Master of Science in Oriental Medicine Doctor of Science in Oriental Medicine
The School of Classical Chinese Medicine is committed to transmitting the art, science and spirit of Chinese medicine to cultivate clinical practitioners rooted in the ancient tradition of the medical scholar.
School of
Classical Chinese Medicine The mission of the School of Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM) is “To transmit the art, science and spirit of Chinese medicine to cultivate clinical practitioners rooted in the ancient tradition of the medical scholar.” Founding Professor Dr. Heiner Fruehauf chose the school name to highlight NCNM’s commitment to honor the ancient roots of Chinese medicine, and strengthen the contemporary connection to the extensive history of theory, scholarship and clinical experience underlying the modern TCM approach. We believe that a profound and clinically mature expression of this medicine comes from integrating modern biomedical advances into the more complex and comprehensive framework of this ancient whole-systems science. All CCM students at NCNM gain a classical orientation to the medicine from their faculty—a wonderfully diverse yet exceptionally cohesive community devoted to the classical traditions. Our faculty include world-renowned scholars of the classical texts of Chinese medicine, and CCM practitioners with an average of 20 years of clinical experience. In addition, DSOM students learn to read the classical texts of Chinese medicine in the original classical characters. The goal is to promote their self-cultivation and enhance their ability to achieve superior patient health outcomes.
Master of Science in Oriental Medicine The Master of Science in Oriental Medicine (MSOM) degree is a four-year program in which students are immersed in the classical foundations of the medicine, receive a holistic education in Western medical sciences, and are trained in the clinical application of the major modalities of herbal formulation, acupuncture, moxibustion, Asian bodywork, qigong and nutrition. The curriculum has a strong focus on personal and professional cultivation to optimize students’ proficiency as practitioners, and to support their health as they progress through school. The MSOM program provides: • One of the most comprehensive classical Chinese medicine degrees in the world • A solid foundation in classical theory, including conceptual grounding in the classical texts of the medicine • Training in the broadest spectrum of modalities within the scope of Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM), including classical acupuncture and herbal prescription • Strong training in biomedicine, with an emphasis on how to apply biomedical knowledge within the more expansive framework of wholesystems science • A strong emphasis on personal and professional cultivation, including weekend qigong retreats held at hot springs, ancient forest and mountain locales
Potential careers • Private practice in the field of acupuncture and Oriental medicine • Practice in integrative care centers with conventional providers • Research, publishing and teaching in the AOM profession • Specialties in oncology care, fertility treatment, pain management and more
• Lineage-style mentorship opportunities • Access to an extensive set of elective courses designed to connect the serious student of classical Chinese medicine with the authentic milieu of the ancient scholar-practitioner The MSOM degree is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) and qualifies graduates to apply for licensure in Oregon and other states, and to take all of the AOM examinations administered by NCCAOM—used in most states as the basis for licensure.
Doctor of Science in Oriental Medicine The Doctor of Science in Oriental Medicine (DSOM) degree is a four-year program within which the MSOM program is fully nested. In addition to achievement of the MSOM competencies, DSOM students cultivate the capacity to directly access the profound level of knowledge and wisdom in the classical texts of Chinese medicine. They journey on the path of the scholar-practitioner, committed to applying ancient knowledge in the service of enhanced clinical outcomes. With a patient-centered focus, they attain the competencies required to integrate their classical knowledge, skills and values into the broader healthcare system through effective communication, education and collaboration. In addition to what is listed for the MSOM program, the DSOM program provides: • Instruction by world-class scholars on how to read (in the original characters) and evaluate translations of the classical texts of Chinese medicine, including the Huangdi Neijing, Shanghanlun and Jingui Yaolüe • Mentored training in how to apply knowledge from the classical texts in modern clinical practice • Cutting-edge inquiry into how to bridge, correlate and communicate Eastern and Western ways of understanding health and disease • A whole-systems approach to inter-professional collaboration • A four-year course series emphasizing reflective learning, appreciative inquiry and self-awareness exercises to promote personal engagement with the curriculum and support professional development • A mentored process through which students create and complete a doctoral capstone