Midwest College of Oriental Medicine: List of Courses

Course Descriptions » Courses in the Theory of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine » Methodology of the Needle Courses » Practice Management Curriculum » Courses in the Biomedical Sciences » Courses in Herbal Medicine » Directed Learning » Clinical Internships
Courses in the Theory of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Courses with the prefix "A" focus on the theories of Oriental Medicine that support both Acupuncture and herbal medicine. The curriculum at the Midwest College integrates ancient philosophical concepts with evidence-based science so that graduates combine the clarity of bio-medicine with the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine in their future practice. P after the credit/hours is a pre-requisite, and C after the credit/hours is a co-requisite A300 Fundamentals of Oriental Medicine Zhong Yi Ji Chu Li Lun 3.6 credits/36 hours This course is an introduction to the theoretical and philosophical concepts of Oriental Medicine. They include: Qi, Yin and Yang, the five phases, the eight principles, and triple burner metabolism. The history and development of Oriental Medicine from the ancient sources to modern practice are emphasized. This first class in Chinese medical theory awakens students to the language and refinement found in the Midwest College's academic program. This establishes the root from which their understanding will grow. A301 Chinese Medical Pathology 1 Zhong Yi Bin Li Xue 1 3.6 credits/36 hours P A300 This course is a practical study of the internal and external causes of disease within the Eastern medical model. It covers various theories including; the six pernicious influences, the seven emotions, eight principle patterns, cold induced disorders, and warm disease theory. A clear understanding of energetic dysfunction "TCM pathologies" is needed in order to apply the sophisticated system of Oriental Medicine based on sign and symptom patterns. A302 Chinese Medical Pathology 2 Zhong Yi Bin Li Xue 2 3.6 credits/36 hours P A301 This course is a further study of eight principle theory as it applies to the pathology of the five phases, the Zang Fu organs and the triple burner. Various dysfunctions of Qi, fluids, blood, jing and shen are covered. A303 Oriental Philosophy Dong Fang Zhe Xue 3.6 credits/36 hours This course is a survey of the major schools of Chinese philosophy. The moral and ethical principles that are at the core of the teachings of Confucius and Lao Tzu are related in a manner that can be applied in the present day. The influence of these schools on the development of Chinese medicine is stressed. In this class students will review the classic "antique" points and their energetic function. A310 Point Location 1 Shu Xue Ding Wei 1 2.7 credits/18 hrs lecture/18 hrs lab C/P A300 A311 Point Location 2 Shu Xue Ding Wei 2 2.7 credits/18 hrs lecture/18 hrs lab P A300 Location, energetics, indications, and regional anatomy of fourteen meridians are covered. These courses begin instruction by using charts, models and finally fellow students as subjects to locate and mark the most important acupuncture points. Students at the Midwest College spend six quarters developing the sensitivity needed to achieve the Qi sensation required for effective treatment. There is a workbook for this class to guide students through the development of somatic memory. A312 Accessory Techniques Fu Zhu Ji Shu 2.7 crredits/18 hrs lecture/18 hrs lab P A310 This course includes lectures, demonstrations and practice in the traditional and modern accessory techniques of Oriental Medicine: moxibustion, magnets, guasha, cupping, and auricular techniques. A320 Oriental Massage 1 Zhong Yi Tui Na Xue 1 2.7 credits/18 hrs lecture/18 hrs lab Tui Na is a highly developed form of Chinese massage that includes many different hand techniques applied to specific areas of the body. These methods are demonstrated and then practiced in class. Classes cover application of massage techniques to regions of the body for both local and systemic problems. Students gain proficiency in manipulation skill and sensitivity to energy balancing as they practice these techniques in class and apply them in clinic. This course focuses on delivering a treatment, by combining Tui Na skill with the accessory techniques. A321 Oriental Massage 2 Zhong Yi Tui Na Xue 2 2.7 credits/18 hrs lecture/18 hrs lab This course continues massage techniques to regions of the body for both local and systemic problems. Students gain skill and sensitivity to energy balancing as they apply these techniques in clinic. Good Tui Na technique combined with the accessory techniques are an important adjunct to an acupuncture practice. A400 Chinese Differential Diagnosis Zhong Yi Zhen Duan Xue 3.6 credits/36 hrs P A302 Detailed discussion and practical experience in the four classical techniques of Chinese diagnosis: observation, palpation, auscultation and inquiry. There is special emphasis placed on tongue and pulse diagnosis. Instruction is also given in completing a patient evaluation form, which includes a personal medical history, a differential diagnosis and a record of the treatment. It is in this class that the prior three quarters of TCM theory begins to flower, and faculty can often see the light bulb going on as students get a