VETERINARY ACUPUNCTURE - CURRICULUM

INTRODUCTION TO ACUPUNCTURE

Explore the history and development of acupuncture and the development of the primary acupuncture approaches popular in the world today. Discover how veterinarians are integrating acupuncture into clinical practice, and the roles veterinary acupuncturists are playing in research, education and industry.

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY

Explore the modern perspective on what an acupuncture point is, and how acupuncture works. The sciences of neurology, endocrinology and immunology all contribute to the understanding of acupuncture's mechanisms of action. Local effects, segmental effects, central effects of acupuncture are explained by looking at acupuncture's action on the nervous, endocrine, immune and autonomic nervous systems. A review is provided of the various pain mechanisms and how acupuncture relates to these.

TRADITIONAL CHINESE VETERINARY MEDICINE (TCVM)

Learn the fundamental concepts of TCVM including Yin-Yang, Five Elements, Channels, Acupoints, etc, and understand how these concepts allow you to improve your treatment outcomes. Principles of acupoint selection and various techniques of acupuncture needling are also presented. The TCM perspective on pain is presented with indicated acupuncture treatments.

ACUPUNTURE THERAPEUTICS

This section deals with the clinical application of acupuncture in veterinary medicine. Adopting a systems approach, common diseases and syndromes are explored by means of case studies. Learn how to select appropriate acupuncture points, individualize treatments and evaluate a patient's response to treatment. Explore ways of integrating treatment strategies by modifying drug treatments, introducing nutritional changes and other treatment strategies. Learn how to treat appropriately in different individuals and different species, and recognize side-effects and adverse reactions. Explore complex disease patterns and learn how to prioritise goals - addressing symptoms as well as underlying causes of disease. Learn about the risks involved with acupuncture and the techniques used to minimise any risk.

PRACTICALS

Daily point-finding sessions allow you to practice finding acupoints on animals and see demonstrations of the various acupoint stimulation techniques. Discussion of cases and interactive group sessions allow further integration and application of the theory.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Explore the role of reflective practice, research and clinical audits in veterinary practice. Examine the personal and professional challenges of being a veterinary acupuncturist. Examine the vet/client/patient relationship and develop more effective communication and counseling skills. Discuss the process of successfully integrating herbal medicine into veterinary practice.

RESOURCES & RESEARCH

Become acquainted with the wealth of resources available to the veterinary acupuncturist - websites, textbooks, email lists, suppliers, etc. Review the growing evidence-base for Veterinary Acupuncture and learn how to access clinically relevant information quickly and easily.

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