Fukushin: Abdominal Diagnosis within the Kanpo Tradition
with Nigel Dawes, MA, LAc

 

Download detailed course description Here

Download detailed curriculum Here

Abstract:
The abdomen represents the body's anatomical center, housing as it does the vital organs as well as forming its myofascial and structural core. In Asian systems of medicine it is also the source of vital energy acting as a crucible for the mutual transmutation of acquired and pre-natal essence. It also represents a metaphysical cauldron in which the vital organs play a pivotal role, each acting as a repository and catalyst for specific manifestations at the psychic and emotional level.

Throughout the history and development of Traditional Asian Medical systems, the abdomen has thus occupied a pivotal role in both diagnostic and treatment paradigms. In more recent times, however, its significance in the clinic has dwindled. Today many practitioners, especially in modern China, rarely use it in practice. This has not been the case in Japan where, from the Edo Period in particular, acupuncturists as well as Kanpo and Shiatsu practitioners have each developed highly sophisticated methods of using the abdomen in assessment and practice.

One such traditional method is that employed by modern herbalists (mostly MD’s) in Japan who use a detailed and highly specific form of abdominal palpation to obtain information that strongly influences the selection of herbal prescriptions.

This course will present one of these methods of abdominal palpation currently practiced within the Kanpo tradition as developed by Otsuka Yoshinori during the last century. Each abdominal conformation will be presented and discussed from the perspective of practical herbal prescribing. A strong practical component will ensure that the participants leave the course with a firm grasp of the basics of how to obtain and interpret these abdominal findings. The one year format allows practitioners to go more and more deeply into the study and practice of Kanpo and to integrate it in their practices.

Overview of Topics:

• Introduction to background and history of Fukushin in Japan
• The relevance of Fukushin in modern practice
• Otsuka’s 13 abdominal conformations:
• Description of morbid state
• Interpretation of findings
• Example formula prescriptions
• Demonstration of abdominal palpation technique
• Pairwork practice
• Case study example with interpretation
• Pairwork practice

Presentation Description:
This will essentially be a hands-on practical workshop with the aim of introducing participants to the basics of abdominal palpation in the Kanpo tradition. It will primarily be of interest to Oriental Medicine Practitioners and herbal prescribers, but anyone with experience and background in Oriental Medicine will find the information useful.

About the Presenter
Nigel Dawes has been practicing and teaching Oriental Medicine for 25 years. He lived and studied in Japan for 6 years followed by hospital internships in China. Upon returning to the UK he opened a practice and founded his own Shiatsu school in 1987. He moved to the US in 1994 and has been involved in undergraduate and graduate OM education, higher education administration, political work in the field, clinical practice, and publishing. His writings include numerous articles, 2 books and a recent translation of a Japanese Kanpo text to be published in the fall of 2007. He currently has a practice in New York incorporating Acupuncture, Shiatsu and Kanpo and is on faculty at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine and Tristate College of Acupuncture.

Fees: The cost for the entire Kanpo course is $2125. A $300 deposit is required to hold your place. The deposit if fully refundable up to 2 weeks before the start date of the course minus a $50 processing fee. No refund available after 2 weeks before the start of the course. The balance is paid on the first day of class.

Payment Plans Available

 

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Schedule:

 

Location: The Kanpo Program with Nigel Dawes will be held at White Pine Healing Arts