Strategies and Approaches for Complex Cases

Mental health and overall health are inextricably intertwined In Chinese medicine. The shen and our emotions affect every area of our health and wellbeing. Facial diagnosis allows us to examine possibilities of conditions like depression and mania as well as Chinese medicine patterns. Recognizing clues about shen on the face can lead to discoveries about previous traumas and how to heal from them, the state of the organs and meridians affected, and the constitutional and acquired weaknesses that can affect recommendations for prevention of further damage and progress of the healing process.

Incorporating patients’ narratives is imperative for best outcomes. Narratives can lead to deeper and more meaningful initial consultations and discovering nuances in patient cases that can make a significant difference. Patient narratives can influence what additional information is requested prior to evaluation; provide clues for initial intake approach and questions; and affect diagnosis and treatment planning, considering patient history and context. Patients are more likely to disclose important information and be more open and compliant, leading to better results, when their narratives have been considered in planning and treatment.

Treating neuro-muscular facial conditions including Bell’s palsy, Trigeminal,Neuralgia, TMJ and others can be challenging. Michelle Gellis will provide an overview of techniques and protocols for these conditions including submuscular needling, scalp acupuncture, facial motor points, and facial cupping, that when used in combination can provide more expedient and effective results. *This course is NOT approved for California Acupuncture Board Continuing Education

This course will provide a comprehensive overview of microneedling for acupuncturists. Discover the benefits and contraindications of microneedling the skin. Explore how to choose effective tools, and how to create an effective Chinese medicine treatment which incorporates a diagnosis, protocol, and safe use of a microneedle pen. Specifics such as needle depth, timing, and serums will be discussed. Documentation recommendations will be presented including forms and patient instructions.

From preparation to initial intake to treatment planning, complex cases require a strategy to manage their multiple aspects including co-morbidities, labs and imaging, and collaborations and cross-referrals with other healthcare providers. Dr. Cohen’s experience with treating complex conditions over decades, including gynecology, chronic viral conditions, oncology, digestive disorders and multiple co-morbidities, informs her organized approach to managing the complexities. Setting priorities based on both the needs of the case and preferences of the patient, setting and achieving short and long term goals, managing the psychological aspects of a case along with physical ailments, balancing the Eastern and Western elements, and communication with patients and other care providers are all elements of managing complex cases.

This course will describe a comprehensive plan to address the complexities of living into a robust old age with Chinese medicine. Both body and mind deteriorate as we age. Like all tai ji, the jing and shen are deeply interdependent and, as the physical body weakens, the mind increases in importance. Remaining mentally calm and connecting with the world around us is critical in order to live to a robust old age; keeping the body moving and free from debilitating disease depends on sound life choices that draw from personal wisdom. Chinese medicine, through acupuncture, herbs, qi practice, and Taoist philosophy, provides the technology. This course will explore integrating these four elements into a cohesive program with special focus on the Eight Extraordinary vessels of acupuncture, and the challenges of addressing shen issues in the clinical setting. Examine treatment options with Eight Extraordinary vessels for the brain/shen, orthopedic applications/pain, organ systems, and constitution.

Making multiple 6-figures consistently year after year can be easy when you understand the 80/20 rule. 80% of your success depends on mindset and 20% on aligned action. In this 3 hour workshop Doctor East will walk you through the steps to creating abundant revenue streams using the 80/20 rule. Attendees will receive a workbook to use in the workshop. Because of you, your patients live their best lives. Now it’s your turn *This course is NOT approved for California Acupuncture Board Continuing Education