Complementary Therapies (CMPL)
This unit provides a comprehensive introduction to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Students are introduced to basic TCM theory, and the physiological principles of the diagnostic system that forms the basis of TCM practice. The history and philosophy of Chinese medicine is introduced and discussed in the light of contemporary clinical practice.
This unit provides learning experiences that enable students to expand upon their understanding of TCM philosophy and principles, with particular reference to developing diagnostic skills in TCM. Students acquire basic skills in case history taking, interpretation of relevant signs and symptoms, arriving at a TCM diagnosis, and devising suitable treatment strategies.
Acupuncture is one of the principal therapeutic interventions in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This unit introduces students to acupuncture theory and practice, and provides opportunity to develop practical skills. It covers the theory of channels and points, channel pathway, point location and indications of the conception and governor vessels, and the first 6 channels in the meridian cycle. This unit also expands upon the student's understanding of TCM theory and practice principles. This unit includes mandatory clinical placement
Acupuncture is one of the principal therapeutic interventions in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This unit completes the study of the system of channels and points, which forms the basis of clinical application of acupuncture. It covers the channel pathway, point location and indications of the last 6 channels of the meridian cycle and the extra points. It also reinforces the student's ability to identify and palpate surface anatomy relevant to identifying the acupuncture point locations covered in this unit and relevant safe administration of needling. This unit expands the student's understanding of TCM theory and practice principles. This unit includes mandatory clinical placement
Herbal medicine is one of the principal therapeutic interventions in Traditional Chinese Medicine. This unit introduces students to the therapeutic and reference organisation of Chinese medicinal herbs, and enables students to commence using the materia medica. It covers the commonly used herbs in each of the six categories of the Chinese materia medica, including the herbal properties, actions, indications, contraindications, combined usage as well as herbal dispensing. This unit also expands upon the student's understanding of TCM theory and practice principles. This unit includes mandatory clinical placement
This unit completes the study of Chinese medicinal herbs, which forms the basis for Chinese herbal medicine. It covers the commonly used herbs in each of the twelve categories of the Chinese materia medica, including the herbal properties, actions, indications, contraindications and combined usage. It also introduces the basic knowledge of herbal pharmacognosy. This unit also expands upon the student's understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and practice principles.
This unit enables students to develop a sound understanding of causes of disease in TCM with a particular focus on TCM disease pattern differentiation. Students will be able to identify the clinical manifestations relating to specific patterns and develop the appropriate TCM treatment principles. This is complemented by the reinforcement of skills in case history taking and TCM diagnostics.
This unit consolidates and extends students' knowledge of acupuncture theory and practice, and provides further opportunity to develop practical skills. Students are introduced to the theory of point combinations and the development of acupuncture prescriptions and treatment plans. Practical sessions include obtaining Qi (De Qi), promoting Qi techniques, tonifying and reducing needling techniques, moxibustion, cupping, Gua Sha, Tuina, intradermal/cutaneous needling, scalp acupuncture, auricular acupuncture, wrist/ankle acupuncture, electroacupuncture and laser acupuncture. This unit also expands upon the student's understanding of the theory and practice principles of traditional Chinese medicine.
Herbal medicine is the principal therapeutic intervention in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This unit follows from Chinese Materia Medica 1 & 2, and begins the study of major Chinese herbal formulas, which form the basis for clinical prescribing in Chinese herbal medicine. The focus of this unit is to compare and contrast the main formulas in specified categories, and to analyse the specific actions of the herbs that make up the formula. Students will be required to formulate, assemble and prepare complex prescriptions. This unit expands upon the student's knowledge of the Chinese Materia Medica, as well as the understanding of TCM theory and practice principles.
This unit is focused on introductory clinical practice in a clinical setting. It enables the students to link theory with practice. It expands the students' knowledge base of Chinese medicine theory and diagnosis, and the application of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine treatment. Students assist with clinical practice, take consultations, and perform basic acupuncture related techniques. Students will also learn basic skills in handling herbal preparation and dispensing. This unit includes mandatory clinical placement
This unit focuses on the application of the skills and knowledge of TCM within a clinical setting. The unit provides the opportunity to expand students' knowledge base of the theory Chinese medicine through the work integrated experiential learning. Specifically, the unit covers TCM diagnosis, the application of Acupuncture techniques and the implementation of Chinese herbal medicine treatments. The unit also covers basic Chinese language including Pin Yin and Romanisation to enable students to apply TCM terminology as part of clinical practice. Under supervision, students have the opportunity to consult with clients/patients, perform basic acupuncture, and undertaken herbal prescription. Students will also undertake basic herbal processing and preparation of medicinal herbs.
