Unit 2 Seminar Notes: TCM and Acupuncture

Ancient Philosophies, Principles, and Modern Research in TCM

  • Focus on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), particularly acupuncture.
  • Examine foundational theories: yin and yang, qi (vital energy), and the meridian system.
  • Explore scientific research supporting acupuncture: mechanisms of action, effectiveness for various conditions, and role in integrative health care.
  • Compare acupuncture to dry needling (distinct practices).
    • Acupuncture: Typically painless.
    • Dry needling: Deeper, used to break up muscle tissue, can be painful.

Learning Objectives for Unit 2

  • Define foundational theories of TCM.
  • Identify key research findings on acupuncture.
  • Differentiate between acupuncture and dry needling.
  • Recognize examples of TCM integration into modern health care.
  • Describe scientific research on TCM and acupuncture.

Personal Belief in Acupuncture

  • Acupuncture is painless and effective.
  • Limited insurance coverage suggests potential bias against it in Western medicine.
  • Acupuncture involves very thin, almost invisible pins, not like getting a shot or blood draw.

Core Concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine

  • Qi: Vital energy flow.
  • Yin and Yang: Balancing opposing forces.
  • Five Elements Theory: Understanding interrelationships.
  • Meridians: Energy channels in the body.
  • Acupuncture aims to disrupt blockages in these energy channels, allowing energy to flow freely.

Email Communication

  • Email address: KMontgomery@PurdueGlobal.edu
  • Subject line: Include name and course (e.g., Natalie from HW 310) for quick responses.

Unit 2 Expectations

  • Readings located in the Content tab, including a sample outreach letter.
  • Readings and videos cover dry needling vs. acupuncture, TCM, and overviews of the unit.
  • Videos introduce the unit and topics.
  • Complete readings before participating in discussion boards and assignments to improve understanding.
  • Readings and videos connect to further resources.

Discussion Board

  • Initial post due by Sunday, with references.
  • Two additional posts due by the end of the unit on Tuesday.
  • No late discussion posts accepted after the unit ends (Wednesday of the next unit).
  • Late initial posts may incur a small deduction.
  • Active participation enhances learning.

Learning Activity

  • A non-graded learning activity to understand holistic medicine: Eastern vs. Western approaches.
  • Unit 1 readings provide more context on different categories.

Seminar

  • Attendance is expected for the entire duration.
  • Option 2: Archive recording available under the "More Tools" tab.
  • If using Option 2: Provide a review of the class, key points, and personal takeaways.

Unit 2 Assignment

  • A one-page summary of research on three complementary and integrative medicine modalities available in the community (excluding title and reference pages).
  • APA format: Double-spaced, one-inch margins.
  • Exceeding one page is acceptable; falling short is not.
  • Discuss the research process, outreach efforts, and initial impressions of practitioners.
  • Include next steps: interview length, observation opportunities, and frequency of visits.

Final Project Overview

  • A semester-long project: participant-observer experience with CAM professionals.
  • Unit 2: Research and initial contact with three CAM professionals.
  • Unit 4: Discuss historical background and research on the three chosen modalities.
  • Units 6, 7, and 8: Conduct interviews (one modality per unit).
  • Unit 9: Evaluate how CAM approaches integrate with conventional medicine.

Unit 2 Assignment Details

  • Submit a one-page summary.
  • Discuss the process of researching and contacting CAM practitioners.
  • Report on successful contacts and initial impressions.
  • Outline planned next steps.
  • Research three different complementary integrative medicine modalities that interest you and that are available in your community.
  • Locate practitioners for each modality, including their names and credentials.
  • Discuss the process of reaching out: ease of contact, methods used (emailing, calling, visiting).
  • Address any challenges encountered.
  • Provide initial impressions of each practitioner.

Accessing Assignment Instructions

  • Unit 2 content tab: Find both assignment instructions and assignment directions.
  • Instructions: Provide the overall premise for the project.
  • Directions: Break down the requirements in outline form.

Assignment Directions Breakdown

  • Identify CAM modalities through research to understand what falls under the CAM umbrella.
  • Locate practitioners for each modality (one practitioner per modality, state their name and credentials).
  • Reach out to each practitioner.
  • Engage in legwork to facilitate the interview process.
  • Write a summary according to assignment directions:
    • Define each of the three chosen modalities and explain what makes them holistic.
    • Include citations and a reference page.
    • Discuss the three CAM modalities researched.
    • List practitioners identified (name and credentials).
    • Describe the experience of contacting them, ease of communication, and planned next steps.
  • Ensure the summary is concise and covers all required points.

Unit 2 Assignment: Important Considerations

  • Interviews do not need to be completed by the assignment deadline.
  • Report efforts to contact even if unsuccessful; explain challenges and initial impressions.

Sample Outreach Letter

  • Template available in Unit 2 content tab.
  • Use the template to initiate contact with practitioners.
  • Customize the letter to reflect genuine interest in their work.

Rubric

  • Use the Grading Rubric to fulfill assignment requirements.
  • Well organized post in APA format, and minimum one full page.
  • Identify CAM modalities of practitioners: Identify three distinct modalities and three qualified practitioners with accurate names, credentials, and community relevance.
  • Clearly documents the outreach process: Describe the challenges, your first impressions, and detailed communication efforts.
  • Include all required components, the modalities, practitioners, communication experience, and the detailed next steps with clear plans of what you're gonna do.

Unit 4 Assignment Overview

  • Research into the three modalities.
  • Write a 3-4 page paper using the three CAM modalities identified in Unit 2.
  • Topics:
    • Acupuncture.
    • Chiropractic medicine.
    • Yoga.
    • Herbal medicine.
    • Reiki.
    • Tai Chi.
  • Provide a comprehensive overview of the origins, history, and cultural roots of each modality.
  • Include information on how the practice developed over time and its role in traditional healthcare systems.
  • Highlight key figures or events that shaped the practice.
  • Analyze and research evidence: Summarize key research studies or systematic reviews that explore the efficacy of each modality (at least one per modality).
  • Discuss the modality's current applications in modern, Western health care.
  • Address any controversies or limitations in the available research.
  • Compare and contrast: Identify similarities and differences between the historical evolution and research backing of the three modalities.
  • Reflect on how these modalities align with or challenge medical practices.
  • Cite and reference sources.

Unit 6 Assignment Overview

  • Select one of the integrative met practitioners from your Unit 2 assignment in the field of your choice, reach out and conduct the interview.
  • Submit a 2 to 3 page paper
  • Include: introduction, key insights, reflection, and conclusion.
  • Suggested interview questions provided, but not exclusive.
    • What made them go into this field?
    • What is it like to walk in your shoes for a day?
    • How many patients do you see?

Unit 7 and 8

  • Additional interview questions to make this interview a little bit different, but focus more on leadership skill. Those would be:
    Trust and relationship building, respect and professionalism, conflict resolution.

*Note to students. If you encounter difficulties finding a practitioner or scheduling an interview, contact me as soon as possible for assistance or an alternative type of arrangement. I want you to exhaust all avenues prior to doing an alternative assignment.
There is a list in the course resource of Purdue Global Health and Wellness instructors that are willing to participate for the interview.

Final Project Overview

  • Professional presentation, a 10 to 12 slide presentation using Google Slides or PowerPoint to showcase the research into complementary integrative medicine professions.
  • Findings, personal reflections, and professional insights gained from the interview and observation.
    *