Acupuncture Treatment of Common Lower Extremity Disorders

Course overview

*Identify the three balance systems and explain how lateral ankle sprains impair proprioceptive input through the spinocerebellar and dorsal column pathways. *Describe how needling GB40, BL60, and ST41 influences chronic ankle instability through mechanoreceptor summation and neuromuscular reflex changes. *Explain the anatomy of the Achilles tendon watershed zone and the role of Stomach 36 in motor and gastric function. *Apply eccentric loading protocols and gluteal anatomy knowledge to treat Achilles tendinosis and restore hip extension. *Demonstrate safe needling technique for the gluteals, piriformis, and psoas while avoiding the sciatic nerve and lumbar disc. *Apply needling of QL, iliacus, BL60/61, KI3/4, and quadratus plantae to treat plantar fasciosis and restore ankle rocker. *Analyze hallux dorsiflexion and adductor hallucis mechanics to explain bunion formation and guide glute and lumbar treatment. *Demonstrate bunion needling techniques and the four intrinsic foot exercises used to address metatarsalgia and forefoot dysfunction.