |
|
1100-1200 Introduction to Channel theory: Functions of Internal Organs. | Chapter 5: The Functions of the internal Organs. P 97-103 |
1300-1500 Channel Function: Lung/Large Intestine, Spleen/Stomach | Chapter 8 Functions of the lungs p-129-141 Chapter 15 Functions of the Large Intestine p 205-206 Chapter 9 Functions of the Spleen p-143-151 Chapter 13 Functions of the Stomach p193-197 |
1500-1700 Technique I: location, CNT, Needling, Risk, | CNT Manual Review |
1700 – 1715 Online Evaluation |
|
Module 1 Online Module |
|
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (power point) Motivational Interviewing (power point) Review CNT manual Calhoun, DC. (2019) Acupuncture Techniques 101: Safety, CNT, and Needling Techniques, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Cats TCM Notes Press,
| Manual of Acupuncture (introduction and chapter(s) specific to Lung/Large Intestine, Stomach and Spleen Channel (with emphasis on proper point location, and needle angle Review Section 2: Function of the Points: Chapter 54 Lung channel p 941-958 Chapter 55 Large Intestine Channel p 961-970 Chapter 56 Stomach Channel p 973-991 Chapter 57 Spleen Channel p 995-1005 |
19.75 CNE for Live Module 1 46.25 CNE for Online Module 1 | 46 hours online module + 15 minutes online evaluation |
Module II: April
Resource:
Maciocia, G, 2015, the Foundations of Chinese Medicine, Third Edition, Elsevier, New York, N.Y.
Deadman, P. Al-Khafaji, M, Baker, K. 2001, A Manual of Acupuncture, Journal of Chinese Medicine Publication, East Sussex, England. Or download manual of acupuncture app. http://amanualofacupuncture.com/ on Android or IOS (recommended).
Calhoun, DC (2019), Acupuncture Techniques 102: Moxibustion, Three-edged Needle, Cutaneous Needle Therapy, Gua Sha, Cupping and Electroacupuncture, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Cats TCM Notes Press,
Friday 8 |
|
0900-0930 Module Update |
|
0930-1130 Exam and Hands on Practicum – Lung/Large Intestine, Spleen/Stomach channels, with Review of CNT |
|
1230-1800 TCM Pathology | Part 5: Pathology Chapter 27, Chapter 28 Chapter 29 p 401-432 |
Saturday 8 |
|
0900-1000 Introduction to Patterns | Section 1 p 448 |
1000-1100 Patterns according to the 8-Principles | Chapter 30 p 451-465 |
1300-1400 Patterns according to Qi, Blood, Body Fluids | Chapter 31 p 469-476 |
1400-1500 Patterns according to Pathogenic Factors | Chapter 43 p 725-745 |
1500-1600 Patterns Lung channel | Chapter 35 p 571-594 |
1600 – 1700 Patterns Large Intestine channel | Chapter 40 p 687-697 |
1700-1800 Patterns Spleen channel | Chapter 36 p 597-612 |
1800 – 1900 Patterns Stomach channel | Chapter 38 p 651-672 |
Sunday 7.25 |
|
0900-1100 Diagnosis I: Observation, Interrogation, Palpitation, Hearing and Smelling | Part 4: Chapter 23, Chapter 24, Chapter 25, Chapter 26 p 297-399 |
1200-1700 Channel Functions: Heart/Small Intestine, Pericardium/Triple Heater | Chapter 6 107-115 Chapter 14 201-202 Chapter 11 169-172 Chapter 18 219-229 |
1700 – 1715 Online Evaluation |
|
Module II Online Module |
|
Introduction to Integrative Health and Medicine (power point). Techniques II: Tuina, Guasha, Moxa, Cupping, Electrotherapy, Auricular therapy, Calhoun, DC (2019), Acupuncture Techniques 102: Moxibustion, Three-edged Needle, Cutaneous Needle Therapy, Gua Sha, Cupping and Electroacupuncture, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Cats TCM Notes Press,
| Review Section 2: Function of the Points Chapter 58 – Heart Channel Chapter 59 – Small Intestine Channel Chapter 62 – Pericardium Channel Chapter 63 – Triple Burner Channel Chapter 52 and Chapter 53: Introduction to Eight Extraordinary Vessels 867-936 |
23.25 CNE for live module 2 42.25 CNE for online module 2 | 42 hours online module + 15 minutes online evaluation |
Module III: July
Resource:
Maciocia, G, 2015, the Foundations of Chinese Medicine, Third Edition, Elsevier, New York, N.Y.
