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
NCCAOM: AOM-BIO, AOM-OM
CEU(s): 14
Not all cognitive decline is alike. Examine Chinese and Western medicine perspectives on the patho-mechanisms of cognitive decline in dementia, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer's. Explore differential diagnosis, treatment planning, and clinical recommendations, as well as strategies for patient and practice management and developing individualized programs. Identify acupuncture and Chinese medicine treatment options and how to take environmental factors, nutrition, lifestyle, patient exercises, and new technologies into consideration. Attendance of both days is required to receive the continuing education credit for this course.
09:00 am - 05:00 pm
NCCAOM: AOM-ABT, AOM-OM
CEU(s): 7
Restore healthy function and relieve stagnation in the middle jiao! Digestion affects everything, body and brain, and tui na can be used alone or in coordination with other strategies, such as acupuncture, self-acupressure, herbal treatment, lifestyle and nutrition, and qigong, to enhance their effectiveness. Tui na can make an immediate difference and effect long-term change for gas and bloating; stomach aches, irritable bowel and Crohn's; constipation and diarrhea; and more. It also optimizes general health, as healthy digestion leads to nutrient absorption and the circulation of qi and blood to the extremities and beyond. A self-massage qigong exercise will be included to share with clients. Enhance your skills and confidence with Bill Helm, Director of San Diego’s Taoist Sanctuary, who has worked with Pacific College for decades, and, more recently, with the Chinese Olympic Training Center.
07:00 am - 07:50 am
NCCAOM: PE
CEU(s): 1
09:00 am - 09:50 am
CEU(s): 1
What are the factors affecting our profession right now? Understanding the state of research evidence, Medicare coverage, Veterans’ Administration progress, practice scope encroachment, post-pandemic healthcare in the US, public perception of healthcare, and acupuncture within the complementary and integrative healthcare landscape is crucial to the continued growth and flourishing of the profession. The roles and impacts of the NCCIH (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health), climate change, US political polarization, and more can make the difference in our success.
09:55 am - 10:45 am
CEU(s): 1
Can we go beyond “repair” and help trauma survivors gain resilience for the next time danger threatens as well? Acupuncturists are skilled at diagnosing and repairing pathology, both subtle and gross. The 5 Elements illuminate the phases of the threat response and where the process goes awry and can guide us to highly effective ways to restore balance and regulation using their corresponding tissues, organs, or emotions: awaken arousal (metal), signal threat (water), mobilize a response (wood), restore coherence (fire), and digest the gristle (earth). The 5 Element model can also help trauma survivors cultivate their capacity for somatic mindfulness (metal), distinguishing discomfort from fear (water), mobilizing responses commensurate with the level of threat (wood), recognizing that the threat has passed (fire), and harvesting lessons that expand rather than contract (earth). Alaine Duncan, author of The Tao of Trauma and long-time acupuncturist with the Veterans’ Administration, shares 5 Element diagnostic and treatment strategies.
11:10 am - 12:00 pm
NCCAOM: AOM-OM
CEU(s): 1
Dr. Shiu provides updates in the diagnosis and treatment of brain- and neurology-related disorders as they relate to Chinese medicine. From brain health maintenance and prevention to more specific diagnoses and targeted treatments in both Western and Chinese medicine, ancient knowledge and new developments can be integrated. New diagnostic techniques and technologies can be utilized within the context of Chinese medicine for disorders like stroke, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and other conditions linked with cognitive decline as well as concussion/TBI, Long COVID, migraines, and more.
12:15 pm - 1:15 pm
NCCAOM: PE
CEU(s): 1
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
CEU(s): 3
Practice basic muscle testing to integrate this useful technique into Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatment planning. Like tongue and pulse, muscle testing is a biofeedback tool for increased certainty to confirm which Chinese medicine diagnosis, channel involvement, herb and acupoint choices, tui na techniques, and more will be most effective. This is a hands-on class in which students will practice techniques with feedback to build physical skills and confidence, so they can immediately apply what they've learned with clients.
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
CEU(s): 3
Skull palpation as a diagnostic tool can be invaluable in determining diagnosis and treatment strategies for neurological disorders and tendencies toward disorders. The location and nature of markers give clues to what is affecting the brain and nervous system and what treatment strategies could be most helpful. Students will explore contours of the skull to identify indentations, inflammations, and other markers indicating interference with brain health and longevity in different areas of the brain. Related strategies to resolve obstacles to brain health and longevity will also be discussed. Students will map locations, identifying features and common findings, and practice techniques related to enhanced brain function of different components of the brain.
