Curriculum Summary

The McMaster University Contemporary Medical Acupuncture Program is a practical training program that consists of three online Units with a total of 38.5 hours of professional video content, 4 on-line quizzes, three In Person Units (110 contact hours, mostly hands-on workshops), a self-directed home study portion (171 hours), and Introduction videos [9:22:06]

Unit 1 Online

Part A [6:52:43]

  • Neurofunctional Acupuncture (NFA) Curriculum [47:07]
  • Introduction to Contemporary Acupuncture [23:06]
  • NFA: Neuroscience & Physiology of Analgesia [54:40]
  • NFA Science (Dr. Elorriaga CCAA 2017 International Symposium) [1:25:58]
  • Neurofunctional Operating System [1:41:00]
  • Insertional and Neurofunctional Anatomy: Systemic Regulatory Inputs and Lower Extremity Overview [1:38:04]
  • Unit 1 Part A Quiz [1:00:00]

Part B [7:51:15]

Neurobiological Model of Pain

  1. Solving the Pain Puzzle [1:04:38]

Blueprint System

  1. Introduction, Inputs and Approaches [1:19:17]

Blueprints

  1. Acute Injuries, Ankle Sprain & LE Joints [1:48:21]
  2. Low Back Pain Problems [1:08:43]

Insertional and Neurofunctional Anatomy

  1. Pelvic Girdle and Lower Extremity [1:24:10]
  2. Trunk Region [1:06:06]

Unit 1B Quiz

Quiz Duration: 1 hour

Unit 1 In Person Session

This unit presents an introduction to Contemporary Medical Acupuncture (Neurofunctional Acupuncture or Electroacupuncture) including the topics: safety, precautions and adverse effects, physiological response to the insertion of acupuncture needles, introduction to palpatory anatomy, and an introduction to the design of neurofunctional acupuncture inputs with a focus on local inputs and systemic regulatory inputs and treatment of acute pain, ankle sprain, lower extremity problems, and low back pain plus an in-depth review of the safety insertion techniques in the trunk. This Unit also includes a session in the Anatomy Lab at McMaster University.

Unit 2 Online Sessions (6:20:10)

Blueprints for Treatment: Upper Extremity & Shoulder Problems

  1. Shoulder Pain Problems [1:12:10]
  2. Lateral Epicondylar Pain [39:10]
  3. Median Nerve Related Problems [27:49]

Blueprints for Stress-Related Disorders & Addictions

  1. Neurofunctional Blueprint for Stress-Related Disorders (29:47)
  2. Auricular Inputs for the Treatment of Addictions (6:04)

Blueprints for Visceral Disorders

  1. Visceral Disorders Overview (42:03)

Anatomy Focus: Insertional & Neurofunctional Anatomy

  1. Neck, Elbow, and Hand Regions (1:05:25)
  2. Shoulder Girdle Region (1:37:42)

Blueprints for Visceral Disorders

  1. Visceral Disorders Overview (42:03)

Unit 2 Quiz

Quiz Duration: 1 hour

Unit 3 In Person Session

The focus of this unit is on the Neurofunctional Acupuncture treatment of upper extremity problems, neck problems, stress related disorders, and visceral disorders. This Unit also includes a session in the Anatomy Lab at McMaster University.

Unit 3 Online [8:02:19]

Topics Covered in Unit 3

  • Answers to Your Top 10 Acupuncture Questions [1:00:32]
  • Neurofunctional Acupuncture for MSK Problems [1:03:44]
  • Neurofunctional Acupuncture for Functional Shoulder Problems [58:05]
  • Ten Most Common Contributors to Pain Problems [1:04:24]
  • Neurofunctional Acupuncture for Articular Dysfunction [58:50]
  • Neurofunctional Approach to the Treatment of Movement Disorders [1:00:27]
  • Restoring Muscle Function one Needle at a Time: Key Neurostimulation Sites [57:58]
  • Needling Techniques in Physiotherapy: A Science Based Review [58:19]
  • Unit 3 Quiz [1:00:00]

Unit 3 In Person Session

Treatment of Face Problems such as Bell’s palsy and trigeminal neuralgia, plus a review of all the protocols for the treatment of shoulder girdle, pelvic girdle, and upper and lower extremity problems.

Home study portion

Review of course handouts and reading of selected articles from the peer reviewed literature. A total of 171 hours between Unit 1 and Unit 3.