Deadman, P. Al-Khafaji, M, Baker, K. 2001, A Manual of Acupuncture, Journal of Chinese Medicine Publication, East Sussex, England. Or download manual of acupuncture app. http://amanualofacupuncture.com/ on Android or IOS (recommended).
Friday 6.5 |
|
0900-0930 Module update |
|
0930-1130 Exam and Hands on Practicum: Heart/Small Intestine, Pericardium/Triple Heater with review of Tongue/Pulse Diagnosis |
|
1230-1330 Challenges of TCM Diagnosis |
|
1330-1530 Channel Function: Liver/Gall Bladder, Kidney/Urinary Bladder | Review Section 2 Function of Points Chapter 7 – p 117-126 Chapter 16 p 209-211 Chapter 10 p 155-165 Chapter 17 p 215-216 |
1530-1630 Functions of the Six Extraordinary Yang Organs: uterus, bladder, brain, marrow, bones, blood vessels, gall bladder, four seas | Chapter 19: p 235-243 |
Saturday 7 |
|
0900-1100 Introduction to Extraordinary Vessel Theory |
|
1200-1500 Extraordinary Vessel diagnosis and treatment | Chapter 48: Identification of patterns according to the eight extraordinary vessels. |
1500-1700 Extraordinary Vessel (ICP) practicum |
|
Sunday 7.25 |
|
0900-1000 Patterns of Heart channel | Chapter 32 p 489-513 |
1000-1100 Patterns of Small Intestine channel | Chapter 39 p 677-684 |
1100-1200 Patterns Pericardium channel | Chapter 33 p 515-524 |
1300-1700 Techniques: Practicum Review: Moxa, Cupping, Electrotherapy, TDP and 7 Star therapy |
|
1700 – 1715 Online Evaluation |
|
Module III Online Module |
|
Review of EV treatments using notes from class and review of chapter 48 | Review Section 2: Function of the Points Chapter 65 – Liver Channel Chapter 64 – Gall Bladder Channel Chapter 61 – Kidney Channel Chapter 60 – Urinary Bladder Channel |
20.75 CNE for Live Module 3 34.25 CNE for Online Module 3 | 34 hours online module + 15 minutes online evaluation |
Module IV October
Resource:
Maciocia, G, 2015, the Foundations of Chinese Medicine, Third Edition, Elsevier, New York, N.Y.
Deadman, P. Al-Khafaji, M, Baker, K. 2001, A Manual of Acupuncture, Journal of Chinese Medicine Publication, East Sussex, England. Or download manual of acupuncture app. http://amanualofacupuncture.com/ on Android or IOS (recommended).
