Evidence Based Veterinary Acupuncture Equine Certification Course

Acu-Equus Level Two: Expanding Depth of Practice

Level 2 Online Curriculum (26-28 hours):

Online Session One: Viscero-somatic and somato-visceral connections

1. Learn specific points that are associated with a diagnostic function, such as back Shu and front
   Mu points
2. Within specific conditions; expand upon the points learned in Level 1 to include additional points of interest, including more distal points and points on the head

Session One Objectives:

Increase the size of your acupuncture “alphabet” of points, and expand indications for using these points.

Session One Learning outcomes:

1. Increase your lexicon to at least 100 acupuncture points based upon anatomic landmarks.
2. Describe somato-visceral reflex loops and identify which acupuncture points are reported to engage somato-autonomic long-loop reflexes to identify and modify organ disease.
3. Understand the tenets of treating specific types of equine medical and immunological conditions..

Online Session Two: Vocabulary: Deepening the Scientific Database Behind Acupuncture Science

1. Basic Sciences Deep Dive: Neurophysiology, Fascial Physiology, Reflex loops, Neuro-immune-endocrine homeostasis
2. Literature Review: Acupuncture research and application in horses
3. Understanding divergent perspectives in acupuncture: Complexity and the power of acting locally.

Session Two Objectives:

With some basic cases under your belt, session 2 should strengthen the breadth and depth of your acupuncture acumen and knowledge. There is a significant culture of dogmatism in the equine world- deeply understanding your scientific scaffolding mitigates self-doubt when new techniques go viral.

Session Two Learning Outcomes:

1. Grasp the scaffolding of basic science underpinning acupuncture effects.
2. Explain the bumpy road to evidence-based medicine as it applies to acupuncture, and how it has started to resolve within the last 10 years.
3. Be able to assess “new” and popular approaches to acupuncture through the lens of science, and understand how to translate colorful concepts into practical, scientifically palatable treatment options. 

Online Session Three: Word Choice – Learning Treatment outlines for commonly encountered conditions in horses

1. Explore commonly encountered medical and musculoskeletal conditions in horses and a theoretical approach to their treatment but understand that this will FIRST be dictated by your specific JAM exam for each patient.
2. Conditions covered will include: Musculoskeletal, laminitis, navicular disease, reproductive disorders, aging and immunity, gastro-intestinal, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions

Session Three Objectives:

In this session you will learn to compose an elegant treatment plan for various conditions, which will be implemented with attention to the JAM exam, the principles of medical acupuncture, and the cooperation of your patient. 

Session Three Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand the tenets of treating specific types of equine musculoskeletal conditions.
2. Reinforce the skills of a Constellation Scanning Exam and how this can streamline recognition of musculoskeletal and medical condtions.
3. Recognize the integration of multiple techniques for managing complex cases and be fluent in how to triage interventions in specific cases.

Three equine cases must be completed between Level 1 and Level 2. At least 2-3 visits per cases are required, and a case report (as presented in person at Level 1) will be required for each case.

A Virtual real-time check in with Faculty and Students will be required within 7-10 days before arriving to in-person course. All online material must be completed before starting the in-person course.