sense of how well the TCM theory fits together. At this point, students are beginning their next phase of clinic and very quickly begin to have the responsibility of using this information in a clinical setting. A401 Eight Principle Treatment Strategy Zhen Jiu Zhi Liao Xue Zong Lun 3.6 credits/36 hours P A400 This course covers the basis of treatment using the eight principle and secondary vessel pathology. Students learn to formulate a treatment using the information gathered from pulse and tongue diagnosis. Practical use of classical point categories such as antique points, influential points and windows of the sky points in the treatment of eight principle disease patterns will be covered. After a year of study, students enter a new phase of their education. After this point they are able to choose points based upon their function and relationship to presenting patterns. A402 Clinic Review Zhen Jiu Lin Chuang Gai Lun 1 3.6 credits/36 hours P A401 This course helps students to develop their skills in the organization and analysis of presenting symptoms. There is a presentation of patient case histories in groups, including defending diagnostic assessment. Topics include managing patient reactions and making referrals. This clinic review class includes evaluation of both the physical and psychological components of an illness and specific treatment strategies using TCM and nutrition as primary or secondary therapies. Professors give their personal clinical experiences in treating a number of difficult conditions and special problems. Methodology of the Needle Courses A skilled acupuncturist can sense the flow of Qi as it is moved and transformed by the insertion and manipulation of the needle. While this ability takes years to develop, it starts a student's first experiences with needle technique in a practicum class and is then further developed during internship. Needle technique courses include a review of point function and then a demonstration on the particulars of insertion, such as, angle and depth of the needle. Then students break into teams to practice the points and style of needle insertion assigned each week. At the Midwest College, needle technique classes are much more than just needling points sequentially along a meridian, or practicing insertion skill without meaning or application. Each class covers point prescriptions and manipulation for an illness or systems of combining points of the main meridians for their energetic effect. A410 Needle Technique 1 Ci Fa 1 2.7 credits//18 hours lecture/18 hours lab P A311 At the beginning of the second academic year, students begin developing needle insertion skill. Starting with the micro-biological considerations of sterile technique in modern acupuncture; students receive intensive instruction in the techniques of clean needle insertion as approved by current national standards. Students then begin practice based upon the sequence of points and objectives from their needle technique workbook. A411 Needle Technique 2 Ci Fa 2 2.7 credits/18 hours lecture/18 hours lab P A410 This course covers practical demonstration and classroom practice in needle technique on the points of the twelve main meridians, as well as, many extra points. Students review the anatomical structures through which needles pass at progressive depths of the body. It includes proper insertion, angle, depth, duration and withdrawal of needles. The selection of points to be covered in each class has been carefully considered to help students get a sense of treatment. Rather than covering points on a list, the sequence of points will awaken understanding of how points are connected to formulate a treatment. A412 Needle Technique 3 Ci Fa 3 2.7 credits/18 hours lecture/18 hours lab P A411 In this course, students continue to practice needle insertion with combinations of points that would be used in treatment. There is emphasis on safety with difficult points and more complex point prescriptions. A500 Treatment Strategy 1 Zhen Jiu Zhi Liao Xue 1 3.6 credits/36 hours P A402 This course covers the essential methods of diagnostic differentiation and treatment of diseases based upon their allopathic nomenclature as they are commonly applied in modern China. Students learn how to plan, perform and evaluate the effectiveness of an acupuncture treatment. A component of this course is a comparison of Chinese Medicine and biomedical therapeutics where students learn to identify the biomedical standard of care regarding the covered symptom or condition. The knowledge found in these classes becomes indispensable when working in an integral medicine setting. A501 Treatment Strategy 2 Zhen Jiu Zhi Liao Xue 2 3.6 credits/36 hours P A500 This course continues the essential methods of diagnostic differentiation and treatment of many diseases based upon their allopathic nomenclature as they are commonly applied in integral practice. Students learn how to plan, perform and evaluate the effectiveness of a treatment. A component of this class is a comparison of TCM, biomedical therapeutics, principles of dietary therapy in which students learn to identify the Western standard of care regarding the covered condition. A502 Treatment Strategy 3 Zhen Jiu Zhi Liao Xue 3 3.6 credits/36 hours P A501 Difficult case presentations are made to challenge the student's critical thinking skills. It covers