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Dragomir Teaching Auricular Detox Acupuncture at The College of Chinese Medicine

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TCM Foundation Course

Under Construction

Contact Dragomir on
dragomirl@btinternet.com or 0797 6253 682

OutlineReturn to Top ↑

This is a part-time weekend (Saturdays and Sundays) professional training course composed of seven individual modules.

Each of the therapy modules is either designed as a specific CPD unit or a Diploma course in its own right, and the whole TCM Musculo Skelital Diploma Course is completed as an accumulation of the individual modules over one or more years.

Course Modules click links for dates:
1. Orthopaedic Acupuncture                                           
2. Acupressure massage                                                
3. Meridian Stretch                                                        
4. Auricular acupuncture for MSK Pain  
5. 4 MSK seminars                                                             
6. MSK imaging diagnosis                                                
7. 3 Dissection days
8. TCM theory

The course is specifically designed as an advanced, intensive course for acupuncturists, physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors and other physical and sports therapists, who wish to broaden their knowledge and further their skills.

The emphasis of the course falls on the acupuncture (body and auricular), acupressure and stretching practical application of TCM and meridian theory in the treatment of a variety of common musculo-skeletal conditions. Functional anatomy, pathology, dissection, and imaging and palpation diagnosis form an integral part of the course.

The course includes a general TCM and acupuncture theoretical section, which serves as a foundation for the clinical section modules, and is essential for any non-acupuncture practitioners.  The theoretical section is designed to provide sufficient knowledge and understanding of the Acupuncture Meridian System, the points commonly used for musculo-skeletal problems, as well as TCM pathogenesis, pathology and principles and methods of diagnosis and treatment. It also includes training in needle manipulation, moxibustion and cupping, as well as exercises, stretches and other aspects of physical therapy.

The main part of the course comprises five practical modules – acupressure massage; body orthopaedic acupuncture; auricular MSK pain acupuncture; stretching and anatomy, pathology, diagnosis and treatment of the low and upper back/neck, shoulder and knee and meridian stretching. The clinical modules cover the most common MSK problems of these areas of the body and their respective acupressure massage, acupuncture and stretching treatments.

The course also includes a three-day dissection module covering the upper and lower extremities and trunk of the body, which will help experience and appreciate the reality of the MSK structures in respect to their palpation diagnosis and their relation to the acupuncture meridians and points. A two-day MSK imaging module will provide an introduction to MRI- and Ultrasound-based diagnosis of common MSK pathology of the extremities and back/neck.

Each one of these modules is a complete unit in its own right and can be taken as a separate Diploma or CPD course. Upon successfully completing each module, students are given a Certificate of attendance or a Diploma, depending on the module. After students complete all modules in the course, they are awarded a Diploma certificate in Traditional Chinese Musculo-skeletal Medicine and are entitled to become TCM MSK members of the Acupuncture Society (www.acupuncturesociety.org.uk) and use the initials MAcSMSK after their names.

The present annual membership to the Acupuncture Society is £100.

Course ObjectivesReturn to Top ↑

 

1. To give usable theoretical knowledge of the Acupuncture Meridian System - the 12 main meridians and the 8 extra vessels; the action, location and practical application of the points used in MSK treatments

2. To put in practical context Anatomy and Physiology knowledge for the needs of orthopaedic acupuncture, acupressure massage and stretching treatments; myo-fascial and nervous systems - organisation and function.
   Posture, gravity and weight bearing – functional stability and movement
3. To 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
   
4. To develop the ability to diagnose: by interrogation - asking the relevant questions; by observation - body shape, posture and movements; by palpation - the muscles and joints of the affected areas as well as the related points and meridians
   
5. To appreciate the strengths and limitations of MSK imaging and diagnosis
6. To master the practical application of acupuncture (body & auricular), acupressure massage and stretching for common musculo-skeletal problems - neck, upper and lower back; shoulder, elbow and wrist, groin, knee and ankle problems
   
7. To become a confident and proficient practitioner, through correct diagnosis, proper selection and location of points and efficient points stimulation. To develop a real understanding of the concept of "arrival of Qi" and the achievement of sufficient therapeutic stimulation

Module AssessmentReturn to Top ↑

To Attain Musculo skelital Diploma level each of the modules need to be successfully completed to the required standard

Students can complete the diploma step by step by completing one module at a time

Some of the modules, that are stand-alone Diploma courses (Orthopaedic acupuncture, Auricular acupuncture for MSK pain and Acupressure massage), have a formal assessment in the form of case studies and practical exams, while the rest of the modules are assessed on the bases of four 2000-word essays on topics of clinical conditions of the body areas covered. Pass mark is 50%.

In case of unsuccessful essay submission or failing a practical exam, there is a £30 resubmission and resitting exam fee.

 

ENROLMENT

 

To apply for the course, fill in the application form and send it together with £200 deposit to Dragomir Lubomirov, 46 Fairmead Road, Upper Holloway, London N19 4DF. Upon receipt of the application, an interview will be arranged which will determine if the applicant is accepted on the course. The unsuccessful applicants will have their deposit returned.

COURSE STRUCTURE

Each study day comprises seven lecture hours running from 9.30am to 5.30pm, with an hour lunch break. The practical modules comprise a theoretical part, demonstration, as well as practical (working in pairs) part.

MODULE 1. GENERAL TCM THEORY SECTION – 4 days
I.          Introduction to TCM and acupuncture theories – the Zhang-Fu; blood, qi and other vital substances; the acupuncture meridian system and important acupuncture points           

II.         The physical body from TCM perspective - pathways, muscle regions and function of the 12 Regular meridians

III.        Needle manipulation
- Theory section: needle puncturing; types of reducing and reinforcing needle manipulations; electro-stimulation; demonstration
- Practical section: individual practice on needle cushions; practicing needling on each other

IV.       Musculo-skeletal medicine from TCM perspective – etiology, pathology, principles and methods of diagnosis and treatment. MSK pathology, aetiology and general acupuncture, acupressure, moxibustion, cupping, stretching and exercise treatments

MODULE 2. ACUPRESSURE MASSAGE – 5 days
Each day covers theory of the common MSK pathology, meridians and points of the area, demonstration and   practical work in pairs.

I:             Introduction to acupressure massage
- MSK pathology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and acupressure massage                                treatment
- Demonstration of a full body acupressure massage with explanation

II:            Morning - Back of leg

Afternoon - Lower back and hip

III:          Morning - Upper back and neck

Afternoon - Revision practical work - the back of the body

IV:         Morning - Upper extremities: shoulder, elbow and wrist

Afternoon - Revision practical work - the back of the body and neck

V:        Morning - Lower extremities: knee, ankle, groin and shins

Afternoon - Revision practical work - the back of the body and neck

 

MODULE 3. ORTHOPAEDIC BODY ACUPUNCTURE – 8 days
Each day covers theory of the meridians and points of the area, demonstration and   practical work in pairs.

I.     Back of the leg – Achilles tendon, calf muscle, hamstring; heel problems

II.    Lower back and hip

 

III.   Upper back and neck

IV.       Upper extremities I: shoulder and upper arm

V.        Upper extremities II: elbow and wrist
           
Vi.       Lower extremities I: knee, thigh and groin       

VII.      Lower extremities II: lower leg, ankle and foot

VIII:     Revision day: main points and treatments of the low back/hip; upper back/neck; shoulder and knee areas - pathological patterns and treatment scenarios

 

MODULE 4. AURICULAR ACUPUNCTURE FOR MSK PAIN –
2 to 4 days

I:            Auricular therapy theory

• Anatomy & Topography of Ear

•  Needle insertion Practice

            Demonstration and Practical work in pairs

• Stress formula

           
II:           Demonstration and Practical work in pairs

• Lower Extremity, Low Back, Hip, Knee, Ankle & Toes formulae

• Upper Extremity, Neck, Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist & Fingers formulae

