College of Naturopaths of Ontario

Outline:

Understanding the physiologic transition that occurs in the immediate post partum period and the impact that different birth outcomes can have on this transition, including:

• The impact of normal physiologic birth
• The impact of epidural anesthesia
• The impact of C-section
• The impact of traumatic vaginal delivery and obstetric violence
• The impact of a sick baby/ mother baby separation
• Acupuncture
• Herbs and nutritional/ lifestyle strategies for addressing the above

Lactation

• Biomedical explanation of the onset and maintenance of milk supply
• Acupuncture
• Herbs and nutrition to support adequate milk supply, treatment strategies for lactation pathologies: mastitis, clogged milk ducts, thrush, insufficient production

Post partum depression, anxiety and psychosis

• Common warning signs, possible causes and differentiation of pathologies
• Treatment strategies for supporting the spirit during this time with herbs, acupuncture, nutrition and counseling, when to refer out.

The Sitting Month

• Traditional approaches to the first 4-6 weeks post partum and how to apply them in modern life
• Herbs for the evolving post partum mother: week by week formulas for the first month and common pathologies that may arise; Nutrition for the sitting month; Placentophagy: yes or no? Is it Chinese Medicine? What are the benefits and possible drawbacks?; Acupuncture protocols (8 extras) for supporting the post partum mother; Moxa/ “mother warming”

Objectives

At the end of the course, attendees should be able to:

1. Enhance their current understanding of the 5 stages of needling

2. Gain greater confidence in methods such as grasping deqi as well as techniques for supplementation, draining and even methods

3. Learn methods and applications for propagating the qi sensation, for harmonization as well as techniques used burning mountain technique and penetrating heaven coolness method

Outline

• Brief outline of my personal journey in realising these skills followed by a discussion of the idea that ‘acupuncture’ is best seen as the study of therapeutic stimulation. That a skilled acupuncturist is someone who has a good understanding of appropriate stimulation. Energetic layers at acupounts.
• Overview of the stages of needling, the importance of palpation and application of information obtained in this way both diagnostic and to guide therapy.
• Adept insertion, use of a range of distraction techniques • Learning and practising standard techniques to obtain deqi responses and holding qi method.
• “Alignment of intent” – mindset, position of practitioner and patient
• Acting on qi. Basic repertoire of supplementation, draining and even needle techniques; lift-thrust, rotation, breathing, retention time, etc

Objectives

1. Define Whole Systems Traditional Chinese Medicine (WSTCM) and review fundamentals for treatment of infertility
2. Identify commonly seen WSTCM patterns in patients undergoing In Vitro Fertilitization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) or Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation (COH) cycles
3. Apply effective WSTCM treatments to fresh, non-donor COH cycles, fresh non-donor cycles through case-based learning
4. Identify biomarkers that inform WSTCM treatment and learn methods to adjust treatments based on TCM pattern and improve outcomes
5. Learn strategies to prevent adverse outcomes like ovarian hyperstimulation, miscarriage, and cycle cancellation

Outline

• Overview of WSTCM infertility fundamentals
• Risks with COH and fresh IVF-ET cycles
• WSTCM treatment strategies for COH only cycles
• WSTCM treatment strategies for COH cycles with fresh embryo transfers
• Case examples

Outline:

1. Understanding conception: Discussion of conception in terms of Jing Qi and Shen and applying a protocol for facilitating conception via the entrance and assimilation of the Hun and Po.
2. Exploring the concept of Qi and why the eight extra channels are not meridians.
3. Exploring the genesis of the eight extra channels from both structural and functional perspectives.
4. Case study on recurrent pregnancy loss.
5. Exploring blood physiology and misconceptions regarding Chong mai
6. Exploring the eight extra channels from an energetic perspective and exploring how the theory is applied in multiple situations.
7. Derivation of the eight extra channel coupled points through a 5 element mapping.
8. Exploring diagnostic evaluation by looking, including bone structure, teeth and tongue diagnosis.
9. Exploring diagnostic evaluation by listening and examining how personality traits can be diagnostic of eight extra channel pathology.
10. Exploring diagnostic evaluation of the pulses with a discussion of both the standard Wang Shu He and Li Shi Zhen pulse configurations, as well as several alternate pulse configurations.
11. Case study: Infertility in a patient with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and MTHFR polymorphism.
12. Exploring palpation including a discussion of the triple heater, back shu points, source points, mu points, etc. and how to evaluate the dynamics of jing through palpation.
13. Exploring needle techniques used in the treatment of the eight extraordinary channels and how different techniques can activate different aspects of the channels. 
14. Case study of patient with amenorrhea and PCOS that conceived after not having had a menses in over 9 months.
15. Discussion of aging and protocol for reversing damage caused by aging.
16. Discussion and protocol for improving oocyte integrity.
17. Discussion and protocol for prevention of aneuploidy.
18. Discussion and protocol for the treatment of uterine polyps (includes case study).
19. Discussion and protocol for the treatment of ovarian cysts (includes case study).
20. Discussion and protocol for the treatment of early stage endometrial cancer (case study).
21. Discussion and protocol for the treatment of breast cysts (includes case study).
22. Discussion and protocols for the prevention of common causes of miscarriages.
23. Live demonstration of intake, treatment and needle techniques.
24. Summary of lecture.

• Introduction to Auricular Medicine, including:
  
  • The microsystem; learning the map
  • History and new research
• Orientation to the anatomy of the ear
• Orientation to the landmarks of the Ear
• Locating musculoskeletal point for treatment of pain conditions
• Proper needling technique and other treatment options
• Functional support points for chronic pain
• Focus activity – finding and removing blockages to healing
• Putting together a treatment plan
• Case Examples
• Questions and Answers
• Where to go from here:
  • Apply what you learned in your clinic – see that it works
  • Healthy Seminars Auricular Foundations course
  • CIAM hands-on courses Levels 1, 2 and 3
  • EasternCurrents website for resources
  • CIAM website for course schedule and free webinars.

• Head and neck
• Shoulder and upper extremities
• Hips, lumbar and lower extremities
• Combining electroacupuncture with manual acupuncture
• Pads (TENS) on needles
• Treating multiple areas in one session
• Summary, Question and Answers, Program Worksheet (Distance only)

1. What is emotional and psychological trauma? Introduction to concept of trauma from Western psychological and Traditional Chinese Medical perspective. Review of key historical and theoretical issues as well as overlaps and differences between eastern and western points of view and attitudes. Specific relevance of trauma and PTSD to acupuncture practice. Review of the specific concerns and issues that arise for acupuncturists and practitioners of body-oriented treatment modalities. Why touch and body contact is both an advantage and a challenge.
2. Etiology and risk factors. Signs and symptoms. How to recognize trauma and PTSD in the acupuncture treatment room.
3. Safety and ethics. Review of safety issues and scope of practice. Recognizing red flags and when and how to refer to other health care providers.
4. Introduction to the Five Spirits. An overview of wushen as a gateway to Taoist psychology and deep work with healing trauma.
5. How the five shen respond to traumatic experience. A review of the Five Spirits and the specific symptoms that arise in response to trauma.
6. Tools and Spirit points.
7. Using flower essences and essential oils.
8. Trauma as a Spirit issue. Alchemical values and attitudes.

Tools for the practitioner working on the spirit level. The inner and outer practices necessary for positive outcome.