This unit provides the student with intensive, supervised clinical practice experience. Arrangements are usualy made for students to complete this stage in China. Due to the travel restriction as a result of COVID-19 pandemic, this unit in 2020 is wholly offered in Australia. The unit represents the final clinical practicum stage with an opportunity in develoing clinical skills. Students will be expected to demonstrate competence in handling patients in a clinical context, and manage their integrated care using Traditional Chinese Medicine.
The study of internal medicine forms the basis of clinical practice in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This unit begins to bridge the gap between theory and practice. It enables the health professional to analyse, diagnose and treat common internal diseases with both acupuncture and herbal medicine and using a TCM approach. The focus of this unit is on the analysis of major presenting symptoms.
This unit builds on Chinese Medicine 1 and extends the student's ability to analyse, diagnose and treat common and difficult diseases in internal medicine with both acupuncture and herbal medicine and using a TCM approach. Students will develop an understanding of the causes and pathophysiological mechanisms of a wide range of diseases.
This unit provides further learning experiences that enable the students to explore the original theories on physiology, pathology, diagnosis, differentiation and treatment of diseases through select periods of Chinese history. Many theoretical concepts, diagnostic systems and therapeutic methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are still in current usage, and will be covered through the study of important classical texts and academic schools of TCM thought. This unit expands upon the student's understanding of TCM theories and practice principles through studies of the classical literature.
This unit provides learning experiences that enable the health professional to analyse, diagnose and treat common gynaecological diseases and musculoskeletal conditions using a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approach with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Students will develop a good understanding of the causes and pathophysiological mechanisms of common gynaecological diseases and musculoskeletal conditions.
The specialties of paediatrics, dermatology, ear, nose, throat (ENT) and eye diseases, are important divisions of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) activity. This unit enables students to develop an understanding of the aetiology and pathophysiology of common paediatric, dermatological, ENT and eye disorders, and to analyse, diagnose and treat these conditions using acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
This unit represents a continuation of the clinical practicum and development of clinical skills in relation to patient management and TCM health preservation and enhancement, including lifestyle, diet and physical exercise. Students will also be able to apply their knowledge of professional theory, practice, research and evaluation skills to the investigation of TCM problem. Students will be expected to demonstrate competence in handling patients in a clinical context, synthesise knowledge from their studies of specialities in Traditional Chinese Medicine and critically examine the practical aspects of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine research. This unit includes mandatory clinical placement
This unit represents a continuation of the clinical practicum and development of clinical skills. Students will integrate theoretical knowledge, practical and research skills, learnt in previous units, into clinical practice, including in: case investigation; diagnosis; formulation of treatment strategies; and the delivery of treatments to patients. Students will learn to act ethically in professional contexts. Students are expected to demonstrate professional competence in handling patients in a clinical context, critically evaluating complex cases, diagnosing, devising and managing the patients using TCM therapies.
This unit provides the student with intensive, supervised clinical practice experience. Arrangements will be made for students to complete this stage in China. This will involve students paying their own travel fares, as well as, training and accommodation fees to the Chinese institution. This unit represents the final clinical practicum stage and development of clinical skills. Students will be expected to demonstrate competence in handling patients in a clinical context, and manage their integrated care using TCM.
The study of internal medicine forms the basis of clinical practice in traditional Chinese medicine. This unit begins to bridge the gap between theory and practice. It enables the health professional to analyse, diagnose and treat common internal diseases with both acupuncture and herbal medicine and using a TCM approach. The focus of this unit is on the analysis of major presenting symptoms.
This unit builds on Chinese Medicine 1 and extends the students ability to analyse, diagnose and treat common and difficult diseases in internal medicine with both acupuncture and herbal medicine and using a Traditional Chinese Medicine approach. Students will develop an understanding of the causes and pathophysiological mechanisms of a wide range of diseases.
