Schedule
All sessions are pending approval by NCBAHM and the California Acupuncture Board
The NCBAHM category is listed next to each session name. The conference is not separately approved by the Florida Acupuncture Board. However, Florida may accept NCBAHM-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.
* 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 55.
* Virtual or streaming Symposium schedule and passes coming this summer.
Pre-symposium, Oct. 27-28, 2026 Register Now
09:00 am - 05:00 pm
CEU(s): 14
This two-day intensive workshop provides a practical, clinically-focused framework for understanding stroke from both biomedical and Chinese medicine perspectives, then translating that knowledge into effective acupuncture treatments and home care guidance for patients and their families. Attendees will gain practical skills for setting and prioritizing treatment goals, including common post-stroke complications like aphasia, dysphagia, hemiparesis, mood disorders, and bowel or urinary dysfunction. Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide. Along with diabetes, long COVID, and environmental toxins, prevalence is rising fast. Acupuncturists can be of tremendous help to patients at all levels of recovery, but it’s not as easy as just knowing the special points. In order to meet stroke patients where they are, we need a clear integrative framework for assessing the size and scope of their challenges and understanding their life priorities. Afterwards, to help them move forward, we need a flexible Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatment planning toolkit for home self/family care that incorporates acupuncture, bodywork, and lifestyle medicine with rehabilitation-specific techniques and insights. The course bridges modern neurological knowledge with classical Chinese medical theory, offering a “Rosetta Stone” that connects post-stroke clinical presentations to familiar diagnostic and treatment planning strategies in acupuncture practice. The workshop lays out a comprehensive acupuncture therapy toolbox for stroke rehabilitation, including techniques and protocols for body acupuncture, scalp acupuncture, auricular therapy, and bodywork, as well as key elements of home care including self-acupressure and lifestyle medicine. Through diagnostic frameworks and step-by-step treatment strategies, this course equips practitioners with the knowledge and confidence to safely and effectively improve stroke patients’ quality of life.
Pre-symposium, Oct. 28, 2025 Register Now
09:00 pm - 05:00 pm
CEU(s): 7
Stomach 9 is worth special attention, for reasons beyond the necessity of needling carefully to avoid bruising. This focused one-day seminar with world-renowned instructor Kiiko Matsumoto will explore the clinical significance and use of Stomach 9, one of the most dynamic yet under-utilized points on the stomach meridian, which plays a vital role in regulating qi, blood circulation, and disorders affecting the throat, head, and cardiovascular system. According to classical Heaven–Earth–Human theory, Stomach 9 is strategically located to influence multiple sensory domains: visceral sensations such as pain, hunger, and nausea; somatosensory functions, including touch, movement, and temperature perception; and the special senses, such as vision, smell, and balance. Needling this point effectively, as a result, can affect everything from breathing to disordered eating patterns. Since it is located at the area where the carotid artery runs, ST9 is also closely related to the carotid body, a small, oval-shaped sensory organ located at the bifurcation of the common carotid artery in the neck that is part of the chemoreceptor system, which plays a crucial role in regulating breathing and cardiovascular function. The carotid body chemoreceptor is primarily known for its oxygen-sensing mechanism, which regulates blood oxygen levels, but it also plays a role in glucose regulation. Therefore, if there is a lack of oxygen in the blood, it may affect blood glucose level as well. Through lecture, demonstrations, and case discussions, attendees will develop a deeper understanding of when and how to use Stomach 9 effectively in clinical practice, from treating disordered eating to breathing problems and more.