problems where complex symptoms call for careful selection and modification of "textbook" treatments. A component of this class is a comparison of TCM, biomedical therapeutics, principles of food therapy in which students learn to identify the Western standard of care regarding the symptom or condition. A600 Clinical Correlations Zhen Jiu Lin Chuang Gai Lun 3.6 credits/36 hours P A502 This course is offered at the conclusion of all the TCM theory and treatment strategy courses. Students will be expected to use this knowledge to solve presentations of difficult clinical problems and provide the theoretical rationale of their decisions. Practice Management Curriculum>/a> Applying tried and true prinicples of practice management are invaluable in developing a successful career. While practice issues are woven throughout the entire curriculum, this class, which begins with the prefix "P", focuses on techniques of practice building. P500 Practice Management 3.6 credits/36 hours Topics include office organization, accounting, record-keeping, insurance, and the legal aspects of a practice. State and national regulations and norms regarding the practice of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are covered. An important part of this class is learning how to create a realistic buisness plan in order to start a new practice on a sound financial basis; how to select a location, advertise and manage patients appointments. Courses in the Biomedical Sciences Courses that begin with the prefix "B" include all the bioscience classes that are needed to practice Oriental Medicine in this modern world where sensitivity to energetic flow is combined with the safety and validity of clinical science. B330 Anatomy 1 Jie Pou Xue 1 4.8 credits/48 hours This course is an in-depth study of the somatic structure and physiologic function of the human body. There is attention given to the palpatory anatomy that will be needed for Point Location and Needle Technique classes. Charts are good, models are great; but without palpating a human body, anatomy class can be a very dry subject. This course also includes a workbook in addition to the class homework. B331 Anatomy 2 Jie Pou Xue 2 4.8 credits/48 hours P B330 A continuation of Anatomy 1, this course is an in-depth study of the visceral structure and physiologic function of the human body. It includes an introduction to organ function, physical structure, and biochemical pathways related to micro and macro nutrients. This course also includes a workbook in addition to the class homework. B332 Neuroanatomy Shen Jing Xue 4.8 credits/48 hours P B331 This course includes topics in neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. Mechanisms of the nervous system are covered as related to the scientific basis of acupuncture and its application to the treatment of disease. Communication skills between Acupuncturists and other medical professionals are stressed. B430 Orthopedic Assessment Gu Shang Xue 2.4 cr/12 hrs lecture/24 hrs lab P B331 This course introduces examination, evaluation, and treatment of orthopedic disorders. The theory and diagnostic evaluation of musculoskeletal conditions is covered. B431 Biological Chemistry Sheng Wu Xue / Hua Xue 4.8 credits/48 hours This course is a review of the basic sciences focusing on chemistry, microbiology, and human biology, so that students are prepared with a base of knowledge that will be needed for future classes. Teaching is from standard texts of biochemistry, microbiology, human biology, and nutrition. It includes an overview of the basic structures of organic molecules sufficient to understand the structure of chemical compounds studied in human chemistry. The goal of this course is to prepare students for the courses in physiology, pathology, and other classes in the western clinical sciences. B432 Physiology Sheng Li Xue 3.6 credits/36 hours P B431 This course provides students with knowledge of the normal biological functions that are a prerequisite to understanding the nature and etiology of disease. Students gain the foundation in western physiology needed to understand the biochemical processes and nutritional needs of the human body related to health and disease. Information in this class is intrinsic to understanding the foundations of nutrition. B433 Laboratory Interpretation Shi Yan Zhen Duan Xue 3.6 credits/36 hours P B432 This course reviews normal values in blood chemistry, urinalysis, hematology, etc. It explains the signs of disease when values are out of the normal range. After this course, practitioners of TCM will be able to communicate with other medical practitioners in an integral approach to care. B530 Physical Examination Wu Li Zhen Duan Xue 2.4 cr / 12 hrs lecture/24 hrs lab P B432 This course includes procedures of physical and neurological examination; providing an understanding of the methods used in making a physical diagnosis. