Newsletter - Pacific Rim College - Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine in BC

If you have visited our website in the past month, you likely have noticed the new logo that adorns the pages. After nearly 5 years at the helm of PRC, the compass rose logo has been replaced by one that we feel better represents the holism of the college and our coastal name. Our logo is not the only thing that has changed either. As the months pass, we continue to grow in both physical size and scale of our programs and services. Four years after we enrolled our first 3 students, we now enjoy the presence and enthusiasm of nearly 150 students enrolled in both full-time and part-time studies. Although the closing of each semester now brings the graduation of dozens of students, the next semester brings dozens more eager to embark on a career in natural health.

Annually our student clinic provides approximately 5,000 treatments to the Victoria community, and this upcoming winter patients will enjoy new services offered during the clinical intensive that represents the 4th and final semester of our first offering of the Diploma of Eastern Therapies and Bodywork program. Students in this program will spend their final semester integrating the concepts and techniques that they have learned in Yogatherapy, Traditional Thai Massage and Ayurvedic Marmatherapy, and as a result, patients will benefit from a unique blend of treatments never before offered in an academic setting anywhere.

All told we are heading into the new year with incredible enthusiasm for what the future holds in store for the PRC community. Having enjoyed the presence of students ranging in age from 18 to 70 from more than 30 countries and 6 continents, we are certain that our community will continue to be culturally diverse, immensely enriching and nourishing to all who choose to join.

Enjoy the newsletter!

Todd N Howard, President

PRC gets a new look

After being represented for more than 5 years by the compass rose that has been PRC's logo, the college now has a new look for the future. To be ecologically-friendly, the compass rose will still be seen for a while in most of our print material, but new materials will be adorned with the green and charcoal-coloured wave. This logo reflects the shores of the Pacific Ocean on which the college rests and the holistic nature of the medicines that we teach.

Congratulations to Acupuncture Graduates

Diploma of Acupuncture graduates at PRC performed sensationally on provincial registration/licensing exams. In the past 14 months, 92% of PRC exam candidates have successfully passed the BC acupuncture registration exam on the first attempt - a figure significantly higher than the provincial average - and 100% of exam candidates have passed out of province registration exams. We congratulate all of our graduates and are pleased to see them entering into their professional careers as practitioners. As they begin practicing, we will enter their clinic information under alumni sections in our online Practitioner Directory.

Thai Massage Workshops

This month join Nikki Manzie, Taro Chiba and Eila Buziak for a pair of weekend Thai massage workshops entitled "Cupping and Scraping in the Thai Tradition" and "Prenatal and Postnatal Thai Massage". Traditional Thai Massage is part of a larger body of medicine known as Traditional Thai Medicine.

"Cupping and Scraping in the Thai Tradition" demonstrates multiple techniques used by traditional Thai massage practitioners to help release toxins, imbalances and pain/discomfort from various levels of tissues, in particular layers of muscle and connective tissue. The techniques presented in this workshop are similar to what is found in traditional Chinese acupuncture. Liniments are massaged into the affected region; cupping and/or scraping is then performed, followed by further massage if indicated.

"Prenatal and Postnatal Traditional Thai Massage" is performed in all stages of pregnancy and following birth. In this workshop participants learn massages that attend to the specific needs of mothers-to-be and new mothers, with special attention given to the reproductive organs, the support systems (respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous and endocrine), and soft tissues that experience great changes during and following pregnancy.

Both workshops - offered on November 13-14 and November 27-28 respectively - are open to students and practitioners of all forms of bodywork and are approved by the CMTBC for 14 CEUs. Please click here for more information.

Community Herbalist Program

The next offering of our popular 3-month Community Herbalist Program (CHP) begins in January and registration is now open. This semester-long program offered on evenings and weekends introduces participants to the incredible world of medicinal plants and remedies and provides opportunities in wildharvesting, medicine-making, plant identification and herbal therapeutics. For those CHP graduates who are interested in continuing with more studies, 4 classes (10 credits) transfer directly in to the Diploma of Phytotherapy program. For more information about the Community Herbalist Program and how you can join, please click here. Registration space is very limited so please don't delay.