project Graduates of the DSOM program have completed all of the requirements of the MSOM program, and therefore also receive the MSOM degree. The MSOM degree is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) and qualifies graduates to apply for licensure in Oregon and other states, and to take all of the AOM examinations administered by NCCAOM—used in most states as the basis for licensure. The DSOM is not accredited or pre-accredited by ACAOM. Graduates of this program are not considered to have graduated from an ACAOM accredited or candidate program and may not rely on ACAOM accreditation or candidacy for professional licensure or other purposes. The DSOM program is eligible for ACAOM accreditation and NCNM is currently in the process of seeking ACAOM candidacy/ accreditation. However, NCNM cannot provide assurance that candidacy or accreditation will be granted by ACAOM. The DSOM program is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, which is located at: 8060 165th Avenue NE, Suite 100, Redmond, WA 98052. Phone: 425.558.4224
Estimated Program Cost Current tuition, as of 2015/2016, for the CCM programs is $402 per credit. Tuition is subject to change. Please contact the Office of Admissions for current information. MSOM Estimated first-year tuition: 46.25 credits x $402/credit = $18,593*
Total MSOM degree credits
Estimated total program cost: 219 credits x $402/credit = $88,038*
Required credits
213
Elective credits
6
*subject to change; does not include course lab fees
Total credits
DSOM Estimated first-year tuition: 60.75 credits x $402/credit = $24,422*
Total DSOM degree credits
Estimated total program cost: 267 credits x $402/credit = $107,334*
Required credits
257
Elective credits
10
Total credits
267
*subject to change; does not include course lab fees
219
Admissions Requirements GPA: 3.0 or higher Course Prerequisites: •
General Chemistry
one course
•
General Biology
one course
•
Physics Must cover mechanics
one course
•
Social Sciences
one course
•
Humanities
one course
Essay: How do you see yourself using the MSOM/DSOM degree five years beyond graduation from NCNM? (max. 1,000 words, double spaced) Reasoning: Please discuss the specific factors that drew you to apply to the MSOM/DSOM program at NCNM. (max. 800 words, double spaced) Personal Statement: Please provide a personal statement. (max. 1,000 words, double spaced)
Required Courses: Courses designated with an * are required in the DSOM curriculum, and available as electives to MSOM students having met the course prerequisites. Classical Chinese Medicine Immersion Retreat
Beginning students are introduced to traditional Chinese language and culture, with the aim of enhancing sensitivity and appreciation for the cultural context of classical Chinese medicine.
Foundations of Classical Chinese Medicine I – III
This course series introduces the common principles that underlie all traditional nature sciences, in this case observed from the perspective of classical Chinese medicine. Core concepts include the holographic quality of nature, dynamism, complexity, the symbolic pattern language of the universe, and the relationship between matter, energy and spirit.
*Chinese History and Culture I - III
A foundation for the whole program, this series gives an overview of Chinese history and culture to help students understand the worldview and mindset that created this unique form of medicine. In the final course, students learn about the major medical classics and their authors as keystones in the development of medical theory. (The first course in the series is also part of the core MSOM curriculum.)
Acu-Moxa Points I – VI
This series starts with two quarters of point location integrated with the therapeutic actions of the points. The next two quarters focus on a more detailed exploration of channel pathways and point combining principles. The final two quarters focus on the art of individualized point prescribing using appropriate treatment principles.
Acu-Moxa Techniques I – VI
This series focuses on developing acupuncture diagnostic and treatment skills. The class format typically includes lecture and demonstration, followed by a practice session in which students work on each other under the observation and guidance of experienced supervisors.
Acu-Moxa Anatomy In this innovative course series, which includes a cadaver laboratory I & II component, students learn the anatomy associated with specific acupuncture points and gain an appreciation for the structure and organization of the tissues associated with the Chinese organ networks. Palpation and Perception I – III Practicum
Through supervised hands-on experience, students develop the ability to sense and palpate the physical and energetic bodies. Students become familiar with internal and external anatomical landmarks and practice palpating the mobility and motility of various body fluids and tissues, including bone, connective tissue and organs.
*Classical Texts I – III
The first three courses in this series introduce the basics of the spoken and written classical Chinese language, including the fundamentals of classical Chinese grammar. Students learn how to use a Chinese dictionary. Included in this series is an introduction to the seminal text of classical Chinese medicine, the Huangdi Neijing.
