ACUPUNCTURE 215

Course overview

Hour 1: *Review and expand on, from a Western perspective, the neurophysiological basis of acupuncture. *Outline the pain pathway from the periphery to the central nervous system. *Review excitation/contraction coupling and muscle contraction theory. *Discuss the functions and distribution of alpha and gamma motor neurons. Hour 2: *Explain and emphasize the functions of interneurons in the spinal cord. *Discuss muscle spindles and golgi tendon organs anatomy. *Explain the role of muscle spindles and golgi tendon organs in acupuncture. *Contrast slow versus fast stretch. *Introduce the concept of the "central integrated state" as it relates to acupuncture and acupuncture therapy. *Emphasize the relevance of cerebellar function to acupuncture as it relates to cerebellar output and modulation.