Traditional Thai Massage Program returns

The Traditional Thai Massage program is a 4-month certificate program that introduces students to the philosophies, therapeutic principles and techniques of Thai Massage. Thai Massage forms the "energy medicine" component of the unique healing system of Traditional Thai Medicine - a holistic approach to health that addresses the body (through diet and herbs), psychospirituality (through practices such as meditation) and the flow and balance of vital energy in the energetic systems. During a Thai massage, the practitioner guides the recipient into various postures linked together in a flowing series, applying acupressure with hands and feet, arms and legs. Over the years, Thai Medicine and Massage have adopted and incorporated influences from Indian Ayurveda and yoga practices, as well as Chinese healing arts. Please click here for more information and to register. The last offering of this program reached its capacity and space is again limited.

Continuing Ed at PRC

As the winter semester rapidly approaches, so too are opportunities for you to broaden your knowledge in natural health though our unique Continuing Education courses. We offer 8-week, 15-week and weekend courses in Western Medicine, Chinese Medicine, Herbal Medicine, Qi Gong, Nutrition and many more. Courses in PRC's Department of Continuing Education are open to the general public with year-round opportunities. Please click here to see a list of courses and contact the Office of Admissions to register.

Applications being accepted for 2011 Programs

The Admissions Department at PRC is accepting applications for all 2011 programs. If you are interested in beginning a career in natural health, please explore our exciting study opportunities. Whether you are seeking a short class in a specific discipline, a semester-long program or a multi-year program, we have study options that may be perfect for you. If you would like to visit the college, meet students and instructors, and sit in on classes, please contact our Office of Admissions. PRC is committed to providing students with flexible study options in a variety of programs that promote sustainable medicine. Admissions applications can now be completed online!

Holiday Gift Ideas from PRC

A Gift of Healing: For a limited time, receive the following treatment bundle for only $75 plus tax: a professional chiropractic treatment, a private acupuncture treatment in our student clinic, a western herbal consultation in our student clinic, and 2-weeks supply of a customized organic herbal formula!

A Gift to Nature: NatureMill Indoor Composters are the perfect gift for the condo-dweller who wants to divert up to 120 pounds of food scraps from the landfill each month. Enjoy no odour, no hassle compost created without effort under your kitchen sink.

A Gift of Knowledge: PRC's bookstore has an incredible selection of health at wellness books at Canada's best prices. Browse our selection online or visit our campus.

A Gift of Tea: From custom made herbal tisanes to exotic teas imported from around the world, our wide selection of organic teas will please any connoisseur.

Range of Medical Supplies Grows

Our range of professional medical supplies continues to grow. This month enjoy 2 new products: the AS Super 4 Digital needle stimulator and the Taylor Reflex Hammer. The AS Super 4 Digital provides convenient and efficient electrostimulation of acupuncture points at the highest standard of quality. This hand-held battery-operated (includes cord for plug-in use) e-stim machine is digitally controlled and provides the user with a variety of pre-programmed settings. The intensity can be adjusted at increments of 0.1mA, and individual patient settings can be easily programmed for subsequent treatments. The Super 4 Digital is on sale for $339.95.

The Taylor Reflex Hammer is the industry standard for testing reflexes and is priced at only $7. Stop by to get yours today or phone for shipment. Quantity discounts are available.

PRC also has a comprehensive selection of acupuncture supplies, stethoscopes and blood pressure cuffs.

Brandt Stickley returns with Pulse Diagnosis

Registration spaces are still available for Brandt Stickley's long-awaited 2-day workshop entitled "Intermediate Chinese Pulse Diagnosis". Scheduled for November 27-28, this workshop is an extension of the introductory course offered earlier this year. In a hands-on format with close individual attention, the instructor emphasizes the ability to palpate the 8 depths, the 6 principal positions and 24 complementary positions associated with the system elaborated by Dr. Leon Hammer. The focus of this course is acquiring intensive hands-on experience with close supervision, and beginning the practice of pulse interpretation to craft individualized and comprehensive treatment plans. Brandt Stickley's beginner-level Chinese Pulse Diagnosis course is a prerequisite to this course. For more information and to register, please click here. This workshop is limited to 18 registrants.

