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course descriptions Following is a detail of each course taught at Jung Tao School. To view an outline of courses offered in each year of the program, see the outline page. This course provides students with a thorough understanding of Energetic Anatomy and Physiology in the healthy state. Topics covered include the following: Chinese Medical Philosophy and Theory: A survey of the nature of Daoism and why the Daoist perspective provides the more dependable vantage point from which one may begin an exploration of Chinese medicine. In this course the roots of Chinese medical philosophy are examined in the context of Daoist philosophy, utilizing the Dao De Jing and some of the writings of Chuang Zi. The concept of the human organism as a microcosm of the macrocosm is discussed. "In order to truly understand Chinese medicine in a way that makes it real for us, we must understand it at the same level that the originators of the system understood it." History of Chinese Medicine: Here we explore the impact Confucianist ideologies had on the stability and continuity of Chinese medical concepts. This course examines the application of ethical, familial, and political analogies to biological phenomena. Also discussed are "Schools of Thought", i.e. concepts of: TCM and Eight Methods; Channel, Wrist, Hand, and Ankle Acupuncture; Constitutional Acupuncture; Shallow Technique; Five "Element" Acupuncture; Micro Systems. Finally, the distortions of Western criteria upon Chinese medical theory are explored. Students and faculty, in dialogue, examine the difference between the methods and standards of quantitative Western causal analysis (the Western c.g.s. system) and the qualitative Chinese system of inductive synthetic reasoning (yinyang, wuxing, bagua). Physics and Chinese Medicine: An introduction to current concepts, theories and discoveries of modern physics and the contemporary understanding of cosmological forces which determine the behavior of all matter and energy in the universe. We then correlate these forces with the ancient concepts of Chinese medicine. Matter and Energy - Yin Yang Science: An introduction to the polar nature of the cosmos from the particular to the whole, the inseparably relative nature of, the infinite divisibility of, and the transformative nature of yin and yang. Time and Space - The Wuxing and The Bagua: A clarification of the purposely ambiguous nature of the transitional emblems of the wuxing (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water), to dispel the misconception of any material relationship to elemental substances. We then explore the observations of the natural cycles of nature upon which these five phases are based, and how those same cycles and their corollaries are expressed in the internal environment. The sheng and ko (generatory and governing) cycles are also discussed as the internal homeostatic mechanism by which the internal and external environment is kept in balance. Also discussed is the bagua, or the eight phenomena, as a representation of the three dimensional nature of the universe, the place where events occur, and how that manifests in the human being. The Nature of Qi: An introduction to the concept of qi. Clarification of its common misinterpretation as "energy", rather than as "force" or "impetus". Discussion of the three primary types of biological qi: yuan (ancestral), ying (nutritive) and wei (defensive), as well as their sources. Visceral Field - Zangxiang: Here the anatomy and physiology of the body is explored as a function of the field effect of the organs (orbisiconography). The interactions of those fields are responsible for erecting the form and orchestrating the function of the human being. An introduction to the terms resonance, induction, accretion, and coercive forces, and an explanation of why these terms from physics, electronics, acoustics, and metallurgy have surprisingly useful application in Chinese medicine and taijiquan. The Channels and Vessels of Acupuncture: A complete overview of the channels and collaterals of acupuncture, including an introduction to the energetic effects of their functions. Systems of nomenclature, cartography vs. physiology (meridians vs. channels), and the 72 channels and vessels of acupuncture are introduced. In addition, the anatomical location and palpation of the channels and vessels, as well as an introduction to body measurements, cun and fen, are discussed. Classical Order of Jings: The "circulation" and energetics of the twelve principal channels is discussed, as well as the dynamics of the transversal luo connections and the defensive network: the capillary channels, the tendinomuscular channels, and longitudinal luos. The cyclical nature of these systems is further explained, as is the concept of the channels as "fields" of the organs, rather than flowing rivers of energy. Phase Relationships: An introduction of the relationships and concordances of the five "body parts" of Chinese medicine: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. An understanding of the continuum of each of the phases, from the most yin organ to the most yang mentation, is discussed. The Liu Qi : An introduction to the six concentric fields of the organism: the taiyang, shaoyang, yangming, taiyin, jueyin and shaoyin. The concept of increasingly vital and dense spheres of qi as an integral part of the health of the organism is discussed at length, as well as the association of the energetic layers as a fractal representation of the heaven, life, and earth of the body. The Energetic Striations: A discussion of the four energetic striations in the body: wei, ying/wei, ying and blood, and their associations to the various tissues in the body and the liu qi. Yuan Qi and the Eight Curious Vessels: An exploration of the origin and distribution of yuan, or ancestral, qi. The energetic lodge of the kidneys, the common internal channel and the eight curious vessels are discussed. Also covered is the role of yuan qi as the intelligence of the body, tissue and cell specialization and differentiation, regulation of the rhythmic properties of the body, and orchestration of the reproductive and endocrine systems. Sanjiao Energetics: A detail of the serial decantation, distribution, and utilization of matter into the varied forms of qi (wei, ying, jing, shen) via the metabolic refinements of the upper, middle, and lower jiao. The role of the sanjiao in the distribution and decantation of