The First Year
(All Programs - M.Ac., M.Ac.O.M./D.A.H.M. programs)

The first year of instruction focuses on students gaining insight and knowledge from experienced faculty in clinic and academic instruction, and the introduction of students to the fundamentals of both classical and contemporary traditions of East Asian medicine. Students have the unique opportunity of preceptoring from the beginning of the school year with experienced SIEAM clinical faculty who represent diverse backgrounds in diagnostic and treatment approaches to patient care. There is in-depth instruction in qi gong and physical palpation and assessment techniques, as well as methods of performing acupuncture and related modalities. Grounding in surface anatomy and western clinical science is also provided in order to more effectively inform the practice of bodywork and acupuncture in clinic. Students study the basics of Chinese herbal medicine and Chinese medical language throughout this year and observe in clinical practice how the range of modalities are used by SIEAM’s experienced practitioners

Teaching palpation techniques

Part of the first year includes an introduction to Engaging Vitality's palpation techniques. Here, Marguerite Dinkins, M.Ac.O.M., L.Ac., guides first-year students through one of these techniques, which Dr. Dan Bensky, D.O., and Chip Chace, L.Ac. have applied to Chinese medicine.

Palpation of the "listening posts"

A first-year student assesses the "listening posts" as Marguerite Dinkins, M.Ac.O.M. L.Ac., offers hands-on guidance.

Finding acupuncture points on the extremities

During the first year, students will palpate acupuncture points on each other, marking the points with dots so instructors can correct for proper point location. Acupuncture points can be found on the hips, thighs, legs, feet, shoulders, arms, forearms, and hands.

Finding acupuncture points on the upper back

There are acupuncture points on the scalp, ears, face, neck, back, chest, and abdomen. Each student demonstrates accurate point location before moving on to needling practice.

The First Year (All Programs - M.Ac., M.Ac.O.M./D.A.H.M. programs)

The First Year
(All Programs - M.Ac., M.Ac.O.M./D.A.H.M. programs)