First, modify the patient’s diet and lifestyle and only then, if these do not effect a cure, treat with medicinals and acupuncture. SUN SIMIAO
Required Courses: Courses designated with an * are required in the DSOM curriculum, and available as electives to MSOM students having met the course prerequisites. *Imaginal and Experiential Inquiries I-XIII
This course series emphasizes reflective learning, appreciative inquiry and self-awareness exercises to promote each student’s personal engagement with the curriculum and support their professional development. In small groups facilitated by faculty advisors, students continuously define, achieve and refine their learning goals. Through the process, they choose and hone their doctoral capstone topic, and create a professional portfolio.
Herbs I – VI with Practicum
This series begins with the method and rationale for Chinese herbal classification, and focuses on individual herbs including their Chinese, Latin and common names. Students then learn the logic and principles of herb combining before moving on to study the most important formulas of the classical Chinese formulary. Special attention is given to the art and principles of modifying herbal formulas to more truly meet the needs of individual patients. Through the practicums, students gain experiential knowledge of the herbs and formulas.
Required Courses: Courses designated with an * are required in the DSOM curriculum, and available as electives to MSOM students having met the course prerequisites. Qigong Retreat and Practicum I – IX
Through this three-year series, students are immersed in the fundamentals of the Jinjing (tendon and channel) School of Qigong, one of China’s true alchemical life science traditions. By way of traditional lineage instruction, students experience the elements of a deeply nourishing qigong practice and learn to apply their skills and knowledge to the education and treatment of others.
Business of Chinese Medicine I – IV
This course series is designed to equip each student with the understanding, skills and resources needed to conceptualize, start-up and successfully manage a profitable practice that resonates with their personality, ethical standards and the heart of the medicine.
Evidence-Informed Practice
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to read medical research material and critically assess clinical studies.
Chinese Diagnostic Techniques I & II
This lecture and lab series is designed to teach, demonstrate and practice the basic diagnostic procedures of Chinese medicine, including visual observation (wang), olfactory perception (wen), questioning (wen) and palpation (qie, including Chinese medicine physical diagnosis and pulse diagnosis).
*CCM View of Biomedicine
The content of this weekend seminar includes a comparison of Eastern and Western epistemology, and a discussion of how the information in the biomedicine series can be viewed from the perspective of CCM. It includes a consideration of how insights gained from the classical texts of Chinese medicine can illuminate the understanding of modern scientific discoveries.
Introduction to Clinic
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of working in the NCNM clinics. Topics include clinic policies and procedures, hygienic standards, charting, patient confidentiality and multicultural awareness.
Cosmology and Symbolism I – III
This course series delves into the time-honored system of Chinese symbol science, which describes the physiology of the microcosm in terms of macrocosmic processes, involving such phenomena as stellar constellations, months of the year, earthly branches, hexagrams, and rivers in the sacred landscape of ancient China.
Chinese Pathology I – III
This course series introduces the models employed throughout the classical medical literature for the study of human pathology, and includes important lines and passages from the classical texts of Chinese medicine to develop an understanding of Chinese medical pathology. Emphasis is placed on synthesizing multiple approaches into a cohesive understanding of pathology that can be applied to more advanced clinical material.
*Classical Texts IV-VI
In this second-year series, students translate two of the major classical texts of Chinese medicine, the Shanghanlun and Jingui Yaolüe.
Required Courses: Courses designated with an * are required in the DSOM curriculum, and available as electives to MSOM students having met the course prerequisites. Asian Bodywork
This course builds on the manual and perceptive skills learned in the palpation and perception series as it introduces the energetic, theoretical and practical aspects of several systems of classical Chinese bodywork.
Biomedicine I – VI
Students learn the basic pathophysiological mechanisms of disease as understood through the biomedical perspective, and develop an understanding of important laboratory markers, diagnostic imaging and clinical findings relevant to each of the major body systems. Students learn how to view biomedical knowledge from the perspective of whole-systems science.
Immunology
This course focuses on the basic functions of the immune system with emphasis on its role in protecting against microbial infections and tumors. Also considered are immune deficiency states, autoimmunity and psychoneuroimmunology.
