Practical Acupuncture Course

Lesson 1 • Etiology and Pathogenesis

Identifies internal, external, and miscellaneous causes of disease. Grounds clinical reasoning in understanding how pathology arises and progresses.

Lesson 2 • Yin-Yang and Five-Phase Theory

Explains the two core organising principles of Chinese medicine. Students apply these models to interpret clinical patterns and point selection logic.

Lesson 3 • Zang-Fu Organ Systems

Covers the functional roles of the twelve organ systems in Chinese medicine. Connects organ physiology to channel pathways and point indications.

Lesson 1 • Eight Extraordinary Vessels

Details the pathways, functions, and opening points of the eight extraordinary vessels. Prepares students for advanced clinical protocols using these vessels.

Lesson 2 • Surface Anatomy for Channel Mapping

Applies anatomical landmarks to confirm channel locations on the body surface. Bridges theoretical pathway knowledge with hands-on point location skills.

Lesson 3 • Twelve Primary Channel Pathways

Traces each primary channel from origin to terminus with anatomical landmarks. Accurate pathway knowledge is prerequisite for locating points on the body.

Lesson 4 • Overview of the Channel Network

Introduces the full hierarchy of channels and collaterals. Establishes the structural framework students use throughout all point location chapters.

Lesson 1 • Anatomical Landmark Location

Uses fixed anatomical features to locate points independent of measurement. Reinforces precision for points defined by specific bony or soft-tissue landmarks.

Lesson 2 • Proportional Bone Measurement

Teaches the cun-based proportional system for dividing body regions. This method is the primary standard for locating the majority of acupuncture points.

Lesson 3 • Palpation and Sensitivity-Based Location

Develops tactile skills for identifying reactive point sites through palpation. Connects classical point sensitivity theory to modern clinical verification practice.

Lesson 4 • Verification and Documentation

Establishes protocols for confirming correct point location before needling. Accurate documentation supports treatment reproducibility and clinical audit.

Lesson 1 • Lung, Large Intestine, and Stomach Points

Covers key points on the first three channels with location, depth, and indications. Establishes the pattern of point study used throughout the chapter.

Lesson 2 • Spleen, Heart, and Small Intestine Points

Details points governing digestion, consciousness, and upper limb disorders. Reinforces proportional measurement on the medial arm and lower leg.

Lesson 3 • Bladder, Kidney, and Pericardium Points

Addresses the longest channel and two channels with deep systemic influence. Students practise locating back-shu points and medial lower-leg points.

Lesson 4 • Du, Ren, and Extra Points

Locates midline vessel points and clinically significant extra points not on primary channels. Completes the full point atlas students use in clinical protocols.

Lesson 1 • Needle Manipulation and Deqi

Covers lifting-thrusting, rotating, and combined manipulation techniques to elicit deqi. Deqi sensation is the classical indicator of effective needle stimulation.

Lesson 2 • Sterile Technique and Infection Control

Establishes non-negotiable hygiene protocols for safe needling practice. Prevents cross-contamination and meets professional regulatory standards for clinical settings.

Lesson 3 • Needle Retention and Withdrawal

Establishes protocols for retention duration, patient monitoring, and safe needle removal. Proper withdrawal prevents bent needles, hematoma, and post-treatment soreness.

Lesson 4 • Needle Insertion Techniques

Teaches fingernail press, tube, and free-hand insertion methods with correct angles. Mastery of insertion technique minimises patient discomfort and tissue trauma.

Lesson 1 • Electroacupuncture Application

Introduces electrical stimulation parameters, waveforms, and clinical applications. Electroacupuncture enhances analgesic and neurological treatment outcomes.

Lesson 2 • Moxibustion Techniques

Covers direct, indirect, and warming needle moxa methods with clinical indications. Moxa extends treatment options for cold, deficient, and chronic conditions.

Lesson 3 • Cupping Therapy

Teaches fire, vacuum, and sliding cupping techniques with appropriate point selection. Cupping addresses musculoskeletal stagnation and respiratory conditions effectively.

Lesson 4 • Intradermal and Press Needles

Covers semi-permanent needle types for continuous stimulation between sessions. These tools extend treatment effects and support patient self-management.

Lesson 1 • Channel and Pathogen Differentiation

Applies channel theory and pathogenic factor analysis to musculoskeletal and acute conditions. Expands diagnostic scope beyond organ patterns to channel-level disorders.

Lesson 2 • Formulating a Point Prescription

Translates pattern diagnosis into a structured point prescription with rationale. Students learn to balance local, adjacent, and distal points for each treatment.

Lesson 3 • Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation

Identifies organ-specific patterns with their characteristic signs and symptoms. Organ pattern diagnosis drives the selection of back-shu, front-mu, and source points.

Lesson 4 • The Four Diagnostic Methods

Covers inspection, auscultation, inquiry, and palpation as integrated diagnostic tools. Systematic use of all four methods ensures comprehensive pattern identification.

Lesson 1 • Digestive and Internal Medicine Protocols

Addresses Spleen-Stomach patterns underlying common digestive complaints. Protocols integrate front-mu, back-shu, and influential points for organ-level treatment.

Lesson 2 • Pain and Musculoskeletal Protocols

Presents protocols for neck, shoulder, low back, and knee pain using local and distal points. Integrates channel palpation findings with pattern-based point selection.

Lesson 3 • Respiratory and Immune Protocols

Addresses Lung and Wei Qi patterns for asthma, allergic rhinitis, and recurrent infection. Protocols include both acute symptom relief and constitutional strengthening.

Lesson 4 • Headache and Neurological Protocols

Covers channel-based differentiation and point selection for migraine, tension, and cluster headache. Includes protocols for facial pain and peripheral neuropathy.

Lesson 5 • Mental-Emotional and Sleep Protocols

Covers Heart, Liver, and Kidney patterns underlying anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Protocols emphasise shen-calming and spirit-regulating point combinations.