TCM Theory & Diagnostics

TCM Foundations
This course familiarizes students with the fundamental theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine, including: yin/yang, the five elements, zang/fu organ and jing/luo channel theory. An introduction to the four diagnostic methods is presented and students begin to differentiate various disease syndromes. Therapeutic and diagnostic theories introduced include: 8 principles, 6 pathogenic factors, the vital substances and 7 emotions.

TCM Theory & Diagnostics I
This class examines how pathogenic factors play a role within influencing balance in the human body. Students learn various advanced treatment principles and methods, including how to do a proper patient inquiry, how to collect information regarding the cause and symptoms of disease, and how to perform proper diagnosis and treatment of disease.

TCM Theory & Diagnostics II
Students are taught the four methods of diagnosis: observation of the patient’s physical appearance (including tongue diagnosis), auscultation/olfaction, patient interrogation/record keeping and palpation of body and pulse. This course allows students to interpret what symptoms and signs mean in relation to eastern medical principles.

TCM Theory & Diagnostics III
This course is designed to enhance knowledge learned in the previous TCM Theory &  Diagnostics courses. Students learn to further differentiate when a patient has similar patterns, and are taught how to make an accurate diagnosis based on the key signs and symptoms.

TCM Case Studies I
This course provides students with their first glimpse into practical work. Students begin to use the tools they have learned in TCM theory to evaluate classmates. Students also learn to interpret and treat their own ailments or conditions.

TCM Case Studies II
Students present various cases encountered in the student clinic. They will progress to an advanced level of differentiation and treatment planning. There is a greater focus on thinking critically and being able to diagnose complicated cases, ensuring that students come to a proper diagnosis and are able to distinguish correctly between related eastern medical patterns.

Nei Ke: Internal Medicine
This course will focus on diseases of the internal organs and how they are diagnosed and treated. It will also examine the origins of these diseases and how they can be treated with medicinal herbs.

Wai Ke: External Medicine
Wai Ke covers the common diseases in external medicine from an Eastern and Western perspective. It will focus on etiology, pathogenesis, syndrome differentiation, treatment therapies employing medicinal herbs, acupuncture, moxibustion and other allied therapies.

Fu Ke: Gynecology
This class examines common diseases of the female reproductive system, as well as some of the most frequent complaints experienced by women.  Students look at methods of treating these diseases with the use of Chinese herbal formulas, acupuncture and moxibustion, and will also be taught contraindications of treating patients during pregnancy and breast feeding. In addition students learn how to interpret Western diagnosis regarding a patient’s hormonal cycles and its relation to their health.

Er Ke: Pediatrics
Studemts learn the common complaints experienced by children; and treatment methods, such as: herbs, acupuncture, moxibustion and pediatric tuina used to address them. The focus of this course is to study specific patent formulas catered to children, breastfeeding mothers and child-specific diseases such as eczema, digestive issues and anxiety disorders.

Traumatology and Orthopedics in TCM
This course looks at diseases of the musculoskeletal system, their etiology and proper treatment. Students learn to distinguish between soft tissue and bone injuries- some of the most common injuries that patients experience. Further, students taught to apply acupuncture, moxibustion, various forms of bodywork and herbs as a form of treatment. They will also learn to perform vital orthopedic tests to determine the efficacy of treatments or in some cases refer them to other practitioners for further treatment.

Chinese language for TCM
This course offers a basic introduction to modern Chinese language (Mandarin), and how it relates to Eastern medicine. There will be great importance on Pinyin pronunciation and tones of fundamental vocabulary and characters used in Eastern medicine.

Acupuncture & Moxibustion

Meridian Theory and Location
This course is an in depth examination of Jing Luo theory. It includes classification, location and pathology of the 12 master channels, 8 extraordinary channels, luo connecting channels, divergent channels and the superficial collaterals. The anatomical location will be taught through classical text interpretation and a practical component by using physical examination and a mapping of the human body.

Acupoint Theory and Location I
This course covers the Jing Luo theory and the points that reside on these pathways. Students examine some of the more frequently used points, their function, needling techniques, contraindications, and their relationship to illness. Students work together in group settings to identify the point location and reinforce what is learned in lecture.

Acupoint Theory and Location II
This course is a continuation of Acupoint Theory and Location I. In addition to completing the primary examination of the master meridians, students take a comprehensive look at the acupoints of the Ren and Du channels along with other commonly used extraordinary points. To help reinforce what has been learned in class, these points will then be located on other students.

