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About the Course

Do you have basic certification in veterinary acupuncture but want to understand more and increase your skills and knowledge to an advanced level?

The advanced certification in Veterinary Neuroacupuncture will help you bridge the gap between Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and conventional veterinary medicine through a contemporary exploration and integration of the neurophysiological application of acupuncture in small animal clinical practice.

You will learn the connection between certain TCM theories and practices and current scientific explanations or theories of acupuncture, and how it works. You will be able to incorporate current scientific acupuncture theory and biomedical science in its application and approach to patient assessment and treatment, along with the application of TCM theory.

You will benefit from collaborative learning opportunities gained through discussion and sharing of information, and you will enjoy the focus on the clinical application of your new knowledge. Problem-solving case studies are included and active forum discussions will provide a range of current clinical conundrums for you to consider. Your mentors will be alongside you every step of the way.

 

"The CIVT Neuroacupuncture course has been one of the best courses in my life, providing a deep update on both neurology and acupuncture. I feel more confident on neurologic examination, diagnosis and differentials. Acupuncture deals with the origin of neurological and musculoskeletal disorders, being a terrific medicine to treat both. This course is one you really should consider if you practice acupuncture....highly recommended!" Dr Maricarmen Barba, Chile, MV, CVA, DHom, ACVN

 

The course is comprised of 3 modules:

Module 1 - Veterinary Clinical Neurology

Neurology may seem complicated, and it doesn’t have to be that way. Many veterinarians are afraid of neurology, yet are brilliant diagnosticians, surgeons and medical practitioners. Fear often keeps us from seeing what we need to see and limits our ability to move forward in all aspects of life. Neurology is no different. One of the most important goals of this class is to remove the fear from neurology and help you enjoy treating your neurological patients. This first module of the Advanced Certification in Veterinary Medical Acupuncture is the foundation stone of your understanding and further training in this course.

Module 2 - Evidence Basis for Acupuncture and Practical Application to Common Conditions

The western world has been working to put its own scientific explanations to the why and how acupuncture works and translate Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theories into the modern western understanding of how the body works. There is no single explanation or theory on how it works, but acupuncture seems to stimulate a number of physiological effects that seem to activate the body’s own homeostatic regulatory systems.

This module explores acupuncture from a modern, evidence-based perspective, with a discussion of the use of acupuncture, explained through a neuro-physiological perspective, for a range of common veterinary medical conditions. In this rapidly developing area, effective evaluation and validation of research is important and will also be discussed.

Module 3 - Pain Management

For many years chronic pain in dogs and cats was managed with a single pharmaceutical agent when the clinician determined the animal was suffering. Recently it has been realized that pain is a very complex process and involves signaling molecules, pathways, substances, receptors and transmitters with different modes of action. It is unrealistic to think only one pharmaceutical could be effective in eliminating chronic pain. It is equally unrealistic to think that drugs alone can manage pain effectively for the life of the animal. A multi-modal and individualized approach to the treatment of pain in the geriatric dog is necessary and the most effective approach. It is important to discuss several things with owners once they understand that their pet has chronic pain. For example, degenerative joint diseases are not curable, so the goals are to keep the pet comfortable and enjoying a good quality of life; this requires a financial and time commitment. Achieving specific goals will most likely require some trial and error which will be result in some triumphs and disappointments for the owner.

This module provides detailed information on the mechanisms of pain and advanced information on techniques and options to manage pain effectively. Your journey in Pain Management is guided by lecturers who are experienced specialist practitioners in this field.

Please note that this is an evidence-based course delivered by qualified and experienced practitioners but is not an Australian government-accredited qualification.