Thurs, Oct. 29, 2026 Register Now
07:00 am - 08:00 am
CEU(s): 1
Dao Dan Pai Qi Gong 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 - 10:00 am
CEU(s): 1
Dizziness is not just about “wind”. This course presents a clinically-grounded approach to dizziness through the integration of Chinese medicine and Western neurological frameworks based on Dr. Shiu’s extensive knowledge and experience. Emphasis will be placed on autonomic nervous system reflexes including vestibular function and vagus nerve involvement, as well as their relationship to concerns like gallbladder system malfunction and blood stasis. Participants will gain practical tools for differential diagnosis and targeted point selection based on underlying mechanisms. Dizziness is not just about “wind”. This course presents a clinically-grounded approach to dizziness through the integration of Chinese medicine and Western neurological frameworks based on Dr. Shiu’s extensive knowledge and experience. Emphasis will be placed on autonomic nervous system reflexes including vestibular function and vagus nerve involvement, as well as their relationship to concerns like gallbladder system malfunction and blood stasis. Participants will gain practical tools for differential diagnosis and targeted point selection based on underlying mechanisms.
10:00 am - 11:00 am
CEU(s): 1
When life throws you a curveball, you can let it derail you or you can make the most of a bad situation. Whether it’s recovery from chronic illness, surgery, or an accident, we need to access resources for healing to “come back”. The 8 Extras can help us to access the resources, awareness, and will to move through the worst of times with clarity, purpose, and authenticity. Learn how this system can support resilience and help us find meaning in tough times.
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
CEU(s): 2
In this focused introductory session, Kiiko Matsumoto presents the foundational principles of Kiiko Matsumoto Style (KMS), a clinically-driven system of acupuncture rooted in palpation, immediate feedback, and functional diagnosis. Participants will be introduced to the core diagnostic method of KMS: identifying reflex zones on the neck and shoulder that correspond to systemic imbalances and pain patterns. Through demonstration and guided exploration, attendees will learn how areas such as the SCM and channel-based reflexes reveal underlying dysfunctions including immune stress, hormonal imbalance, and structural issues. Designed for both new and experienced practitioners, this lecture-demonstration offers a clear entry point into a style of acupuncture that prioritizes clinical precision, responsiveness, and reproducibility.
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
CEU(s): 1
Transforming healthcare is no longer a theoretical goal: it is an operational necessity. Many well-intentioned efforts stall, however, when they encounter the realities of complex systems, entrenched cultures, and competing priorities. This session moves beyond vision to implementation, offering a clear, experience-based roadmap for meaningful change. Drawing on large-scale transformation work within the Veterans Health Administration’s Whole Health System, this session examines what it actually takes to shift from a disease-centered model to one that prioritizes whole-person care. Participants will explore practical strategies for redesigning care delivery, engaging clinicians and staff, aligning leadership, and integrating complementary approaches within conventional settings. Gaudet addresses some of the most common obstacles to transformation: resistance to change, siloed structures, misaligned incentives, workforce burnout, and lack of measurable outcomes. Through real-world examples, participants learn how these barriers show up in practice and, more importantly, how to overcome them using tested approaches, including phased implementation, culture change strategies, stakeholder engagement, and meaningful metrics. By the end of the session, participants will be able to identify concrete steps they can take within their own organizations—whether large systems, educational programs, or clinical practices—to begin or advance transformation efforts immediately.
12:10 pm - 1:10 pm
CEU(s): 1
Dao Dan Pai Qi Gong 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
Transforming healthcare is no longer a theoretical goal: it is an operational necessity. Many well-intentioned efforts stall, however, when they encounter the realities of complex systems, entrenched cultures, and competing priorities. This session moves beyond vision to implementation, offering a clear, experience-based roadmap for meaningful change. Drawing on large-scale transformation work within the Veterans Health Administration’s Whole Health System, this session examines what it actually takes to shift from a disease-centered model to one that prioritizes whole-person care. Participants will explore practical strategies for redesigning care delivery, engaging clinicians and staff, aligning leadership, and integrating complementary approaches within conventional settings. Gaudet addresses some of the most common obstacles to transformation: resistance to change, siloed structures, misaligned incentives, workforce burnout, and lack of measurable outcomes. Through real-world examples, participants learn how these barriers show up in practice and, more importantly, how to overcome them using tested approaches, including phased implementation, culture change strategies, stakeholder engagement, and meaningful metrics. By the end of the session, participants will be able to identify concrete steps they can take within their own organizations—whether large systems, educational programs, or clinical practices—to begin or advance transformation efforts immediately.
