Gold Standard Facial Acupuncture™ Certification Program
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Chi-Akra Center Gold Standard Facial Acupuncture™ Certification Program |
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Gold Standard Facial Acupuncture™
Certification Program
The Wakefield Technique™
200 hours of Continuing Education and Training
with Mary Elizabeth Wakefield, L. Ac., M. S., M. M.
Please click here for a
brochure with registration contact and other information; see below for more
details;
click
here
to access a PDF of the registration form.
Please note: registrations will be handled through
Northwestern Health Sciences University;
please direct all relevant correspondence to their Continuing Education
Department.
The Gold Standard Facial Acupuncture™ certification program is the most comprehensive and advanced training program of its kind available in the world today.
We call it the “gold standard” because it raises the bar, and is designed to provide the highest level of training in facial acupuncture. Our mission is to standardize competency, and to encourage expertise in this burgeoning field.
This certification program will take place in the spring and autumn of 2012 and 2013, and will provide you with a process of learning that allows time for practice, assimilation and integration of each module into a pre-existing acupuncture practice.
Online support will be provided between training modules; questions will be answered and suggestions given to foster confidence, competence and to further facilitate the learning process.
This certification is comprised of three parts:
1. Body; The Somatic Level (April 2012 and Sept 2012)
2. Mind; The Alchemical Level (April 2013)
3. Spirit; The Vibrational Level (Oct 2013)
These three parts are further broken down into 8 modules of associated training, each consisting of 3 days. The training modules are designed to be taken in sequential order. All the parts overlap and interweave, and should not be viewed as being purely linear phenomena.
Registration will be limited, due to the comprehensive nature of this certification program. All participants must be acupuncturists who have graduated from an accredited school – or its equivalent, for international participants.
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Level 1, Body Somatic |
Level 2, Mind Alchemical |
Level 3, Spirit Vibrational |
Completion & Program Requirements |
Detailed Program Description
Level I, Body; The Somatic Level
Learn to address the body and its physical manifestations of imbalance; also reflect on the grounding and comfort with our own bodies on the Earth. A grounded presence within the body promotes the capacity for learning, awareness, a sense of being present, and the ability to manifest what is required for survival and prosperity in the physical world. Without this feeling of well-being and groundedness, health, happiness and a balanced nature are difficult to maintain. Addressing the issues of soma first facilitates a smoother transition into the other levels.
Module 1, Constitutional Facial Acupuncture Renewal™/Herbal Therapies &
Essential Oils
April 13-15, 2012 (new material included)
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An overview and introduction to The Wakefield Technique™ |
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History of facial acupuncture, benefits and contraindications |
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Chinese physiognomy |
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Facial needling techniques according to acupuncture energetics and muscle function
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The Eight Extraordinary meridians; physical, emotional and psychospiritual treatment principles |
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Identification of meridian involvement in the aging process |
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Introduction to the Kidney spirit points |
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Topical Chinese herbal protocols for facial acupuncture treatments |
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Herbal treatments for dermatological syndromes, e.g., acne, eczema, psoriasis, etc. |
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An essential oil Material Medica |
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Lifestyle recommendations and changes for patients |
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A full Facial Renewal™ protocol, integrating all the techniques |
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Homework:
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Module 2, Advanced Constitutional Facial Acupuncture Renewal™/Non-Needle
Modalities
April 20-22, 2012 (new material included)
You will learn the basics and become grounded in the constitutional aspects of facial acupuncture. Facial acupuncture protocols, targeting acu-muscle points, recommended constitutional treatment approaches, facial syndromes, herbal therapies and lifestyle counseling, plus non-needle techniques, such as the following: microcurrent, facial massage, sound therapy, and an overview of light-emitting diodes (LED’s) and laser therapy will be presented. Guidelines about usage of these non-needle techniques for each state, and associated acupuncture organizations, will be discussed.
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Energetics of the face
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Skin aging; the Chinese and Western medical models |
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The function of facial motor points: an Oriental medical perspective
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Advanced needling techniques; intradermals, scar therapy, “wrapping around the bone”, needle depth and insertion techniques and more |
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Contraindications and benefits |
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Five Element pathology and constitutional points |
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Non-needle treatments; microcurrent, facial massage, sound therapy, and an overview of LED and laser usage |
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Facial “somato-emotional” exercises for patients |
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Physiognomy: “Balancing the corpus callosum” |
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Homework:
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Module 3, Constitutional Facial Acupuncture Archetypes™: The 3 Yangs
September 28-30, 2012
Understand the 6 Energies or Stages described in the Shang Han Lun, and as further elaborated in the Ling Shu, the Nei Jing, and in French acupuncture texts. The archetypal nature of Taiyang/Shaoyang/Yangming (the 3 Yangs) and the Taiyin/Shaoyin/Jueyin (the 3 Yins) is discussed. The impact of these patterns upon your patients’ constitution, physiognomy, general health, attitude, behavior, and life choices is practically outlined. Motor, trigger and “ashi” points for both face and body, as well as protocols for root treatments and psychospiritual issues are presented in depth.
