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

1. Differentiate between the distribution and local anatomy of the channels covered in this unit;
2. Point out and explain the location, functions and indications of commonly used points on the channels, and of the extra points.
3. Distinguish high-risk related acupuncture points and apply appropriate needling strategies.

1. The channel system
- Classification and nomenclature of The channels
- yin yang relationships within The channel system
- general functions of The channels
- general principles of QI flow and channel Distribution
- The external and Internal pathways of The twelve Regular channels
- theory, pathways, points and Connecting points of The eight extra channels
- pathways of The divergent, luo, and musculo-tendino channels
2. Acupuncture points
- general introduction
- classes of points
- methods of locating points
- nomenclature of The points
- therapeutic properties of The points (functions and Indications)
3. Specific point categories
- wu Shu points
- Yuan points
- luo points
- Xi points
- back Shu points
- front mu points
- Confluent points
- influential points
- Crossing points
- Lower He points
4. Surface anatomical features in relation to acupuncture points
a. Anatomical position and movement
b. Anatomy and clinical assessment including visual and palpation examination association with acupuncture points
- head
- Neck
- Thorax
- abdomen and pelvis
- back
- Upper limb
- Lower limb
5. Locations, functions, indications and application (needling/moxibustion methods and precautions/contraindications) of the points of:
- Governing Vessel (Dumai)
- Conception Vessel (Renmai)
- Lung Channel of Hand Taiyin
- Large Intestine Channel of Hand Yangming
- Stomach Channel of Foot Yangming
- Spleen Channel of Foot Taiyin
- Heart Channel of Hand Shaoyin
- Small Intestine Channel of Hand Taiyang
Note: surface anatomy relevant to identifying individual acupuncture point location covered in this subject and relevant safe administration of needling will be covered.
6. Clinical skills
- Point location and application of The main acupuncture points
- identification of High-Risk related acupuncture points
- Sterilisation procedures & maintaining asepsis
- occupational health and safety procedures
- acupuncture contraindications and adverse reactions
- clinical accidents and their management
- introduction to filiform needling, correct direction and length
- codes and guidelines required by The Chinese medicine Board of Australia, including Code of conduct, infection prevention and control guidelines for acupuncture practice
- needling practice

Legislative pre-requisites

Prior to enrolling in this subject, students must have submitted a Student Undertaking Form and undertake to apply for a National Police Check, which is required to be submitted before placement. Students must also hold a valid and current First Aid Certificate from a Registered Training Organisation. Refer to the Special Requirements website for more information.
Special Requirements