the pure and impure body fluids, the jin-ye, is discussed in detail, as well as the production of blood and the 10 organic liquids. The Shu Antique points: Students are introduced to acupuncture points by studying the energetic functions and locations of these important and commonly used points. This course is split up into two sections: lecture and clinique. Lecture: The lecture portion provides an in-depth study of the diagnostic process, which can be subdivided into two main categories: Gathering Diagnostic Information: Communicating with and interviewing the patient is covered, including listening, counseling, explaining, and teaching the patient, as well as the issue of patient compliance. The crucial process of gathering information from the patient interview and examination is thoroughly demonstrated and amply rehearsed to give the student complete fluency with this diagnostic method. Use of the pulse and tongue as diagnostic tools is discussed and practiced, including pulse positions, rate, amplitude, and quality, as well as areas and qualities of the tongue as diagnostic indicators. Observation of odors, skin, nail and hair color and quality, and sound of the voice is also discussed. Arriving at a Diagnosis: By first exploring what causes health, the origins of illnesses become evident in terms of their external and internal influence on the energetic field of the human being. We observe their original symptomatic manifestations from both Chinese and Western perspectives, and chart the natural homeostatic mechanisms which return the system to a state of health. Etiology of energetic disease, progression of external pathogenesis, progression of internal pathogenesis, latent pathogenic qi, continuum of soma through psyche, and yin through yang are discussed. We examine the criteria applied to the presenting case information in order to arrive at an accurate diagnosis: the wuxing, classical order of jings, the energetic layers, sanjiao energetics, the eight curious vessels, and the eight parameters (internal/external, hot/cold, empty/full, yin/yang). Clinique: In clinique format, the areas of study set forth in the lecture portion of this course is applied to live patients. Under the supervision of the instructor, students interview and collect all relevant diagnostic information from the patient. All information is then examined by the group according to the previously mentioned criteria, and a diagnosis reached. A thorough examination of the anatomical location and palpation of the xue, the points of acupuncture. Points of the twelve principal channels, the Conception Vessel and Governor Vessel and significant non-channel points are covered. Students practice location of points, recognition of body landmarks, and methods of body measurement, cun and fen, on fellow classmates. As with the year two diagnostic course, E-300 is split up into two sections: lecture and clinique. Lecture: The lecture portion of this course focuses on treatment strategies from an energetic perspective, and can be subdivided into three main categories: Acupuncture Point Energetics: The energetics of the points of acupuncture are covered in detail. We discuss their therapeutic functions and interconnections, as well as their contraindications. A detailed discussion of the major classifications of points are covered, including the shu antique points, front mu points, back shu points, jing shen points, xi cleft points, luo points, yuan points, and points of special action. The Art of Point Selection: The acupuncture points previously introduced are reviewed in the context of an appropriately designed treatment strategy, taking into account the energetics and the function and interrelationships between the points, as well as economy of point selection. The process of point selection as an art form - "creating a symphony" with each treatment - is taught. The musical concepts of harmony, rhythm, counterpoint, and chords are discussed in the context of the field effects of the acupuncture points. The Treatment Process: The previously introduced diagnostic criteria are utilized in determining an effective and logical course of treatment and case management. The eight therapeutic methods are introduced: tonification, sedation, calorification, refrigeration, purgation, vomitorization, sudorification, and regularization. Elaboration of treatment strategies specific to the presentation and etiology of the condition of imbalance is also discussed: the wuxing, classical order of jings, the energetic layers, sanjiao energetics, the eight curious vessels, and the eight methods (internal / external, hot / cold, empty / full, yin / yang) are used to track the progression and properties of the energetic distortions. Clinique: The areas of study set forth in the lecture portion of this course is applied to live patients in clinique format. Under the supervision of the instructor, students interview and collect all relevant diagnostic information from the patient, and, upon reaching an accurate diagnosis, the class then discusses possible treatment strategies, until an appropriate treatment plan is reached. Patients are then treated by student clinical staff, to insure the students receive complete instruction in the full treatment process. This third year course hands on prepares students for the actual treatment of patients. The various modes of achieving therapeutic effect (acupressure, acupuncture, electroacupuncture, moxibustion) are introduced, as well as the appropriate uses and applications of each. Students are instructed in proper technique and practice under supervision in a laboratory setting. Other techniques such as tuina, anesthesia (analgesia), bleeding, plum blossom, and cupping are also discussed and practiced. Students are instructed in proper selection and maintenance of equipment, state and federal regulations concerning equipment, safety, cleanliness, and hygiene, sterile field, and clean needle technique. Students are also familiarized and instructed on dealing with high risk factors, including pregnancy, special risk pathologies, and pediatric concerns. Knowing when, how, and to whom to refer is also covered. Instruction is given on complications such as fainting, seizure, and emotional release, with effective methods for their resolution. This course revisits the information learned in the first and second year of training, both from the Eastern and Western perspective, and integrates them into a single system of health care. Students