All sessions are approved by NCCAOM and the California Acupuncture Board
The NCCAOM category is listed next to each session name. The conference is not separately approved by the Florida Acupuncture Board. However, Florida may accept NCCAOM-approved courses. Please contact the Florida Acupuncture Board for more information.
Click on the speaker’s name to see their bio. The schedule below is listed in Pacific Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; for Central Time, 2 hours; and for Mountain Time, 1 hour.
Please see the class listing for Mazin Al-Khafaji’s 2-day post-symposium course for info on flexibility extended to those registering for this course, as the second day takes place on November 5th, which is Election Day.
* As California limits the total number of eligible qi gong credits to 5 per renewal cycle, the maximum amount of California CEUs that can be obtained at Pacific Symposium is 56.
09:00 am - 05:00 pm
CEU(s): 14
Acquire the basic skills to apply Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture (YNSA) to patients with acute or chronic pain or a neurological disease. Japanese physician Dr. Toshikatsu Yamamoto developed this system in 1973 to treat neurological conditions. It's so effective and immediate in stroke patients with pain or restricted mobility that it has become one of the most frequently used forms of acupuncture, providing not only symptomatic but sometimes curative relief. YNSA comprises basic acupuncture points (somatopes), primarily on the scalp, as well as on other body regions. This is an active learning workshop covering the YNSA macrosystem acupuncture points, how to recognize indications, and practice of acupressure locations of the four different YNSA needling groups.
09:00 am - 05:00 pm
CEU(s): 7
Facial markings can indicate constitutional strengths and tendencies as well as likely future challenges. Recognizing those allows us to tailor the most effective healthy aging and longevity strategy for each patient based on their presentation. This class will explore how to identify jing, jing depletion and preservation, and misuse of jing, as well as the state of the organs and the role of hormones. It will include guided practice to improve observation technique.
07:00 am - 07:50 am
CEU(s): 1
Dao Dan Pai Qigong exercises are a series of standing exercises that harmonize and balance the major energy channels of the body. This series of exercises was first taught in the West by Taoist Master Share K. Lew, a Taoist monk from the Yellow Dragon Temple in the Lo Fo Shan mountains of Guangzhou, China. It integrates movement with breath and posture to activate and balance qi flow.
09:00 am - 09:50 am
CEU(s): 1
When Neil D. Theise, MD, published a study in Scientific Reports describing a network of fluid-filled compartments beneath the skin, the interstitium, as a newly discovered organ, it sparked thousands of news articles, billions of online views, and an ongoing debate among scientists worldwide regarding the implications of his discovery. Covered by The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, Nature, Newsweek, Frontiers, and many more, Theise’s conclusions have set off a discussion with potentially far-reaching implications about the understanding of the nature of the human body and human beings. “Everything we know about the body is a reflection of the methods we use to examine it; it’s all interwoven,” according to Theise, who explains that the more modern ability to view tissue at the microscopic level has allowed us to see more than ever before, opening more conversation about the connections between Eastern and Western understandings of physiology.
09:55 am - 10:45 am
CEU(s): 1
Explore the relationship between the vagus nerve and the liver meridian in the context of Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture (YNSA). Discover how YNSA diagnosis and point selection can enhance the treatment of disorders related to the vagus nerve and liver meridian by calming the sympathetic nervous system.
11:10 am - 12:00 pm
CEU(s): 1
If you’ve ever had a patient with pneumonia, you may be familiar with the purplish cast of the face that it can cause. Lung pathologies create unique markings and colorations on the face, primarily in the cheek area. We can assess wei qi and the role of grief or chronic stress, both of which impact our immune system, and analyze lung pathologies and immune system dysfunction as they show on the face.
12:15 pm - 01:05 pm
CEU(s): 1
Dao Dan Pai Qigong exercises are a series of standing exercises that harmonize and balance the major energy channels of the body. This series of exercises was first taught in the West by Taoist Master Share K. Lew, a Taoist monk from the Yellow Dragon Temple in the Lo Fo Shan mountains of Guangzhou, China. It integrates movement with breath and posture to activate and balance qi flow.
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
CEU(s): 3
Explore clinical applications of Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture (YNSA) for trauma and post-traumatic stress through an overview of polyvagal syndromes and diagnosis and YNSA protocols that regulate the vagus nerve and the autonomic nervous system. Practice manual techniques that can be taught to patients to regulate the vagus nerve and help them feel more in tune with themselves and their nervous system. These points and protocols have been utilized for veterans in hospital rehabilitation in Israel.