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
CEU(s): 3
Alaine Duncan, author of The Tao of Trauma, examines how traumatic stress can be hidden away in our tissues, making it hard to find for even the most skilled clinicians. Trauma survivors necessarily cultivate elaborate management strategies to hide their dysregulation and help them cope. This class explores places where dysregulated vibrations are commonly stored, how to access them, and how to support a survivor’s body-wisdom's return to balance and regulation. Chinese medicine diagnostic skills, Western neuroscience, and bodywork approaches can reveal and address brace and collapse responses in organs, meridians, joints, diaphragm, blood, fluids, muscles, fascia, and emotions. Students will identify treatment approaches designed to reach traumatic stress held in many locations. The class will also address patient management skills and cultivate treatment strategies to aid in avoiding overtreatment and causing reactions that result in fear or mistrust or miss the hidden vibration of traumatic stress completely and leave survivors wanting.
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
CEU(s): 3
What is an individual acupuncturist to do, given the state of the profession? How can acupuncturists best strategize education and ability to be successful after graduation, amidst the pressures affecting the profession? Dr. Anderson will discuss approaches to managing and optimizing work successfully within the current landscape with a view toward what creating a successful future could look like.
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
CEU(s): 3
In multiple chapters of the Ling Shu and Su Wen, the main topic is wei qi/defense qi and/or ying qi/construction (nutritive) qi, and how to use acupuncture and moxibustion to treat the channels to harmonize and strengthen these functions. Modern life in technological societies has disordered our defense qi functions such that the innate body/mind intelligence can no longer respond effectively to exterior pathogens, environmental toxins, and internal functional and emotional issues, leading to what Chinese medicine names lao sun or taxation fatigue. Several classical Chinese medical sources, from Li Dongyuan's Treatise on the Spleen and Stomach and Zhang Jingyue's collected works to the Nan Jing, Shang Han Lun, Su Wen, and Ling Shu teach us how autoimmunity and chronic degenerative illnesses are conceived and develop over time. In this seminar, Z’ev Rosenberg, professor, practitioner, and author of four books, will systematically teach students how to diagnose, understand, and treat chronic autoimmune illnesses from these source texts, with a focus on the relationship of defense qi to ministerial fire and how these functions lose their self-regulation and become destructive to personal health.
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
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
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
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
CEU(s): 3
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
CEU(s): 3
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
CEU(s): 3
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
09:00 am - 05:00 pm
NCCAOM: AOM-AC
CEU(s): 7
Care for patients with cardiovascular conditions can be challenging, as it requires an understanding of the channels and systems that interact with the Emperor (heart/shen). Through her research into the Chinese characters, Kiiko Matsumoto has found interesting and effective scalp points that have proven to be significant, in her clinical experience, in the care of patients with pacemakers, irregular pulses, and other common cardiac presentations. She will share straightforward strategies to identify issues in and treat patients using these points, then discuss and demonstrate palpation techniques that help guide point selection and make each treatment most effective for an individual patient. Because surgical interventions may be part of cardiovascular presentations, Kiiko will also discuss how surgeries and scars can play a role in patients’ symptomatic presentations.
09:00 am - 05:00 pm
NCCAOM: AOM-OM, AOM-CH
CEU(s): 14
Explore Chinese medicine’s approach to auto-immune diseases in general, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and auto-immune thyroiditis in particular. In addition to highlighting diagnosis, pattern differentiation, and treatment protocols, Mazin will present examples and cases from his own practice and cover formula composition and evolution, not only at acute stages, but crucially, to also achieve long-term stability in the immune system. Day 1 will cover IBD, including both ulcerative colitis & Crohn’s disease. The number of sufferers of IBD has skyrocketed over the past 40 years; the prevalence of ulcerative colitis in the US has increased by an astonishing 125% in the past 9 years alone. Chinese medicine, properly applied, has been shown to have dramatic benefits, not only at rapidly controlling the acute phases of these troubling diseases, but significantly increasing remission rates without the need to resort to long-term immunosuppression, the standard biomedicine approach. Day 2 will focus on auto-immune thyroiditis. Both overactive and underactive thyroiditis, Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s disease respectively, by far the most common forms of thyroiditis seen in practice, will be covered in depth. Diagnose and treat these two common diseases from the perspective of Chinese medicine, along with case examples from Mazin’s practice. Attendance of both days is required to receive the continuing education credit for this course.