Techniques of Acupuncture and Moxibustion
Students are taught classic and modern techniques utilizing meridians and acupoints. They are also be introduced to moxibustion and its ability to warm acupoints and stimulate the circulation of Qi and blood.

Therapeutics of Acupuncture and Moxibustion I
This class examines common illnesses, etiology, symptom differentiation, treatment and philosophies, selecting appropriate acu-moxa treatment and how to provide suitable advice to patients.

Therapeutics of Acupuncture and Moxibustion II
This course is a further extension of Therapeutics of Acupuncture and Moxibustion I and will also include student presentation and discussion of various patient intake records from the student clinic.

Acupuncture and Moxibustion Allied Therapies
This course examines both classical and modern approaches to cupping, moxibustion, gua sha, and electrical acupuncture. This course introduces students to proper technique, which will be demonstrated by the instructor.

Acumoxa Microsystems
This class builds on knowledge and skills learned from Acupuncture and Moxibustion Allied Therapies. Students learn effective points for treating the entire body through the ears (auricular acupuncture), hand, foot, scalp and eyes. These microsystems are to be used for diagnostic and treatment points.

Acupuncture and Moxibustion Systems Comparative Analysis
This course takes a comparative look at traditional Chinese acupuncture alongside Japanese, Korean and five-element acupuncture. It discusses the various healing approaches so that the students can gain greater understanding of acupuncture and the wide scope of treatment options.

Herbology & Nutrition

Traditional Dietary (Systems) Therapy and Modern Nutrition
This course teaches students about the use of diet as an essential component to a healthy lifestyle. Students learn about Dietary Therapy as it’s been practiced through the millennia using traditional eastern philosophy on 'food as medicine'. In addition, students will learn about modern nutrition, food combining, nutritional supplements and how to advise patients and the public on proper lifestyle and dietary choices.

Advanced Diet and Nutrition (clinical application)
This course builds on material learned in Traditional Dietary Therapy and Modern Nutrition. Students gain a deeper understanding of nutrition and diet as it applies to a patient, and will further learn practical application. This course gives insight on how to prescribe Eastern and Western style diets and recipes that utilizes Chinese herbs.

Herbal Pharmacopeia I
This is an introductory course that studies some of the most common Chinese herbs; and includes theory to help students understand how different herbs are categorized, prepared and cooked. In addition, students learn proper dosage levels, ideal combinations, and incompatibilities. Students also learn how to classify herbs based on their qualities; appearance & action.

Herbal Pharmacopeia II
This course is an extension of the material imparted in Herbal Pharmacopeia I. Students further expand their knowledge of the herbal pharmacopeia used in clinical practice. By completion, students will be familiarized with over 300 medicinal herbs.

Herbal Formula I
This course provides an introduction to the basics of creating herbal formulas through the study of traditional Chinese herbal prescriptions. Students achieve a basic understanding of how to prepare a balanced formula tailored to the conditions of each patient.

Herbal Formula II
This course is a continuation of Herbal Formula I. Students delve further into the rich tradition of Eastern medicine and learn how to compound and modify formulas. By employing what is learned in Herbal Formula I, students learn advanced techniques on how to modify traditional formulas in order to address the needs of individual patients.

Patent Herbal Medicine
This is an invaluable class for students who would like to learn various patent herbal formulas and the corresponding TCM syndromes for which they treat. Lectures give students the tools for differential analysis of patent herbs used for different conditions, correct dosages for adults and children and contraindications. At the end of this course, students will have gained an in-depth understanding of over 150 prepared Chinese herbs and formulas, and how to accurately prescribe them to patients.

Herbal Formula Building and Preparation; Dui Yao
This course is a further extension of the formulas studied in Herbal Formula II. Students are given special instruction in modifying traditional prescriptions personalized for each patient. Lectures focus on how to prepare prescriptions around a chief herb, as well as including herbs that assist, guide and harmonize.

Herbal Formula Topical Preparation and Application: Pao Zhi
This class studies the different preparation methods (Pao Zhi) which can be applied to herbs in order to modify their properties. Students also learn how to use herbs in a topical preparation for various conditions such as trauma, injuries, various skin conditions and relaxation.

