Virtual Symposium

Pre-Symposium Workshops

The Pre-Symposium workshops are intended to provide a more concentrated learning experience where the faculty can focus on a topic in greater depth, and with more time for practical examples from clinical experiences. They are optional events with separate fee(s).

New this year!

Three of the Pre-Symposium workshops will be available as on-demand recordings for viewing at your convenience. There is no set date/time for participation. They will be made available to registrants in early April.

There will be one LIVE Pre-Symposium workshop – there will be no recordings of the session for viewing later. The Sonia Tan workshop will be presented on Thursday, April 29 at 8:00 am PT and again at 3:00 pm PT.

ACCREDITATION

The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture designates this enduring material activity (each Pre-Symposium workshop) for a maximum of 3 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The Pre-Symposium optional workshops altogether will offer a total of 12 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ that may be claimed following participation in the 1 live workshop and through the review of the recorded content of the other 3 workshops. (Each workshop is a separate fee. Each is worth 3 credits. Can be purchased individually or as a package.)

“Extraordinary Vessels: A Structural Approach – Integrating Clinical and Psychological Presentations with Structural Examination Findings to Determine Optimal EOV Combinations”

Presented by: Joseph F. Audette, MA, MD

Description:

The workshop will present the theory of Extraordinary Vessels (EOVs) with a focus on the practical application in order to determine the optimal EOV combination to treat a variety of chronic musculoskeletal pain and other clinical conditions. These methods will be developed as they relate to a Structural Acupuncture approach, integrating clinical and psychological information about the patient with physical exam findings to determine the best treatment approach. Based on this approach, careful palpation will uncover painful reflexes that direct us to specific EOV treatments.

In addition, the Very Point® technique developed by Jochen Gleditsch, DDS, Dr. Med. will briefly be introduced and then integrated into the demonstrated treatment approach to effectively activate the EOVs.  Participants will be encouraged to practice these techniques on themselves during the webinar, to enhance their ability to apply the techniques upon return to their own clinic. Case presentations, as well as practical demonstrations will also be used.

Learning Objectives
At the end of this workshop, attendees will be able to:

  • Comprehend the theory and practical value of applying Extraordinary Vessel treatment approaches for various chronic conditions
  • Apply the Structural examination techniques to determine the optimal Extraordinary Vessel (EOV) combinations to treat chronic musculoskeletal pain and other medical conditions.
  • Incorporate a Very Point® technique to localize the command and couple points for the EOV treatment.

“History, Clinical Applications, and Practice of Eight Treasures Qigong - Infusing Modern Medicine with Ancient Wisdom”

Presented by: Barbara de la Torre, MD, FAAMA

Description:

The healthcare system is wrought with challenges for delivery and sustainability. Providers are often left with little time for self-care, they experience burnout, and face challenges with motivating patients to contribute to their own care and wellness. Learning qigong fills that much-needed gap to provide respite for the healer and assign an active role for patients. But how do we even get started with what seems to be a skill that requires years of training? Many assume that qigong is not possible to learn in one day. But, a great journey always begins with a first step. Healing is not a destination, but a process. One can learn a qigong form in a day so that they have the means to master it over time with consistent practice.

Qigong is the oldest branch in Chinese medicine, predating acupuncture. Medical qigong has tremendous applications to improve modern medicine for the health of both practitioners and patients. This workshop provides an in-depth introduction to one of the oldest qigong forms known as Ba Duan Jin, or Eight Treasures. This form is challenging enough to promote health without exhausting the practitioner. Participants will be able to review general principles and historical roots of qigong before diving into the practice of this form. Eight Treasures was adopted by several lineages, providing small variations of a form well suited for both beginners and seasoned qigong practitioners. The form taught in this course will be from the Ling Gui lineage, which roots in tradition with a modern adaptation. Participants will leave with the ability to practice the form for self-cultivation of their own health while learning functions and clinical applications for their patients. The form will be demonstrated with the ability to review the entire form separately from the lecture, and lectures will cover the nuances of the movements and breathing for deeper practice and skill building.

Note: This workshop is not intended to be a certification course to teach others. Lineages hold forms to strict standards, which require a certain amount of practice time and testing by certified instructors. The course will include resources for those interested in expanding qigong training beyond self-care.

Learning Objectives
At the end of this workshop, attendees will be able to:

  • Describe qigong and list benefits, safety precautions, and contraindications for patient understanding and motivation
  • Identify the historical roots and significance of the qigong form, Ba Duan Jin (also known as Eight Treasures or Eight Pieces of Brocade)
  • Name the specific organ/channel effects that result from consistent practice of each of the form’s eight routines
  • Differentiate the clinical applications from one or more routines for various conditions
  • Practice Eight Treasures qigong based on the modernized form by the lineage, Ling Gui International Qigong School
  • Plan a self-cultivation practice for physician-centered wellness

“Acupuncture as an Adjunctive Therapy in Post-Concussion Syndrome”

Presented by: Ayla Wolf, NCAOM, LAc

Description:

Patients suffering from on-going post-concussion syndrome can have widely different clinical presentations. Research suggests a multi-disciplinary approach addressing the individual patient’s unique presentation is the key to success. This lecture explores the areas in which acupuncture can be used as an adjunctive therapy. We will cover acupuncture treatment strategies that address mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, sleep disorders, chronic pain, post-traumatic headaches, oculomotor dysfunction, dizziness, and vertigo.

Learning Objectives
At the end of this workshop, attendees will be able to:

  • Apply acupuncture treatment strategies for post-traumatic headaches
  • Apply acupuncture treatment strategies for anxiety and depression
  • Apply acupuncture treatment strategies for chronic pain
  • Apply acupuncture treatment strategies for dizziness and vertigo
  • Apply acupuncture treatment strategies for sleep disorders

“Introduction to Balance System Acupuncture”LIVE presentation only on April 29. 2021! There will be NO recording.

Presented by: Sonia Tan, DAOM, RAc, RTCMP

Description:

This course is a modified condensed glance at the basic foundations of two to three of the five main systems of Balance System Acupuncture, an evolution of the Balance Method. The systems are rooted in the concept of healing the body by balancing channels. Students will learn the history of the Balance Method/System, the basis of the systems, and the logical processes for determining the meridians to acupuncture, including an easy-to-use format to outline the treatment plan. A detailed explanation of the Mirroring and Imaging Formats will also be explained to assist participants in effective point selection. Dr. Tan will show how to use distal points in order to avoid aggravating the area of discomfort and will include demonstrations. Particular attention will be paid to musculo-skeletal conditions in this introductory level.

Learning Objectives
At the end of this workshop, attendees will be able to:

  • Contextualize the Balance Method/System within the history of the acupuncture field.
  • Outline the development of two or three of the six systems/strategies.
  • Identify the name and numbers of two or three of the six systems/strategies and describe how each
    balances a meridian.
  • Apply a mirror and imaging concept to choose the acupuncture points on the body.
  • Locate specific acupuncture points within the Balance System.
  • Outline and follow the steps used in the Balance System to diagnose and treat health conditions.
  • Diagnose which meridians are sick and apply a treatment plan.

Have a question about a Pre-Symposium Workshop?Email AAMA