Clinical Observation Rotation I – III
In this introductory type of clinical rotation, five student “observers” learn as they watch a seasoned faculty supervisor in session with a clinic patient. While observing, the objective is to absorb as much of the method and process of clinical practice as possible.
Auricular Points
Students gain hands-on experience with the most used and researched microsystem in Chinese medicine, the ear. The Chinese system of auricular therapy is presented, along with some French auriculomedicine. The focus is on learning the anatomy of the ear and the identification of acupuncture points that are useful for both diagnosis and treatment.
Required Courses: Courses designated with an * are required in the DSOM curriculum, and available as electives to MSOM students having met the course prerequisites. Practitioner Cultivation I & II
Students reflect on their personal goals and motivations for becoming CCM practitioners. Self-reflection exercises provide the opportunity for students to study their personal histories and identify their strengths, limitations, values and core challenges. The series concludes with a focus on relationship dynamics between the practitioner and patient, with a strong emphasis on listening, connection, communication, boundary definition, and understanding transference/counter transference.
*Classical Texts VII-IX
This course series focuses on translation of portions of the Huangdi Neijing, with an emphasis on understanding the clinical insights revealed by this seminal text of Chinese medicine.
*Advanced Cosmology and Symbolism I – III
Students gain insight into the profound ancient understanding of the acupuncture channels by studying the symbolism associated with the acupuncture point names. The third course introduces the functional symbolism of the most important herb names.
Clinical Medicine I – III
Students develop their clinical reasoning skills, integrating biomedical, TCM and classical approaches to patient diagnosis and treatment. Using modern case studies, as well as the analysis of cases from the classical literature, students learn how to approach modern disorders such as Lyme disease, multiple sclerosis, cancer, and other types of chronic and recalcitrant diseases.
Advanced Acu-Moxa Techniques I & II
Students refine their hand-skill and acupuncture technique, and learn a variety of additional adjunct therapies, including different styles of moxibustion, cupping, guasha, bleeding and teishin. Using knowledge gained in the concurrent clinical medicine courses, students learn to assess which techniques and modalities to select for optimal clinical benefit in different clinical scenarios.
Required Courses: Courses designated with an * are required in the DSOM curriculum, and available as electives to MSOM students having met the course prerequisites. Chinese Medical Psychology I & II
An introduction to Chinese medical systems of five-phase element healing, with an in-depth analysis of the “spirits” and pathological emotions associated with each organ network. Emphasis is placed on the practical application of therapeutic techniques (including herbal prescriptions) that facilitate physical and emotional healing.
Nutrition
Diet and its relationship to health and disease is explored, with an emphasis on the health effects of different foods and specialized diets. The course covers recommended daily allowance, food labels and hidden ingredients, and organic foods and GMO foods. Each week, students cook healthy whole-foods meals.
Clinical Case Presentation I – III
This series provides a forum for students to apply and integrate the concepts and information learned in their academic courses to clinical scenarios.
Clinical Mentoring Rotation I-VI
The third year of the curriculum focuses on clinical reasoning and the refinement of diagnosis and treatment skills. In the clinic, students become more directly involved in the patient intake, diagnosis and treatment, under the direct guidance of a clinical supervisor.
Clinical PreInternship Rotation
Students pair with soon-to-be graduating interns in order to learn the flow and responsibilities of this role.
Applied Palpation and Perception
Students refine their palpation and bodywork skills, and learn how to apply them clinically.
Clinical and Physical Diagnosis
Students learn to perform and interpret basic integrative physical examinations of the major body systems. A strong emphasis is placed on the recognition of “red flag” signs and symptoms indicating the need for urgent medical intervention and/or co-management.
Public Health Policy Students learn how policy plays an important role in public health and governmental responses to public health issues. Social justice and health access are discussed, as well as integrative medicine strategies to address these concerns. Guest lecturers provide perspective on the issues facing public health, including addiction, mental health, vaccination, obesity and tobacco use. Physiology of Acupuncture
This course reviews the leading-edge scientific literature on how acupuncture exerts its effects, and relates the physiological mechanisms of acupuncture action to both the classics and everyday clinical practice.
Acu-Moxa Board Review
In preparation for national board exams, this course highlights all essential aspects of acupuncture and Asian medical theory through a series of mock exams, discussion and question/answer sessions.
