Post-Master's Certificate in
Women's Holistic Health
Now Enrolling for Spring 2012

The new Post-Master’s Certificate in Women’s Holistic Health is the first program of its kind to help acupuncturists address the health needs of female patients in all phases of the life cycle.

The holistic and integrative approach of this unique program provides students with an in-depth understanding of the comprehensive needs of women from puberty, through the childbearing years, to menopause and aging.

A faculty of experts in the field will teach in this 12-credit program, blending Eastern and Western medicine with proven traditional practices and modern science to create a “wisdom through the ages” learning experience.

Program Highlights

• Part-time, weekend format to accommodate working acupuncturists in nine weekend sessions over a nine-month period
• Special topics in puberty, fertility, pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, menopause, aging, life cycle nutrition, gynecological disorders, and reproductive oncology
• Comprehensive and broad-based knowledge that can be immediately applied into clinical practice
• Knowledge to be conversant with a diverse network of healthcare providers
• Experienced faculty and prominent guest lecturers, including Dr. Randine Lewis, author and internationally renowned expert in the field of women’s health and Chinese Medicine
• Presentations by Shady Grove Fertility Center on current Western medical practices in women’s health
• Eligibility for federal financial aid and 180 Continuing Education Units
   

Course Descriptions

WACP 709: Foundations of Women’s Health and Wellness

1.0 credit

Women’s health begins with understanding the nature of the Feminine. In Chinese medicine we use the term “Yin” to describe this experience. This course explores the physiological, psychological, spiritual, and developmental aspects of the feminine. Ancient healing wisdom and the practical application of the laws of nature in relation to women’s health will be reviewed. Tools to restore and strengthen one’s connection with the healing wisdom of the Yin will weave a richly woven tapestry that reaches back in time and grounds us in the lives of women today.

WACP 710: Anatomy and Physiology of Women from Western and Eastern Medical Perspectives

3.0 credits

This course reviews women’s anatomy, reproductive systems, and menstrual cycles from Western and Chinese medical perspectives. Students learn practices that support women’s reproductive health, including “Mayan Abdominal Therapy” and Wu Ming style Qi Gong for breast health. Additional topics include sexuality, birth control options, and sexually transmitted infections. Current research pertaining to Chinese medicine and women’s health is presented.

WACP 711: Application of Chinese Medicine Theory I: General Principles of Treating Women in the Clinic

3.0 credits

This course explores the reproductive system through the combined lens of Chinese medicine and biomedicine. Students will explore disorders such as endometriosis, ovarian failure, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and tubal and uterine issues. In the second portion of this module, students will be introduced to the 5 Phases of the menstrual cycle and their related pulses, the origins of the Bao Mai, utilizing the Eight Extraordinary Vessels, and herbal strategies that support healthy menstruation.

WACP 712: Application of Chinese Medicine Theory II: Fertility and Childbirth

3.0 credits

In this course, practitioners deepen their knowledge of women’s fertility and the childbearing experience. Fertility, assisted reproduction, pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum care, and breast-feeding are explored from a holistic perspective. Western medical treatments and procedures related to fertility, pregnancy, and childbearing, along with acupuncture, herbal, and complementary treatments, are presented. This course focuses on working in an integrative fashion with Western and other allied health care providers.

WACP 713: Application of Chinese Medicine Theory III: Perimenopause, Menopause, and Aging

1.0 credit

This course provides an in-depth study of the changes that occur in women beginning in midlife and beyond. Traditional Western and Chinese medical theory and practices designed to support women at this stage in life are discussed. Menopausal syndrome, hormone replacement therapy, and the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis are covered. This course guides practitioners in providing a holistic approach to care, which focuses on working in an integrative fashion with a diverse network of healthcare providers.

WACP 714: Application of Chinese Medicine Theory IV: Reproductive Oncology

1.0 credit

This course guides the acupuncture practitioner in the care of women who have been diagnosed with breast, cervical, ovarian, or uterine cancer. Traditional medical diagnostic procedures and protocols are reviewed. Chinese medical theory, and treatments to support patients who are receiving chemotherapy and radiation therapy are explored. Integrative healthcare programs available to patients with cancer are presented.