Communication and course materials

  • Approximately 50 hours of recorded lectures
  • Detailed lecture notes developed by specialist in each area
  • Mentor support throughout the course - clinical help
  • Approximately 100 relevant scientific papers

Assessments

  • Examination questions throughout the course – testing in each of the 3 modules; 70% pass rate
  • Referenced case study

Credits

  • 49 RACE Credits
  • 45 IVAS Credits
Download Brochure
Dr Neal Sivula
Dr Michelle Schraeder
Dr Bonnie Wright
Dr Dietrich Graf von Schweinitz
Dr Janice Huntingford
Dr Pedro Rivera
Dr Rick Palmquist
Dr Susan Wagner
Dr Barbara Fougere
Dr Patricia Baley

Meet the Tutors and Lecturers

Dr Neal Sivula
DVM PhD FAAVA FACVBM GDVWHM GDVA CertIV TAE
Dr. Sivula received his DVM from the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He completed an Internship, Clinical Residency, and PhD from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. He is certified in Animal Chiropractic...
2 Webinars and 6 Courses
DVM, MEd, FAAVA
Dr. Michelle Schraeder graduated from The Ohio State University in 1985. Through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) she is certified in veterinary acupuncture and has completed a three-year course in Veterinary Chinese Herbal...
4 Webinars and 4 Courses
DVM DACVAA
Dr Bonnie Wright is a Veterinary Anesthesiologist and Pain Management Specialist, acupuncturist, and teacher. She received her DVM from Colorado State University, completed a residency in anesthesiology and critical care at the University of...
5 Webinars and 2 Courses
BSc DVM MRCVS Cert Vet Ac
Dietrich qualified at the Univ. of Georgia in 1982, practiced in Maryland until 1986; moved to the UK and founded an equine practice in Guildford in 1989. His acupuncture interest began in the US and he became certified through the International...
2 Courses
DVM DACVSMR (Canine) CVA CVPP CCRT
Dr Janice Huntingford is a 1984 graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, in Guelph, Ontario and a Board Certified Specialist (Diplomate) in Canine Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine (DACVSMR), only 1 of 3 in Canada....
2 Webinars and 2 Courses
DVM FACFN DACVSMR FCoAC
Dr. Pedro Rivera was born in Munich, Germany. He was raised in Puerto Rico, and attended Purdue University for both his undergraduate and veterinary degree. After graduation he returned to Puerto Rico to practice, then moved back to Indiana...
2 Courses
DVM , Grad Dip VCHM
Dr Richard Palmquist is the Chief of Integrative Medicine at Centinela Animal Hospital in Los Angeles. He is currently president of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, chairs the Research Committee, and sits on the Editorial...
5 Webinars and 3 Courses
DVM, MS, DACVIM
Dr. Susan Wagner is a veterinary neurologist whose pioneering work acknowledges the spiritual interaction between people and animals. She received her DVM, MS, and neurology training from The Ohio State University. Dr. Wagner is also passionate...
5 Webinars and 3 Courses
BSc BVMS (Hons) MODT BHSc (CMed) MHSc (Herb Med) FACVBM GDVA GDVCHM GDVWHM CVA (IVAS) CVBM CVCP CMAVA
Dr Barbara Fougere is a 1986 graduate from Murdoch University Veterinary School Western Australia. She practices in Sydney Australia, exclusively in veterinary integrative medicine. She has served on the Australian Veterinary Association Policy...
18 Webinars and 11 Courses
DVM PhD CVA CVCH FAAVA FACVBM
Dr. Patricia Baley has a PhD in Cell Biology from the University of Basel Biocenter in Basel, Switzerland. She was also a Post-Doctoral Fellow in the Department of Cell Biology at the Baylor College of Medicine. She got her Doctor of Veterinary...
3 Webinars and 2 Courses

What will you Learn

Module 1 - Veterinary Clinical Neuroacupuncture

  • Practical Approaches to Clinical Neurology
    • Performing a comprehensive neurological exam with ease 1
    • Performing a comprehensive neurological exam with ease 2
    • Performing a comprehensive neurological exam with ease 3
    • Pain pathophysiology and clinical considerations
  • Neuroplasticity, Bioenergetics and the Brain
    • ...