Required Courses: Courses designated with an * are required in the DSOM curriculum, and available as electives to MSOM students having met the course prerequisites. Taiji I – III Practicum
Precisely choreographed movements create a relaxing mind-body dance that stretches and strengthens the entire body. Taiji’s slow, deliberate moves develop balance and grace. Its meditative style facilitates harmonious breathing and a focused mind. It is, in short, meditation in motion. From a Chinese medical perspective, taiji harmonizes the “three treasures,” jing, qi and shen (essence, energy and spirit).
Traditional Mentorship Tutorial I – III
A hallmark of the MSOM program, the tutorial classes are designed to facilitate direct and personal contact between students and instructors, and thereby the culture and lineage system of a classical Chinese medicine education. Topics are discussed from the unique perspective of the mentor’s own path of learning and knowledge integration.
Clinical Internship Rotation I – IX
During clinical internship, the student assumes primary responsibility for the diagnosis and treatment of patients under the supervision of experienced practitioners.
Internship Case Presentation I – III
In this seminar-format series, interns present case histories of chosen patients, and receive feedback and critique by fellow interns and a clinical faculty member.
Herbs Review/ Medicinary Practicum
This course supports the synthesis of herbal knowledge by reviewing all categories of the science of Chinese herbal prescribing incorporated into most national and state exams. In addition, it prepares students for herbal practice and running an herbal dispensary.
*Healthcare Landscape
This course surveys and prepares students to navigate the current and projected state of health care in the U.S. With an emphasis on systems-based medicine, it considers the implications of the Affordable Care Act and the coordination of care within the broader biomedicine-based healthcare system.
*Eastern and Western Correspondences
Through short lectures, discussion and case review, students explore how to more fully integrate material previously covered in the biomedicine series with their deepening understanding of Chinese medicine. Students are challenged to articulate concepts in a manner appropriate for audiences ranging from Eastern and Western healthcare professionals, to patients and the lay public.
*Doctoral Capstone Tutorial and Mentorship
These two courses provide training in CCM scholarship, and mentor students through the research, writing and presentation of a doctoral capstone project.
Community Education
Students learn the skills necessary to interact with the public and convey information with the aim of building and maintaining a practice and/or professional community.
Elective Courses – this is a sample list, additional electives are available. Yijing I & II (I Ching)
Students embark upon and develop an enduring and productive relationship with the Yijing, a world famous text from ancient China. The second course examines the characters that comprise the name for each of the 64 hexagrams.
Bazi Suanming I & II
An introduction to “The Calculation of Life According to the Eight Signs”—a highly sophisticated model of Chinese constitutional and medical chronobiology and chronopsychology that has very practical implications for clinical practice.
Shan Ren Dao Retreat
In this two-week retreat, students become immersed in the theory and practice of the healing system created by the modern Confucian educator Wang Fengyi (1864-1937). This system remains the most complete emotional healing system of Chinese medicine still in practice today.
Five-Element Wilderness Retreat
This retreat facilitates the practitioner’s journey toward a more intimate connection to nature, including a deeper connection to each other, as well as the hidden layers of one’s own healing potential. More specifically, this course presents an immersion in the natural manifestations of the five-phase elements.
Shiatsu I – VI
The shiatsu series presents a thorough grounding in the principles and style of Asian bodywork, the energetic anatomy upon which it is based, and the fundamentals of touching with quality. Students learn a variety of techniques and maneuvers in the context of a complete, full-body massage.
Chinese Calligraphy I & II
Students learn how to use the basic tools of calligraphy, namely brush, ink and paper. Progressing through the basic strokes of Chinese writing to the writing of specifically chosen characters, this process is designed to facilitate their understanding of the relationship between characters, philosophy and universal qi. In the process, students learn to harness and control their own internal qi.
Weiqi
Students learn the history, philosophy and principles of weiqi (Chinese chess, also known as “Go”). This course develops the critical thinking skills of students as they learn to apply the strategies and techniques of the game to the art of treating disease.
Introduction to Chinese Tea
In this two-day retreat, students are introduced to using Chinese tea in service of healing and self-cultivation, and understanding the energetics of tea. Students learn the six classes of teas in the world and how to brew each type.