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
CEU(s): 3
In this extended hands-on workshop on treating neck and shoulder pain, Kiiko Matsumoto guides participants through advanced applications of Kiiko Matsumoto Style Acupuncture, focusing on the integration of palpatory diagnosis with effective, immediately testable treatment strategies featuring clinical pearls drawn from decades of practice and lineage teachings. Attendance of part 1 is not required to participate in part 2. Building on foundational concepts, this course explores how to translate reflex findings into precise clinical interventions, with an emphasis on commonly encountered conditions such as shoulder pain, posterior neck disorders, sinus congestion, and systemic imbalances. Participants will learn how to evaluate and treat shoulder pain using the biceps/LI-15 reflex and channel-based strategies and to apply neck diagnostic zones (C2–C7) to address issues such as sinus congestion, allergies, and neurological symptoms. The importance of the small intestine channel in the aging process will be explored. Live demonstration-based case studies will use distal and contralateral needling strategies to release local pain, integrate Five Phase point selection (Fire, Metal, Water) in a palpation-responsive framework, and address complex patterns such as immune dysfunction, hormonal imbalance, and “oketsu” (blood stasis) through abdominal and channel reflexes.
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
CEU(s): 3
Transforming healthcare is no longer a theoretical goal. It is an operational necessity. Many well-intentioned efforts stall, however, when they encounter the realities of complex systems, entrenched cultures, and competing priorities. This session moves beyond vision to implementation, offering a clear, experience-based path and process for meaningful change. Drawing on large-scale transformation work within the Veterans Health Administration’s Whole Health System, this session examines what it actually takes to shift from a disease-centered model to one that prioritizes empowering and equipping people to address all aspects of their health and well-being. Participants will explore practical strategies for redesigning care delivery, engaging clinicians and staff, aligning leadership, and integrating complementary approaches within conventional settings. Gaudet addresses some of the most common obstacles to transformation: resistance to change, siloed structures, misaligned incentives, workforce burnout, and lack of measurable outcomes. Through real-world examples, participants learn how these barriers show up in practice and, more importantly, how to overcome them using tested approaches, including phased implementation, culture change strategies, stakeholder engagement, and meaningful metrics. By the end of the session, participants will be able to identify concrete steps they can take within their own organizations—whether large systems, educational programs, or clinical practices.
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
CEU(s): 3
Vertigo and tinnitus are commonly seen in clinical practice, yet are often complex and frustratingly difficult to treat successfully. These conditions are frequently attributed to structures of the ear, but this course expands the lens to examine the critical role of brain neurology—particularly deeper brain centers—as key drivers. Drawing from both Western and Chinese medical frameworks, this course explores a wide range of contributing factors, including concussion, cranial structural dynamics, skull flexibility, and the effects of overwork. An in-depth review of the vestibular system is paired with a reexamination of Chinese medicine patterns that move beyond conventional “liver wind” models and simplistic distinctions such as high-pitch versus low-pitch tinnitus. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of concepts such as the Sea of Marrow and their clinical relevance in shaping treatment strategy. Hands-on and diagnostic skills will include palpation of the skull and assessment of cranial dynamics, allowing practitioners to identify physical patterns that align with modern neurological understanding. Treatment approaches will include auricular acupuncture and strategies to address the neurological components of vertigo and tinnitus. Emphasis will be placed on individualized diagnosis, improving clinical outcomes, and recognizing patient vulnerability patterns to support longer-term management, including lifestyle considerations, for superior clinical results and prevention.