Module 1 - Veterinary Clinical Neuroacupuncture

  • Practical Approaches to Clinical Neurology
    • Performing a comprehensive neurological exam with ease 1
    • Performing a comprehensive neurological exam with ease 2
    • Performing a comprehensive neurological exam with ease 3
    • Pain pathophysiology and clinical considerations
  • Neuroplasticity, Bioenergetics and the Brain
    • The brain electric from evolution to modern neuroscience
    • Differentials, diagnostics and treatment Forebrain part 1
    • Differentials, diagnostics and treatment Forebrain part 2
    • Differentials, diagnostics and treatment Brain stem and Cerebellum
  • Spinal Cord Disease, Differential Diagnoses and Treatment
    • Cervical disease
    • Lumbosacral disease
    • Thoracolumbar myelopathies
  • Case Studies in Clinical Neurology
  • Neuro-functional acupuncture and clinical problem solving
    • Neuronal cascade and cellular changes secondary to acupuncture treatment
    • Acupuncture is more than Qi stimulation
    • Afferent system more than juts sensory
    • Clinical problems and solving them neurologically

Module 2 - Evidence Basis for Acupuncture and Practical Applications to Common Conditions

  • Overview and Clinical Application of Acupuncture Neurology
    • History of Acupuncture- reconsidering the evidence
    • Introduction to Acupuncture Neurophysiology the science behind acupuncture
  • Practical Application of Neurophysiology to Common Conditions
    • Treating internal medical disorders with medical acupuncture with a focus on gastrointestinal disease’
    • Immune stimulation with acupuncture (immune and neoplastic disorders)
    • Acupuncture in cardiology
    • Acupuncture for urological disorders
    • Scalp acupuncture
  • The Science of Acupuncture – research, validation, evaluation and communication
    • Current Science of acupuncture
    • Evaluating clinical research
    • Proof of acupuncture effectiveness and validity
  • Mitochondrial Health and Disease
    • The microbiome in treatment planning
    • The effect of therapies on the mitochondria and microbiome1
    • The effect of therapies on the mitochondria and microbiome2

Module 3 - Pain Management

  • Mechanisms of Pain
  • Pain Management Multimodality Approach
    • Multimodal pain management  - Assessment and pharmacological treatment
    • Multimodal pain management - Treatment from a TCM and herbal perspective
    • Multimodal pain management - Nutraceuticals, DMOAs, nutrition and regenerative medicine to combat pain
    • Multimodal pain management -Rehabilitation and exercise therapy for pain management
  • Advanced Trigger Point Diagnosis and Treatment
    • Myofascial pain syndrome and myofascial trigger points - Introduction
    • Myofascial pain syndrome and myofascial trigger points - Pathophysiology
    • Myofascial pain syndrome and myofascial trigger points - Clinical presentation
    • Myofascial pain syndrome and myofascial trigger points - Treatment
  • Fascia – the 3-dimensional web of the body
    • Introduction to fascia and mechanotransduction
    • Fascia Lymphatics and Immunity
    • Myofascial kinetic lines and acupuncture meridians
    • Fascia and acupuncture points.
Read More
Download Brochure
Advanced Certification in Veterinary Neuroacupuncture

Before you take the course

Below requirements are needed before you can take this course.
  • This course is restricted to registered veterinarians with a Certification in Veterinary Acupuncture
Pre-requisite Courses

Below are the required course(s) that you need to complete

Certification in Veterinary Acupuncture
View Course

Course Testimonial

Get inspired with our student journeys.

"The CIVT Neuroacupuncture course has been one of the best courses in my life, providing a deep update on both neurology and acupuncture. I feel more confident on neurologic examination, diagnosis and differentials. Acupuncture deals with the origin of neurological and musculoskeletal disorders, being a terrific medicine to treat both. This course is one you really should consider if you practice acupuncture....highly recommended!" 

Dr Maricarmen Barba
MV, CVA, DHom, ACVN
Chile

Download Brochure

Submit your information and we will send the brochure to the provided email address.
 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Want to know more about the questions that our students asked?
Is online study right for me?