Chiropractic services now at PRC

PRC is pleased to now offer professional chiropractic services to the public. If you would like to book a chiropractic appointment, please contact the college at 250.483.2119. For a truly integrated experience, consider scheduling an acupuncture treatment and a herbal consultation in our student clinic during the same visit. All practitioners work together to ensure that your health needs are met.

Jason Robertson to Present 2-Day Workshop

Internationally recognized author, clinician and educator Jason Robertson will present a 2-day workshop entitled "Channel Palpation and Diagnosis: An Exploration of Classical Acupuncture Technique" at PRC on February 5-6, 2011. Channel palpation, emphasized in the earliest acupuncture texts (Nei Jing/Nan Jing), is extremely helpful for confirming diagnosis and refining point selection. This workshop will focus on learning the basics of channel palpation through interactive lectures, case studies and hands-on practice of technique. Topics include a discussion of the history of palpatory technique in Chinese Medicine and its historical antecedents in the Inner Classic and Classic of Difficulties; an introduction to the role of the distal channels in classical physiology and a discussion of how physiology can manifest with specific, palpable changes on the acupuncture channels; an introduction to techniques for palpating each of the 12 major channels; a channel-by-channel discussion of commonly found changes and their significance; how to utilize channel palpation information to refine and simplify diagnosis; and an introduction to the acupuncture treatment style of Dr. Wang Ju-Yi. For more information and to register, please visit our Lectures, Workshops and Events page.

Neil Gumenick to present Five-Elements Workshop

PRC Faculty member Neil Gumenick returns on May 7-8, 2011, for another installment of the workshop entitled "Classical Five-Element Acupuncture: Beginning the Journey". Classical Five-Element Acupuncture, in the Worsley tradition, is one of the most complete, comprehensive, and far-reaching systems of medicine in the world. Seminar topics include the mental and spiritual levels of the Five-Elements, Twelve Officials, and specific acupuncture points; diagnosing the needs of the mind and spirit; how this system addresses physical pain and illness; clinical interaction with patients; rapport skills and patient management; pulse diagnosis within the Classical Five-Element System; detecting and resolving life-threatening energetic blocks; and treatment planning. Neil R. Gumenick, MAc (UK), LAc, is one of the world's foremost practitioners and teachers of Classical Five-Element Acupuncture. For more information and to register, please visit our Lectures, Workshops and Events page.

Acupuncture Relief Project expands Services, Calls for Volunteers

Founded in 2008, the Acupuncture Relief Project (ARP) operates a primary healthcare clinic in rural Nepal and facilitates several satellite crisis centres aimed to serve populations with little to no access to healthcare. Their unique model provides an opportunity for practitioners to develop their skills as primary care providers while offering necessary treatment to underserved communities in Nepal.

Through a partnership with Pacific Rim College, ARP also offers participating students and graduates 20 hours of didactic training in safety and ethics, core knowledge of assessment of diseases commonly seen in third world countries, and adjunct therapies including the setup of a field clinic and providing patient advice appropriate to their cultural setting. ARP welcomes up to 4 PRC students and graduates from January through March 2011 to volunteer in Nepal. Non-PRC students are also welcome to inquire and may be selected based on space availability.

Join Andrew Schlabach, Director of ARP, on Friday, November 19 at 3:15pm at PRC for an info session on the upcoming Nepal clinical opportunity. All students and practitioners of TCM are welcome to attend. Please click here for more information.

Book of the Month

The newly revised 2nd edition of the top selling Acupuncture Desk Reference is now available. The spiral bounded version has been replaced by a more streamlined perfect bound book that contains all the information that has set this book apart in the past and now includes even more information, charts and diagrams. Pacific Rim College is proud to be the Canadian distributor of this great book. The ADR now sells for $38.95 and quantity discounts are available. Visit our Books and Products page today to view this book and more.

6th IN-CAM Research Symposium

The 6th IN-CAM Research Symposium, in collaboration with HomeoNet and PedCAM, will take place at The Sutton Place Hotel in Vancouver, BC, on November 19-21, 2010. With an on-going commitment to fostering excellence in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) and Integrative Health Care (IHC) research, the theme of the 6th Symposium is Complementary and Integrative Health Care: Methodological, Theoretical and Practical Issues. The Symposium is an excellent opportunity for CAM researchers and health care professionals from Canada and internationally to share, discuss, and critically debate their research findings. For more information, please click here.

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