Fri, Oct. 30, 2026 Register Now
07:00 am - 08:00 am
CEU(s): 1
Dao Dan Pai Qi Gong 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 - 10:00 am
CEU(s): 1
Although Chinese medicine practitioners are primary healthcare providers in some states, Chinese medicine is still classified as CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) by the Western healthcare establishment. We sometimes see patients only after Western medicine has failed to deliver satisfactory results, such as when, for instance, drug treatment results in too many side effects, adverse reactions, or simply does not achieve the desired results. John Chen, doctor of Pharmacy and Oriental medicine and internationally recognized authority on Chinese herbs and western pharmaceuticals, will relate the history and current state of pharmacology and Chinese herbal treatments and the relationship between them.
10:00 am - 11:00 am
CEU(s): 1
Across cultures and long before written history, traditions of healing, personal transformation, and even the pursuit of immortality have taken shape. Within early Chinese traditions, these ideas evolved into the paradigm of the Three Treasures: Jing, Qi, and Shen, and the ideal of integrating body, breath, and mindful awareness to cultivate profound inner “elixirs.” This all began more than 100,000 years ago, in the context that the human race has existed for over 2 million years and has refined constantly through the millennia. In modern times, emerging scientific research increasingly affirms the relevance and benefits of cultivating the Three Treasures. Practitioners of Chinese Medicine, in many ways, are also practitioners of Taiji and Qigong. They carry this tradition forward through personal cultivation, the integration of these principles into clinical practice, and the guidance they offer patients. Whether through movement instruction, breathwork, or discussion of Qigong and Taiji principles during treatment, or cases where practitioners help patients engage practices tailored to their unique constitutions and conditions. Through movement, breath, clinical insight, or patient instruction, these traditions continue to evolve—transforming ancient practices into living medicine for the modern world.
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
CEU(s): 1
Let’s admit it, we don’t really think acupressure is as effective as acupuncture, do we? Dr. Claudia Citkovitz, a longtime clinician whose groundbreaking clinical research includes individualized care using both, will discuss a large and growing body of research on the topic. Both research and clinical experience underscore the profound impact that can result from acupressure and can provide novel insights regarding use in pain management and cervical dilatation in labor (spoiler alert: LI-4 vs. SP-6); yin and yang approaches to fatigue; the utility of patient-facing acupressure apps; and a simple, non-invasive approach to gynecological qi and blood stasis among other uses. The value of acupressure in addition to direct clinical effectiveness can be that it's even more useful considering that it’s less expensive, more accessible, not invasive, has fewer side effects, and can empower patients to participate more in their own healing.
12:10 pm - 1:10 pm
CEU(s): 1
Dao Dan Pai Qi Gong 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
Holly Guzman takes attendees through anxiety and digestion cases, with demonstrations from intake to diagnosis to treatment planning and techniques, sharing key clinical insights from her breadth of experience. Too often, the process of our education is theoretical, lacking real, live context; or hands-on, but without enough understanding for optimal education. This workshop allows students to gain clinical information and deepen their understanding and inspiration through exploration of real-life cases.
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
CEU(s): 3
Decoding the 12 Tidal Hexagrams and 12 Organ Networks: Clinical Insights for Diagnosis and Treatment
In clinical practice, illness reveals itself through patterns: the season when symptoms first arise, the patient’s narrative, and the visible signs of imbalance in the body. Classical Chinese medicine understands physiology through relationships in time and space, where the movement of yin and yang between heaven, earth, and humanity unfolds through the seasons and phases; the six confirmations; the eight trigrams; the twelve tidal hexagrams; and the twelve organ networks. Drawing on the ancient framework of the twelve tidal hexagrams, we will examine how the cyclical movements of yin and yang illuminate the rhythms of the organ systems and the emergence of disease. Through clinical examples and practical discussion, participants will explore how this classical lens can inform diagnosis, guide treatment strategy, and reveal underlying physiological patterns that may otherwise be overlooked. Recognizing classical correspondences can sharpen clinical observation, deepen pattern differentiation, and lead to a treatment plan more specifically suited to the patient. By reconnecting with these early symbolic maps of Chinese medicine, practitioners can refine their ability to perceive imbalance and engage the body’s natural capacity for restoration, allowing us to engage the inherent vitality in every patient and restore physiology where it has been lost.