Faculty

Program Manager
Linda Simons, M.Ac., L.Ac., R.N.

Core Faculty
Diane Gioioso, M.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM)
Jane Grissmer, M.Ac.(UK), Dipl.Ac.(NCCAOM)
Robin Johnsen, R.N., L.Ac., Dipl. Comp.
Kaiya Larson, M.Ac., L.Ac.
Evan Rabinowitz, M.Ac., Dipl.Ac.(NCCAOM)
Marianne Rothschild, M.D.

Adjunct Faculty
Tracey Burde, M.Ac., Dipl. Ac.
Antionette Fiumos, M.Ac., Dipl. Ac., (NCCAOM)
Tyme Gigliotti, M.Ac., L.Ac.
Christine Lee, M.A.O.M., Dipl.Ac.(NCCAOM) M.S.N.
Rose Truby-Scharff, M.Ac., L.Ac.

Distinguished Guest Lecturers
Dianne M. Connelly, Ph.D., M.Ac.(UK), Dipl.Ac.(NCCAOM)
Judith Duerk, M.S
Donna Keefe, M.Ac., L.Ac., Dipl.Ac.
Randine Lewis, M.S.O.M., Ph.D., L.Ac.
Joseph E. Osheroff, M.D.
Rebecca Wilkinson, M.A., ART-BC

Program Dates

The Post-Master’s Certificate in Women’s Holistic Health is delivered in a format to accommodate working practitioners. The 12-credit program is designed to be completed in nine months of concentrated weekend study.

WACP 709: Foundations of Women’s Health and Wellness
March 31 - April 1, 2012

WACP 710: Anatomy and Physiology of Women from Western and Eastern Medical Perspectives
May 4-6, 2012
June 1-3, 2012

WACP 711: Application of Chinese Medicine Theory I: General Principles of Treating Women in the Clinic
June 29 - July 1, 2012
July 27-29, 2012

WACP 712: Application of Chinese Medicine Theory II: Fertility and Childbirth
August 24-26, 2012
September 21-23, 2012

WACP 713: Application of Chinese Medicine Theory III: Perimenopause and Menopause
October 20-21, 2012 

WACP 714: Application of Chinese Medicine Theory IV: Reproductive Oncology
November 17-18, 2012

Classes are grouped in two-and three-day weekends. The two-day weekends are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays and class hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on both days. The three-day weekends include Fridays, 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sundays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Admission Requirements

Prospective students must meet the following admission requirements:

• Have a minimum of a master’s degree in Acupuncture or Oriental Medicine from an ACAOM accredited institution and submit an official transcript to verify completion.
• Submit official transcript of highest degree earned beyond a master’s degree.
   

Financial Aid

There are a variety of financial aid options available for this program, including a limited number of scholarships. For funding options, please contact the Director of Financial Aid John Gay, Jr., at 410-888-9048 ext. 6628 or .

Tuition and Fees

Application Fee: $50
Tuition Deposit (due upon acceptance): $500
An individual accepted into one of Tai Sophia’s academic programs will be billed a non-transferable, non-refundable tuition deposit. This fee holds a seat in the class for which the applicant has been accepted and will be applied to tuition upon matriculation. This fee is due upon acceptance and may be paid by cash, check, MasterCard, or Visa.
Tuition: $525 per credit hour billed in two installments for a total of $6,300 (Special tuition for Tai Sophia Institute alumni and current students: $405 per credit hour billed in two installments for a total of $4,860).

To learn more about the Post-Master's Certificate in Women's Holistic Health, contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at admissions@tai.edu or 410-888-9048 ext. 6647.

Tai Sophia Institute is accredited by the Middle States Commission of Higher Education. The Institute’s programs are reviewed and endorsed by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC).