Program: Foundations in Functional Needling Part 3 Times: Friday, 8:00am-6:00pm; Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm; Sunday, 8:00am-6:00pm Instructors: Dr. Mahmoud Zaerian; Dr. Angela Bagnulo CE hours: 27 In-class hours; 49.5 Distance learning hours Learning Objectives: The objective of the Foundations in Functional Needling course is to provide health professionals with the ability to successfully integrate a functional approach to needling into their practice following widely recognized international standards. They will be able to design safe and effective acupuncture treatments for musculoskeletal pain disorders and dysfunctions. As well, an understanding of how to regulate other common autonomic, hormonal and central nervous system conditions such as poor digestion, headaches/migraines, fatigue and anxiety. Expected Outcome: Understand the neurophysiological principles that guide the effectiveness and use of needling/acupuncture at a local, segmental and supra-segmental level. Understand the topographic and gross anatomy of the most common insertion sites used in Foundations in Functional Needling Identify points learned using palpation manoeuvres to access a broad selection of sites namely muscle bellies, motor points, muscle-tendon junctions, tenoperiosteal attachments, ligaments, joints, peripheral nerve trunks and peripheral neurovascular bundles Perform safe and precise needling of the anatomical structures mentioned above Learn standardized safety procedures; clean needle technique, safe insertion approach, safe needle removal and disposal and the blood management protocol in case of bleeding Understand the safe and effective parameters for the use of electrical stimulation of acupuncture needles inserted in the structures mentioned above based on published literature Understand the neurophysiology of nociception and acute pain, neuromodulation of nociception, neuropathic pain and central pain Learn the basic mechanism of visceral, central and systemic regulation accomplished with needling and locations of the body that best effect this physiological process Understand the basic history of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the development of needling practices in the west Ability to communicate to patients and other practitioners about the possible adverse effects of acupuncture interventions, based on current published literature Course Description: The Foundations in Functional Needling program is a comprehensive approach to understanding the clinical use and neurophysiology of acupuncture/needling. This skill based program is devoted to providing a thorough understanding of the basic elements required to be proficient in the use of needling in clinical practice, to instill confidence and understanding in the practitioner and to provide a clinical advantage in treating patients. The Foundations in Functional Needling program is devoted to clinical excellence and spends sufficient time in theoretical understanding of neurophysiology of needling as well as practical workshops including anatomical palpation, insertion needling techniques for painless insertion, anatomy laboratory videos to aid in learning, special technique workshops and real live patient treatment demonstrations. Instruction Methods: The course consists of: Formal lecture with PowerPoint slides and Videos on anatomy, acupuncture foundation, safety, acupuncture points and surrounding anatomical structures, specific protocols and principles guiding chronic and acute injuries as well as various acupuncture techniques Practical demonstration of anatomy, safety, acupuncture points, various acupuncture techniques and specific protocols and principles Small group/partners for practicing all palpation, landmarking of acupuncture points, needling specific points and protocols *Before insertion of any point time will be given to anatomical exploration of the area. Examination of the local tissues involved, the peripheral nerves and vessels in the area as well as un-embalmed and embalmed videos of the area to allow for further clarity of the area. Special attention to anatomical structures of risk will be given. Each point with greater safety requirement will be given special time and attention for clarity in anatomy and clarity of palpation.