Traditional Chinese Medicine - Acupuncture
This is a comprehensive program including courses in English and Mandarin language, communication, Ancient Chinese philosophy, and Western biomedical sciences which are necessary for the critical understanding and development of complex Traditional Chinese Medicine concepts. The curriculum has been designed to offer an education of significant breadth and rigour within the contexts of TCM/Acupuncture fundamental theory, diagnosis, treatment, and clinical practice. Through these experiential learning activities, students will actively engage with the community.
Who Studies Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Graduates will have the requisite TCM core foundation, acupuncture competencies, critical thinking and communication skills needed to be safe, competent healthcare practitioners in an evolving health services landscape. Critical conceptual and practice skills will be developed and refined using a blend of theory, applied practice simulation and clinical experience. Students will be eligible to write the national registration exams for acupuncture practitioner in Canada. The proposed program prepares graduates to be contributing members of the TCM profession and community. With acupuncture practice management transition, acupuncture practice jurisprudence and practice study, the program will also prepare graduates to successfully create and operate their own practice facility.
Department's website: kpu.ca/health/acupuncture
Graduates of the Diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine - Acupuncture will be prepared to work as acupuncture practitioners or entrepreneurs in the complementary/alternative health industry. Graduates of the Bachelor of Traditional Chinese Medicine will be eligible to apply for licensure as a Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner.
Registration in some course sections is restricted to students in particular programs. See Timetables - kpu.ca/registration/timetables - for current section information.
Visit the BC Transfer Guide - bctransferguide.ca - for information about course transfer in B.C.
ACUP 1100 4 credits
Acupuncture Fundamental Theory
Students will complete a comprehensive overview of the basic fundamental concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), including its philosophy, physiology, pathology and health maintenance, to lay a solid foundation for diagnosis and other acupuncture courses.
Level: UG
ACUP 1110 3 credits
Mandarin Foundation for Traditional Chinese Medicine/Acupuncture
Students will develop basic listening, speaking, and reading skills in Mandarin Chinese. They will also learn to read and write primarily in the phonetic system PINYIN, but also with very common characters. They will acquire basic Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) terminology while exploring the Chinese culture, especially TCM. Note: This course is restricted to students in the Traditional Chinese Medicine in Acupuncture program.
Level: UG
Cross-listing: MAND 1110
ACUP 1160 4 credits
Acupuncture Biomed Foundation
Students will study ten major anatomical systems and their normal physiological functions. They will also explore organ structure and functional arrangement of each body system. Students will study the integumentary, skeletal, muscular and nervous system in more detail.
Level: UG
ACUP 1200 4 credits
Acupuncture Diagnosis: Data Collection
This course builds on the overview of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) fundamental theories that guide students to recognize abnormal symptoms and signs. The course will focus on introducing students to four TCM diagnostic skills in order to collect appropriate clinical information. Students will develop communication skills in order to gather assessment data from clients in a simulation lab.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 1100
ACUP 1210 3 credits
East Asian Health and Philosophy
Students will examine the history and development of Chinese philosophy, East Asian and Chinese perspectives on health, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The course will review the formation of classical Chinese philosophy, foundational texts, yin-yang, qi, and five-element theories, and the history of East Asian medicine and some of its core modalities. Students will also discuss the modern development of TCM, and links between Chinese medicine and philosophy. Course content will include but is not limited to an overview of traditional Chinese philosophy, analysis of the Yijing and related classic texts, yang sheng traditions, Daoist medical traditions and physicians, the development of herbalism and medical practices, and an overview of Tai qi and qi gong.
