Evidence Based Veterinary Acupuncture Small Animal Certification Course

Level One: Acu-Alphabet 

Online Session One: Neurophysiology of Acupuncture and Points

1. Understanding acupuncture science: Neuromodulation Fascial physiology Anatomy basics Myofascial kinetic chains and Reflex loops
2. Understanding channels and 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. Introduce the layers of acupuncture research behind core acupuncture points: physiological studies, clinical studies and (occasionally), randomized controlled trials

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 most pain-related small animal cases. 

Session One Learning Outcomes:

1. Prepare an "elevator speech" for why you would like to add acupuncture to your pain management protocols. 
2. Be able to identify at least 30 acupuncture points based upon anatomic landmarks. 
3. Identify different levels of treatment along cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and coccygeal spinal regions, and when it would be appropriate to use these points. 

Online Session 2: The physical exam through an acupuncture lens

1. Review major palpatory landmarks in dogs 
2. Learn how to assess fascia, and how to perform the JAM exam (Joint, Acupuncture and Motion)
3. Become aware of how to communicate to clients and associates about acupuncture, and record the findings from a JAM exam, and an acupuncture treatment.  Understand the legal considerations around acupuncture practice. 

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 patients. 
2. Learn to identify myofascial strain patterns, and link these roadmaps to common medical conditions. 
3. Capture the nuances of an acupuncture treatment in a simple form for medical recordkeeping and client education.

Online Session Three: Acupuncture tools and treatment plans

1. Design logical acupuncture treatment combinations using: paraspinal acupuncture anatomy, large motor-group points, peri-articular appendicular points, distal, neuro-immune vascular points, homeostatic points, lymphovascular points, and neurologically rich points. 
2. Familiarize yourself with the tools of acupuncture: needling basics, electrical stimulation, tools of fascial input, mechanical tools (hands, massagers) Sound waves (tuning fork, shockwave), light therapy. 

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 JAM exam. 
2. Understand alternatives to your 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.