70864 - Acupuncture: from Principles to Practice

Learning outcomes

To develop knowledge and ability to understand characteristic elements of non conventional medicine. To acquire familiarity with its specific techniques. To reason critically on the differences and the possible integrations between the conventional and non conventional medicine approaches in the context of modern process of Evidence-based care of the patient.

Course contents

Principles of acupuncture and Chinese traditional medicine. Comparison between the development of medicine in the western world and in China. Diagnostic and therapeutic principles in Acupuncture. Neurophysiology and mechanisms of Acupuncture;  neurotransmitters  and modulators; and clinical indications. Acupuncture Electro-analgesia in surgery, the model of placebo analgesia and the phenomenon of the central sensitization. Techniques of needles use; the Acupuncture point: anatomical and electric evidences. Clinical evidences of effectiveness of acupuncture and the other non Conventional Medicine approaches; integration with modern medicine. Acupuncture as integrated therapy of the psychosomatic issues: advantages and limits. Acupuncture and the ear therapy in the care of the patient with non-cancer chronic pain. Principal applications of the integrated medicine in internal medicine and in the psychosomatic medicine. Small work groups and practical exercises

Readings/Bibliography

Voluntary purchase of Texts recommended by the teachers during the course.

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons; clinical cases; practical exercises

Assessment methods

Individual discussion, at the of the lessons cycle, on the topics exposed during the lessons folowing the class program. Final vote is given in terms of appropriateness ("idoneità") .

Teaching tools

PC; slides.

Office hours

See the website of Gianfranco Di Nino