This course introduces students to the history and development of Eastern and Western Medicine. Students will discuss early theories and philosophies from ancient Oriental medical texts and will compare the basic factors that contributed to advancements in both Eastern and Western Medicine. In addition, students will examine how cultural factors and changes in ruling bodies formed and altered “Traditional” Chinese Medicine. Finally, the class will examine how practicing East Asian Medicine in a modern Western context has altered the medicine.

Basic Theory OM 1: This class covers the basic principles and theories of traditional East Asian Medicine, describing the relationship of yin and yang; five elements; physiological functions of the viscera and bowels; the formation and function of qi, blood, essence, and body fluids; and the nature of the human being. Students will learn the anatomy and physiology of the healthy person. This course serves as the theoretical foundation for the various departments of traditional East Asian Medicine.

Basic Theory OM 2: This course describes traditional pathological concepts of Oriental Medicine. Students learn how the six external pathogens and the seven emotions lead to disharmony in the body and result in pathology. Students also come to understand the effects of over-tonifying or sedating a patient, Yin/Yang imbalance, and the dysfunctions of Qi, Blood, and Body Fluids. This course also introduces basic principles of disease diagnosis and treatment.

OM Diagnosis 1: This course begins the survey of OM Diagnosis through detailing the Four Examination methods: Observation, Auscultation (Listening), Inquiry and Palpation. As a hands-on class, Diagnosis students learn to observe the tongue body and coating and to palpate the radial pulse in order to form a more thorough diagnosis. Students also practice patient interviews, learning to collect pertinent diagnostic information from the patient.

OM Diagnosis 2: This course primarily explores different theories of disease differentiation. As such, students learn the concepts and theory behind Eight Principles diagnosis. This course additionally covers Qi, Blood and Body Fluids diagnosis. In preparation for upcoming courses, students will briefly be introduced to Wen Bing (4 levels), Shang Han (6 channels), and San Jiao diagnostics, as well as Earth School theories. Identification of patterns according to 12 Primary Channels, 8 Extraordinary Vessels and 5 Elements will also be covered.

OM Diagnosis 3: This course covers Zang-Fu pattern differentiation, as well as differentiation of patterns involving multiple organ systems. At the end of this class, students will be able to describe each organ’s associated patterns and will know the key signs and symptoms of each pattern to allow for rapid differentiation in diagnosis. Students will understand the similarities and differences between patterns affecting the Zang and Fu organs and will be able to combine Eight Principle Differentiation with Zang-Fu Differentiation.

This is a four-part series covering the etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of illness in TCM. By learning the signs and symptoms, treatment principles, and herbal and acupuncture prescriptions of various disorders, students reinforce their understanding of basic diagnostic and treatment theories. Students learn differential diagnosis via the analysis of pathological changes of the Qi, Blood, body fluids, channels, and collaterals. In OM Internal Medicine 4-series Course, Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Specialty Cases in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Geriatric, Ophthalmology, Pediatric, Traumatology and Emergency Medicine will be covered.

Part 1: focuses on external diseases, diseases of the Lung, and bleeding disorders.

Part 2: focuses on Palpitations, Insomnia, Chest Painful Obstruction, Emotional Disorder, Manic-Depressive Psychosis, Epigastric Pain, Vomiting, Diarrhea, and Epilepsy.

Part 3: focuses upon diseases of the abdomen and digestive organs, also examining diseases caused by internal wind.

Part 4: focuses on diseases of fluid metabolism, the Kidney, and consumptive disease.

This course is designed as an introduction to eastern philosophy and discussion of its impact upon East Asian Medical Theory. Topics covered include Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. Students will learn the history of the Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic and will discuss its tenets in class. In addition, students will explore the impact of the Yellow Emperor on medical concepts, treatment principles, and applications to clinical practice.

Students will learn Six Channel diagnosis, Zang-fu diagnosis, and the therapeutic process and prognosis for cold-induced disorders and internal diseases from the ancient Chinese medical classics Shang Han Lun and Golden Cabinet. In addition, this course discusses the application and modification of classic formulas in the Shang Han Lun and the Golden Cabinet.

Students will learn the system of Four Levels diagnosis, including pattern presentation, corresponding formulas, and prognosis for each stage of warm febrile disease. San Jiao diagnosis will also be covered in this class. Students will learn to understand the difference between hot and cold attacking pathogens and the progression of warm disease through the four levels and will be able to apply and modify formulas for each level of disease.