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Definition of archetypes within the context of Oriental medicine |
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The 6 Stages of the Shang Han Lun; an overview |
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Definitions of motor, trigger and “ashi” points; similarities and differences |
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Determining the dominant archetypes for the 3 Yangs – Taiyang, Shaoyang and Yangming – by examining personal expression, complexion, physiognomy, temperament, health imbalances and aging tendencies |
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Contraindications and benefits |
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Charts and diagnosis: advanced needling techniques for face and body for each specific constitutional archetype – Taiyang, Shaoyang, Yangming |
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Hormones and the Eight Extraordinary meridians for the 3 Yangs |
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Recommended points for treating the root and psychospiritual support for each Yang stage |
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Specific needling techniques for “ashi”, motor and trigger points |
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Homework:
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Module 4, Constitutional Facial Acupuncture Archetypes™: The 3 Yins
October 5-7, 2012
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The 6 Stages of the Shang Han Lun and the 3 Yins – Taiyin, Shaoyin and Jueyin |
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Archetypal qualities, personalities, emotional tendencies and manifestation of health-related imbalances in the “Sensitive Ones” |
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Hormones and the Eight Extraordinary meridians for the 3 Yins |
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Face and body points for the 3 Yins; “ashi”, motor and trigger points, as well as root treatments and psychospiritual points |
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Integration of all the 6 Stages; how to discern usage, and identify which particular archetype to treat |
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Homework:
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Level II, Mind; The Alchemical
Level
Address the mind and psycho-emotional issues to encourage energetic work so that unhealthy belief systems can be transformed. It should be noted that this transformation is not limited to the patient, but in keeping with the Eastern and Western alchemical traditions, the practitioner, as alchemist, likewise partakes of this evolutionary process. Intention and clarity are paramount when you view mind/body issues such as the unnatural replication of cells as in cancer, genetic programming and “old tapes.”
New facial acupuncture protocols are introduced, emphasizing the transformational aspects of Chinese medicine and the ancient roots of Taoist philosophy.
Module 5, The Alchemy of Healthy Aging: “Sparking the Shen”
April 26-28, 2013
In “Sparking the Shen”, you focus on the kindling of spirit fire, or Shen, and view the face as being a key part of the alchemical process. Learn to synergize Eastern and Western alchemical traditions, with the introduction of essential oils for the Eight Extraordinary meridians. A new alchemical facial acu-muscle protocol that emphasizes intention and an awareness of cellular memory will be utilized in combination with more advanced Chinese physiognomy, focusing on the 13 Taoist positions of the central corridor of the face. Also learn how to incorporate Qi Gong exercises into your practice.
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The face as a key to alchemical transformation |
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Western alchemy: “As without, so within” |
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Eastern alchemy: “The body is a vessel” |
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Stages of inner alchemy |
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Chinese physiognomy:
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The embryological order of the Eight Extraordinary meridians |
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The alchemical Eight Extraordinary meridians; beyond pathology
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Benefits and contraindications for Alchemical Facial Acupuncture Renewal™ |
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The 3 Treasures: Taoist Path – Treatment Introduction |
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General rules for Alchemical Facial Acupuncture Renewal™:
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New!! An alchemical facial acupuncture protocol, needling diagrams and charts |
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Alchemical Facial Renewal™ and constitutional treatment points from the physical and psychospiritual perspective |
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Exercises:
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Homework:
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Module 6, The Alchemy of Healthy Aging: “Transforming the Shen”
May 4-6, 2013
In “Transforming the Shen”, you will transform the Shen of both you, the practitioner, and the patient. Learn how to use essential oils on transformational spirit points, such as the 13 Ghost (Gui) points, 12 Spirit points, and the 3 Shens. Be introduced to “rarely used” neck and facial points, an alchemical cultivation protocol, orally transmitted by a Taoist master, Qi Gong exercises, and microcosmic orbit breathing, among other treatments.
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A definition of transformation |
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Transformational Spirit points
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The 12 Spirit points
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The Windows of the Sky points |
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“Mu-Shu” Tango; using Kidney spirit points |
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The Ba liao: the 8 sacred seams |
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“Lacing the 3 Jiaos”; an alchemical cultivation of the 3 elixir fields |
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An Immortality Treatment: “liberating spirit from matter” |
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The 3 Shens: scalp points for transforming the Shen; essential oil usage |
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Additional alchemical treatment points; rarely used face and neck points |
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Alchemical initiation: planetary ladder of ascent |
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Exercises:
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Homework:
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Level III, Spirit; The Vibrational Level:
Learn
to address the spirit via the use of sound. As both a professional musician and
an acupuncturist, I have found that sound is very direct and immediately impacts
the patient and the practitioner. At this level we are no longer “doing” the
treatment; rather, we are “being” the treatment. This is why the grounding of
Part 1, the Somatic level, and the transformational qualities of the Alchemical
level are integral and essential pre-requisites for this Vibrational level.