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
CEU(s): 3
Neil Theise’s book Notes on Complexity, which Deepak Chopra said “will change the way you understand yourself and the universe,” is a startling introduction to the science of how complex systems behave that explains the interconnectedness of all things. Notes on Complexity encourages us to shift from a narrow, individualistic worldview to one that recognizes the universe as an interconnected, living system greater than the sum of its parts. Neil Theise, drawing on his background as a physician, scientist, and philosopher, explores the frontiers of human knowledge while revitalizing our appreciation of the everyday. His research in liver pathology, which revealed new understandings about interstitial connections in Western physiology, builds bridges between Eastern and Western thought with implications for cross-disciplinary communication and practical applications in medicine and beyond.
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
CEU(s): 3
Discover the multiple benefits of current for health conditions such as facial pain and Bell's palsy, or how it can be used in exercising facial muscles to improve facial asymmetry and enhance appearance. Examine the differences between TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) and microcurrent. Learn when to use which alone or in combination. This class includes a demonstration and hands-on practice.
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
CEU(s): 3
Menopause symptoms affect 70-85% of women. This symptom cluster includes vasomotor disturbances, pain, sleep disruptions, mood alterations, and cognitive impairments. Notably, minoritized menopausal women face disproportionate challenges in healthcare access and support, often experiencing prolonged and more severe symptoms than their White counterparts. Swanson’s work in community-based participatory research (CBPR) offers a promising approach to addressing these disparities, by involving community members in all stages of research and intervention development while working with midlife women to develop and evaluate culturally appropriate interventions for menopausal women from minoritized communities. In this presentation, Dr. Taylor-Swanson will discuss her collaborative work with an interdisciplinary Latina team and American Indian/Alaska Native women, along with the adaptation of MENOGAP, an education and self-management curriculum, to meet the unique needs of these communities, highlighting the potential of CBPR in addressing health inequities among diverse menopausal populations.
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
CEU(s): 3
07:00 am - 07:50 am
NCCAOM: PE
CEU(s): 1
09:00 am - 09:50 am
NCCAOM: AOM-CH
CEU(s): 1
Much of the teaching about herb-drug interactions in Chinese medicine has been theoretical in the past. It was reasonable to assume, for instance, that you would want to be careful of mixing blood-moving herbs with blood thinners as they might serve to unwittingly magnify the treatment effect to excess, causing damage. Updated information and documented cases now allow us to be more informed about how interactions occur in actual cases, and practical applications abound. This seminar will include the basics of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions and specific examples of the most important interactions every practitioner must know will be discussed, including Chinese herbs, Western herbs, herbal formulas, and more.
09:55 am - 10:45 am
NCCAOM: AOM-AC
CEU(s): 1
Chronic (long-lasting) pain affects more than 50 million adults in the U.S., according to the CDC, and chronic pain is more prevalent and intense amongst veterans than Americans generally. The Veterans’ Administration and Department of Defense (DoD) have widely used Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA), an auricular protocol developed by General Richard Niemtzow for pain relief that initially gained traction at Walter Reed Army Medical Center during the Iran and Afghanistan wars, and have since trained more than 4,600 healthcare providers to deliver the therapy. Professor Howard, who serves as a primary BFA trainer for licensed acupuncturists, will provide an update on the current use of BFA. In 2014, Howard served as the vice president of the 8th International Symposium of Auriculotherapy in the United States. He is currently conducting studies on the use of auriculotherapy in distance runners to enhance performance; some of the men on team USA who won the world 100k gold medal in the Netherlands in 2011 used his protocol as part of their program.
11:10 am - 12:00 pm
NCCAOM: AOM-BIO
CEU(s): 1
Stephen Cowan, popular pediatrician, Chinese medicine practitioner, and author of Fire Child/Water Child, will share reflections from his upcoming book Seasons of Childhood, which is about growing healthy families through a Chinese medicine lens, based on a viral blog post he authored titled "11 things I wish every parent would know". Dr. Cowan will address timing, grounding, healthy traditions, encouragement vs. indulgence, spiritual factors, and how to diagnose and treat children based on cycles.
12:15 pm - 1:15 pm
NCCAOM: PE
CEU(s): 1
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
NCCAOM: AOM-AC
CEU(s): 3
This workshop will cover the point protocol, point locations, clinical techniques, and use of Battlefield Acupuncture as well as initial modifications. The ASP needles used for BFA and needle techniques will be discussed, practical demonstrations will be included, and adverse effects will be covered.
