Post-Graduate Training Acupuncture - Acupuncture Information Centre

Post-graduate training in acupuncture is imperative. It is a requirement as a member of the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO). Taking post-graduate courses for acupuncturists will build your client base, develop & improve your acupuncture skills and build your reputation as a professional.

General Interest Post-graduate Courses in Acupuncture

As in any profession, it is imperative to develop your skills and continually learn. Acquiring new skills and knowledge leads to a successful acupuncture career. Well-developed acupuncture skills will make you more proficient and trustworthy in the eyes of your clients and your peers.

The ability to continually learn and take post-graduate courses in acupuncture is endless. Many acupuncture schools offer general interest courses, certificates, and/or workshops. There are also online courses, seminars and symposiums available.

Cosmetic Acupuncture

Cosmetic acupuncture is a non-surgical method of reducing the signs of ageing, without injections or drugs, and with minimal unwanted side effects. Facial rejuvenation acupuncture is based on the principle of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Facial rejuvenation acupuncture involves the superficial insertion of hair-thin needles, which stimulate both blood and energy to the face. It also increases collagen production, which fills out fine lines and wrinkles and gives firmness to the skin, giving a healthy complexion.

Learn to use basic principles of TCM to do a cosmetic acupuncture treatment such as:

Point selection and acupuncture needling techniques for conditions such as dark circles, puffy eyes, drooping skin, scars, fine lines and wrinkles.
Adressing constitutional imbalances.
Acupressure-based face massage, utilizing acupuncture points to stimulate qi and blood in the face and neck areas.
Facial toning exercises so that practitioners can pass this onto clients to facilitate self-care and improvement.
Facial cupping techniques

Japanese Acupuncture

Since its introduction in Japan in 410 AD, acupuncture has been practiced thereby an unbroken line of practitioners for more than 1,600 years. Throughout the centuries, Japanese acupuncture has continuously evolved to reflect the country’s climate, geography, culture, and sensibilities. As a result, Japanese acupuncturists developed their own techniques and traditions that have spread overseas, bringing them into common practice in countries like China, South Korea, and other nations around the world.

Some unique features of Japanese acupuncture include:

the use of ultra fine needles for pain free needling
gentle needling techniques with shallow insertion
non-insertion contact needling
use of fewer needles
subtle De Qi
contact and non-insertion needling techniques
Oshide – left and right hand needling positions
the use of pure grade mugwort for direct and semi-direct moxibustion
an emphasis on hands-on diagnostic methods such as abdominal and pulse diagnosis

Korean Acupuncture

The application of Korean acupuncture needles is different than TCM. But the diagnosis in Korean acupuncture involves a full constitutional analysis similar to traditional Chinese medicine

Korean acupuncture focuses on the extremities like the hand or ear. Most of the standard acupuncture protocols in Korea use only four needles. It is otherwise known as the “four-needle” technique (or Sa-am technique).

There is a balancing concept that is the foundation behind four-needle acupuncture. The four needles are split two and two — two needles sedate or reduce excess qi in one organ system while two other needles tonify or increase qi in a second organ system.