Zen Shiatsu & Tuina Bodywork

Zen Shiatsu I
This course will introduce students to Zen Shiatsu Therapy. Zen shiatsu is a derivative form of Japanese shiatsu developed by Sensei Shizuto Masunaga.  Through hands-on instruction, students learn how to administer body weight using a two-handed technique that works with the hara (belly)- the body’s energy center, to feel the flow of Qi. Students are further taught proper alignment and body mechanics, which increases their ability to feel change in a patient’s body.

Zen Shiatsu II
This course helps to deepen the student’s awareness of the body’s energy by working with the principles of Kyo and Jitsu (empty and full). Students are introduced to the Eastern medical concepts of Yin and Yang. It will teach various types of treatments such as abdominal work, rocking technique, neck technique and working in side position. This class will teach students to integrate all theories learned thus far into a cohesive body treatment.

Zen Shiatsu III
The final course of the Zen Shiatsu series explores basic thumb treatments and advanced techniques, such as Sotai, meridian or table shiatsu and stretching. It also covers treatment methods for specific conditions, including those affecting children, pregnant women and the elderly. Students will also be taught strategies on maintaining a good relationship with their clients.

Tuina I
This is an introductory course on the history, basic treatments and manipulations of Tuina massage. There is hands-on practice of the various techniques, and a discourse on where it is applied on the body. Students will learn how Tuina can treat various illnesses; and how Tuina ties in with acupuncture & moxibustion treatments.

Tuina II
This course applies the foundations learned in Tuina I. There will be greater focus on how to utilize the therapeutic effects of Tuina for diseases observed in Eastern internal medicine, gynecology and pediatrics.

Tuina III
A continuation of Tuina II, this course focuses on pediatric and self tuina. Common manipulations and treatments for pediatric diseases are be studied. There is also a focus on teaching students about self-tuina to maintain their own health; as well as educating their future patients on how to treat minor illnesses as well as disease prevention.

Asian Bodywork Allied Therapies I
This is an introduction course that will study the various types of Asian Bodywork such as Thai styles of medical massage therapy and Jin Shin Do. Through these therapies, students will learn how to restore balance through the varying modalities.

Western Biomedical Science

Anatomy
This course provides a comprehensive look at the structures within the human body. It will familiarize various topics such as common anatomical terms and the various systems such as skeletal, muscular, nervous, circulatory, digestive, cardiovascular and endocrine. It will also examine the functions of all the regions in the body and how they interact with one another.

Physiology
Students learn how the body performs its normal function. Homeostasis, the core concept of human physiology, will be studied as well as other fundamental physiological processes of the body, and how they interact with each other. 

Pathophysiology
This course is the study of changes in normal emotional, mechanical and biochemical functions that are caused or are a result of disease or abnormal physiology. This is the division of medicine that looks at disorders of the body that are brought about by illness and disease.

Pharmacology
Many patients also take prescription drugs in conjunction with their Eastern medical treatment. Pharmacology introduces students to a fundamental list of pharmaceutical categories, names of commonly used drugs, their chemistry, side effects and indications. It also provides students with an introductory look into the field of pharmacology: its founding principles, how drugs interact, factors that contribute to a drug’s efficacy and adverse drug reactions.

Western Medical Diagnostics & Physical Examination
In this course, students will learn standard Western medical procedures regarding physical examination and will be taught how to give a complete physical using the basic tools of Western Medicine. Students will also be exposed to laboratory tests and diagnostic methods. The significance of the test results and normal ranges will also be explored.

Western Pathology Case Studies
This course will further enhance the material covered in the lectures regarding Pathology. The aim of this course is to deepen the students understanding by learning and discussing various clinical case studies.

Clinical Training

Physical Assessment
This course will teach students how to assess a patient’s physical condition by performing a physical and health assessment. This will include taking a patient history as well as performing standard physical tests. In addition this course will focus on illustrating boundaries that should be observed between practitioner and patient. It will tackle notions of safety, permissions and other boundaries that a practitioner must follow. It will also introduce students to point location through palpation.

Clinical Observation I-III
This course will offer students the opportunity to experience the clinical environment in a classroom setting. Student will observe the process of history taking, initial examination, syndrome differentiation, diagnosis and then treatment. This will be conducted under the supervision of the instructor who will then discuss with students the nature of each patient’s case. This will present a sound introduction to general clinic procedures.

Clinical Assistance I-II
It is at this stage of a student’s clinical training that they have the opportunity to assist interns in the clinic. Under careful supervision, they will help perform various non-invasive tasks such as history taking, Tuina, cupping, assisting interns in treatment completion, weighing and instructing patients on their herbal prescription and booking follow-up appointments.