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
NCCAOM: AOM-BIO
CEU(s): 1
Join American Acupuncture Council panelists Marilyn Allen (editor of Acupuncture Today), Brandon Hoffman (market development executive), and Sam Collins (insurance expert) as they share invaluable insights straight from the World Health Organization meetings in Rwanda. Harness global perspectives to optimize your local acupuncture practice. Discover crucial updates on ethical practices, insurance billing and coding, and malpractice trends. This session will help you understand coverage requirements, enhance your documentation, and master compliance to reduce risk and elevate your practice.
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
NCCAOM: AOM-CH
CEU(s): 2
This seminar will detail the basics of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions, including Chinese herbs and formulas, Western herbs and drugs, and specific disease conditions. Ways to alleviate adverse reactions from standard treatments for oncology patients will be discussed, as will cautions and contraindications in patients with liver and kidney diseases. Many Chinese medicine practitioners lack the confidence and understanding of Western medicine treatments to engage in a meaningful conversation with oncologists and other healthcare providers: this class will address those concerns and build competence and confidence regarding integrating Chinese herbal treatments.
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
NCCAOM: ETHICS
CEU(s): 2
Microaggressions in healthcare and wellness settings, both conscious and unconscious, can erode trust, damage the relationship between clients and healers, undermine the effectiveness of treatment, and decrease client retention. A practitioner making assumptions about a patient based on race or apparent gender identity, a patient remark about health or lifestyle recommendations, and unconscious bias at reception or in promotion can all lead to negative outcomes. In addition to trying to eliminate microaggressions, how can you manage them in realtime to not only mitigate damage but lead to positive results in the moment and learning in the long term? You may be surprised at how easy and effective it can be. Come learn about the collaborative confrontation of microaggressions for best outcomes!
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
NCCAOM: AOM-BIO
CEU(s): 3
Dr. Cowan will explore how to use Chinese medicine foundations for health to diagnose and treat conditions in children--and the child in all of us. Where do parents get stuck in raising children and keeping them healthy, and how can we assist them? This class will examine some cases to illustrate how to use basic principles for diagnosis and treatment.
07:00 am - 07:50 am
NCCAOM: PE
CEU(s): 1
09:00 am - 09:50 am
NCCAOM: AOM-OM
CEU(s): 1
Most acupuncturists learn acupuncture points, at least initially, through the memorization of indications. In this session, we will use a case analysis from Dr. McCann’s clinic to explore different ways of understanding acupuncture points through the lens of core Tung’s acupuncture concepts and Chinese medicine principles. By using theories such as channel connections and mirror/image fundamentals, we can move beyond simple memorization to see how even simple distant point needling can treat complex conditions.
09:55 am - 10:45 am
NCCAOM: AOM-BIO
CEU(s): 1
Clinical Energetics is a holistic healing approach developed by Gary Strauss, a renowned practitioner in the field of energy medicine. This modality combines principles from healing traditions such as Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, and Western herbalism, along with contemporary insights into anatomy, physiology, and psychology, to train practical techniques that influence the quality of intakes and treatments. Learn how to hold space for clients to improve rapport and trust and assess the flow of energy through the body's meridians, chakras, and other energetic pathways, identifying areas of imbalance or blockage through a combination of hands-on techniques such as acupressure, energy balancing, and breathwork, along with active listening.
11:10 am - 12:00 pm
NCCAOM: AOM-BIO
CEU(s): 1
Western science and medicine is just now recognizing the importance of the microbiome, though its existence and function has been known for thousands of years in Chinese medicine and Ayurveda. Changes to our bodies and minds from climactic influences to circadian rhythms, many via the microbiome, are baselines of assessment and suggest lifestyle guidance in Chinese medicine and Ayurveda. The triple warmer, mo yuan, spleen qi, accumulation of dampness or toxins, quality of the shen, and influence of lifestyle and dietary choices are all directly related to the microbiome. Shea will explain how the many influences affect the microbiome and its relationships to key concepts in both Ayurveda and Chinese medicine--especially as we enter cold and flu season.