Qigong Teaching Practicum I – III
This advanced elective series is designed for the serious qigong student who wishes to continue formal training in qigong and integrate the teaching of qigong into their clinical practice.
To cure disease is like waiting until one is thirsty before digging a well. LI SHI ZHEN
FACULTY HIGHLIGHT
Xiaoli Chen, LAc “As a teacher, I want to pass along to my students classical Chinese medicine theories and practices, starting where Chinese medicine begins: at the roots. When you go to the roots, you really understand; you have a better way to absorb the essence of our work.” Dr. Chen’s practice is, for her, a calling. “Using Chinese medicine to heal wounds, treat illness, and prevent diseases is my holy mission. My intention is to always practice with a kind heart.” Dr. Chen earned her Doctor of Medicine degree in Acupuncture at China’s Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and teaching hospital, where she taught and practiced for many years. At NCNM, she teaches acupuncture and moxibustion, and supervises observers and interns on teaching shifts at the NCNM Clinic. Dr. Chen treats a wide variety of conditions at NCNM’s clinics and in her private practice at Kwan-Yin Healing Arts Center using acupuncture, moxibustion, herbs, diet, qigong and Chinese massage. An award-winning researcher, Dr. Chen has written three books and published extensively in professional journals. Her research has included a case series on depression associated with menopause and an NCNM Helfgott Research Institute project on the effects of adjunctive acupuncture in the treatment of spasmodic dysphonia (a voice disorder).
MSOM and DSOM—Four-Year Program
DSOM students take all the MSOM courses, plus the courses marked with an asterisk. FIRST YEAR
THIRD YEAR
Classical Chinese Medicine Immersion Retreat
Clinical Medicine I – III
Foundations of CCM I – III
Advanced Acu-Moxa Techniques I & II
Chinese History and Culture I – III
Applied Palpation and Perception
Chinese Diagnostic Techniques I & II
Chinese Medical Psychology I & II
Acu-Moxa Points I – III
Biomedicine IV – VI
Acu-Moxa Techniques I – III
Nutrition
Palpation and Perception I – III
Clinical and Physical Diagnosis
Herbs I – III with Practicum
Public Health Policy
Evidence-Informed Practice
Qigong VII – IX Retreat with Practicum
Qigong I – III Retreat with Practicum
Clinical Case Presentation I – III
Introduction to Clinic
Clinical Mentoring Rotation I – VI
Business of Chinese Medicine I
Clinical Pre-Intership Rotation
*Classical Texts I – III
Business of Chinese Medicine III
*Imaginal and Experiential Inquiries I – III
*Classical Texts VII – IX
*CCM View of Biomedicine
*Imaginal and Experiential Inquiries VII – IX
SECOND YEAR
*Advanced Cosmology and Symbolism I – III
Cosmology and Symbolism I – III
FOURTH YEAR
Chinese Pathology I – III
Traditional Mentorship Tutorial I – III
Acu-Moxa Points IV – VI
Acu-Moxa Board Review
Auricular Points
Herbs Review/Medicinary Practicum
Acu-Moxa Techniques IV – VI
Practitioner Cultivation II
Asian Bodywork
Physiology of Acupuncture
Practitioner Cultivation I
Taiji I – III Practicum
Herbs IV – VI with Practicum
Internship Case Presentation I – III
Biomedicine I – III
Clinical Internship Rotation I – IX
Acu-Moxa Anatomy I & II
Business of Chinese Medicine IV
Immunology
Community Education
Qigong IV – VI Retreat with Practicum
*Imaginal and Experiential Inquiries X – XIII
Clinical Observation Rotation I – III
*Doctoral Capstone Tutorial
Business of Chinese Medicine II
*Doctoral Capstone Mentorship
*Classical Texts IV – VI
*Healthcare Landscape
*Imaginal and Experiential Inquiries IV – VI
*Eastern and Western Correspondences
049 SW Porter Street Portland, OR 97201 ncnm.edu • admissions@ncnm.edu 503.552.1660 • 877.669.8737 NCNM ADMITS STUDENTS OF ANY RACE, COLOR, AND NATIONAL OR ETHNIC ORIGIN.
10/2015