Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 400570

Coordinator Suzanne Cochrane Opens in new window

Description 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.

School Health Sciences

Discipline Traditional Chinese Medicine

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 2 10cp

Level Postgraduate Coursework Level 7 subject

Equivalent Subjects CMPL 7026 - Women's Health in Chinese Medicine 1

Assumed Knowledge

Assumed knowledge equivalent to undergraduate training in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Students must have completed a minimum of two years training in raw Chinese herbal medicine prescribing as part of their overall undergraduate training.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Analyse symptoms and signs and diagnose the disease and syndrome for a range of specific gynaecological and obstetric diseases
2. Understand the significance of signs and symptoms specific to gynaecology and obstetrics
3. Interpret the range of medical diagnostic tests commonly used in western medicine investigation of gynaecological and obstetric disorders
4. Integrate TCM and orthodox medicine in the diagnosis and where appropriate, management of gynaecological and obstetric disorders
5. Analyse and critically examine practice protocols in acupuncture compared to orthodox management
6. Articulate the strengths and limitations of acupuncture in the treatment of particular gynaecological and obstetric diseases
7. Articulate when to refer for medical advice/treatment and how to liaise with gynaecologists, obstetricians and other relevant medical personnel

Subject Content

1. Signs & symptoms in gynaecology
2. Signs & symptoms in obstetrics
3. Strengths & limitations of TCM management in gynaecology & obstetrics
4. Referring to Western medicine practitioners: who, when, how, why
5. Commonly used western medical diagnostic tests
- hormone tests
- Laparoscopy
- Ultrasound
- Sperm tests
6. Integration of TCM and orthodox medicine in diagnosis and management (with an emphasis on acupuncture treatment) of specific gynaecological and obstetric disorders including:
i) Menstrual-related disorders
- Disordered menstrual cycle
- Dysmenorrhoea
- signs & Symptoms associated with menstruation, esp. PMS
ii) Menopausal disorders
iii) Breast disorders
iv) Pelvic disorders & discharges
v) Obstetric-related disorders
- Infertility
- Morning sickness
- Prenatal acupuncture
- birth assistance
- Postnatal acupuncture
7. Impact of lifestyle and social role on women?fs health