Structure-based Medical Acupuncture: Part 1 - Introduction and Theory (Enduring Material); Part 2 - Practicum and Demonstration (Live Activity); Part 3 - Lower Body Practicum (Live Activity)

The Structure-based Medical Acupuncture (SMA) course is planned and implemented by a physician and is designed primarily for physicians. Specialties that may find the content relevant include Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine, Pain Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery, Neurology, Neurosurgery (spine), Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Obstetrics and Gynecology. This activity might also be of interest to chiropractors, licensed acupuncturists, and physicians assistants. This is a 30-hour course (19 hours of enduring materials, 11 hours of live activity) which consists of pre-recorded videos, home reading, online meetings, and in-person practicum. Part 1 is enduring materials with content including an overview of the essentials of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture, a summary of the current state of medical acupuncture practice, an exploration into the physiological effects of needling and how acupuncture may work, an introduction to myofascial meridians (Myers) and fascial sequences (Stecco), an overview of the medical literature on acupuncture, and finally an introduction to SMA. The origins of SMA, its basic theories and tenants, and how it differs from current acupuncture theories will be explained. Part 2 and Part 3 will be an in-person live activity on a weekend. Participants will perform supervised palpation exercises and acupuncture point needling exercises. They will learn how to evaluate and treat a patient using a Structure-based Medical Acupuncture approach through case presentations. A live demonstration of an actual patient will be done by the instructor. There will be time for participants to ask questions. The goal of this activity is to increase knowledge, competence, skills, and performance.

Structure-based Medical Acupuncture (SMA)

30 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

A blended learning course integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, modern pain science, and myofascial anatomy with hands-on clinical training to prepare clinicians to safely and effectively deliver Structure-based Medical Acupuncture.

Course Overview

Skills Developed

• Acupuncture point identification and meridian tracing

• Safe and effective needling technique

• Myofascial and postural assessment

• Integration of fascia, pain science, and acupuncture

• Evidence-informed clinical decision-making

• Hands-on patient evaluation and treatment

1. Understand the laws and regulations surrounding acupuncture practice by physicians in the United States.
2. Understand and discuss some of the core concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
3. Describe the pathways of the main acupuncture meridians and demonstrate the location of several commonly used acupuncture points.
4. Identify the overall safety profile of acupuncture and know when caution needs to be taken during needling or when needling is inappropriate
5. Understand some of the physiological effects of needling and how acupuncture likely works.
6. Describe some of the practical essentials of acupuncture (how to needle, point groupings, etc.).
7. Compare and contrast several different acupuncture paradigms.
8. Understand the structure of fascia and know how it can be related to numerous pain complaints.
9. Understand the concept of myofascial meridians and how it relates to acupuncture.
10. Discuss and interpret results from some major landmark acupuncture studies.
11. Understand what is Structure based Medical Acupuncture, including its origins, tenants, and key points.
12. Be able to evaluate and treat a patient using a Structure based Medical Acupuncture approach.
13. Demonstrate ability to palpate myofascial tension and fascial restrictions.
14. Demonstrate proper handling of acupuncture needles (insertion, advancement, manipulation) and ability to needle some commonly used acupuncture points.
15. Demonstrate ability to perform single point hand acupuncture with movement for musculoskeletal pain complaints.

In support of improving patient care, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Credit Awarded for this Activity
American Medical Association (AMA)
Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis designates this live activity for a maximum of 30 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The cancellation cut-off dates and fees are specific to each course. Refer to the cancellation policy on the individual course page. Please send cancellation requests to [email protected].

WashU Medicine CME reserves the right to cancel or postpone this program if necessary; in the event of cancellation, course fees will be fully refunded. We are not responsible for other costs incurred, such as non-refundable airline tickets or hotel penalties.

Continuing Medical Education at Washington University School of Medicine fully complies with the legal requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act rules and regulations thereof. If any participant of this meeting is in need of accommodations, please do not hesitate to submit written requests, at least one month prior to seminar date.

Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis School of Medicine adheres to ACCME Criteria, Standards and Policies regarding industry support of continuing medical education. Disclosure of faculty and their commercial relationships will be made prior to the activity.

Mitigation of Relevant Financial Relationships

Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis adheres to the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity, including Faculty, planners, reviewers, or others are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (commercial interests). All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.