examine the different biological systems from each standpoint, and explore how they translate in the opposite system. Patients with Western diagnoses and medications are interviewed and assessed in Eastern terms, as a means of helping the student synthesize the two seemingly disparate systems of health care. It has been said that taijiquan was not invented, it was merely discovered — because taijiquan embodies the principles of the universe, it was already there. More than an adjunct to the study of Chinese medicine, taijiquan is a means of directly experiencing the very same principles from which Chinese medicine issues on a physical and emotional level. A required course of study and integral to the curriculum, the student explores, in themselves, the effects of taijiquan on all body systems, emotional and psychological states, and mental acuity. This course explores issues the student will encounter while setting up and conducting an acupuncture practice, including: Medical Ethics and Jurisprudence: discussion of patient confidentiality, privileged information, professional and appropriate behavior, ethical and legal aspects of referrals, and recognition and clarification of patient expectation. Malpractice, liability, negligence, professional misconduct, and scope of practice are detailed. Practice Management: an introduction to setting up and maintaining an efficient and legal acupuncture practice. Topics such as starting a business, hiring staff, taxes, and financial recordkeeping are discussed. Counseling: effective interaction and counseling of patients. This course encompasses introductions and in-depth analysis of the basic biomedical sciences as foundational to the clinical science and their applications. These encompass anatomy and physiology, including gross and regional anatomy, basic and integrated human organ structure and function, their homeostatic and integrated regulatory functioning and basic medical terminology; neurosciences, including brain and neuronal structure and function, electrochemical gradients and propagation, integrated brain and spinal function, and basic psychological principles; reproductive and endocrine physiology and genetics, including basic endocrine and gonadal anatomy and physiology, gamete production and fertilization and the structure of DNA and its transmission, feedback endocrine regulation and integrated end-organ function. Relevant medical terminology is also covered during the entire length of the course. This course begins with a survey approach to three major biomedical sciences: biology, physics, and chemistry. Major theories and thoughts from these subject areas are presented and discussed in relationship to the understanding of medicine. The course then encompasses medical terminology, including commonly utilized abbreviations, organized to correlate with the systems studied in B-100, Anatomy and Physiology. Manipulating prefixes, suffixes, and roots to create and interpret terms related to organ systems, physical variations, and pathological conditions. In additon, this course includes a module designed to present common anatomical reference terms and to provide the student the opportunity to recognize and palpate structures that are used for location. Students will develop skills in palpation to allow differentiation between bone, tendons, muscles, and soft tissue This course includes the study of cell and organ abnormal physiology and pathology and an introduction and in-depth analysis of western disease mechanisms and processes. Basic concepts discussed include the inflammatory process; cell injury, repair and degenerative processes and wound healing; vascular, autoimmune, infectious, genetic and neoplastic disease mechanisms. A survey of organ/system pathological processes are presented, including cardiovascular and pulmonary. Students are taught standard Western techniques to evaluate and diagnose illnesses. Procedures covered include the physical examination, taking the patient’s temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure, as well as height and weight. Simple vision and hearing tests are taught, as well as commonly used laboratory test procedures. Additionally, students are instructed in Western pharmaceuticals, their uses, and their physiological and energetic functions and ramifications. Finally, students learn to read, understand, and evaluate the various Western diagnostic medical tests, such as blood work, x-ray films, sonograms, CT scans, MRIs, EKGs, and EEGs. The clinical training is the culmination of the entire Jung Tao experience. Here the students become practitioners of the art of Chinese medicine, and synthesize and apply the subtler aspects of patient interaction. Under the guidance of experienced acupuncturists, they will begin by observing acupuncture procedures and later care for patients in the school’s public clinic, taking full responsibility for all aspects of patient care and case management. The main purpose of the clinical training is to effect a transfer of knowledge from theory learned in the classroom to the actual acquisition of skills in clinical acupuncture, with the ultimate goal being the attainment of professional competency for each student graduating from Jung Tao School. This transfer is accomplished by ensuring that each student receives a continuum of clinical experiences that correlate closely to the classroom and clinique experiences previously obtained. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of patients and experiences to give them a solid foundation in the application of the principles and doctrines of Classical Chinese Medicine. Clinical observation begins in year one of the program and continues through the first three years of training. Students observe and assist experienced acupuncturists or senior students in the school’s clinic, or in classroom format with licensed practitioners. Proper charting methods are introduced to students by the practicing acupuncturist in order that the students may keep accurate, legal, and clinically useful records. Under supervision of a licensed acupuncturist, students interview, diagnose and treat patients in the Jung Tao School Clinic. Interns work with patients one on one, and are given increasingly more freedom with their patients until the supervisor feels the intern is competent in seeing patients on their own. All interns must complete at least 600 hours of clinical training. • return to top • |
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