Level: UG
Cross-listing: ASIA 1210
ACUP 1230 6 credits
Acupuncture Meridian and Acupoint
Students will learn the pathways of qi and blood throughout the body via the main and extra meridians, focusing on the corresponding acupoints. They will study the methods to locate acupoints along the fourteen main meridians. They will watch instructor demonstrations and perform hands-on practice in the lab. Students will study each acupoint function and clinical indication and significance, as well as detailed instruction on points that require special care when needling.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 1100
ACUP 1260 3 credits
Acupuncture Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology
This course will provide students with a basic understanding of the biochemical principles that govern the body metabolisms, and an introduction to different pathogenic microorganisms and the immune system. Students will learn the fundamentals of organic and cellular chemistry, focusing on metabolism of glucose, lipids and proteins. They will identify structures, classification, functions and properties of various molecules which are essential in the many mechanisms of the human body. Students will also learn various pathogenic microorganisms and their properties that are capable of causing diseases in humans.They will explore the cellular and humoral immune responses to infectious diseases, and the ways to prevent these infections, focusing on vaccination, sterilization, and disinfection.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 1160
ACUP 1300 4 credits
Acupuncture Diagnosis: Pattern Recognition
Students will build on knowledge from the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Diagnosis Data Collection course to learn health disorder pattern identification and differentiation based on TCM theories. They will learn clinical case analysis and make TCM diagnosis in a simulated laboratory setting.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 1200
ACUP 1320 3 credits
Acupuncture Technique
Acupuncture Technique Students will learn filiform needling techniques including methods of manipulation, reinforcement and reduction, needle angles, insertion depth and preparation techniques. They will study moxibustion, cupping and specialized needling techniques such as scalp and ear acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, cutaneous and intra-dermal needling. Students will study the clinical indications, contraindications and precautions for each technique. Students will practice techniques in a simulated laboratory setting.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 1230
ACUP 1330 3 credits
Acupuncture Therapy I
Students will study the application of basic Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, diagnostic methods, meridian and acupoint theory, as well as acupuncture skills for disease treatment by using acupuncture and moxibustion. They will study the principles of acupuncture prescription and treatment protocols. Students will be introduced to Chinese internal medicine. This course will include recognition of emergency clinical situations.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 1230
ACUP 1340 2 credits
Acupuncture Safety
Students will learn basic disinfection protocol and how to maintain safety in clinical practice, focusing on needling acupoints which are close to internal organs, arteries, nerves and brain stem. They will learn how to recognize emergency situations in the clinical setting and provide appropriate referral to other healthcare professionals for continuity of patient care. Students will study how to prevent and manage potential errors and complications during treatments.
Level: UG
Co-requisite(s): ACUP 2130
ACUP 1360 2 credits
Acupuncture Introduction to Pathology
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an introduction to pathophysiological processes, underlying cellular and organ function, as well as their relationship to diseases. Students will study the pathogenesis of disease.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 1260
ACUP 2100 2 credits
Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine History and Classics
This course will present a comprehensive overview of the origin of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), including its history, philosophical root and theoretical formation. It focuses on the establishment of TCM theory and acupuncture fundamentals. Students will be introduced to the TCM classics including their formation, conceptual and theoretical viewpoints and medical significance.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 1100
ACUP 2130 3 credits
Acupuncture Therapy II
Students will continue to learn how to apply basic Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, diagnostic methods, meridian and acupoint theory for disease treatment by using acupuncture and moxibustion techniques. They will study the principles of acupuncture prescription and treatment protocols. Students will learn the treatment of TCM internal diseases focusing on respiratory, nervous, and genitourinary systems, infectious, psychiatric, gynecological and pediatric diseases.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 1330
Co-requisite(s): ACUP 1340
ACUP 2150 2 credits
Acupuncture Communication and Ethics
The purpose of this course is to introduce significant aspects of communication skills to enable Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture (TCM) practitioners to establish and maintain effective therapeutic relationships with their clients and collegial relationships with the healthcare community. Emphasis is placed on therapeutic relationships, interviewing techniques, communication skills, ethics and client empowerment.