• Headache formulae

• Facial and Jaw Pain formulae

 

MODULE 5. MERIDIAN STRETCHING – 2 days
I:           Theoretical lectures

• muscle structure – extrinsic and intrinsic muscle fibres; fascia and tendon organs

• muscle tone regulation – intrinsic muscle self-regulation; spinal reflexes; higher CNS motor control

• fascia – structure, enervation and function

• acupuncture meridians as functional units in relation to myo-fascia continuums and neural organisation

• physiology and types of stretching – relaxation stretching; activation stretching; structural remodelling / flexibility stretching

 
II:            Practical session - calf, hamstring, toe extensors, quadriceps, groin, ankle, hip (piriformis and gluteals), finger flexors and extensors, shoulder (latisimus, teres major and minor, supraspinatus and biceps, infraspinatus and triceps)

• anatomy, function, meridians and common  problems of the areas

• demonstration with explanation

• practical work in pairs

• discussion - questions & comments

 

MODULE 6. FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY, PATHOLOGY, AETIOLOGY, DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF COMMON MSK CONDITIONS - 4 DAYS

Each day has a theory and practical parts
Theoretical part

• musculo-skeletal anatomy of the area

• relationship of the myo-fascial structures to the acupuncture meridians

• posture and normal function of the area

• common pathology patterns and their aetiology

         Practical part – demonstration with explanations and practical work in pairs

• muscles and trigger points of the area palpation diagnosis

• muscle-relevant local and distal acupuncture points location and acupressure (finger) stimulation

• stretches and mobilisation/adjustment manipulations

I:            Low back

II:           Upper back and neck

III:          Shoulder

IV:         Knee

 

MODULE 7. DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING – 2 days
I.                        MRI MSK imaging

II.           Ultrasound MSK imaging

• physics of MRI and ultrasound imaging

• strengths and limitations of MSK MRI and ultrasound

• MRI and ultrasound imaging of MSK structures

• MRI and sonographic appearance of common pathologies of muscles, tendons and joints – spine, shoulder; knee; elbow; hand, foot; calf;etc.

 

MODULE 8. MSK DISSECTION – 1 to 3 days

• Introduction to skin and adipose tissue and their relationship to layers of fascia

• Deep fascia connections from the skin to the bone

•  Longitudinal and parallel muscle fascia connections

• Myo-fascial continuums of the upper and lower extremities – anatomy trains and acupuncture meridians 

Admission RequirementsReturn to Top ↑

The course is designed as an advanced, intensive course for massage therapists and other physical therapists. The applicants must have completed at least an ITEC level (or equivalent) previous course in massage. Adequate Anatomy & Physiology knowledge is essential.

PLEASE READ OUR TREATMENT SAFETY CHECK LIST BELOW BEFORE ATTENDING CCM COURSES:

The list below is a student safety guide used prior undertaking a CCM course. We aim to protect the health and safety of students in training and also those they practise on during and after the course.

If you suffer from any of the conditions listed below or other conditions which have not been included that you feel are relevant, please inform us prior to class treatments so that we can assess you suitability for such treatment.

Where there is any doubt please consult your GP.

- A recent operation
- An untreated medical condition
- Severe Bone or joint disorders (Rheumatoid/Osteo arthritis, osteoporosis)
- Cardiovascular disorders (high blood pressure, heart / circulatory desease, thrombosis)
- Diabetes
- Endocrine disorders
- Epilepsy
- Drug addiction or recent use of cocktails of recreational and prescribed drugs and or exessive alcohol consumption
- Medication
- Pregnancy (or post natal)
- Severe skin disorders
- Severe mental illness
- Spinal injuries
- Prone to fainting
- If you suffer from infectious deseases like hepatitis b or HIV

You must also have eaten about 2 hours prior to treatment (please inform tutor if you haven't

- If there anything else we should know about your health, please let the tutor know.
- The same proceeding is required prior to treating your clients or during assignments

FeeReturn to Top ↑

The overall course fee is £3200.

