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.
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"I love the teaching at CICM, it is varied, interesting and extremely inspiring and the teachers all have a wealth of experience to draw on.”
Keeley Farrington
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“CICM was suggested by an acupuncturist I know and recommended for its high-quality tuition and professional approach. I knew I wanted to explore a degree course and after my open day experience I knew it had to be CICM.”
Michelle Patrick
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"I recently joined CICM and there are so many things I love about the place. The teachers are genuinely helpful and want us to do well. The place has a calm, harmonic feel and studying has already had a tangible benefit to my lifestyle and health."
Erica Chen
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"I was an electrician before I started studying acupuncture. It might not seem like it but there are overlaps between them, you look at a circuit and work out where the problem is coming from and then rectify it. The difference is with acupuncture I’ll help people to get better!"
Jack Keeping
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"Since embarking on this course, I have been astounded every day by the passion that this subject has sparked in me. I realised very quickly that I was in the right place, doing the right thing. I can only describe it as finally finding my place in the universe and becoming part of something much bigger than myself."
Sally Connelly
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"I wanted to become an acupuncturist as I prefer to use natural remedies which are in line with my faith and cultural background. I have witnessed the profound effects treatment can have on patients. CICM has an excellent reputation and I love the whole package here, especially the staff and supportive teachers."
Bev Holder
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"I appreciated the integrated style of TCM and the five elements as being the most profound way to reach and help people. This was the best possible start to a long acupuncture career that I could possibly wish for."
Bethan Morgan
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"My years at CICM will always hold a special place in my mind. It was like entering Hogwarts. The subjects are mind-expanding, the teachers and tutors really passionate and always keen to answer questions and give guidance. It has transformed me as a person and changed the way I see people, emotions, relationships, disease and health."
Efthymios Fotenios
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The teachers are really supportive and make every effort to tailor how they teach to suit the different styles of students. I like to question things and look at things from different angles - and the teachers have always supported me by being there to answer things by email after class, recommend further reading, or even being there to support me when I set up a Chinese medicine society for the college.
Helen Reid
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The course covers a huge range of topics, angles and perspectives, and whilst so much of it is new, unfamiliar and challenging at times- especially the 'hands on practical aspects- I can’t think of anything else I’d rather be doing, or anywhere else I’d rather be doing it. CICM is a hub of connection, commitment and energy, and something I am honoured to be part of.
Ellie Farnfield
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All of my teachers are practicing therapists with a library of information and experience to reinforce their words and the lectures. I have gained a lot of insight into myself and I often find myself reflecting on what we learned in class and applying it to life. I am recommending the course to everyone I know!
Jacob Marley
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As I was in my late forties I was concerned that I was too old, however the Open Day dispelled any doubts that I had as the age range of students and staff spanned from 18 to 80. The beautiful building was a joy to explore and I felt immersed in the world of Chinese Medicine. It was a cocoon of learning in the heart of Reading and only ten minutes’ walk from the train station.
Samanthan Roderick