Level: UG
ACUP 2160 2 credits
Acupuncture Western Medical Diagnosis (Imaging and Lab Testing)
This course will provide knowledge about Western diagnosis, the interpretation of common laboratory tests and imaging procedures to enhance clinical decision making which integrates Chinese and Western medicine perspectives.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 1360
ACUP 2170 2 credits
Acupuncture Pharmacology
This course is to introduce students to basic pharmacology and the action of some common Western drugs in the body. Students will learn various classes of commonly used drugs, action mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, therapeutic uses, adverse effects and possible contraindications to acupuncture including Traditional Chinese Medicine herbs.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 1260
ACUP 2180 3 credits
Acupuncture Practicum (Supervised I)
Students will continue to develop interview skills with clients focusing on gathering information based on four Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnostic methods and identifying patterns based on related theories. Students will make preliminary diagnosis with clinical supervision. Students will learn how to propose an acupuncture prescription and perform the treatment under supervision.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 1180 and ACUP 1330
ACUP 2181 4 credits
Acupuncture Practicum (Supervised I)
Students will continue to develop interview skills with clients focusing on gathering information based on four Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnostic methods and identifying patterns based on related theories. Students will make preliminary diagnosis with clinical supervision. Students will learn how to propose an acupuncture prescription and perform the treatment under supervision.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 2331
ACUP 2200 2 credits
Acupuncture Taiji/Qigong
Students will learn the fundamental concepts of Taiji Quan, focusing on short form of the Yang style Taiji Quan. They will learn basic steps and movements of each form. Students will study and practice freestyle Qigong and learn how to master and cultivate one’s own qi through coordinating slow flowing movement, deep rhythmic breathing, and calm meditative state of mind.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 1100
ACUP 2220 2 credits
Advanced Acupuncture
Students will learn advanced ancient acupuncture and moxibustion techniques such as Ziwu Liuzhu acupuncture therapy and the eight methods of the mystic turtle. They will study and practice modern, unique acupuncture and moxibustion techniques, focusing on specialized techniques of several acupuncture masters.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 1320
ACUP 2230 3 credits
Acupuncture Case Study
Students will be presented with a variety of complex clinical cases focusing on internal medicine disease, gynecological disorders, pediatric disease, musculoskeletal, integumentary and sensory system disorders. They will determine Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture (TCM) diagnosis, etiology and pathogenesis, differentiation of syndrome, principle treatment, acupuncture prescription and appropriate delivery method.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 2130
ACUP 2240 3 credits
Acupuncture Tuina (Chinese style massage)
Students will learn fundamental Tuina theories, clinical procedures and common manipulation techniques. They will study different techniques in combination with meridian and acupoint theory. Students will learn the application of acupressure/Tuina techniques for soft tissue injuries such as those of the knee joint, cervical, lumbar spine and limbs in a simulated lab setting.
Level: UG
ACUP 2280 4 credits
Acupuncture Practicum (Supervised II)
Students will master interviewing skills with clients focusing on gathering information based on four Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnostic skills. They will identify patterns, diagnose and propose an acupuncture prescription. Students will apply acupuncture techniques with supervision to treat clients.
Level: UG
ACUP 2300 2 credits
Acupuncture Musculoskeletal Management
Students will study Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practice principles and treatment methods in conditions related to musculoskeletal injury. They will learn physical examination procedures, differential diagnosis and treatment protocols. Students will also study the special physical examination of the vertebrae, hip joints and four extremities.
Level: UG
ACUP 2301 4 credits
Acupuncture Diagnosis: Pattern Recognition
Students will build on knowledge from the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Diagnosis Data Collection course to learn health disorder pattern identification and differentiation based on TCM theories. They will learn clinical case analysis and make TCM diagnosis in a simulated laboratory setting.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 1200
ACUP 2320 3 credits
Acupuncture Practice Transitions
Students will learn how to practice as an acupuncturist and comprehensively review the theoretical and practical knowledge. Students will review documents provided by the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia as well as the Pan-Canadian acupuncture licensing exam files, in preparation for their licensing exam.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 2230
ACUP 2321 3 credits
Acupuncture Technique
Students will learn filiform needling techniques including methods of manipulation, reinforcement and reduction, needle angles, insertion depth and preparation techniques. They will study moxibustion, cupping and specialized needling techniques such as scalp and ear acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, cutaneous and intra-dermal needling. Students will study the clinical indications, contraindications and precautions for each technique. Students will practice techniques in a simulated laboratory setting.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 1230
ACUP 2331 3 credits
Acupuncture Therapy I
Students will study the application of basic Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, diagnostic methods, meridian and acupoint theory, as well as acupuncture skills for disease treatment by using acupuncture and moxibustion. They will study the principles of acupuncture prescription and treatment protocols. Students will be introduced to Chinese internal medicine. This course will include recognition of emergency clinical situations.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 1230
ACUP 2340 2 credits
Acupuncture Practice Management and Regulation
Students will learn how to establish and manage a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinic. They will explore business planning, marketing, record keeping, and confidentiality and privacy standards. Students will also learn legal aspects and scope of TCM practice, practice standards and professional ethics.
Level: UG
ACUP 2341 2 credits
Acupuncture Safety
Students will learn basic disinfection protocol and how to maintain safety in clinical practice, focusing on needling acupoints which are close to internal organs, arteries, nerves and brain stem. They will learn how to recognize emergency situations in the clinical setting and provide appropriate referral to other healthcare professionals for continuity of patient care. Students will study how to prevent and manage potential errors and complications during treatments.