Friday 6.5 |
|
0900-0930 Module update |
|
0930-1130 Exam and Hands on Practicum: Liver/Gall Bladder, Kidney/Urinary Bladder with review of Tongue/Pulse Diagnosis |
|
1230-1330 Review of Extraordinary Vessels. |
|
1330-1430 Patterns According to Six Stages | Section 3 Chapter 44 p 751-762 |
1430-1530 Patterns According to Four Levels | Chapter 45 p 765-781 |
1530-1630 Patterns According to the Three Burners | Chapter 46 p 787-790 |
Saturday 7 |
|
0900-1000 Patterns According to the 12 Channels | Chapter 47 p 795-807 |
1000-1100 Patterns According to the 8 EV | Chapter 48 p 807 – 818 |
1100-1200 Patterns According to the 5 Elements | Chapter 49 p 821-823 |
1300- 1400 Principles of Treatment | Part 8 |
1400-1500 Categories of Points | Section 1 Chapter 50 p 830-843 |
1500-1600 Functions of Specific Categories of Points | Chapter 51 p 846-865 |
1600-1700 Principles of Combination of Points | Chapter 70 p 1191-1207 |
Sunday 7.25 |
|
0900-1000 Patterns of Liver channel | Chapter 34 p-529-559 |
1000-1100 Patterns of Gall Bladder | Chapter 41 p 703-710 |
1100-1200 Patterns of Kidney | Chapter 37 p 621-640 |
1300-1400 Patterns of Urinary Bladder | Chapter 42 p 713-718 |
1400-1700 Integrative Medicine: the relevance of TCM in allopathic practice |
|
1700 – 1715 Online Evaluation |
|
Module IV Online Module |
|
Introduction to Tai Chi Video: 3hrs
| Review Section 2: Function of the Points (3 hours) Chapter 66 Directing Vessel (Ren Mai) Chapter 67 Governing Vessel (Du Mai) Chapter 68 Extra Points |
Categories of Points Section 1 (4 hr) Chapter 50 p 830-843 Functions of Specific Categories of Points Chapter 51 p 846-865 Principles of Combination of Points Chapter 70 p 1191-1207
| Maciocia, G, 2008, The Practice of Chinese Medicine: The treatment of diseases with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs, second edition, Elsevier, New York, N.Y. (5 hours) Enuresis and Urinary Incontinence Chapter 32 Urinary Retention Chapter 33 Interstitial cystitis Chapter 34 Epigastric Pain Chapter 22 |
20.75 CNE for Live Module 4 15.25 CNE for Online Module 4 | 15 hours online module + 15 minutes online evaluation |
Module V January
Resource:
Maciocia, G, 2015, the Foundations of Chinese Medicine, Third Edition, Elsevier, New York, N.Y.
Deadman, P. Al-Khafaji, M, Baker, K. 2001, A Manual of Acupuncture, Journal of Chinese Medicine Publication, East Sussex, England. Or download manual of acupuncture app. http://amanualofacupuncture.com/ on Android or IOS (recommended).
For Therapeutic lectures refer to:
Maciocia, G, 2008, The Practice of Chinese Medicine: The treatment of diseases with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs, second edition, Elsevier, New York, N.Y.
Friday 8.5 |
|
0900-0930 Module Update. |
|
0930-1130 Exam and Hands on Practicum: Ren, Dai, and Extra Points |
|
1230-1330 Etiology of Pain |
|
1330-1630 Therapeutics: Pain Management | Low Back Pain Chapter 39 Joint Pain (Bi syndrome) Chapter 38 |
1630-1830 Therapeutics: Men’s Health | Erectile Dysfunction Chapter 47 Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Chapter 35 |
Saturday 7 |
|
0900-1200 Technique: Auricular, and Battlefield Acupuncture
| Oleson T (2013) Auriculotherapy Manual: Chinese and Western System for Ear Acupuncture, 4th ed. NY, Churchills Livingston. (recommended) Note that earlier editions offer a spiral edition less cost.
|
1300-1500 Auricular Practice |
|
1500-1700 Therapeutics: Endocrine and Internal Medicine | Fatigue Chapter 20
|
Sunday 8.25 |
|
0900-1100 Introduction to Tuina | Aspell, R. (2019). The Practice of Tui Na. London, UK, Singing Dragon-Jessica Kingsley Publishers Recommended |
1200-1400 Tuina therapeutics and treatment |
|
1400-1500 Tuina practicum |
|
1500-1800 Therapeutics: Women’s/OB-GYN Health | Cystitis Chapter 34
|
1800 – 1815 Online evaluation |
|
Module V Online Module |
|
Scalp Acupuncture Hao, JJ, Hao, LL. Wolfe, HL (2011) Chinese Scalp Acupuncture, Portland, OR. Blue Poppy Press (4 hours)
Tai Chi and Meditation (video Dr. Paul Lam: Tai Chi for Beginners Begin your journey to better health with Six Easy Steps and/or (2 hrs) Dr Paul Lam: Tai Chi for Life: Gentle Exercises for Seniors and Beginners (2 hrs)
| ENT disorders: Headache- Chapter 1 Dizziness Chapter 2, Breathlessness Chapter 3 Wheezing. Chapter 4 Allergic Asthma. Chapter 5 Allergic Rhinitis Chapter 6 Sinusitis Chapter 7 Cough Chapter 8 Pain disorders: Fibromyalgia Chapter 40 (+ pp) Endocrine disorders: Thyroid disorders (hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism). Chapter 18 Hypertension Chapter 19 Chest Painful Obstruction Syndrome Chapter 21 1.5 hours per chapter review
|
23.75 CNE for Live Module 4 27.75 CNE for Online Module 4 | 27.5 hours online module + 15 minutes online evaluation |
Module VI April
Resource:
Maciocia, G, 2008, The Practice of Chinese Medicine: The treatment of diseases with
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs, second edition, Elsevier, New York, N.Y.