The College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies offers courses that are both challenging and rewarding. You can learn at your own pace under the tutelage of experts in their field. Online or distance learning is not for everyone. Think carefully before you enroll. To succeed in online learning and distance education you will need:

  • A commitment to study and enquiry
  • To be capable of self directed learning with our guidance and support through your course
  • Motivation to pursue your course of study
  • Access to the internet and a printer
  • A good internet service that provides a good speed for downloads
  • An enthusiasm for engaging with your tutors and peers
  • The ability to work on your own or collaborate in a team
  • The capability of an independent level of written and spoken English
  • An appointment by phone may be requested prior to course commencement- we don't want you to start if we think we can't provide the right experience for you
  • If you are not sure contact us, we can help you gain a  full understanding of our courses before applying.

What you won't need is to pay airfares, travel, hotel bills by participating in green education!

All our courses are available to enrol at any time.  Our courses are part time, self paced within the course timeframe, and fully online.  Sometimes there is a scheduled start date for a course, in which we accept a group intake of enrolments. This encourages a cohort of students to move through the course together, making for a more interactive learning experience.

Although some courses have live sessions available, there are no live sessions that you are required to attend for any of our courses.  Our courses are delivered online and are self paced within the course timeframe, to give you the greatest flexibility with your study. You can study anywhere, anytime that suits you. We have great learning tools such as lectures, comprehensive course notes, videos, online resources, discussion forum and continuous support from our highly qualified and experienced tutors to help you can get the most out of your course.

Please refer to our enrolment terms and conditions when seeking extra time in a course, https://civtedu.org/enrolment-terms-and-conditions 

If you take a "leave of absence/deferral" from a course this freezes your progress in the course.  You will have no access to the course during this time.  A request for a leave of absence/deferral can be made for up to 3 months, initially.  Longer periods of time away from the course can be reviewed after this time.  If you want to use any course resources whilst you are taking your leave of absence/deferral you will need to download the material (such as documents, course notes, reading material) beforehand.  There is no fee to take a leave of absence/deferral, however your regular payment instalments for the course will continue.

If you request an "extension" for a course, you may be given extra time in a course and still have full access to the course.  An extension can be granted for up to, or equal to, the maximal period of study for that course.  There is a fee involved in applying for an extension, this varies according to the amount of extra time requested and is found on the link provided.

 

This depends on the type of course you enrol in.

Our introductory or short courses require approximately 3-5 hours per week.  Our Certifications and Graduate Diplomas require approximately 5-10 hours per week.  This will vary amongst individuals, depending on the pace in which they learn.  More time may be needed each week, depending on how long an individual needs to spend on completing assignments. 

If you are a registered Veterinarian, you are eligible to enrol in any of our courses, https://civtedu.org/courses 

If you are a Veterinary Technician or Veterinary Nurse or Animal Health Professional you may be able to apply to enrol in selected courses for Veterinarians, however you will need to go through an eligibility process first. Otherwise, you can apply for our courses for Animal Health Professionals, https://civtedu.org/courses/animal-health-professionals 

If you are a Pet Owner, you can apply for our courses designed for Pet Owners, https://civtedu.org/courses/pet-owners 

 

Earn your own CIVT certificate of completion

The College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies offers courses that are both challenging and rewarding. You can learn at your own pace under the tutelage of experts in their field. What you won’t need is to pay airfares, travel, hotel bills by participating in green education!

Your certificate will be issued in your legal name and sent to you upon successful completion of the program, as per the stipulated requirements.

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Payment Options

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$2,995.00 USD
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$3,290.00 USD

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What's next after taking this course

Recommended courses after you completed this course
11048NAT-Graduate Diploma of Veterinary Acupuncture
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Graduate Diploma of Veterinary Acupuncture

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Developing a TCM Point Prescription
Developing a TCM Point Prescription
Dr Michelle Schraeder DVM, MEd, FAAVA