oVERVIEW
This continuing education course provides a comprehensive survey of kidney-related disorders from both biomedical and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspectives. The course covers the anatomy, physiology, pathology, and etiology of common and complex renal conditions, along with their potential systemic complications. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of kidney function and disease through an integrative lens, bridging Western nephrology with Chinese medicine principles. Emphasis is placed on clinical decision-making, patient safety, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Course Objectives
- Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Review kidney anatomy and physiology from both a biomedical and TCM perspective.
- Recognize common kidney disorders, including their pathophysiology, progression, and complications.
- Understand how Western medical providers diagnose and manage kidney diseases, including standard medical treatments and referral pathways.
- Identify appropriate indications for acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, while thinking critically about scope of practice and treatment limitations.
- Recognize red flags that require timely referral to Western medical providers.
- Interpret basic laboratory and imaging findings related to kidney function and disease.
- Understand the necessity, timing, and appropriateness of referrals to nephrologists or other medical specialists.
- Identify potential interactions between pharmaceutical medications and Chinese herbs, and apply strategies to reduce clinical risk and enhance patient safety.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
This course is designed to help acupuncturists practice safely, ethically, and effectively when working with patients who have kidney-related conditions. It emphasizes integrative care, appropriate collaboration with Western medicine, and evidence-informed clinical reasoning within the scope of acupuncture and Chinese medicine practice.