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
CEU(s): 3
This class explores evidence-informed herbal alternatives to commonly prescribed analgesics and antibiotics. Although Chinese medicine practitioners are primary healthcare providers in some states, Chinese medicine is still generally classified as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) within the Western healthcare system. As a result, practitioners often see patients after conventional treatments have failed to produce satisfactory outcomes, whether due to insufficient therapeutic effect, adverse reactions, or unacceptable side effects. Dr. John Chen, an internationally recognized herbalist, pharmacist, educator, and expert in Chinese herbal pharmacology, will examine the comparative advantages and safety considerations for pharmaceuticals and Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of pain and bacterial infections. Drawing on decades of clinical, academic, and research experience, Dr. Chen will emphasize adverse effects, herb–drug interactions, and practical risk management strategies. Participants will gain practical clinical insights that will aid in determining when herbal therapy, pharmaceutical intervention, or an integrative approach may be most appropriate. The goal is to support practitioners in achieving optimal therapeutic outcomes while minimizing unwanted side effects.
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
CEU(s): 3
Numerous forms of Qigong consciously focus on internal alchemy, the cultivation of the Three Treasures: Jing, Qi, and Shen. Drawing on 40 years of clinical practice in Chinese Medicine and ten research and study trips to China, Dr. Jahnke has distilled diverse Qigong traditions, Shamanic, Daoist, Buddhist, Confucian, and contemporary, into an integrated system: the Ten Phases of Qi Cultivation and Mastery. In this engaging workshop, he will present the theoretical foundations, clinical applications, and experiential practices of these ten phases of internal alchemy. Participants will explore Body-level (Jing) practices such as discovering, gathering, and circulating qi; Heart–Mind (Qi) practices including purifying, directing, and conserving qi; and Spirit-level (Shen) practices such as storing, transforming, and dissolving qi—culminating in the principles of qi transmission. This progression offers a clear and practical pathway for cultivating vitality, refining awareness, and integrating internal alchemy into both personal practice and clinical care.
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
CEU(s): 3
In this 3-hour hands-on workshop, Dr. Citkovitz presents a practical handbook of self-acupressure, simple qigong movements, and other elements of East Asian lifestyle medicine to help practitioners better support patients across the full spectrum of women’s health. The workshop will explore concerns ranging from menstrual cycles marked by blood stasis or deficiency to subfertility, postpartum challenges such as pain and incontinence, the many faces of menopause, and the genitourinary, musculoskeletal, and cognitive changes that accompany aging. Acupuncture, moxibustion, bodywork, and herbal medicine are powerful tools that practitioners can apply and teach to support symptom management and long-term women’s health. In the context of today’s acupuncture channels, impacts of aging, and environment of digital distraction and constant judgment, many patients are deeply in need of ways to reconnect with and care for their physical bodies. Simple self-care practices can restore this connection while reinforcing the therapeutic work done in the clinic. Emerging research is also shedding light on the central role of fascia in human health, as well as its relationship to aging and acupuncture channels. Participants will learn accessible techniques for gathering the shen and cultivating qi that support practitioners’ own health, which are also easy to teach to patients. These practices help moisturize and revitalize the fascia while serving as meaningful self-care rituals that extend the benefits of clinical treatment between visits. Over time, consistent self-care can also help rebuild pathways of self-reliance and self-efficacy—qualities that are often eroded by the fragmented attention and pressures of modern life.
Sat, Oct. 31, 2025 Register Now
07:00 am - 08:00 am
CEU(s): 1
Dao Dan Pai Qi Gong 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 - 10:00 am
CEU(s): 1
10:00 am - 11:00 am
CEU(s): 1
Skeptics of acupuncture often argue that acupoints and channels are rooted in philosophical and metaphysical beliefs, which they claim are incompatible with modern science. Dr. Poney Chiang has spent the last 15 years interrogating what makes each acupoint unique as both a scientist and an acupuncturist, using peer-reviewed surgical publications, cadaver dissection, and electrical stimulation to characterize 415 acupoints. Chiang’s research illustrates the ways in which acupoints are associated with neurovascular bundles, with distinct attributes. These acupoints, once thought to be purely theoretical, align with contemporary anatomical and neurophysiological understanding. By examining the mapping of these points through a scientific lens, we can bridge the gap between traditional wisdom and modern medicine. Defining the distinct neuro-anatomical target for each acupoint permits prediction and confirmation of the unique deqi sensation for each point. Such precision empowers researchers to replicate scientific studies and clinicians to obtain consistent therapeutic results.