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of physical examination with a comparison of normal and abnormal physiological states, and the indicators of disease as related to an unbalanced diet. In this class, students will learn when to make appropriate referrals. B531 Pathology 1 Bing Li Xue 3.6 credits/36 hours P B431, B432 B532 Pathology 2 Bing Li Xue 2 3.6 credits/36 hours P B531 These courses begin with a review of the normal physiological processes and then discuss how these are altered by disease. Discussions on diagnosis, prognosis and intervention in the pathologies of various systems and organs are studied. Students will be able to recognize pathological indicators and biochemical pathways to better correlate the basic science of pathology with physical diagnosis and disorders related to nutrition. There is emphasis on diseases and pre-existing conditions that may affect acupuncture treatment. B533 Pharmacology Yao Li Xue 3.6 credits/36 hours P B431 This course covers commonly prescribed medications; their origin, nature, properties, and effects. It introduces students to the information that they will need to better understand how medications may relate to and affect treatments. Students will understand the interaction of food and vitamin therapy, and herbs and nutritional supplements with pharmaceutical medications. An important outcome of this class is the ability to better communicate with physicians about medications and the overall treatment plan of a patient. B534 Clinical Medicine 3.6 credits/36 hours P B532, B533 This course reflects the integration of bioscience with TCM in clinical practice. Students will have completed all of the bioscience curriculum and this class will review the apllication of of this coursework as it affects diagnostic decision making in an intergral approach to care. B630A Acupuncture Nutrition Ying Yang Xue 4.8 credits/48 hours P B534 This course concentrates on the processes involved with taking in and utilizing food substances by which growth, repair, and maintenance of activities in the body are accomplished. This includes ingestion, digestion, absorption and metabolism, as well as, basic nutritional needs and the use of vitamins, minerals, and supplements. This course builds on prior bioscience classes to focus on biomedical nutrition and food therapy. Carbohydrate, lipid, and protein (macronutrient) requirements needed to maintain health at different stages of life is covered. This course moves on to cover the topics of vitamins, minerals, and nutritional supplements that can be used in an acupuncture practice. B630 OM Nutrition Ying Yang Xue 3.6 credits/36 hours P B534 This course concentrates on the processes involved with taking in and utilizing food substances by which growth, repair, and maintenance of activities in the body are accomplished. This course builds on prior bioscience classes to focus on biomedical nutrition and food therapy. Carbohydrate, lipid, and protein (macronutrient) requirements needed to maintain health at different stages of life is covered. This course moves on to cover the topics of vitamins and minerals. Courses in Herbal Medicine Courses with the prefix "H" are the study of herbal medicine. The Midwest College takes a unique approach to its herb curriculum. Rather than covering all of the required herbs before exploring their use, the following six courses combine materia medica and formulas in a sequence following their principles and functions. In this way, students are much more engaged in the study of the properties of individual herbs and their combinations into formulas in an integrated approach to clinical practice. During the first five weeks of each quarter students study the function of individual herbs. During the second half of the course students study formulas in the same category of function. This approach is the culmination of several years of development between the Dean of Herbal Medicine and faculty with a review of modern approaches in China. H460 Herbs and Formulas 1 Zhong Yao Xue / Fang Ji Xue 1 4.8 credits/48 hrs P A400 Students learn the name, category, function, and visual identification of at least 50 herbs. Temperature, taste, and the meridians affected are taught, along with the Latin and Chinese names for all of the herbs. The methods of preparation, contra-indications, herb dosage, as well as, substitutions for endangered species are covered. The nutritive function is included when the herb is also used in food therapy. Other topics including: history of herbology, botany, and a review of TCM theory are presented. Students also learn the traditional formula name, category, function, composition, modification, and administration of about 25 herbal formulas, both classic and modern. The herbal curriculum also covers prepared Chinese formulas and modern formulas manufactured by American herbal product companies; since many patients prefer the convenience of formulas prepared into tablets, pills, and capsules. H461 Herbs and Formulas 2 Zhong Yao Xue / Fang Ji Xue 2 4.8 credits/48 hrs P H460 This course continues the study of at least 50 individual herbs and 25 herbal formulas. H560 Herbs and Formulas 3 Zhong Yao Xue / Fang Ji Xue 3 4.8 credits/48 hrs P H461 This course continues the study of at least 50 individual herbs and 25 herbal formulas. H561 Herbs and Formulas 4 Zhong Yao Xue / Fang Ji Xue 4 4.8 credits/48 hrs P H560 This course continues the study of at least 50 individual herbs and 25 herbal formulas. H562 Herbs and Formulas 5 Zhong Yao Xue / Fang Ji Xue 5 4.8 credits/48 hrs P H561 This course continues the study of at least 50 individual herbs and 25 herbal formulas. H660 Herbs and Formulas 6 Zhong Yao Xue / Fang Ji Xue 6 4.8 credits/48 hrs P H562 This class continues the study of at least 50 individual herbs and about 