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

6, 7 and 8 January; 3, 4 and 5 February; 2, 3 and 4 March; 30, 31 March and 1 April 2024

This is a post-graduate course composed of a TCM and Acupuncture Theory Foundation Module (9 lecture days) and a Special Orthopaedic Acupuncture Module (8 lecture days) with additional 4 clinical practice days and a re-validation day. The TCM and Acupuncture Theory foundation Module leads to a Foundation Diploma in TCM and Acupuncture Level-1. The Orthopaedic Acupuncture module is designed in such a way that it can either be completed as a whole, or each of the 8 lectures can be taken as a CPD unit for therapist with special interests in the specific areas of the body.

The course is specifically designed as an advanced, intensive course for acupuncturists, physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors and other physical therapists who wish to broaden their knowledge and further their skills. The emphasis of the course falls on the practical application of acupuncture as a treatment for a variety of MSK conditions.

By the end of the course students should be able to:

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• Demonstrate usable theoretical knowledge of the Acupuncture Meridian System – the 12 main meridians and the 8 extra vessels; the action, location and practical application of their principal points.

• Put in practical context their Anatomy and Physiology knowledge for the needs of Orthopaedic acupuncture treatment; MSK and nervous systems – organisation and function. Posture, gravity and weight bearing – the forces, which determine the way the body is designed and the way it functions.

• 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.

• Demonstrate ability to diagnose: by interrogation – asking the relevant questions; by observation – body shape, posture, movements; by palpation – the muscles and bones/joints of the affected areas as well as the related points and meridians.

• Execute effective acupuncture treatments for the most common MSK problems – neck, upper and lower back; shoulder, elbow and wrist, groin, knee and ankle problems.

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​The ultimate goal of the course is to prepare confident and proficient practitioners through; correct diagnosis, proper selection and location of points and efficient needle manipulation and to develop a real understandingof the concept of “arrival of Qi” and the achievement of sufficient therapeutic stimulation.

Achievement of the learning outcomes is assessed by continuous verbal questioning, home assignments, as well as by final on-line multiple-choice questions exam. Students are required to complete 20 case studies (minimum 5 different patients) in the three months prior the Re-validation session. Late submission of the case studies will incur a £100 late examination fee.

Successful graduates will be awarded a Diploma in Orthopaedic Acupuncture and will be entitled to use the initials Dip OA after their names. They are eligible to become members of the Acupuncture Society. The annual membership is £100. Student and professional indemnity cover can also be
arranged. As members of the Acupuncture Society, they are entitled to use the initials MAcS OA after their names.

The course consists of a TCM and Acupuncture Theory Foundation Module (9 lecture days), Orthopaedic Acupuncture Module (8 lecture days), 4 clinical practice days and a revision/re-validation day. The TCM and Acupuncture Theory module runs once a month for the first three months on a Saturday, Sunday and Monday. The 8 Orthopaedic Acupuncture lecture days run one weekend per month. The 4 clinical practice days run on the Monday following the Orthopaedic lecture days. The revision/re validation day runs on a Saturday or a Sunday three months after the end of the course lectures. The Course consists of 120 contact hours (18 Contact Lecture Days) plus 35 Clinical Practice contact hours (4 clinic days and a re-validation day), as well as 310 home study hours.

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Modules:

Each module comprises seven lecture hours, running from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm, with one-hour lunch break. The Orthopaedic Acupuncture sessions comprise a theoretical part, demonstration, as well as practical (working in pairs) part.

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. Orthopaedic Acupuncture Module – Lectures X – XVII

X. Back of the leg: Achilles tendon, calf muscle, hamstring; heel problems
-Theory section: anatomy, function and meridians/points of the area; common problems and treatment; demonstration
- Practical section: practice in pairs
XI. Lower back and hip
- Theory section: anatomy, function and meridians/points of the area; common problems and treatment; demonstration
- Practical section: practice in pairs

XII. Upper back
- Theory section: anatomy, function and meridians/points of the area; common problems and treatment; demonstration
- Practical section: practice in pairs
XIII. Neck
- Theory section: pathology and pathogenesis; induction and regulation of spinal and cranial nerves; demonstration
- Practical section: practice in pairs
- Revision on whole back and neck
XIV. Upper extremities I: shoulder and upper arm
- Theory section: anatomy, function and meridians/points of the area; common problems and treatment; demonstration
- Practical section: practice in pairs
XV. Upper extremities II: elbow and wrist
- Theory section: anatomy, function and meridians/points of the area; common problems and treatment; demonstration
- Practical section: practice in pairs
XVI. Lower extremities I: knee, thigh and groin
- Theory section: anatomy, function and meridians/points of the area; common problems and treatment; demonstration
- Practical section: practice in pairs
XVII. Lower extremities II: lower leg, ankle and foot
- Theory section: anatomy, function and meridians/points of the area; common problems and treatment; demonstration
- Practical section: practice in pairs

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3. Clinical Practice days – 4 Mondays

Further practical work in pairs, improving point location and needling. Work under supervision on patients in the Student clinic.

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4. Revision/re-validation day

The revision/re validation day runs on a Saturday or a Sunday three months after the end of the course lectures. It covers discussion of students’ case studies – encountered problems and achievements.

The course is designed as an advanced, intensive course for sports, massage and other physical therapists, as well as acupuncturists, Osteopaths, Chiropractors, Physiotherapists, Doctors and other state registered Health Professionals. 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 £2500*

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It includes:
- 17 lectures plus a validation day (3 months after end of lectures)
- 4 Clinical practice days
- Course Textbooks (electronic version)
- Lecture presentations
- Exam fees

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

*To reserve a place there is a £400 deposit. The balance of £2100 is payable in up to three monthly instalments

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 OA 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.