TCM Internal Medicine

General Information
Duration 1 semester
Level Year 3, Semester 1
Unit Weighting Unit Credit Points: 10 credit points
Total Course Credit Points: 320 credit points
Student Workload Number of timetabled hours per week: 4
Number of personal study hours per week:  6
Total workload hours per week: 10
Prerequisites ACU207 TCM Practice 1 (Acupuncture Techniques); CHM208 Chinese Herbal Medicine and Formula 3
Academic Details
Description This unit introduces students to the theory and practice of Chinese internal medicine during which students learn about TCM disease classification, their common aetiology and pathogenesis, and the therapeutic methods applied in their treatment.
Each disease is examined in the light of its syndrome differentiation; treatment principles and methods; appropriate formulae and modifications; the application of modalities (Chinese herbal medicine and/or acupuncture and/or tuina). TCM strengths and limitations along with any cautions and contraindications will be evaluated. The unit will also address relevant lifestyle advice including appreciation of Australia’s healthcare context and relevant multi-cultural/multi-racial issues that may affect treatment options, and conditions leading to the necessary referral to peer practitioners or other medical and health professionals when appropriate. The diseases discussed include those that affect the heart, the lungs, the liver, the digestive system, the kidneys and other diseases that are commonly treated in TCM practice.
Learning outcomes On successful completion of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Describe in detail the classifications of diseases in TCM internal medicine.
  2. Analyse the symptomatology, aetiology and pathogenesis of the main diseases in TCM internal medicine.
  3. Demonstrate the application and subsequent management of appropriate TCM treatment for internal medical disorders using acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
  4. Critique TCM approaches to the treatment of diseases including principal guiding formulae, acupuncture, moxibustion and/or massage (tui-na), and individualised patient education in awareness of Australia’s multi-cultural and multi-racial healthcare context.
  5. Evaluate the strengths and limitations of Chinese medicine and the cautions and contraindications that need to be considered including possible adverse reactions to herbal and acupuncture treatments, possible interactions between herbs and other medications, quality use of herbal medicines, and the requirements for the reporting of adverse events and referral to other qualified medical practitioners when appropriate.
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