Currently there are few options for physiotherapists who wish to explore a holistic approach to needle-based therapies. Dry needling courses offer a model that permits pain modulation but none of the systemic benefits acupuncture offers that can improve mood, sleep, inflammation, appetite and digestive function and sense of well-being.
This course is the entry level into Integrative Acupuncture (IA). IA is a palpation-based style of acupuncture that integrates examination of tissue and movement dysfunction found in manual therapies, with meridian examination found in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AOM) practice, particularly in some styles of meridian-style Japanese Acupuncture.
The theoretical constructs of AOM pertinent to physiotherapy are introduced. The course meets with the International Association of Acupuncture and Physical Therapists' (IAAPT) recommendations for foundational courses in acupuncture. It is based on 100 hours of training: 6 days face to face and the rest through self directed learning.
This course gives participants assessment and treatment tools beyond those offered by dry needling only. The Oriental Medicine theory introduced, gives filters that assist to understand underlying tissue and movement dysfunction drivers and how to best address these.
Patients will experience benefits to their well-being such as better sleep, mood and energy levels, because acupuncture aims to address any underlying energetic imbalances.