ABVA Foundation Course in Veterinary Acupuncture for Companion Animals

Course dates in person: 14th, 15th and 16th Decembermber. Delegates must complete online modules in advance and attend all 3 days. 

 

The ABVA are delighted to introduce a brand new Foundation Course in Acupuncture for Companion Animals. 

• Taught by internationally recognised lecturers
• The only UK veterinary acupuncture course to introduce the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Learn how to practice acupuncture safely in practice
• Hands-on practical sessions in palpation and point-finding
• Hybrid teaching allows time for learning and reading before in-person sessions
• The first step towards ABVA Certification
• One year membership to ABVA included in the course fees

Acupuncture has been around for a long time. It’s an ancient art that we are now able to apply
to our patients on a day-to-day basis using traditional theories and new science to get the best
possible results.

The ABVA Foundation Course is primarily a practical one for veterinary surgeons who are new
to acupuncture or those who wish to refresh their knowledge. The information we give you
stands firmly on a Western clinical diagnosis and an understanding of acupuncture’s
neurophysiological mechanisms; but to broaden your experience we would like to introduce you
to some of the historical and traditional concepts from which this ancient form of medicine
evolved. This is just the beginning of this fascinating subject. 

 

The Foundation Course follows the following format:

• online lectures provide an introduction to the neurophysiology of acupuncture, the principles of acupuncture point selection, myofascial trigger points and current relevant research.
• in-person teaching over three days provides a foundation level in veterinary acupuncture, the approach to clinical cases and the practicalities of needling patients.
• the course includes essential discussion on introducing acupuncture into practice, professional communication, consent and financial considerations. 

COURSE LECTURERS

COURSE LECTURERS

Hanna Machin (DipACVAA DipSIAV MVetMed MRCVS) graduated in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Padua (Italy). She has always been passionate about anaesthesia, with a particular interest in acute and chronic pain management. During her studies, she completed a three-year course in Veterinary Acupuncture at SIAV (Italian Society of Veterinary Acupuncture).

Hanna completed her residency in Anaesthesia and Analgesia at the Royal Veterinary College (UK), where she also obtained a Master in Veterinary Medicine (MVetMed). She is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia (ACVAA).

She subsequently worked at the University of Cambridge as a Clinical Anaesthetist, where she was involved in running the pain clinic service, in which she practised acupuncture. She is currently a Lecturer in Veterinary Anaesthesia at the University of Surrey.

Outside of work, Hanna enjoys cooking (especially baking), caring for her plants, and spending time with her cat.

Jen Porter (BVetMed PGDipCAB PGCertVetEd FHEA MRCVS CertSCVA) is the ABVA's Academic Coordinator and has been using acupuncture in small animal practice since 2006.  She now provides an acupuncture referral service in Surrey and Hampshire.

Jen is a Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Clinical Practice at the University of Surrey and is currently working towards accreditation as a Clinical Animal Behaviourist. Jen is accompanied on the ABVA courses by her scruffy, overenthusiastic teaching dog, Errol. 

 

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PRACTICAL SESSIONS USE LIVE ANIMALS FOR ACUPUNCTURE POINT LOCATION ONLY. FOR ETHICAL REASONS DELEGATES WILL NOT BE PLACING NEEDLES INTO LIVE ANIMALS.  WE ENDEAVOUR TO PROVIDE CASES FOR ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT DEMONSTRATION BUT THESE ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.