IMT 1001: Fundamentals of East Asian Medicine

This course engages students with the fundamental principles of acupuncture and oriental medicine. Students learn about the research-based mechanisms of action, as well as the Chinese medical perspectives of how and why acupuncture affects change in the body. Students receive a brief overview of the history and foundations of ancient Chinese medicine and the theoretical principles surrounding 8-Principle, 5-Element, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and other popular treatment approaches. Students learn about the acupuncture meridians (aka channels), acupuncture points, and pulse and tongue diagnosis.Students get a brief practical experience using acupuncture needles and will observe acupuncture treatments in class and in the clinical setting. Treatment demonstrations include but are not limited to needling, explanation of needling techniques, and the use of moxibustion, cupping, guasha, and tuina when appropriate. Students learn how to interact with acupuncturists, professionally, and within the context of interprofessional education and internal medicine. Students also learn about the laws governing the practice of acupuncture in the United States. This course is not comprehensive of the full body of knowledge students must undergo in order to become or identify as a "licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac.)" or use needles in a clinical setting. This course must enroll a minimum of 10 and is limited to the first 14 students to register. It is only offered in Utah at this time.