This unit will enable practitioners to extend their clinical reasoning skills to chronic and complex conditions seen in contemporary Chinese Medicine clinical practice. The unit will analyse specific cases and conditions which present a range of complex and contradictory signs and symptoms making diagnosis and treatment challenging. Senior practitioners of both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine will present their own clinical experience and assist students to understand their diagnostic and treatment processes.
This unit provides further learning experiences that enable the students to explore the original theories on physiology, pathology, diagnosis, differentiation and treatment of diseases through select periods of Chinese history. Many theoretical concepts, diagnostic systems and therapeutic methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are still in current usage, and will be covered through the study of important classical texts and academic schools of TCM thought. This unit expands upon the students understanding of TCM theories and practice principles through studies of the classical literature.
This unit presents the origin, development and features of classical Chinese herbal medicine (Jing Fang), and reveals their pharmacological and clinical outcomes based on the latest clinical observation and research. This unit will appeal to practitioners seeking to extend and deepen their knowledge and clinical skills with Chinese herbs and to students embarking on research in this area. The classical texts contain deep insights on Chinese herbs and formulae for a range of conditions. Selective herbal formulae from the Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases (Shanghan Lun) and the Synopsis of Golden Chamber (Jingui Yaolue) are explored in depth to demonstrate the clinical applications.
This unit presents the origin, development and features of classical acupuncture and reveals the clinical outcomes based on the latest clinical observation and research. This unit will appeal to practitioners seeking to extend and deepen their knowledge and clinical skills with traditional acupuncture and to practitioners embarking on research in this area. Ancient acupuncture theories and techniques will be taught with a focus on their application to contemporary practice based on latest research and on the different theoretical approaches in the design of acupuncture point prescriptions.
This unit is focused on the clinical application of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) and acupuncture in the management of cancer. Today, cancer is one of the leading causes of death and disease burden. Survival rates for many types of cancer have improved in recent years and long-term survival challenges accepted practices in cancer care and management. This unit explores application of Chinese medicine to the management of cancer, through the ancient wisdom in the classic literature recourses and contemporary clinical practice and research. The unit addresses the commonly used strategies, approaches and roles of Chinese medicine at different stages of cancer as well as the use of Chinese medicine as a supplementary therapy for common types of cancer.
This unit provides four weeks of full-time (or part-time equivalent) clinical placement with a choice of clinical training in the defined specialty areas (women's health, musculoskeletal health, mental and neurological disorders, oncology, or chronic and complex diseases). The clinical placement is with experienced specialist practitioners provided in conjunction with the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine in China or by an approved alternative arrangement with the student and limited by available opportunities.
This unit along with Dermatology in Chinese Medicine 2 will enable practitioners to develop an in-depth understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnosis and management of a wide range of skin diseases using acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. This unit includes orthodox medical diagnosis and management of common skin disorders and the integration of this with TCM theory, diagnosis and management. Dermatology in Chinese Medicine 1 and 2 together provide a strong specialist clinical focus on the management of skin disorders with Chinese medicine.
This unit will introduce and develop the concepts and principles of evidence-based practice as applied to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and explore specific aspects of research development. Furthermore, this unit will focus on the clinical applications of such research- based evidence and highlight integrative methods combining TCM and biomedical diagnostics and disease management. Students will gain an understanding of the complexities, practicality, and applied methodologies used in research to establish the validity and reliability of TCM theories, diagnostics and interventional techniques in addition to the appropriateness of various outcome measures for research and clinical practice. This unit will provide students with a practical skillset designed to facilitate location, evaluation, integration, and application of scientific research evidence in clinical practice whilst also preparing students for development of research proposals in subsequent units such as Research Protocol Design & Practice.
This unit will provide the student with the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to search, understand and critically appraise scientific literature related to Chinese medicine. Basic research methods will be introduced sufficient to support the student through this unit. This unit will introduce and develop concepts and principles of evidence-based practice applied to Chinese medicine and explore specific research developments in Chinese medicine.