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
CEU(s): 1
Su Wen Chapter One, “Shang Gu Tian Zhen Lun” (上古天真论), lays the philosophical and physiological foundation of Chinese medicine. It explains why people in ancient times lived longer and healthier lives and why modern people often do not. Often referenced, whether knowingly or unknowingly, but not always fully understood, is the concept of women’s seven-year cycles, from the onset of the flourishing of qi at seven years old to menopause and the cessation of fertility at forty-nine. What nourishing life practices are best matched to the beginning of decline of the yang ming at thirty-five, as opposed to the weakening beginning at age forty-two? Attention to these practices can result in a smoother and easier progression into the end of fertility and the flourishing that can ensue at forty-nine. This course spans the space between the classical texts and the modern clinic by focusing on how the principles of Su Wen Chapter 1 inform diagnosis and treatment. Topics include kidney jing assessment, the interpretation of seven- and eight-year cycles, and the differentiation of natural versus premature aging. Practitioners will develop strategies for treating fatigue, infertility, hormonal transitions, and chronic degeneration using acupuncture and lifestyle guidance grounded in classical theory.
12:10 pm - 1:10 pm
CEU(s): 1
Dao Dan Pai Qi Gong 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
What do acupuncturists need to know to safely and effectively incorporate acupuncture into an integrative oncology treatment plan? In this presentation, Dr. Lorbeck will outline key clinical considerations that support both patient safety and optimal outcomes. She will discuss essential cautions, contraindications, and evidence-informed treatment strategies, emphasizing how acupuncture protocols must adapt to the type of cancer, individual patient factors, and concurrent medical treatments. These considerations influence every stage of care, from intake and treatment planning to follow-up and ongoing patient management. The session will also address the complex emotional landscape that accompanies cancer care for patients, families, and practitioners. Participants will explore how to maintain therapeutic warmth and connection while staying within professional scope of practice, including when and how to collaborate with other supportive care providers such as oncology massage therapists and psycho-oncology specialists. Angela Lorbeck, L.Ac., DACM, will share clinical insights and practical guidelines for Integrative Oncology Acupuncture drawn from decades of experience in the field. She has served as Manager of Supportive Oncology as well as serving as a Chinese Medicine Practitioner at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, with an appointment as Assistant Professor.
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
CEU(s): 3
According to Ling Shu Chapter 75, "one who uses needles must first examine the repletion and vacuity of Jing Luo, palpate and follow it, press and pluck it, observe its responsive movement, then obtain it and come down on it". This passage is the origin behind the popular notion that palpation is the single most important assessment for acupuncturists. Unfortunately, little training is devoted to developing Jing Luo palpation within the standard curriculum. The instructor will cite evidence from the Ling Shu to demonstrate that channel plucking is in fact neurovascular bundle palpation. Attendees will be able to palpate the physical (not just energetic) existence of channels in this workshop. In Chinese medicine education, our mentors emphasize the importance of intentionality and deqi sensation in achieving therapeutic results. Generally, students learn that deqi sensation is a dull feeling experienced by the patient and a grasping feeling perceived by the practitioner. Dr. Chiang will demonstrate how each acupoint requires its own specific intention which emits a specific deqi sensation unique to that acupoint alone. The intention lies in having knowledge of the unique neuro-anatomical target specific to each acupoint. This understanding allows one to predict and confirm unique deqi sensation based on specific paresthesia and/or motor activation that is reproducible from patient to patient. This introductory workshop will help you grasp the seamless relationship between channel pathways, the peripheral nervous system, needle intention, and deqi sensation.