Level: UG
Co-requisite(s): ACUP 2130
ACUP 2360 2 credits
Acupuncture Shiliao and Nutrition
Students will learn Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diet principles, focusing on the nature of food and their properties, taste, indications and contraindications in prevention and treatment of disease. They will study different functional recipes including food composition properties. Students will learn Western nutritional principles, focusing on how to identify, demonstrate safe food handling, preparation, cooking, as well as describe a healthy diet.
Level: UG
ACUP 2361 2 credits
Acupuncture Introduction to Pathology
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an introduction to pathophysiological processes, underlying cellular and organ function, as well as their relationship to diseases. Students will study the pathogenesis of disease.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 1260
ACUP 2380 4 credits
Acupuncture Practicum (Supervised III)
Students will consolidate learning in order to plan and implement appropriate acupuncture treatments. They will follow up on clients' conditions as well as make referrals as needed. They will present select clinical cases to their peers. Students will practice analytic skills for determining diagnoses, treatment modalities, duration and methods.
Level: UG
ACUP 3200 2 credits
Acupuncture Taiji/Qigong
Students will learn the fundamental concepts of Taiji Quan, focusing on short form of the Yang style Taiji Quan. They will learn basic steps and movements of each form. Students will study and practice freestyle Qigong and learn how to master and cultivate one’s own qi through coordinating slow flowing movement, deep rhythmic breathing, and calm meditative state of mind.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ASIA 1210
ACUP 3220 2 credits
Advanced Acupuncture
Students will learn advanced ancient acupuncture and moxibustion techniques such as Ziwu Liuzhu acupuncture therapy and the eight methods of the mystic turtle. They will study and practice modern, unique acupuncture and moxibustion techniques, focusing on specialized techniques of several acupuncture masters.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 2321
ACUP 3230 3 credits
Acupuncture Case Study
Students will be presented with a variety of complex clinical cases focusing on internal medicine disease, gynecological disorders, pediatric disease, musculoskeletal, integumentary and sensory system disorders. They will determine Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture (TCM) diagnosis, etiology and pathogenesis, differentiation of syndrome, principle treatment, acupuncture prescription and appropriate delivery method.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 2130
ACUP 3240 3 credits
Acupuncture Tuina (Chinese style massage)
Students will learn fundamental Tuina theories, clinical procedures and common manipulation techniques. They will study different techniques in combination with meridian and acupoint theory. Students will learn the application of acupressure/Tuina techniques for soft tissue injuries such as those of the knee joint, cervical, lumbar spine and limbs in a simulated lab setting.
Level: UG
ACUP 3280 4 credits
Acupuncture Practicum (Supervised II)
Students will master interviewing skills with clients focusing on gathering information based on four Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnostic skills. They will identify patterns, diagnose and propose an acupuncture prescription. Students will apply acupuncture techniques with supervision to treat clients.
Level: UG
ACUP 3300 2 credits
Acupuncture Musculoskeletal Management
Students will study Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practice principles and treatment methods in conditions related to musculoskeletal injury. They will learn physical examination procedures, differential diagnosis and treatment protocols. Students will also study the special physical examination of the vertebrae, hip joints and four extremities.
Level: UG
ACUP 3320 3 credits
Acupuncture Practice Transitions
Students will learn how to practice as an acupuncturist and comprehensively review the theoretical and practical knowledge. Students will review documents provided by the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia as well as the Pan-Canadian acupuncture licensing exam files, in preparation for their licensing exam.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 3230
ACUP 3340 2 credits
Acupuncture Practice Management and Regulation
Students will learn how to establish and manage a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinic. They will explore business planning, marketing, record keeping, and confidentiality and privacy standards. Students will also learn legal aspects and scope of TCM practice, practice standards and professional ethics.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): ACUP 3280
ACUP 3360 2 credits
Acupuncture Shiliao and Nutrition
Students will learn Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diet principles, focusing on the nature of food and their properties, taste, indications and contraindications in prevention and treatment of disease. They will study different functional recipes including food composition properties. Students will learn Western nutritional principles, focusing on how to identify, demonstrate safe food handling, preparation, cooking, as well as describe a healthy diet.
Level: UG
ACUP 3380 4 credits
Acupuncture Practicum (Independent)
Students will consolidate learning in order to plan and implement appropriate acupuncture treatments. They will follow up on clients' conditions as well as make referrals as needed. They will present select clinical cases to their peers. Students will practice analytic skills for determining diagnoses, treatment modalities, duration and methods.
Level: UG
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