Online Course
New Jersey State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (Course Approval #2210-95)- Ohio Physical Therapy Association (Course Approval #22S2850).
- American Physical Therapy Association (AOTA) Approved Provider (Course Approval #6630).
Description
Over the last several decades there has been a rising interest in Integrative medicine and safe efficacious treatment options as our healthcare system faces a crisis of pills and opioid use. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), a branch of NIH, pain is the most common reason for seeking medical care1. Acupressure is an Eastern treatment modality that combines massage and features of acupuncture dating almost 3000 years ago.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is based on Meridian theory and energy channels which are connected to the function of the visceral organs. There is emerging scientific evidence of Acupressure points transmitting energy through interstitial connective tissue with potentially powerful integrative applications through multiple systems. Acupressure can be used to empower patients to recognize the mind-body-energy interconnections and how they affect multiple systems, giving them the tools and self-care regimens to live healthier pain free lives.
The practice of Acupressure includes the following features:
- Non-pharmacologic therapeutic modality for Stress and Pain relief.
- Mindfulness based holistic intervention.
- Application of finger pressure to points located along energy meridians of the body can exert psychologic, neurologic, and immunologic effects.
- Non-invasive & low cost.
- Empowering and easy to practice for both clinicians & patients.
This continuing education course is a one-day seminar that offers participants an evidence based perspective on the application of Acupressure in a healthcare setting. Participants will be provided with Self- Acupressure point mapping instructions during the course as well as educated on how to integrate Acupressure to bring a holistic perspective to their clinical practice. Labs will be interspersed with lectures throughout the course to reinforce core concepts of an Acupressure practice to provide Stress & Pain relief.
Special Considerations and Lab materials
The labs for this course will involve external whole body palpation and mapping of acupressure points. Participants are encouraged to buy a pack of 1 inch diameter white circle stickers to be used in Labs for mapping acupressure points.
Target Audience
This continuing education seminar is targeted to physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and other rehabilitation professionals who use manual therapy as a treatment modality and treat pain patients in a wide variety of clinical settings. Knowledge of acupressure points with specific anatomical landmarks will enable clinicians to add to their toolbox skills for treating patients who present with anxiety and chronic pain.
Recommended resources
It is recommended that participants purchase an Acupressure Point Chart for ease of following the course work and labs in this course. It is recommended to buy a copy at: https://acupressure.com/products/acupressure-charts/
Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Identify indications of using specific Acupressure points individually and determine how these points affect stress, anxiety, and chronic pain.
- Recognize the role of fascial and connective tissue network in mapping Acupressure points for anxiety, improving respiration mechanics and normalizing vital body functions.
- Teach specific Acupressure potent points that improve overall stress levels, to bring calm and relaxation.
- Demonstrate and teach self-acupressure techniques and applications utilizing live instruction format.
- Self-care and wellness guidelines for home use and how to integrate Acupressure into traditional rehabilitation interventions.
Schedule
| 11:00 | Introduction, goals and objectives. |
| 11:10 | Historical overview of Acupuncture & Acupressure, basic TCM concepts, Meridian theory. |
| 11:30 | Evidence based perspective- Acupuncture & Acupressure. |
| 11:55 | Western perspective of Eastern medicine
|
| 12:15 | Basics of Acupressure practice and precautions. Introduction to the Meridians and key Acu points for anxiety, stress and pain relief |
| 12:30 | Break |
| 12:45 | LIVE Instructed Lab – Mapping Key acupressure points on the Heart, Pericardium, Lung, Stomach, Spleen, Kidney, Bladder, Gall bladder and Liver meridians. Mapping key points on the Conception and Governing Vessels. |
| 1:45 | Case scenario, questions and discussion. Wellness and self-care regimens: Integrating Acupressure into rehabilitation interventions. |
| 2:15 | Adjourn |
Testimonials
References
- Pain: Considering Complementary Approaches published by National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.2019.
- Longhurst, JC. Defining Meridians: A Modern Basis of Understanding. J Acupuncture and Meridian Studies. 3 (2) 2010 67-74.
- Jason Jishun Hao, Michele Mittelman Glob Adv Health Med. 2014 Jul; 3(4): Acupuncture: Past, Present, and Future.
- E. Monson, D. Arney, B. Benham, R. Bird, E. Elias, K. Linden, D. Waggy. Beyond pills: acupressure impact on self-rated pain and anxiety scores, J. Alternative Compl. Med. 25 (5) (2019) 517–52.
- Mehta P, Dhapte V, Kadam S, Dhapte V. Contemporary acupressure therapy: Adroit cure for painless recovery of therapeutic ailments. J Tradit Complement Med. 2016;7(2):251-263. Published 2016 Jul 22. doi:10.5016/j.jtcme.2016.06.004.
Scope of Practice
This course content is ONLY intended for participants within the regulatory scope of practice of their license. By registering for this course you take full responsibility for knowing what lies within and what is outside the professional scope of your practice.
