Course Dates
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Orthopaedic Acupuncture 6 Month Diploma Course
OutlineReturn to Top ↑
This is a post-graduate course composed of 12 one-day modules. Each of the modules is designed as a specific CPD unit, so the whole course can be completed as an accumulation of the individual modules over one or more years.
The course is specifically designed as an advanced, intensive course for acupuncturists, physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors and other physical therapists, who wish to broaden their knowledge and further their skills. The emphasis of the course falls on the practical application of acupuncture as a treatment for a variety of musculo-skeletal conditions.
The course includes a general theoretical section, comprising four modules, which serves as a foundation for the specific clinical section modules, and is essential for any non-acupuncture practitioner. 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 puncturing, manipulation, moxibustion and cupping, as well as exercises, stretches and other aspects of physical therapy. The remainder of the course comprises area-specific clinical modules, which cover the problems and respective treatments for each of the different areas of the body (i.e. upper back and neck; shoulder; etc.). Each one of these modules is a complete unit in its own right and can be taken as a separate CPD course.
Upon completing each module, students are given a Certificate of attendance. After students complete all modules in the course, they are awarded a Certificate in Orthopaedic Acupuncture and are entitled to become Orthopaedic Acupuncture members of the Acupuncture Society and use the initials MAcSOrth after their names.
The annual full Orthopaedic Acupuncture membership to the Acupuncture Society is £100.
ContentReturn to Top ↑
Course Objectives
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 their principal points.
2. To put in practical context Anatomy and Physiology knowledge for the needs of Orthopaedic acupuncture treatment; musculo-skeletal and nervous systems - organisation and function. Posture, gravity and weight bearing - the forces, which determine the way the body is designed and the way it functions.
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, movements; by palpation - the muscles and bones of the affected areas as well as the related points and meridians.
5. To master the practical application of acupuncture for the most common musculo-skeletal problems - neck, upper and lower back; shoulder, elbow and wrist, groin, knee and ankle problems. To become a confident and proficient practitioner through; correct diagnosis, proper selection and location of points and efficient needle manipulation and to develop a real understanding of the concept of "arrival of Qi" and the achievement of sufficient therapeutic stimulation.
ModulesReturn to Top ↑
Each module comprises seven lecture hours, running from 930am to 5.30pm, with one hour lunch break. The Special section modules comprise a theoretical part, demonstration, as well as practical (working in pairs) part.
General Theory Section
I. Introduction to TCM and acupuncture theories the Zhang-Fu; blood, qi and other vital substances; pathogenesis and pathology; the acupuncture meridian system and important acupuncture points
II. 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
III. Musculo-skeletal medicine from TCM perspective etiology, pathology, principles and methods of diagnosis and treatment. General acupuncture and herbal treatment, moxibustion and cupping
IV. The physical body from TCM perspective posture, exercises and training, stretching, mobilisation, rest and diet/nutrition
- Practical section: stretching in pairs and by oneself; basic standing and posture training; practicing moxibustion and cupping
Special Section
V. Back of the leg: Achilles tendon, calf muscle, hamstring; heel problems
- Theory section: anatomy, function and meridians/points of the area;
common problems and treatment; demonstration
- Practical section: practice in pairs
VI. Lower back and hip
- Theory section: anatomy, function and meridians/points of the area;
common problems and treatment; demonstration
- Practical section: practice in pairs
VII. Upper back and neck
- Theory section: anatomy, function and meridians/points of the area;
common problems and treatment; demonstration
- Practical section: practice in pairs
VIII. Upper extremities I: shoulder and upper arm
- Theory section: anatomy, function and meridians/points of the area;
common problems and treatment; demonstration
- Practical section: practice in pairs
IX. Upper extremities II: elbow and wrist
- Theory section: anatomy, function and meridians/points of the area;
common problems and treatment; demonstration
- Practical section: practice in pairs
X. Lower extremities I: knee, thigh and groin
- Theory section: anatomy, function and meridians/points of the area;
common problems and treatment; demonstration
- Practical section: practice in pairs
XI. Lower extremities II: lower leg, ankle and foot
- Theory section: anatomy, function and meridians/points of the area;
common problems and treatment; demonstration
- Practical section: practice in pairs
XII: Neurological problems: paralysis, stroke, Bells palsy, muscle wasting
- Theory section: pathology and pathogenesis; induction and regulation of spinal and cranial nerves; demonstration
- Practical section: practice in pairs
Course content:
Acupuncture for the treatment of the following orthopaedic conditions:
Lower Extremities Back
Achilles tendon strain; tendinosis; peritenonitis; bursitis; rupture
Calf strain of Gastrocnemius and Soleus; compartment syndrome
Hammstring strain or rupture of Bicep Femoris or Semitendinosus/Semimembranosus; ITB band tension and bursistis
Heel arthritis; fracture.
Lower Extremities Front
Knee joint Quadriceps tightness/stiffness shortening and strain, patella tendonitis, bursitis, dislocation, instability and arthritis, external ligaments, sprain, meniscus tears, ACT and PCT sprains and rupture; arthritis and instability
Groin, Adductor strains and ruptures; hernia
Anterior compartment syndrome
Shin splints
Fractures of femur, tibia and fibula
Ankle, tendon and retinaculae strains, ligament sprains, fractures and arthritis.