12:15 pm - 1:15 pm
NCCAOM: PE
CEU(s): 1
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
NCCAOM: AOM-BIO
CEU(s): 3
How well we breathe is often overlooked as a key component of lifestyle guidance in our medicine. Unless there is an acute problem with someone’s breathing, or we’re encouraging someone to breathe during a session, it rarely comes up. We are missing a major opportunity in our assessment and treatment. The way we breathe impacts everything from our qi flow to how efficiently we are able to release toxins and manage stress. Bridgette Shea will guide you through breath assessment techniques and practices to enable you to better assess and assist clients from the perspectives of osteopathy, yoga, Western anatomy and physiology, and, of course, Chinese medicine. This includes information on the breath wave and 5 Elements as they pertain to the breathing cycle. Teachings will draw from ancient texts like the Nan Jing as well as modern evidence. Explore how acupuncture can affect the breath and how to needle according to the breath. Common herbs and formulas that can assist with lung health and breathing will be included as well. You’re guaranteed to learn gems you never knew about the breath!
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
NCCAOM: AOM-OM
CEU(s): 3
This course provides tools for understanding and integrating Tung’s acupuncture with traditional Chinese medicine. We will explore how to use theories such as channel connections, mirror/image, and five phases to understand the dynamic functions of points and move beyond simple memorization of indications. We will cover several Chinese medicine and Tung acupuncture points in depth and discuss strategies for point pairing (dui xue 對穴) for more effective treatment. Scholar and author of Practical Atlas of Tung's Acupuncture Dr. Henry McCann will share information and analysis that can enhance your practice of acupuncture and Chinese medicine no matter what style you practice.
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
NCCAOM: AOM-AC
CEU(s): 3
Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain is a common low back injury reported to account for about a quarter of low back pain cases. The sacroiliac joint helps to transfer and balance the forces from both upper and lower body activities. SIJ pain is often the result of pelvic and muscle imbalances combined with repetitive daily activities that eventually exceed the limit of what the joint and ligaments can withstand. Pain and muscle spasms are the result, which, in some cases, can last for months to years. This course consists of assessment and treatment strategies for sacroiliac joint pain and dysfunction through both functional anatomy and Chinese medicine perspectives. Demonstrations and discussions include dai mai/yang wei influences on pelvic motion on the sacroiliac joint and examination of the myofascial jingjin that surround and support the SIJ through balanced motion of the lumbar spine, ilium and femur. Advanced needle techniques on the supportive myofascial and ligamentous tissues with important coordinating point protocols will be presented and myofascial release techniques, muscle re-education techniques, and other adjunctive therapies will be incorporated.
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
NCCAOM: AOM-BIO
CEU(s): 3
Practice the art of Clinical Energetics and holding space for clients during intake and treatment for optimal results. Students will build their skills at developing rapport and trust with clients and practice Wu Wei intake, diagnosis, and treatment strategies for best results.
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
NCCAOM: AOM-OM
CEU(s): 3
Chinese medicine has much to offer during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and post-partum care, both outpatient and in-patient. Managing pain and discomfort are foremost, from migraines to back pain to pelvic pain, and it requires special considerations in these scenarios. Recognizing red flags and the need for referral is always important, but particularly so during pregnancy. This class will provide an overview of strategies to support a healthy labor, as well as how to support patients and caregivers, if things get difficult. Chinese medicine has a role in successful outcomes for pre-term contractions or labor, premature rupture of membranes, and breech presentation, as well as the “golden month”.
07:00 am - 07:50 am
NCCAOM: PE
CEU(s): 1
09:00 am - 09:50 am
NCCAOM: AOM-OM
CEU(s): 1
How much information can we gather in one minute of patient observation? How strong are these initial deep insights? According to the Ling Shu, chapter 4: “The high-level physician sees how the hidden energies from inside are seen on the outside, and then the invisible becomes visible." 80% of diagnosis can be done in the first minute, or even at the first glance. By applying the simple core tools of Chinese medical observation to clinical practice, it is possible to see and sense the inner manifestation of disease patterns, traumas, zheng qi, and healing potential. This is an introduction to a step-by-step diagnosis and a guide to developing your diagnostic tools, as deep diagnosis and a well-constructed treatment strategy are key to successful results. One must see to believe; one must experience to know.
09:55 am - 10:45 am
NCCAOM: AOM-AC
CEU(s): 1
The gallbladder channel travels between the front and back of the head several times, making 180° vertical direction changes. Beyond this switch in direction of the up and down movement of the channel, there appears to be a strong, clinically significant connection between these areas and some common headache and migraine presentations. Kiiko Matsumoto will share her clinical experience and application of these points in some of the most stubborn, yet common, cases.
11:10 am - 12:00 pm
NCCAOM: AOM-OM
CEU(s): 1
Psoriasis has been known since antiquity in both the East and the West. Today, it is recognized as the most prevalent auto-immune disease in the U.S. and Europe. This introduction will outline fundamental concepts and formulas, including case studies, to manage this troubling disease.
