Niel Asher Education
Applied Acupuncture Techniques for Common Conditions

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Niel Asher Education

Applied Acupuncture Techniques for Common Conditions

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Advanced level

Recommended experience

4 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Advanced level

Recommended experience

4 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • How to select and needle points for nine common pain conditions

  • How to integrate acupuncture safely into modern rehabilitation care

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Recently updated!

December 2025

Assessments

4 assignments

Taught in English

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This course is part of the Integrative Traditional Chinese Medicine Specialist Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 4 modules in this course

In this module, learners explore three of the most common pain presentations treated with acupuncture: temporomandibular disorder (TMD), axial neck pain, and frozen shoulder. The instructor begins with TMD, explaining how pain can originate from the temporomandibular joint and surrounding structures, often caused by clenching, bruxism, stress, or degeneration. The module demonstrates local needling techniques such as working into the joint space, the masseter, and supporting facial muscles to reduce inflammation and restore jaw movement. The course then transitions to axial neck pain, where learners observe how acupuncture is applied along the cervical musculature to decrease tension and improve mobility. Finally, frozen shoulder is presented as another high-frequency case, with needling strategies designed to reduce capsular tightness and restore range of motion. Throughout the module, the instructor reinforces clinical reasoning, palpation accuracy, and safe needle placement to improve outcomes and client comfort.

What's included

7 videos3 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt

Module 2 continues with three clinically common pain conditions affecting the upper and lower extremities: carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, and anterior knee pain. Learners are guided through hallmark symptoms, red flags, and differential considerations. For carpal tunnel syndrome, the instructor explains how median nerve entrapment causes numbness and tingling into the thumb and central fingers, and demonstrates a careful needling approach at the wrist and hand while avoiding vascular and nerve structures. Tennis elbow is introduced as a localized lateral elbow pain related to extensor tendon overload. The instructor shows how to palpate and needle the common extensor tendon and supportive forearm structures. The module then addresses anterior knee pain, demonstrating safe needling around the patellofemoral region to reduce inflammation and restore function. Each demonstration emphasizes positioning, depth control, and intentional needle selection rather than memorizing point formulas.

What's included

3 videos1 assignment

Module 3 applies acupuncture techniques across three contrasting regions of the body: lumbar spine, foot, and abdomen. Lower back pain is presented as one of the most frequent reasons people seek acupuncture. The instructor explains assessment, palpation of paraspinals, and needling to influence deep lumbar tissue tension and improve movement. The focus then moves to plantar fasciitis, where learners see how local and distal point selection affects fascial tension and improves weight-bearing tolerance. The module concludes with constipation, demonstrating abdominal point selection and explaining how acupuncture influences autonomic regulation and digestive motility. Although these conditions differ anatomically, the clinician reinforces a consistent reasoning process: identify what tissue or structure is driving the symptom, select local and distal points strategically, and reassess after needling. The learner finishes the module with confidence applying acupuncture concepts to diverse presentations.

What's included

3 videos1 assignment

This final exam is designed to assess your understanding of the key concepts presented throughout the course. Please review all video lessons and written materials before beginning. A passing score of 70% or higher is required to successfully complete the course and earn your CE certificate. You may reference your notes during the exam. Once you pass, your certificate will be available for immediate download.

What's included

1 video1 assignment1 discussion prompt

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Niel Asher Education
Niel Asher Education
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