25 herbal formulas. H661 TCM Nutrition P H562 Zhong Yi Ying Yang Xue 3.6 credits/36 hrs The famous saying by Sun Simiao sets the tone for this class; "doctors should first understand the pathogenesis of disease and then treat it with diet". TCM treatment, whether acu/moxa or herbs, is enhanced when the treatment principle is supported by healthy eating. In this course, students will learn how to use Asian and American foods and recipes to maintain health and treat illness. During internship, interns recommend foods to add and foods to avoid according to the energetic pattern. H662 Chinese Herb Classics Jing Dian Wen Xian Xue 3.6 credits/36 hours P H660 Study of the TCM Herbal Classics is an important way to deepen understanding and improve the ability to diagnose and treat diseases with herbal formulas. In this class, students learn the theories, diagnostic methods, and treatment of diseases from the Shang Han Lun and Wen Bing. Students learn Six Channel Pattern Identification from the Treatise on Febrile Diseases, and study diseases caused by the damage of heat including pathogenic factors of the Wei, Qi, Ying, Xue, and San Jiao patterns. H663 Internal Medicine 1 Zhong Yi Nei Ke Xue 1 4.8 credits/48 hours P H660 This course focuses on treatment strategy based upon traditional and modern Chinese medicine. It is the part of the program where theoretical information is put into clinical context. Syndromes of diseases, based upon classic and modern texts, are covered in detail. Students learn to choose the appropriate herb formulas and make nutritional recommendations that best treats the disease or condition. The teacher brings clinical experience and case study discussions including herbs and food therapy to these classes. H664 Herb Clinic Review Zhong Yi Lin Chuang Zhi Liao 3.6 credits/36 hours P H663 This course involves case study presentation and discussion. Students are given the opportunity to present case histories and treatment strategies taken during their internship to the instructor and fellow students for discussion and diagnostic evaluation. Sophisticated treatments and nuances of standard treatments are covered, giving students an understanding of how careful observation can lead to the modification of herb formulas. H665 Internal Medicine 2 Zhong Yi Nei Ke Xue 2 4.8 credits/48 hours P H663 This course continues the study of herbs and acupuncture in traditional and modern Chinese medicine. Students learn to select herb formulas and make nutritional recommendations for the presenting complaint and pattern. The teacher continues to offer case studies for discussion. Additionally, this class covers advanced treatment strategy for acute and critical care problems. Directed Learning Courses with the prefix "D" are directed learning papers. Directed learning develops and demonstrates a student's skill in selecting those facts and ideas that are pertinent to the topic and in organizing and documenting the information clearly, logically, and effectively. Each requires a minimum of three months to complete. They further demonstrate the ability to make use of all the library resources in gathering materials, as well as ingenuity in finding other sources yielding additional information. Students must register in the quarter shown on the curriculum outline. D450 Chinese Medical History (1.2 credits/36 hours) This directed learning paper traces the development of Chinese medicine including: the classics, historical figures and periods, and a discussion of important theoretical developments. It gives students a respect for the ancient traditions from which the modern, clinical practice of TCM developed. D451 Ethics and Counseling (1.2 credits/36 hours) This CD-ROM course includes discussion that brings up pertinent issues in healthcare practice and examines the approach taken by a counselor. It focuses on ethical decision-making and the patient/practitioner relationship. It requires an essay and written exam. Major Paper D550 Major Paper Proposal (1.2 credits/36 hours) D551 Major Paper Work Acupuncture P D550 (1.2 credits/36 hours) D650A Major Paper Completion Acupuncture P D551 (1.2 credits/36 hours) D650 Major Paper Work Oriental Medicine P D550 (1.2 credits/36 hours) D651 Major Paper Completion Oriental Medicine P D650 (1.2 credits/36 hours) All students are required to develop, document, and write a major paper on an academic or clinical topic or a review and analysis of published research or data. Students choose one of the following options and present their proposal to a faculty advisor before beginning. Students in the Oriental Medicine program must include herbs and nutrition as part of their paper. Academic Paper Option This option is a scholarly paper focusing on TCM theory and practice. It is compiled from lectures, classroom material, and library research. There must be a formal citation of source material. Clinical Paper Option This option builds upon classroom study, academic research, and internship experience to demonstrate an understanding of the differentiation and treatment of disease in TCM. A clinical paper includes comparative pathology and case presentation in an in-depth study of a clinical specialty.
Clinical Internship:
	Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine Internships
	Clinical Competencies & Performance Objectives
	Foreign Internship (optional)