It includes:    
1. 30 7-hour sessions
2. Copies of the theoretical lectures

• Acupuncture needles and other course materials
• Exam fees

* There is a certification fee of £30 for the course and each of the independent Diploma modules (Acupressure massage, Orthopaedic acupuncture and Auricular acupuncture for MSK pain)

There is a £200 deposit (non-refundable upon acceptance on the course). The remainder of the course fees are paid in full at the start of the course or in 3 instalments at 4-monthly intervals.

Payment can also be made on per-module basis:
1. Orthopaedic Acupuncture                                             - £1400
2. Acupressure massage                                                 - £ 550
3. Meridian stretching                                                         - £ 250
4. Auricular acupuncture for MSK pain                           - £ 280
5. 4 MSK seminars                                                              - £ 380
6. MSK imaging diagnosis                                                 - £ 280
7. 3 Dissection days                                                            - £ 525
8. TCM theory is included in Orthopeadic and Acupresure modules

Students who have already completed one or more of the above modules pay the difference between the overall course fee and the cost of the completed module(s) – for example Orthopaedic acupuncture graduates pay £3200 - £1400 = £1800.

(Course fees are paid directly to the course leader for each composit course. Ccmlondon or the College of Chinese Medicine cannot recieve course fees on behalf of course leaders)

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

http://www.ccmlondon.com/ccm_certification.php

TutorReturn to Top ↑

Dragomir Lubomirov FAcS MPCHM

Vice Principal of the College of Chinese Medicine

Chair of the CCM Academic board

Email: dragomirl@btinternet.com
Tel. +44 7976 253682

DR WASEEM BASHIR

 

Dr. Waseem Bashir is a Consultant Musculoskeletal (MSK) Radiologist who has been included on the GMC Consultant Specialist Register since 2006.
He is a fully qualified medical physician with MRCP(UK) and completed his radiology training in Aberdeen, UK gaining the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) in 2005. He then went to Canada to do a dedicated MSK Radiology Fellowship and returned to the UK to complete a second interventional radiology MSK Fellowship (The Lodestone Fellowship) at the world renowned Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH) in London, UK.

He is currently a Consultant MSK &Trauma Radiologist at the new Queen Elizabeth Medical Centre in Birmingham, UK - part of the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust; one of Europe's leading clinical and research institutes. He was formerly a Consultant MSK Radiologist at Ealing Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK for 5 years.

Dr. Bashir has proven research interests in back pain, skeletal biomechanics, sports injuries, muscle, tendon and joint disorders - involving both diagnosis and treatment.

He has published in major peer review journals and received global media status from the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) in 2006 & 2010 for original articles on the world's first study to image spinal mechanics in the upright and sitting postures (using a weight-bearing upright MRI) and Autologous Blood Injections in proximal hamstring tendon disease respectively. He has worked with seating companies and with a specialist back support company "Nadachair" in the USA. (Please do a Google search for further details).

Dr Bashir is a keen clinical teacher and is involved in the continuing education of undergraduate & postgraduate medical as well as allied medical practitioners. He lectures and examines on a number of courses in the UK including the Canterbury & Christchurch University MSc Diploma Course on MSK ultrasound, The Radiology of Bones & Joints Course at RNOH Stanmore and the FRCS (Orth) Basic Sciences Course at RNOH Stanmore.

He has mentored clinicians (including GPs) as well as acupuncturists, physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors and sonographers in MSK ultrasound and has recently been awarded an Associate Professorship in Clinical Radiology at Atlantic University, New York, USA.

Application FormReturn to Top ↑

Please submit this 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

Acupuncture Society membershipReturn to Top ↑

Successful graduates from this course can apply for membership of the Acupuncture Society are entitled to use the abbreviations MAcS 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)

Acupuncture Society Application Form

if they join the Society and adhere to its 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 please check with your local authority.

The annual membership to the Acupuncture Society is £100

 

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