This unit will focus on the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western medicine in the diagnosis and management of disease. A significant focus of this unit will be on the interpretation and integration of medical diagnostic tests with TCM diagnosis, and will include an examination of the research that attempts to validate TCM theory and diagnostic techniques. Students will learn how to integrate and prioritise clinical information and undertake the development of a research proposal.
This unit will enable practitioners to extend their understanding of Chinese Medicine management of a range of mental health conditions and neurological disorders. The clinical focus is on the Chinese Medicine diagnosis and management of these disorders and integration with the orthodox biomedical approaches to disorders that are common in the community. Chinese Medicine treatment will focus on acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine treatments. Students will learn to apply Chinese Medicine's unique understanding and contribution to the rehabilitation of those who have suffered from disabling psychological/psychiatric and neurological diseases.
This unit will enable practitioners to develop an in-depth understanding of the diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal conditions with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. This unit presents a systematic approach to the assessment of musculoskeletal disorders using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the application of specific medical tests and includes a focus on common musculoskeletal disorders, sports injuries and rehabilitation. Musculoskeletal Health in Chinese Medicine provides a strong specialist clinical focus on the management of musculoskeletal health disorders with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
This unit will introduce the student to the pharmacology and toxicology of Chinese herbal medicine. The unit will cover the pharmacological principles of Chinese herbal medicines and identify basic active constituents that contribute to the actions of Chinese herbal medicines. This unit will also introduce safety and toxicology of herbal medicines including mechanisms and measurement of toxicity, known potential adverse reactions of commonly used Chinese herbs, known potential interactions with Western pharmaceuticals and management of adverse events.
This is a 60 credit point year-long subject taken over two terms (30 credit points in each term). This subject requires students to complete a substantial piece of independent research in Chinese Medicine including research planning, study design, data collection, analysis and interpretation. Dissertation projects are developed in consultation with staff who possess similar research interests and relevant research experience. Students may wish to submit their work for examination in a form suitable for publication in the peer-reviewed literature (with supplementary material as appropriate).
This unit provides learning experiences that enable the health professional to analyse, diagnose and treat common gynaecological diseases and musculoskeletal conditions using a TCM approach with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Students will develop a good understanding of the causes and pathophysiological mechanisms of common gynaecological diseases and musculoskeletal conditions.
The specialties of pediatrics, dermatology, ear, nose, throat (ENT) and eye diseases, are important divisions of TCM activity. This unit enables students to develop an understanding of the aetiology and pathophysiology of common paediatric, dermatological, ENT and eye disorders, and to analyze, diagnose and treat these conditions using acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
This unit represents a continuation of the clinical practicum and development of clinical skills. Students will also be able to apply their knowledge of professional theory, practice, research and evaluation skills to the investigation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) problems. Students will be expected to demonstrate competence in handling patients in a clinical context, synthesise knowledge from their studies of specialities in TCM and critically examine the practical aspects of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine research. Students will also learn basic knowledge of health preservation and enhancement including lifestyle, diet and physical exercise.
This unit represents a continuation of the clinical practicum and development of clinical skills. Students will be able to integrate their theoretical knowledge, practice skills and research base to the investigation, diagnosis and supervised treatment of patients in a clinical context. Students will be able to synthesise knowledge and competency in the practice of clinical areas of focus taught in Chinese Medicine I and II, and Specialties in TCM I and II. Students will be expected to demonstrate professional competence in handling patients in a clinical context, diagnosing more complex cases and devising and managing the integrated care of patients using TCM.
This unit will enable practitioners to extend their understanding of Chinese Medicine management of a range of women's health conditions. The clinical focus of this unit is on the integration of Chinese Medicine and conventional therapies in the treatment of disorders of the menstrual cycle, obstetric disorders, fertility, menopause and breast disease.
This unit enables practitioners to extend their understanding of a range of gynaecological and obstetric disorders and to diagnose and treat these using acupuncture and patent herbal medicines. The clinical focus of this unit is on the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the treatment of disorders of the menstrual cycle, obstetric disorders, menopause and breast disease.
This unit enables practitioners to extend their understanding of a range of gynaecological and obstetric disorders and to diagnose and treat these primarily using Chinese herbal medicine. The clinical focus of this unit is on the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the treatment of complex disorders of the menstrual cycle, infertility, obstetric disorders, menopause, pelvic and breast disease.