12:15 pm - 1:15 pm
NCCAOM: PE
CEU(s): 1
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
NCCAOM: AOM-OM
CEU(s): 3
The Ling Shu discusses yuan-source points in its first chapter as an important way to treat diseases of the internal organs. Most of us are familiar with the 5 Element-related yuan-source points. When we think of bone or muscle related conditions, we may connect those tissues to the five organs in the 5 Element traditions, such as bone being related to kidney. The Ling Shu also discusses two “levels” beyond the five elements, gao and huang, and treats them with equal importance as the five elements with which we are so familiar. This suggests that, for some conditions that cannot be resolved through the usual five elements, we could benefit from integrating these additional options.
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
NCCAOM: AOM-BIO
CEU(s): 3
Menopause is a time of natural change. In Chinese medicine, it is primarily related to changes in heaven-shen, earth-jing, and earth-chong. This class will highlight the heavenly and earthly views, with practical treatments, strategies, and points. From the heavenly perspective, jing transforms to shen, which can be seen as a transformation of wisdom and inspiration. Pathology, including anxiety, depression, frustration, and insomnia, can accompany this transformation. From an earthly perspective, changes in jing and chong can include symptoms such as dryness, hot flashes, night sweats, and slowed metabolism. The role of the extra meridian Yin Wei Mai will be highlighted in examining the pathology and physiology of menopause as well. In cases of antiestrogen treatment, which is given in cases of positive hormonal cancers, additional symptoms can include joint pain and stronger hot flashes. There have been several outstanding research studies concluding that acupuncture and herbs are very helpful in mitigating these symptoms.
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
NCCAOM: AOM-BIO
CEU(s): 3
New awareness of the serious and damaging effects of steroid use has come to the fore in recent years, with legions of patients suffering untold misery from topical steroid withdrawal syndrome (red burning skin and steroid dermatitis) and systemic steroid use. There is help available! This class will explore the most frequent side effects of the internal and topical use of steroids and describe in detail how best to restore the body’s equilibrium by tackling these common problems. Real cases from practice will outline, in detail and in a clinically relevant way, the best protocols, essential ingredients, and combinations to use to subdue rampant inflammation in the body without the need to resort to steroids, and how to lessen the impact and damage they can cause. Topical as well as systemic corticosteroids (like betamethasone and prednisone) are among the most ubiquitous pharmaceutical drugs in modern medicine, used to control a broad range of inflammatory conditions, including rheumatic, auto-immune, respiratory, gastric, skin, and allergic diseases. Although often effective during the acute stages of inflammation, they can have far-reaching and seriously detrimental effects on the body, causing adrenal insufficiency, atrophy of the skin, osteoporosis, lowered immunity, diabetes, hypertension, and persistent and reoccurring infections, as well as a propensity to invoke the so-called "rebound effect" (reoccurrence of the original disease, but stronger, after weaning off the steroids).
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
NCCAOM: AOM-AC
CEU(s): 3
Gather clarity, inspiration, and strategies for creating a practice that exceeds your wildest dreams: a thriving, successful practice that you absolutely love. You will be presented with several business success strategies, as well as motivation, inspiration, and encouragement to get exceptional results and keep patients coming back for more. This workshop will focus on mindset and success strategies, and will re-align you with your Purpose, Passion, and Joy (your PJs!) while being of service to others. When you practice in your PJs, your patients will get better results and you won't feel so burned out.
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Are you interested in the deepest teachings of the famous 7th-century medical sage Sun Simiao on personal cultivation and spiritual transformation? This course is for medical practitioners interested in health and longevity practices that start with the physical body but also address the heart and mind, and the shen/spirit, for themselves and their patients. Join Sabine Wilms, PhD, who has been studying, translating, and teaching Sun Simiao’s writings for decades, in this exploration of “yangxing” (nurturing our nature) as a deeper and more powerful aspect of “yangsheng” (nurturing life).
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Tan tien has 3 locations: the lower burner, the upper burner, and the head. Each of these areas has its own characteristics and affects the others. Acupuncture point protocols to release disharmony and pain are specialized in each of the tan tiens. Kiiko Matsumoto will guide acupuncturists through the symptoms, palpation evaluation, and resolutions of chronic pain and disorders in each of the three tan tien, as well as showing the interrelationships between these three traditional areas. Classical and practical knowledge of the kidneys and zong qi will also be illuminated through Kiiko’s insights into the classics.
