This course teaches osteopaths how to safely and effectively needle a limited range of acupuncture points as part of their clinical practice 

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About the course

This course teaches osteopaths how to safely and effectively needle a limited range of acupuncture points as part of their clinical practice. Western and Chinese concepts of musculoskeletal acupuncture are discussed and integrated with osteopathic clinical reasoning. The course emphasises safe and effective practical techniques. Application to clinical cases is discussed throughout.

The course is spread over two weekends at the following dates and times:

Saturday 15th May 2021, 09:00 - 17:30

Sunday 16 May 2021, 09:30 - 17:30

Saturday 26 June 2021, 09:30 - 17:30

Sunday 27 June 2021, 09:30 - 17:30

After the first weekend, delegates will be provided with a temporary certificate covering the use of a limited number of acupuncture points in their practice, allowing them to gain practical experience to be discussed further at the second weekend. Delegates will need to contact their professional indemnity insurer to be covered and their local council for permission to use needles in their practice. After the second weekend, delegates will be issued with a certificate for practice on condition that they demonstrate safe practice and pass the exam set by the course tutor. If you are required to re-sit the exam there will be an additional cost of £25.

Osteopathic Practice Standards (updated) and other CPD elements covered

B) Knowledge, skills and performance - B1, B2, B3

C) Safety and quality in practice - C1

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, delegates should:

• understand the cautions and contraindications associated with acupuncture;
• be able to demonstrate safe, hygienic and effective needling techniques;
• be able to locate and needle a limited range of acupuncture points;
• be able to indicate the course of 12 Channels (Meridians) along the spine and on the limbs;
• have a basic understanding of the neurophysiological theory underpinning the western interpretation of acupuncture;
• understand principles of point selection and treatment design, both from a perspective of western and a Chinese (Channel) perspective;
• have a working knowledge of myofascial trigger points;
• be able to integrate the use of acupuncture with musculoskeletal osteopathic practice.

Course suitability

Practicing osteopaths with at least two years in practice. Delegates with one of the following absolute contraindications cannot attend this course:

•  Pregnancy
•  Absolute fear of needles
•  Allergy to metals
•  Extreme nervousness or restlessness, i.e. the inability to stay still.

Important information

Delegates will be practicing techniques on each other and are advised to wear suitable clothing. Delegates also need an up to date Hepatitis B vaccine to do this course

About the tutor

Dr Hubert van Griensven is a Chartered Physiotherapist, Registered Acupuncturist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire, where he leads MSc modules on pain and pain psychology. He completed a three-year course in Chinese acupuncture in 1996 and has taught acupuncture to musculoskeletal practitioners for many years. Hubert holds an MSc in Pain from King’s College London and a PhD from the University of Brighton. He has published two textbooks on pain for healthcare practitioners and has contributed to other books. In his latest research he has investigated central sensitisation in shoulder pain.

Cancellation policy

The UCO regrets that no refunds can be made for cancelled places unless a substitute participant can be found.  The UCO cannot guarantee that any course will run.  In the event of your course being cancelled, all paid fees and deposits will be refunded in full.