Read here about Rebecca Avern’s experiences of treating babies and children after completing our Paediatrics diploma course. In this article, originally published in the European Journal of Oriental Medicine, (Volume 7, No 5, 2014) she gives us an insight into A Day in the Life of The Panda Clinic: A Children’s Acupuncture centre.
"There were unexpected benefits...
Because diagnosing children relies heavily on observation, my observational skills improved. And as many of the chronic conditions start in childhood my understanding of the progression of disease increased. Lectures on subjects like learning disabilities, asthma and epilepsy also increased my general knowledge of TCM. I had to raise my game in terms of needle technique too in order to give painless (sometimes) one-handed treatment to children (you often need the other hand to hold them still!). All of these things benefit not only the little folk in my clinic, but the big folk as well."
Danny Blyth, acupuncturist, Chinese herbal medicine practitioner and lecturer, Cheltenham
Diploma in Paediatric Acupuncture
This comprehensive diploma course in paediatric acupuncture starts in September 2015 and is studied over a period of 20 months. It is the result of many years of development by Julian Scott.
It will deepen your understanding of acupuncture and enrich your adult practice, as well as enabling you to treat children and babies. It will also help practitioners of Chinese herbal medicine and tuina develop their skills in diagnosing and treating children.
Handouts and a 1,600-page manual will support you in your studies at College, your homework assignments and your practice.
Clinical work, photos and videos of clinical situations will bring study topics to life. You will have the opportunity to bring patients to College during your training.
Whether you simply wish to broaden your understanding of paediatrics, or have a more ambitious plan to start a children’s clinic, this course is for you.
Course Structure and Dates
All classes are held here at the college on Fridays from 10am to 5pm.
Module 1 : 11 Sept, 9 Oct, 13 Nov, 11 Dec 2015
For those who want to learn about the treatment of babies and young children, but don’t wish to make paediatrics a major part of their practice.There will be an introduction to the main differences between treating children and adults.
Learn how to treat conditions such as vomiting and diarrhoea, recognise accumulation disorder, understand diet, the importance of lingering pathogenic factors, the range of conditions acupuncture can help, and when to refer.
Module 2 : 15 Jan, 12 Feb, 11 Mar, 13 May, 10 Jun, 8 Jul 2016
Covers some of the major children’s problems in detail and will include two days of western medical paediatrics. Develop a low-pain needle technique, Become confident in treating common children’s conditions such as asthma, enuresis, hyperactivity and complications of immunisations.
Module 3 : 9 Sept, 14 Oct, 11 Nov, 9 Dec 2016, 13 Jan, 10 Feb, 10 Mar, 12 May 2017
Intended for those who wish to develop their skills to a greater depth and those who may wish to start a children’s clinic. Become confident in treating a wide range of conditions in babies and children, including infections, food allergies, eczema, fevers and childhood illnesses such as whooping cough and measles. On the final day there will be written and practical exams.
Entry Requirement:
A recognised qualification in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine or tuina.
Fees
Module 1 (4 days) £480
Modules 1 and 2 (10 days) £1,200
Modules 1, 2 and 3 (18 days) £2,100
A discount of 1•5% is available for full payment by 31 March 2015. When you are offered a place you will need to pay a non-refundable deposit of £150.
Modules 2 and 3 are limited to 25 participants. If module 1 is oversubscribed, preference will be given to those attending modules 2 and 3.
How to Apply
Please fill in an application form. If you have any other questions, please contact the course registrar Karen Starr karen.starr@cicm.org.uk.
Principal Teachers
Julian Scott has been treating children for 40 years. He first qualified at ICOM, and then studied further in China. His translation of Chinese texts became the foundation for the first edition of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Children. Subsequent editions have incorporated more clinical observations on how traditional theories have had to be adapted to western conditions. He has co-founded children’s clinics in England, Israel and the USA.
Rebecca Avern has a BA(Hons) in Eastern Religions and Literature from the University of Bristol. She spent four years teaching in Asia and Europe, before embarking on the acupuncture course at the College, graduating in 2001. After graduating, she studied with and worked alongside Giovanni Maciocia for several years. She is a teacher and clinical supervisor here at the College. Rebecca practises in Oxford and is a steering committee member of ACT (Acupuncture in Childbirth Team) Oxford. Having completed post-graduate paediatric training with Julian Scott, Rebecca founded an acupuncture clinic in Oxford for the treatment of babies, children and adolescents, called the Panda Clinic.
Danny Blyth studied acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine here at CICM, graduating in 1998. He has postgraduate diplomas in Chinese language, paediatric acupuncture, and academic studies, and has a special interest in teaching and using nutrition to support treatment. Danny currently practises in Cheltenham where he also teaches tai chi and qi gong.