Module VI Online Module |
|
Tinnitus chapter 17 Chronic fatigue chapter 41 Parkinson chapter 42 Wind stroke – chapter 43 Atrophy syndrome chapter 44 Multiple sclerosis chapter 45 Bleeding chapter 46 Colds and influenza chapter 48
| GI disorders Nausea and vomiting chapter 23 Gastric reflux chapter 24 Mouth ulcers chapter 25 Gall stones chapter 26 Abdominal pain chapter 27 Abdominal masses chapter 28 Diarrhea chapter 29 Constipation chapter 30 Renal calculi chapter 31 |
|
|
Friday 7.5 |
|
0900-0930 Module Update |
|
0930-1130 Practicum – General Review of Points, and Technique |
|
1230-1430 Mental Health in TCM | The psyche in Chinese medicine chapter 9 The emotions chapter 10 Etiology and diagnosis chapter 11 and 12 |
1430-1730 Therapeutics: Mental Health
| Depression Chapter 13 Anxiety Chapter 14 Insomnia Chapter 15
|
Saturday 6 |
|
0900-1000 The Economics of Acupuncture | Overview of billing practice |
1000-1230 Review of Therapeutics |
|
1330-1500 Herbal Medicine |
|
1500-1700 TCM Classics |
|
Sunday 2.75 |
|
0900-1000 Functional Medicine and its relevance to TCM | Clinic Observation Log Sheet (100 hr) |
1000-1100Genetics and its relevance to TCM |
|
1200-1230 Course Summary and Evaluation |
|
1230– 1245 Online evaluation |
|
1300 Graduation |
|
16.25 CNE for Live Module 4 25.25 CNE for Online Module 4 | 25 hours online module + 15 minutes online evaluation |
Credit Summary
Module | Live | Online |
Module I | 19.75 | 46.25 |
Module II | 23.25 | 42.25 |
Module III | 20.75 | 34.25 |
Module IV | 20.75 | 15.25 |
Module V | 23.75 | 27.75 |
Module VI | 16.25 | 25.25 |
Subtotals | 124.5 | 191 |
Total without Clinical | 315.5 |
|
Total with Clinical | 415.5 |
|
Dr. Fujio McPherson, DAOM, ARNP, LAc, Dipl,Ac.
Program Director
AIM Institute
https:www.aiminst.org
Why take this course?
The Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine Institute (AIMI) is unique in many ways. Most of the acupuncture programs offered to western clinicians focus on the use of acupuncture as strictly a treatment option. Promoting the use of point formulas for specific disorders. AIMI, recognizes the importance and value of using Traditional Chinese Medicine not only based on its effectiveness at relieving pain or treating diseases but most importantly its ability to move and awaken the patients sense of awareness and how to use that response as a window to health.
Unlike, the medically oriented programs that interpret TCM based on the paradigm of a physical body, or traditional programs that are unfamiliar with medicine, AIMI teaches TCM theory in its true narrative based on the concepts and theories of Qi and how to use those theories to not only expand the clinical approaches to treatment but also to assess the patients progress and subsequent level of healing. Because AIMI focuses on training Nurse Practitioners and other types of clinicians, our inclusion of TCM does not exclude the review or use of western theories but rather incorporate those theories with TCM to demonstrate how the two can be used in an integrative practice. Finally, AIMI recognizes and respects that the true value of TCM is not to treat diseases but to enhance the ability of the patient to heal. And in order to accomplish this one must be knowledgeable and aware of TCM theory and how to apply it. Therefore, we devote an extensive amount of time in live practicums, using experienced Licensed Acupuncturists to help students become not only efficient in theory but in practice as well.
