Faculty of Health

The course is aimed primarily at physiotherapists and medical practitioners, currently practicing, whose main workload involves dealing with musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. It may be applicable to other professions allied to medicine; here evidence of relevant physiological and anatomical knowledge will be required. 

Dates

Induction for new students recommended - Monday 23 Sept 2013

Session dates 11-13 Nov 2013, 2-4 Dec 2013

Practical exam date within 14/15 Jan 2014

Aims
Candidates who complete successfully this module should be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of point location and their needling.
• Demonstrate knowledge and application of safe and effective practice of acupuncture in musculoskeletal conditions, in the light of current evidence.
• Understand the basic principles of traditional Chinese medicine.
• Critically evaluate the physiological principles guiding acupuncture practice.

Learning Outcomes/Objectives:  The student should be able to:

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the physiological principles involved in acupuncture induced analgesia.
• Evaluate and demonstrate an understanding of the main principles of traditional Chinese medicine.
• Demonstrate clinical reasoning skills on the practice and application of acupuncture in relation to musculoskeletal disease, in the light of current best evidence.
• Demonstrate competency and safety in the practice of acupuncture, as well as knowledge of the legal and policy issues surrounding it.
• Critically explore and evaluate the clinical and experimental research evidence and practice knowledge related to acupuncture applications.

Entry requirements

Candidates should normally have a first or second-class honours degree in Physiotherapy (or relevant subject) and must provide proof of up to date registration with the HPC and CSP (or other professional indemnity to an appropriate level) and also written permission from their manager to practice acupuncture within the workplace. If students have already undertaken courses in acupuncture it may be possible to obtain accreditation of prior learning (see Introducing Acupuncture APEL module).

An Acupuncture Managers Letter must also be completed

To introduce the practice and theory of acupuncture for musculoskeletal pain. Basic principles of traditional Chinese medicine, as well as a comprehensive review of the physiological basis of acupuncture, will be presented. In addition, the course will have a heavy practical component, during which, participants will learn the location of acupuncture points as well as the principles of needling these safely and in agreement to W.H.O. guidelines. All recognised acupuncture meridians plus commonly used extra-meridial points will be covered. In addition, principles of electro acupuncture, auricular acupuncture and trigger point acupuncture will be introduced. Part of the course will be dedicated to student-led seminars where individual patient case studies are presented and their course of management by acupuncture is discussed. It is envisaged that this will serve as a problem-based learning approach to acupuncture. In addition, students will be expected to perform literature reviews in order to substantiate their practice with current research evidence.

Assessment Type:  

50% of mark:  Structured practical examination
50% of mark: 2,500 word essay
Log book of 10 case studies 

Teaching Format

Block sessions.  The student is expected to complete at least double amount of self-directed study.  The teaching will consist of lectures, seminars, and workshops.