TCM Practice 1 (Acupuncture Techniques)

The clinical practice level 2 aims to provide the student with 70 hours of active participation in basic clinical procedures involved in the diagnosis and management of patients as an assistant.  Students will be placed in the student clinic and are able to attend practice with approved external practitioners. This stage will provide them with an introduction to clinic and patient management including pulse and tongue diagnosis, clinical decision making, herbal treatment, acupuncture treatment with needles, moxibustion, and cupping etc.

Infection control requirements, the importance of a commitment to the appropriate reporting of adverse events and the implementation of appropriate first aid measures when a patient displays an adverse reaction to treatment, and to ensure prompt transfer to medical services where necessary will be emphasised. The desire to achieve excellence in the practice of acupuncture and to contribute to improving both the quality of life of patients and the wellbeing of the community and the environment will be a key feature in the teaching and learning of this unit.

1. Explain the history and rationale for acupuncture treatment within the Chinese medicine theoretical paradigm including the functions and therapeutic aims of Filiform acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping and Guasha treatments to improve the quality of life of patients and the wellbeing of the community and the environment.
2. Critically evaluate the indications, strengthens, limitations, cautions and contraindications of common types of acupuncture needles, moxibustion, cupping and Guasha; and demonstrate their applications in both of simulated settings and teaching clinic.
3. Synthesize the principles of point selection, the combining of points, the methods of point stimulation and their significance for common clinical conditions.
4. Describe issues related to risk management, infection control and culturally sensitive points in the application of acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping and Guasha treatments within the Australian healthcare context; and demonstrate safe and professional practice in both of simulated settings and teaching clinic.
5. Demonstrate potential competency in problem-focused interview and examination, integrated diagnosis and pattern differentiation, and formation of treatment plans including acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and formulas, herbal identification and dispensing, patient care, record keeping and clinic duties as a Level 2 assistant in the clinic practice.
6. Describe and demonstrate compliance with Chinese Medicine Board of Australia’s policies, codes and guidelines to their practice, and awareness of the updated listing of restricted Chinese herbs in the clinic practice and Code of Conduct (including self-reflection, understanding and practicing within their own scope of practice, assuming responsibility and accept accountability for their own professional decisions, and identifying and explaining procedures for the appropriate reporting of adverse events and implementation of appropriate first aid measures when necessary) in the clinic practice.

Assessment 2: Clinical Assessment (30%)

Assessment 3: Final Examination (50%)

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Kerridge, I. H., Lowe, M., & Stewart, C. (2013). Ethics and law for the health professions (4th ed.). Annandale, N.S.W.: The Federation Press.

Chinese Medicine Board of Australia (2013). Infection prevention and control guidelines for acupuncture practice. Available at http://www.chinesemedicineboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines.aspx(Accessed 01/09/2013).

Deadman, P., Al-Khafaji, M., & Baker, K. (2007). A manual of acupuncture (2nd ed.). Hove, East Sussex: Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications.

Ellis A., Wiseman N., Boss K. (1989). Grasping the Wind. Brookline; Massachusetts: Paradigm

Maciocia, G. (2004). Diagnosis in Chinese medicine: A comprehensive guide. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.

Maciocia, G. (2008). The practice of Chinese medicine: The treatment of diseases with acupuncture and Chinese herbs (2nd ed.). Edinburgh; New York: Elsevier.

National Health and Medical Research Council (2010). Australian Guidelines for the prevention and control of infection in healthcare. Australian Government: Canberra. Available at http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/node/30290(Accessed 04/09/2013)

Weir, M. (2007). Complementary medicine: Ethics and law (3rd ed.). Ashgrove, Qld. Prometheus Publications.