Course Overview

Dao Needle Therapy Foundations Course teaches you the core foundation, principles, and protocols of Dao Needle Therapy. The purpose of this course is to build confidence in treating specific musculoskeletal & orthopedic conditions via interactive lectures, hands-on practice and live presentations. In this course, you will learn how to use a completely new needling system and needle (knife needle) to more effectively treat pain and scar tissue. You will see and learn a variety of treatments and protocols that can immediately be implemented. This course bridges the gap between an east/west paradigm on the anatomy of an Ashi point/Trigger point and dives deep into understanding how Ashi points can be used as a diagnostic guide and therapeutic meter. You will be taught proper assessment skills to more accurately identify active versus passive Ashi points and why it is critical for proper diagnosis. Additionally, you will be taught differentiation tools to determine dysfunction versus compensation while developing your understanding of the mechanisms of pain as it relates to Qi and blood stagnation and how needling can influence and change this process.

Course Objectives

• Learn how to use a completely new system and needle
• Know the difference between dry needling versus Dao Needle therapy
• Gain a deeper understanding of the anatomy of an Ashi point
• Discover how an Ashi point can be used as a guide and therapeutic meter
• Be able to identify dysfunction versus compensation

Course Outline

0 hrs - 30 minStudents are introduced to the course and given an overview of the Dao Needle. Students are able to view the Dao Needle and are provided with clarification on the differerences between the Dao Needle and a dry needle.

30 min - 1.5 hrsStudents are brought through a discussion of indications, contraindications, and safety associated with the Dao Needle. All of these factors are similar to that of a regular acupunture filiform needle but further stressed.

1.5 hrs - 2.5 hrsStudents are taught the anatomy of the Dao Needle, as well as what conditions and individuals are amenable to Dao Needle Therapy. Students will learn how to discuss with patients why this needling protocol is appropriate to their treatment plan.

2.5 hrs - 3 hrsStudents are led through an in depth discussion on the mechanisms of pain. The defintition of pain, the varying types of pain, & how those types of pain are created in the body are taught. These factors in relation to an ashi point is also discussed.

3 hrs - 4 hrsThe physiology and science of needling are discussed. Why needling results in decrease of pain and improvement in musculoskeletal and orthopedic conditions are discussed.

4 hrs - 5 hrsStudents are taught the system in which ashi points are identified and mapped through the Dao Needle approach. They further learn how to use the mapping system to idenfiy what may be the underlying condition.

5 hrs - 6 hrsStudents are led though needling protocols. They are then guided through how to use proper form when implementing the Dao Needle. In addition assessments, diagnosis & differentiation are discussed.

6 hrs - 7 hrsInstructor will provide a visual presentation of protocols on specific areas of the body. Instructor will them guide students through practice. Further discussion of ashi points and how those relate to compensation and dysfunction is discussed.

7 hrs - 8 hrsInstructor will discuss and provide a visual presentation on how to make a treatment more effective & comfortable by using proper patient positioning. The importance of proper patient positioning is highlighted.

8 hrs - 9 hrsInstructor will overview all aspects of the course that were discussed. Instructor will also provide ways in which students can find further information and contact him if questions arise.