Phase 1 is designed to cover the following areas:

1. Acupuncture Theories: Knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the very foundation of successful practice of acupuncture, encompasses many seemingly abstruse concepts such as Yin and Yang, Qi, Five Elements, Meridians, Convergence Points, Remote Actions of Acupuncture Points, Tonification vs. Sedation, Eight Categories, Six Excesses, Organ Phenomena, etc. They will be presented in easy to understand modern scientific terms.

2. Acupuncture Diagnostics: Successful therapeutic outcome using acupuncture is contingent upon making the correct diagnoses using TCM principles. Pulse diagnosis, tongue diagnosis, diagnosis by palpation, diagnosis by history taking and by observation and meridian diagnosis will all be taught and demonstrated along with hands-on learning sessions.

3. Acupuncture Techniques: Since different painful as well as non-painful medical conditions may have variable responses to different acupuncture modalities, a wide variety of acupuncture techniques have been included in the curriculum. Traditional body acupuncture; easy to learn and master techniques such as ear acupuncture; injection techniques using local anesthetics, saline and ultra-low-dose steroid; intramuscular stimulation or dry needling; needleless technique such as moxibustion and electrical stimulation will be taught and demonstrated.

4. Therapeutic approach: The formula approach based on empirical efficacy as well as the analytical approach based on theoretical reasoning to a spectrum of common medical conditions will enable the participants to more effectively apply their knowledge to improve patient care.

5. Practical experience: During the face to face clinical instruction sessions, ample opportunity will be provided for hands-on needling techniques for body and ear acupuncture, pulse and tongue diagnoses, acupuncture points location, etc.

6. Current research: Important topics of clinical and basic scientific research on acupuncture in various fields of general interests will be presented.

Summary: Phase 1 is a must for beginners, though even experienced physician acupuncturists should find the innovative theoretical approach and the wide range of practical techniques to be complementary to their past learning experience.

In contrast to the modalities oriented phase 1, these intensive workshops of Phase 2 are clinical problem oriented. The theories of pathogenesis from the Eastern and the Western viewpoints will be integrated; the acupuncture formulae prescribed and their rationale will be discussed in some details. There will be plenty of opportunities for hands-on experience. The following major areas will be covered:

1. Pain Management: Migraine headaches, low back pain, sciatica, arthritis, TMJ syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, Complex regional pain syndrome (RSD), post-herpetic neuralgia, etc.

2. Medical Conditions: GERDS, irritable bowels syndrome, hay fever, asthma, hypertension, chronic fatigue syndrome, etc.

3. Women's Health: PMS, menstrual irregularity, menorrhalgia, amenorrhea, yeast infections, menopausal syndrome, post-partum depression, genital herpes, peripartum care, obstetrical analgesia, etc.

4. Geriatrics: Sexual dysfunctions, urinary and bowel dysfunctions, recurrent urinary tract infections, memory problems, etc.

5. Psychiatry: Insomnia, depression, panic disorders, drug withdrawals, smoking cessation, anxiety disorders.

6. Emergency Medicine: Acute trauma including automobile accidents, sports injuries, falls, etc.

7. Basic Herbal Treatments in traditional Chinese medicine.

A good portion of the face to face sessions will be devoted to special techniques such as scalp acupuncture, biorhythmic method of the 66 points, as well as clinical runs. Hands-on knowhows will be emphasized.

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