Sound provides instantaneous healing; it is both gentle and powerful, especially when coupled with acupuncture needling. This combination stimulates a “vibro-electric” effect, which activates a heightened spiritual consciousness that can connect us to our hearts and unconditional compassion.
Module 7, The Resonant
Face™
October 11-13, 2013
The Resonant Face™ introduces you to a conceptual framework for the use of sound and resonance, and instruction in the use of tuning forks that produce an Earth tone. Learn special acu-sound techniques for integrating the tuning forks and acupuncture needles, a special Resonant Face protocol and the treatment of facial syndromes, 5 Element resonant hara, and protocols for harmonizing the 3 Treasures (Jing, Qi and Shen), among others.
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Introduction: What do
we mean by the “resonant” face??
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The Third Ear
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Contraindications and benefits for acu-sound treatments | ||||||||
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Practical basics:
tuning fork practicum
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Specialized acu-sound
techniques
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The facial landscape; facial muscles, emotions and associated imbalances | ||||||||
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Harmonizing the 3
constitutional levels
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The Resonant Face
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Grounding with the 3 Treasures
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Sacred Mudra meditation
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The 5 Element Resonant hara; palpation and treatment |
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An integrated treatment protocol for The Resonant Face |
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Homework:
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Module 8, The Transcendent Face™
October 18-20, 2013
The Transcendent Face™ introduces planetary sound and tuning forks based upon the 5 Element correspondences found in the Nei Jing. Learn to further integrate the use of these tuning forks with acupuncture needling and how to use a Mars/Venus protocol to balances the left (solar) and right (lunar) hemispheres of the brain. Understand how to use 5 Element planetary essential oils and gem essence in a specialized Materia Medica, as well as other treatments. See why these protocols are highly effective, and establish a vibrational relationship with your patient’s body.
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Introduction:
Planetary myth and symbolism
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The art of musical
intervals
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The 5 Element planets; physiology, anatomy and pathologies |
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Integrating planetary tuning forks with needles
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5 Element planetary constitutional treatment |
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Mars and Venus facial
protocols
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Balancing the solar and lunar hemispheres of the face (and the brain) |
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Planetary Acu-Vibrational hara |
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5 Element planetary essential oil Materia Medica; introduction and guidelines for usage
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“Cosmosthetics”; vibrational cosmetology
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A treatment protocol for The Transcendent Face |
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Homework:
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Completion of Certification Requirements and Award of Gold Standard™ Status
After all your completed case studies and homework have been approved by the Instructor, and you have successfully passed both the didactic and practical portions of the final examination, you will have achieved your certification in Gold Standard Facial Acupuncture™.
Upon completion you will also receive:
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Gold Standard Facial Acupuncture™
Certification Program
Requirements and Information
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To receive exclusive rights to use the Gold Standard Facial Acupuncture™ name and title, participants must complete all eight (8) modules of training sequentially within the 2-year period; |
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All participants who have previously completed module 1, Constitutional Facial Acupuncture Renewal™, plus herbal therapies, and module 2, Advanced Constitutional Facial Acupuncture Renewal™ with non-needle modalities, or modules 3 and 4, Constitutional Facial Acupuncture Archetypes™, within 2 years of the starting date of said certification program, will be tested on their proficiency levels, knowledge and treatment skills. With the Instructor’s approval, these courses will be waived, and the participant may move on to the next level. Otherwise, these two training modules must be completed again, at no discount. If these 2 modules were completed prior to 2010, i.e., more than two years before the inception of the Gold Standard program, they must be repeated, at no discount. Please note: these training modules include new material, as well as that previously taught. |
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Special discounts will be given for participants enrolling in, and paying for, the entire certification, within the time frame for early enrollment. |
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Participants must be licensed or registered acupuncturists, and provide proof of having graduated from an ACAOM-accredited or equivalent acupuncture school. International participants may also attend provided they have an equivalent level of training. |
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Participants must show proof of current malpractice or professional liability insurance. |
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The Instructor has the right to deny a practitioner a certification due to misconduct, incompetence, misrepresentation of their credentials, an unwillingness to complete case studies and other homework, or for not completing satisfactorily and passing both “hands-on” and written final exams. |
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If a practitioner is asked to discontinue the certification process, monies will be refunded only for the uncompleted portion of the program. No money will be refunded for courses previously completed and the Gold Standard name and title cannot be used without satisfactory completion of all training levels. |
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Cancellation policy: due to the comprehensive and exclusive nature of this certification program and licensure, the Gold Standard Facial Acupuncture™ Certification can only be cancelled in cases of force majeure, i.e., a death in the immediate family, serious personal illness (with an M.D.’s document verifying the nature of the condition) or other “act of God”. |
Click here to access a PDF of the registration form