Clinical Practice I-VII
In this segment of Clinical Training students will be responsible for performing a complete intake and examination. They will make the diagnosis, and devise and administer a treatment plan under the guidance of the clinical supervisor.

Clinical Placement – Study in China optional
This is an invaluable opportunity for students to study Eastern medicine as it is practiced in China. They will be placed in a Chinese TCM hospital for a 4-16 week period, where they can observe and train alongside expert TCM doctors who have advanced knowledge of TCM theories and years of clinical experience. This will provide students the chance to experience a hospital setting in China where Eastern and Western medicine co-exist harmoniously. There will also be an option to train in specialized modalities such as Herbal Medicine, Tuina Massage, Internal/External Medicine, Gynecology, Geriatrics, Oncology, Pediatrics, Traumatology & Orthopedics and Dermatology.

Taoist Arts

Tao Yin
Tao Yin is a series of physical exercises traditionally practiced by Taoists to cultivate qi, the internal energy of the body according to Eastern Philosophy.  The practice of Tao Yin is thought to be a precursor to qi gong, and was practiced in Chinese Taoist monasteries for health and spiritual cultivation.  Tao Yin is also said to be a primary formative ingredient in the Chinese martial art, Tai Ji Ch'uan (Tai Chi). A typical Tao Yin exercise will involve movement of the arms and body in time with controlled inhalation and exhalation.  Each exercise is designed with a different goal in mind, for example calmative effects or expanded lung capacity.

Tai Ji I
This course introduces Tai Ji, its history and its various types. Tai Ji has been known to have a positive effect on elderly patients, aid in balance and flexibility, promote cardiovascular fitness and treat chronic conditions. It is a low impact activity that has been known to contribute to greater mental and physical health.

Tai Ji II
This course is a continuation of Tai Ji I where students will continue to learn the yang style short form. This course helps to ensure the practitioner is in tune with a patient’s state of energy. It will further reinforce self-awareness of breathing and body alignment.

Tai Ji III
In this course students will complete the yang style short form of Tai Ji. This will emphasize the important relationship of Tai Ji to your health and disease prevention. Through this course, students will strengthen their comprehension of the harmonious connection between internal and external surroundings and its effects on the human body and mind. There is great focus on incorporating the exercise with Eastern medical practice in order to attain greater balance and to aid in disease prevention.

Yoga
Hatha yoga will be the style of yoga applied in this course. Yoga is a healing system of theory and practice. It is a combination of breathing exercises, physical postures and meditation that has been practiced for more than 5,000 years. Yoga calms the nervous system and balances the body, mind and spirit. It can prevent specific diseases and maladies by keeping the energy meridians open and life energy (Prana) flowing. Yoga has been used to lower blood pressure, reduce stress and improve coordination, flexibility, concentration, sleep and digestion. It has also been used as supplementary therapy for diverse conditions such as cancer, diabetes, asthma, AIDS and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Qi Gong I
Qi gong is an exercise that helps students understand the regulation of Qi through movement, breath control, intent and awareness training. Qi Gong has been successful in treating various chronic diseases. There are numerous health benefits and the various types of Qi Gong exercises will be taught.

Qi Gong II
This practical class helps to enhance self-awareness of breathing, and the dynamic state of the body in response to the changes taking place in the environment. Further practice in Qi Gong will teach students to cultivate their Qi in order to increase their ability to heal with it (Fa Qi) while increasing practitioner’s awareness to the energy and emotions of others around them.

Qi Gong III
This third course in the Qi Gong series will focus on additional exercises that cultivate the students’ inner energy, improve flexibility, promote relaxation and the balance of their bodies by using the power of their own minds. Students will be taught how to harness the power of Qi Gong and to incorporate its use in treatment. The idea of the Qi Gong series is to help students develop the ability to sense Qi, its movement and its development.

Integrated Treatment

Psychoemotional Disorders
This is a class that focuses on psychiatric disorders viewed from an Eastern and Western medicine standpoint. Students will be taught diagnosis and treatment using both types of medicine. It will examine the development of human behaviour and how it is influenced by cultural patterns, societal persuasion, traumatic/key life events and interpersonal relationships. The goal of this course is to give students the ability to deal with psychological complaints confidently through Eastern medical treatment.