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
CEU(s): 3
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
CEU(s): 3
This course offers a deep clinical and theoretical exploration of the peri-menopausal transition, examining not only the decline of estrogen and kidney yin but also the fluctuating surges of LH and FSH and the critical role of the liver in regulating these changes. We will explore how these biomedical and traditional frameworks intersect, informing more precise diagnosis and treatment. Participants will examine the role of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), including how to effectively support patients whether they choose to use HRT or not. Special focus will be given to disharmonies of the Chong channel and strategies to harmonize hormones and internal systems during this transition. Beyond symptom management, this course reframes peri-menopause as a meaningful physiological and psychological threshold—a portal that influences long-term health and vitality. In contrast to the prevailing cultural emphasis on productivity and constant output (yang) during the prime of life, with all the hustle and things we are encouraged to do to improve women’s health outcomes, we will explore the importance of engaging yin processes of restoration, introspection, and even entering the darkness that can lead to beneficial transformation for healthy long-term outcomes. Integrating classical theory, modern endocrinology, and clinical application, practitioners will leave with practical tools for treatment planning, point selection, and patient guidance. We will also consider the broader developmental context of this life stage, including the evolutionary role of the grandmother/elder as a carrier of wisdom, culture, and continuity, both in our mentors and in our own coming to wisdom, and how this perspective can inform and deepen clinical care.
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.
Sun, Nov. 1, 2025 Register Now
07:00 am - 08:00 am
CEU(s): 1
Dao Dan Pai Qi Gong 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 - 10:00 am
CEU(s): 1
This course explores how to develop effective acupuncture point combinations to support patients in cultivating joy, contentment, inner peace, and a sense of life purpose. Drawing on principles from Daoist and Confucian philosophies, among others, we will examine classical perspectives on the origin of emotions, including insights inspired by the concept of Pandora’s Box. Attendees will explore the dynamic interplay of Tiān Dì Rén (天地人)—the integration of Heaven, Earth, and Human, and how this framework for balance can inform both diagnosis and treatment. The course will also examine the role of Xīn Bāo (心包), the Pericardium, as the Heart/Emperor’s embrace as well as heart protector. In addition, we will consider the clinical and philosophical relevance of Tiān Mìng (天命), the Heavenly Mandate, and Dào (道), the Path or Way, as guiding concepts for helping patients align with meaning, purpose, and well-being. Through this integrative lens, practitioners will gain tools to support patients in creating greater emotional balance and a deeper sense of fulfillment.
10:00 am - 11:00 am
CEU(s): 1
How does delivery method affect outcomes? Understanding the mechanisms and factors influencing placebo effects is crucial for optimizing their use in pain management and improving client outcomes. By combining the benefits of acupuncture and other therapies with the placebo effects, practitioners can create a supportive and empowering environment that fosters trust and collaboration between themselves and their clients. This proactive approach not only addresses immediate symptoms but also promotes long-term health and well-being. By integrating knowledge of placebo effects with evidence-based practices, healthcare practitioners can create a holistic approach to pain management that addresses both physical and psychological aspects of patient care, ultimately leading to improved outcomes and enhanced quality of life for individuals living with chronic pain and facing other challenges. Ethics of all of the elements of integrating the placebo effect will be explored.
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
CEU(s): 1
Infantile eczema has become one of the most common and troublesome skin disorders of early childhood, now affecting up to 20% of infants in industrialized nations. Its prevalence continues to rise alongside allergic and autoimmune diseases. Modern medicine relies heavily on topical steroids, systemic antibiotics, and mineral oil–based emollients which, although they offer temporary relief, often complicate and prolong the disease process by further damaging the skin and compromising the all-important skin barrier, ultimately massively increasing the likelihood that the condition becomes chronic and recalcitrant. In contrast, when correctly applied, Chinese medicine can have a remarkable effect in swiftly resolving the condition and, crucially, restoring healthy skin function, thereby offering a far brighter long-term prognosis.
