30 September, 1 & 2 October; 28, 29 & 30 October; 2, 3 & 4 December 2023;

January; 10 & 11 February; 9 & 10 March 2024

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The course is based on 15 contact sessions (9.30am to 5.30pm) over six months (once a month). It is designed as an advanced, intensive course for massage therapists and other physical therapists, who want to broaden their knowledge and further their skills. The emphasis of the course falls on the practical application of acupressure massage as treatment for variety of musculo-skeletal conditions.
 

The course includes a general theoretical TCM and Acupuncture foundation module and a practical Acupressure massage module. The Theoretical module runs trough the first nine sessions (Saturday, Sunday and Monday) providing sufficient knowledge and understanding of the Acupuncture Meridian System and the points used in acupressure for common musculo-skeletal problems, as well as practical diagnosis of common pathology and therapeutic principals of TCM and acupressure. The remainder of the course (six sessions running Saturday and Sunday) covers the specific treatment for each of the different areas of the body with demonstration, explanation and individual practical work.

• To give usable theoretical knowledge of the main TCM theories and the Acupuncture Meridian System – the 12 main meridians and the 8 extra meridians, the action, location and practical application of their principal points.

• To put in practical context Anatomy and Physiology knowledge for the needs of acupressure treatment. Musculo-skeletal and nervous systems – organisation and function on body level. Posture, gravity and weight bearing – the forces, which determine the way the body is designed and the way it functions.

• To understand the pathology of injury, the real meaning of pain and the different types of pain – blood and energy stagnation type; damp, cold, heat or wind type; deficiency of energy type.

• To develop the ability to diagnose:
     1. by interrogation – asking the relevant questions
     2. by observation – body shape, posture, movements
     3. by palpation – the muscles and bones of the affected areas as well as the related points and             meridians

• To master the practical application of acupressure massage for the most common musculo-skeletal problems – neck, upper and lower back; shoulder, elbow and wrist; groin, knee and ankle problems.

• To become a confident and proficient practitioner through correct diagnosis, proper selection and location of points and efficient stimulation using finger pressure.

• To develop a real understanding of the concept of “arrival of Qi” and the achievement of sufficient therapeutic stimulation.

Theoretical examination is done by continuous assessment and end of course on-line multiple-choice questions exam. For the practical examination, the students are required to carry out a full body acupressure massage in real time, demonstrating ability to diagnose, plan and execute an adequate treatment. The practical examination takes place 2 weeks after the end of the course.

Successful graduates will be awarded a Diploma in Acupressure Massage and will be entitled to use the initials Dip Ap after their names. They also will be accepted as Acupressure Massage members of the Acupuncture Society (the annual membership is £50. Student and professional indemnity cover can
also be arranged). As members of the Acupuncture Society, they are entitled to use the initials MAcS Ap after their names.

The course consists of a TCM and Acupuncture Theory Foundation Module (9 lecture days) and Acupressure Massage Module (6 lecture days). The TCM and Acupuncture Theory module runs once a month for the first three months on a Saturday, Sunday and Monday. The 6 Acupressure Massage lecture days run one weekend per month on the following three months.

The Course consists of 105 contact hours (15 Contact Lecture Days) as well as 210 home study hours.
 

Modules
 

1. TCM and Acupuncture Foundation Module – Lectures I – IX:
– TCM lectures (5 classes) – TCM anatomy, physiology and pathology that is essential for understanding the causes, mechanisms, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of disorders
- Acupuncture theory lectures (4 classes) - correct understanding of the acupuncture meridian system and the precise location and action of commonly used acupuncture points
2. Acupressure Massage Module – Lectures X – XV:
X: Back of leg
– Introduction to acupressure massage
– Demonstration of a full body acupressure massage with explanation
– Theory: anatomy, function and meridians/points of the area; common problems and treatment
– Demonstration with explanation
– Practical work in pairs
– Final discussion – questions & comments
XI: Lower back and hip
– Theory: anatomy, function and meridians/points of the area; common problems and treatment
– Demonstration with explanation
– Practical work in pairs
– Revision practical work in pairs: back of leg and lower back
– Final discussion – questions & comments
XII. Upper back and neck
– Theory: anatomy, function and meridians/points of the area; common problems and treatment
– Demonstration with explanation
– Practical work in pairs
– Final discussion – questions & comments
XIII: Upper extremities: shoulder, elbow and wrist
– Theory: anatomy, function and meridians/points of the area; common problems and treatment
– Demonstration with explanation
– Practical work in pairs
– Revision practical work in pairs: upper back and neck
– Final discussion – questions & comments

XIV: Front of leg: knees, ankle, inner thigh and lower leg
– Theory: anatomy, function and meridians/points of the area; common problems and treatment
– Demonstration with explanation
– Practical work in pairs
– Revision practical work in pairs: back and front of leg, lower back
– Final discussion – questions & comments
XV: Revision day
– All day practical work in pairs – the whole body
– Final discussion – questions & comments

The course is designed as an advanced, intensive course for sports, massage and other physical therapists. The applicants must have completed at least an ITEC level 3 Anatomy & Physiology (or equivalent) previous training. Adequate knowledge of Anatomy & Physiology is essential.

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Please read our Treatment Safety Check List before attending CCM courses

The course fee is £1500.00

It includes:
1. Fifteen 7-hour sessions
2. Copies of the theoretical lectures
3. Acupressure textbook
4. Exam fees
5. Membership certificate to the Acupuncture Society
(upon paying the annual membership fee)

After successfully completing the course there is a £30 certification charge

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*To reserve a place there is a £300 deposit. The balance of £1200 is payable in up to three monthly installments

Please fill in and submit the enrolment form and the course tutor will respond to your email to inform you of whether you have been accepted. If you have any queries about this course please contact Dragomir on 07976253682 or email:  dragomirl@btinternet.com

Dragomir Lubomirov MSc, FAcS
Vice Principal of CCM West London
Chair of the CCM Academic board

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For more details about this Tutor click here.

Successful graduates from this course can apply for membership of the Acupuncture Society and are entitled to use the abbreviations MAcS Ap after their names. The Society can also arrange professional indemnity insurance at a very competitive members preferential rate.

All members must be insured and log 15 hours of CPD per year (8 hours courses/seminars/workshops and 7 hours home study/research). They need to adhere to The Society’s Code of ethics rules and regulations and supply copies of their insurance. Acupuncture Society members are exempted from Local Authority Licensing in many areas including Greater London. For those working outside of Greater London, please check with your local authority.
 

The annual Acupressure membership to the Acupuncture Society is £100.