Digestive and Colorectal Disease
This class studies the numerous pathologies of the digestive tract, colon, liver and pancreas. Students will be taught the various signs and symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, hiccups, and pain in the abdominal or gastric region. It will also examine the various Western diseases linked with digestive and colorectal problems such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohn’s disease, Colitis and hernia. This course teaches students methods on spotting important indicators of disease and how to compose an integrative treatment.

Respiratory Disease
This course will cover common respiratory diseases such as the common cold, flu, asthma, allergies, bronchitis lung infections, pulmonary conditions such as edema, hypertension, thrombosis, pleural disease, adult respiratory distress syndrome. It will explore Eastern medical treatment principles that are most suited to address these diseases. Students will learn how to decipher western clinical data (radiology, spirometry, x-rays, CT scans) and perform syndrome differentiation in order to prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Oncology
This is a course that will give students a comprehensive understanding of the various ways that Eastern medicine is used as a complementary treatment for patients who have been diagnosed with cancer. Topics such as treatment of various side effects of cancer treatment, relieving symptoms, improving the patient’s quality of life will be covered in class. Various types of cancer will be explored such as brain, lung, liver and breast.

Thesis Development
This is a class that introduces students to clinical research and evidence-based medicine. Students will be required to develop a thesis on a specific topic and compose a hypothesis, gather evidence and determine a conclusion based on the information gathered, combined with their acquired knowledge of Eastern medicine. The goal of this course is to arm students with the ability to plan and execute clinical research in Eastern medicine.

TCM Classics

Huang Di Nei Jing
This class will explore the selected theories of the Nei Jing (The Cannon of Internal Medicine), which is linked to Huang Di (The Yellow Emperor). It is one of the founding sources for Eastern medicine theories, Eastern medicine diagnosis, the notion of Yin/Yang, Five Elements theory and the concept of channels and collaterals. The instructor will work with students to interpret this ancient Chinese classic text.

Shang Han Lun
Considered one of the TCM classics, Shang Han Lun is a discussion regarding the theories of infectious diseases induced by wind and cold. The text was written over 1800 years ago by Zhang Zhong during the Han dynasty. It relies exclusively on herbal formulas as its treatment method and uses the six-channel theory differentiation. This class will also cover etiology, pulse and tongue analysis, clinical manifestations and the different stages of disease.

Jing Gui Yao Lue
This is another branch of the TCM classics; it examines miscellaneous diseases as discussed in the Jin Gui Yao Lue (Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber) as written by Zhang Zhong Jing from over 1800 years ago. Students will be taught advanced theory, diagnosis and treatment methods contained in this classic. Herbal formulas and their application will also be discussed.

Wen Bing Xue
This classic discusses the theory and treatment of infectious diseases induced by heat. The Wen Bing Xue states that heat is a major cause of externally induced diseases and it describes the development of the disease by using the four-aspect pattern of differentiation. This class will cover etiology, pulse & tongue signs, syndrome stages and clinical manifestations.

Nan Ching
Nan Ching is known as the Classic of Difficulties. It was written during the Han Dynasty and seeks to clarify the statements made in the Huang Di Neijing. This classic text has been integral to the practice of Eastern medicine. It has helped to establish Qi Jing Bai Mai (Eight Extraordinary Meridians), Back-Shu, Front-Mu, Yuan source points, Five Shu points theory (the foundation of Five Element Acupuncture) and the notion of deqi which is the sensation that a patient feels when the correct point on a patient is stimulated.

Counseling, Ethics & Practice Management

Counseling Strategies
The course looks into the principles, ethics and effective methods of curative counseling. There will be great focus on interaction techniques, which will be studied in theory and will be further explored in a practical setting.

Ethical Practice
This class will give greater awareness to students of the professional, ethical and legal responsibilities as a Eastern medicine practitioner, members of the professional community and as a complementary profession within the medical sector. It will teach students the legal regulations that oversee the practice of Eastern medicine and Acupuncture in Canada.

Practice Management and Business Fundamentals
The purpose of this course is to give students the knowledge they need to succeed in a private practice. This class will show students proper techniques for record keeping, financial planning, effective marketing and how to successfully manage their business. It will also give practitioners the ability to apply the training they’ve received and convey it in a professional manner in a mixture of clinical settings.

Business Plan Development
In order to run a successful practice, students need to be equipped with skills to formulate a business plan that will allow for maximum growth and success for their professional practice. This class will cover legal requirement of starting your own Eastern medical practice, how to set up an appropriate space to practice, managing financial budgets, office administration, medical billing, patient management, medical ethics and effective marketing tools and tactics to promote your business.