Lower Back & Hip
Lumbar muscle strain; lumbar ligament sprain; facet joint dislocation
Discopathies and other spinal nerve entrapment
Spondylosis; spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis; vertebrae fracture; lumbar spine arthritis
Hip joint, Piriformis and Gluteus stiffness/tension, shortening and strain; sacroiliac joint dysfunction; fracture of head of femur, arthritis and instability; Iliopsoas dysfunction.
Neck & Upper Back
Upperback and neck stiffness and tension
Ilio-costalis, semispinalis and longisimus strain
Whip lash and torticollis
Discopathies and other spinal nerve impingement
Spondylosis; vertebrae fracture; arthritis.
Upper Extremities
Strains, tendonitis and ruptures of Deltoid, Biceps, Triceps, Supraspinatus and rotator cuff
A/c joint dislocation; clavicle fracture
Impingement syndrome, bursitis
Partial and complete shoulder dislocation; shoulder instability
Frozen shoulder and arthritis
Elbow tendonitis, bursitis and strains - tennis elbow; golfers elbow; posterior elbow injuries
Elbow restriction; dislocation; instability and arthritis
Wrist sprains, instability, weakness and arthritis
Carpal tunnel syndrome, RSI
Fractures of humerus, radius, ulna and carpal bones
Admission RequirementsReturn to Top ↑
Osteopaths, Chiropractics, Physiotherapists, Doctors, Nurses and other Health Professionals, or Therapists with Anatomy and Physiology.
FeeReturn to Top ↑
- Cost: £1400
- Contact hours: 84
- Qualification: Diploma in Orthopaedic Acupuncture
(Please note that course fees are non-refundable)
TutorReturn to Top ↑s
Paul Robin FAcS MPCHM MCAA
Head of the College of Chinese Medicine TCM faculty Chairman of the Acupuncture Society
Paul Robin has been teaching and practicing Traditional Chinese medicine for over 20 years. He was trained in the Fook Sang style by Dr Ac Bernard Kai Lam Lee (who was a TCM specialist brought over from China by the British Acupuncture Association) and qualified in 1987. Paul was Dr Lees full time apprentice and assistant for 9 years during which time he conducted research and lectured at the Fook Sang courses held at Imperial College and was President of the Fook Sang Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Practitioners Association.
In 1994 Paul founded the College of Chinese Medicine and some years later founded the Acupuncture Society in order to establish Chinese style Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine in the UK.
Paul specializes in Spinal, Traditional and Chinese Medical Style Deep Needling Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Diagnosis and complex Chinese Herbal formulations.
He represents the Acupuncture Society in the Acupuncture Stakeholders Group which is working with leading members of the profession toward the future regulation of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine and preparing for the professions inclusion into the NHS.
Paul lectures at the College of Chinese Medicine and is also a specialist TCM consultant at the Clinic of the College of Chinese Medicine in Harley Street.
Paul Brecher BA FAcS MPCHM
Principal of The College of Chinese Medicine
Paul Brecher studied at Fook Sang College and later at The College of Chinese Medicine, he was also apprentice to Dr Ac Bernard Kai Lam Lee and Paul Robin.
He has been teaching and practicing Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine for over 16 years and Chinese Martial Arts and Healing Arts for 30 years. Teaching Qi Gong and Tai Chi Chuan, Bagua Chang and Wutang Shan Chuan. His ten instructional DVDs and eight books on the Chinese healing and martial arts have been translated into numerous languages and are on sale internationally.
Paul edited the English language version of the Chinese governments Qi Gong book - Knocking at the Gate of Life - and has been in the national press, on radio and on TV many times explaining and demonstrating the many great benefits of the Chinese martial and healing arts.
He has been developing the College syllabus for many years and has refined it into a systematic practical student friendly form.
Paul lectures at the College of Chinese Medicine and is also a specialist TCM consultant at the Clinic of the College of Chinese Medicine
Dragomir Lubomirov FAcS MPCHM
Vice Principal of the College of Chinese Medicine
Chair of the CCM Academic board
Dragomir studied with Dr Lee at Fook Sang College and later at The College of Chinese Medicine with Paul Robin he has been teaching and practicing TCM for over 15 years.
He practiced at the Gateway clinic at Brixton hospital and worked with John Tindall gaining experience in the treatment of HIV, hepatitis C and other chronic conditions.
He has wide experience with arthritis, back, neck, shoulder, hip and knee problems; treating menopausal symptoms; varicose veins and other blood circulation problems; heart disease; high blood pressure and stress related conditions. He has a special interest in the use of Chinese medicine and acupuncture for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, which has shown encouraging results in his practice.
Dragomir lectures at the College of Chinese Medicine and is also a specialist TCM consultant at the Clinic of the College of Chinese Medicine
Course also includes:
Full Copies of lecture content, Certification, Acupuncture needles, all other course materials and graduate membership of the Acupuncture Society (all graduates are expected to comply with the Societies code of ethics, fully verified professional membership status requires annual submission of insurance CPD log and other relevant documents)
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 MAcSOA 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 Formif 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 £50