Evidence Based Veterinary Acupuncture Equine Certification Course

Acu-Equus Level One: Basic Acupuncture

Online Session One: Neurophysiology of Acupuncture and Points

1. Understanding acupuncture science: Neuromodulation Fascial physiology Anatomy basics Myofascial kinetic chains Reflex loops
2. Channel-based arrangement of core acupuncture points: LU, LI, ST, SP PC, TE, BL, KI HT, SI, LR, GB Unpaired channels Paraspinal Points Extra points
3. The foot and lower limb of the horse- anatomy, research and points

Session One: Objectives

Understand the neurophysiology behind the practice of acupuncture and start memorizing the most basic points that can be safely used to treat straightforward equine cases.

Session One Learning outcomes:

1. Prepare an "elevator speech" for why you would like to add acupuncture to your management of selected equine cases.
2. Be able to identify at least 30 acupuncture points based upon anatomic landmarks.
3. Identify acupuncture points on the axilla that are related to distal points (by channel or myofascial kinetic chain) in order to facilitate a safe and well-tolerated treatment.

Online Session Two: The physical exam through an acupuncture lens

1. Major palpatory landmarks in the horse The JAM exam in horses (Joint, Acupuncture and Motion)
2. Psychology and personality contributions to acupuncture treatments in horses Client communication
3. Acupuncture as social license in the horse Documenting, record keeping, informed consent and delay of appropriate treatmen.

Session Two: Objectives:

Learning the techniques introduced through the JAM exam (joint, acupuncture and motion) will revolutionize a practitioner's diagnostic ability and their approach to ALL cases, whether they are presenting for acupuncture or standard medical practices.

Session Two Learning outcomes:

1. Understand the components of a JAM exam and begin to develop the tactile awareness to gently inquire about pain and other medical conditions in equine patients. 
2. Describe how personality and behavior might influence the type of treatment offered to a particular horse, and a particular type of client or barn situation.
3. Capture the nuances of an acupuncture treatment in a simple form for medical recordkeeping.

Online Session Three: Acupuncture tools and treatment plans

1. Designing Logical acupuncture treatment combinations Paraspinal Acupuncture Anatomy Large motor-group points Peri-articular appendicular Points Distal, neuro-immune vascular points Homeostatic Points
2. Tools of Acupuncture Needling basics Electrical Stimulation Safety Tools of Fascial Input Mechanical tools (hands, massagers, scrapers) Sound waves (tuning fork, shockwave)

Session Three Objectives:

Bridging the vocabulary of points with the grammar of an elegant JAM exam, practitioners will arrive at a comprehensive acupuncture treatment plan, and feel empowered to learn and modify their approach with each subsequent treatment. 

Session Three Learning outcomes:

1. Design an acupuncture protocol for a specific type of case, with specific findings from a myofascial exam, in a particular environment.
2. Understand alternatives to an established plan, so that your approach may be limber enough to accommodate changes based upon patient tolerance and response.
3. Discuss other modalities that can be added to the acupuncture needling practice to expand the treatment, or modify it over time.

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

The online curriculum will be available 4-6 weeks prior to the in-person session. All of the online curriculum must be completed before the in-person session commences.