Meet Your Microbiome: The Microbial Organ, Ayurveda, and Chinese Medicine

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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”.