12:10 pm - 1:10 pm
CEU(s): 1
Dao Dan Pai Qi Gong 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
Acne has become one of the most prevalent and persistent skin disorders, affecting a significant proportion of adolescents and an increasing number of adults. Its incidence continues to rise, particularly in industrialized societies, alongside broader patterns of inflammatory and hormonal dysregulation. Conventional treatment relies heavily on topical agents, antibiotics, and systemic medications such as isotretinoin. Although they often suppress symptoms in the short term, they can disrupt the skin’s natural ecology, alter the microbiome, and in many cases, lead to recurrence once treatment is withdrawn. In contrast, when applied with precision, Chinese medicine offers a fundamentally different approach, addressing not only the visible lesions but the underlying internal imbalance driving the condition. By regulating inflammation, harmonizing hormonal influences, and restoring the normal function of the skin, it is often possible to achieve steady and sustained improvement with a significantly reduced risk of relapse and a far more stable long-term outcome.
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
CEU(s): 3
This course will explore how acupuncture point combinations can be designed and used to treat depression and anxiety and to build self-esteem, through lecture, analysis of acupuncture point combinations, discussion, group work, and clinical case studies. We will explore the role of the heart and pericardium. The unique characteristics of depression related to each of the six organ systems that affect and are affected by depression, and associated point combinations, will be examined, as will the key features of different presentations of anxiety related to two main organs (plus three secondary organs) that affect and are affected by anxiety.
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. Taylor-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 ethical considerations related to health inequities among diverse menopausal populations.
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
CEU(s): 3
Why do we try to avoid pain when, time and time again, it has been shown to be a beneficial and positive experience that is solely designed to protect us from harm? This 4-letter word has the potential to derail our daily lives. By gaining a clearer understanding of its mechanisms and behaviors, we can modify our experiences to incorporate pain and begin to reduce it. For many years, evidence-based medicine (EBM) and patient-centered care (PCC) have been appreciated in opposition to each other. Recent studies have shown that the best outcomes for patients are achieved when both EBM and PCC are instead integrated into a treatment plan. The evolving understanding of pain, and patients’ relationship to that pain, can be key to bridging this gap and bringing some harmony to these two seemingly opposing forces.
Post-Symposium, Nov. 2, 2025 Register Now
09:00 am - 05
CEU(s): 7
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, progressive autoimmune disorder that affects the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and gradual structural damage and deformity. As a systemic autoimmune disease, it can also affect many other aspects of health. Like many autoimmune conditions, its incidence continues to rise, and despite advances in modern pharmacological treatment, many patients remain symptomatic or experience significant side effects from long-term use of immunosuppressive, biologic agents and newer targeted therapies such as JAK inhibitors. While these approaches can be highly effective in suppressing inflammation, they do not restore normal immune regulation and may leave patients vulnerable to ongoing instability or relapse. In contrast, Chinese medicine offers a more integrative approach to the management of rheumatoid arthritis. Rather than focusing solely on suppressing inflammation, it seeks to regulate the underlying immune dysfunction, improve circulation within the joints, and address the deeper systemic imbalances that sustain the disease process. When applied appropriately, this approach can lead to meaningful reductions in pain and stiffness, improved joint function, and, importantly, greater long-term stability with a reduced reliance on continuous symptomatic suppression.
Post-Symposium, Nov. 2-3, 2025 Register Now
09:00 am - 05:00 pm
CEU(s): 14
This course will explore how acupuncture point combinations can be designed and used to build self-esteem, as well as treating depression and anxiety, through lecture, analysis of acupuncture point combinations, discussion, group work, and clinical case studies. We will explore the role of the heart and pericardium. The unique characteristics of depression related to each of the six organ systems that affect and are affected by depression, and associated point combinations, will be examined, as will the key features of different presentations of anxiety related to two main organs (plus three secondary organs) that affect and are affected by anxiety.