NCCAOM Examination Review Introduction...• 9) Meridians and collaterals including divergent meridians (Jing Luo) • 10) Extraordinary meridian From 20 Examination Contents Outline

Copyright © Dongcheng Li

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NCCAOM ExaminationReview

Dongcheng Li

Office: (954) 763-9840

E-mail: [email protected]

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Introduction to NCCAOM Examination


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Contents in NCCAOM Examination Review

• NCCAOM Exam Brief Introduction

• Examination Contents Outline (2011)

• Recommended Books (2011)

• How to Prepare NCCAOM Exam

• What will be introduced in Four classes?

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NCCAOM Exam Brief Introduction

• NCCAOM stands for National Certification Commission For Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

• Q: Why do I need NCCAOM Certification?

• A: NCCAOM certification is the only nationallyrecognized certification available to qualified practitioners of acupuncture and Oriental medicine. NCCAOM certification is a requirement for licensure in most states (About 24/50 states). Many third-party payers recognize NCCAOM certification as a criterion for reimbursement. Employers may require NCCAOM certification as a condition for hiring or promotion. NCCAOM certification indicates to your clients that you adhere to nationally accepted standards of practice.

From www.nccaom.org


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• State Licensure Information– From

– http://www.nccaom.org/wp-content/uploads/pdf/State%20Licensure%20Table.pdf

– States Use of NCCAOM Certification or Exams for Acupuncture Licensure

– http://www.nccaom.org/wp-content/uploads/pdf/Certification%20or%20Exams%20for%20Acup%20Licensure%20Map.jpg

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• Q: What is the difference between State Licensure and NCCAOM Certification?

• A: The NCCAOM is a private, voluntary certification organization. It awards certification in Acupuncture, Chinese Herbology, Oriental Medicine and Asian Bodywork Therapy. It does not award licenses to practice acupuncture or other forms of Oriental medicine. In the United States, licensure laws vary among the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and United States territories and possessions.

From www.nccaom.org


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• Q: What are the fees for certification?

$400(no change)

Asian Bodywork Therapy Application

$425(no change)

Chinese Herbology Application

$475 (price After 2011; $ 425 2004-2010)

Acupuncture Application

$595 (price After 2011; $ 550 2004-2010)

Oriental Medicine Application

From www.nccaom.org

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• Q: What are the examinations for different certification?

RequiredRequiredChinese Herbology Module

Exam

RequiredRequiredRequiredBiomedicine Module Exam

RequiredRequiredRequiredFoundations of Oriental

Medicine Module Exam

RequiredRequiredAcupuncture with Point

Location Module Exam

Chinese

HerbologyCertification

Acupuncture

Certification

Oriental Medicine

Certification

From www.nccaom.org


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• Q: What are the fees for Examination?

$300Asian Bodywork Therapy Exam*

$300Foundations of Oriental Medicine Module Exam

$300Chinese Herbology Module Exam

$300Biomedicine Module Exam

$300Acupuncture with Point Location Module Exam

* ABT offered every other year (on the odd years). Please see www.nccaom.org for dates.

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• 2011 Foreign Language Exam Fee

$700Foundations of Oriental Medicine Module Exam

$700Chinese Herbolgoy Module Exam

$700Biomedicine Module Exam

$700Acupuncture with Point Location Module Exam


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From www.nccaom.org

Biomedicine was Linear Exam in 2010 and will change to Adaptive Exam in 2011

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• Q: When can I apply?• A: For US students, you may submit an

application anytime (should meet NCCAOM requirements). For students educated outside the United States, it is advised that you apply after your Foreign Education Evaluation by AACRAO or WES is complete. All applications are good for 4 years so it is advised that applications be submitted near or after graduation. – For ATOM students, you can apply 1st trimester 3rd

year.

From www.nccaom.org


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• Q: Can I just take the exams?

• A: No. You must meet eligibility requirements in order to be approved to take the exam(s). Submission of an application is a prerequisite in order to review your eligibility.

From www.nccaom.org

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• Q: If I fail the exam, can I immediately sign up for the exam again?

• A: No. Candidates who need to retake an NCCAOM examination must wait 45 days from the previous recorded test. Candidates will not be allowed to reschedule their examination prior to the 45 day waiting period for any reason.

• NCCAOM recommends that you give yourself sufficient time to prepare for the retake of the examination that you failed. Remember that after three attempts, you must submit 15 Professional Development Activity points in the content area of weakness in order to sit a fourth time. Also, you are only allowed a total of five (5) opportunities to take an examination.

From www.nccaom.org


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• Q: What is the requirements for Florida Acupuncture License?

• A: The Board currently approves as the Florida Examination for licensure the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) examination, consisting of the Foundations of Oriental Medicine Module, the Acupuncture with Point Location Module.

From http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/acupunct/acu_deadlines.html

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• The NCCAOM offers the following examinations throughout the year for 2011:– Acupuncture with Point Location

– Chinese Herbology

– Foundations of Oriental Medicine

• The Biomedicine examination is scheduled for the following dates in 2011: – February 14-26

– May 9-21

– July 18-30

– October 24- November 5

From www.nccaom.org


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Examination Contents Outline (2011)

• Acupuncture and Point Location

• Foundation of Oriental Medicine

• Chinese Herbology

• Biomedicine

From www.nccaom.org

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Examination Contents Outline (2011)Acupuncture and Point Location

• Domain A: Develop a Comprehensive Treatment Plan Using Acupuncture Points Based Upon Patient’s Identified Syndrome and Pattern Discrimination (40% of total exam of which 20%are point location images).

• Domain B: Treatment Techniques and Mode of Administration (20% of total exam).

• Domain C: Use of Modalities or Agents (25% of total exam)

• Domain D: Assess Treatment Outcomes and Modify Treatment (15% of total exam)

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• Domain A: Develop a Comprehensive Treatment Plan Using Acupuncture Points Based Upon Patient’s Identified Syndrome and Pattern Discrimination (40% of total exam of which 20% are point location images).– 1. Develop treatment plan;

• 1) Six Stages theory (e.g., Taiyang, Yangming, Shaoyang, Taiyin, Shaoyin, Jueyin)

• 2) Four Levels (Wei, Qi, Ying, Xue)• 3) Five Phase/Element points• 4) Antique points (Jing Well, Ying Spring, Shu Stream, Jing River,

He Sea)• 5) Root and Branch• 6) Zang Fu• 7) Yin and Yang• 8) Qi, Blood, Body Fluids and Essence• 9) Meridians and collaterals including divergent meridians (Jing Luo)• 10) Extraordinary meridian

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– 2. Point selection• 1) Distal/local, adjacent points• 2) Based on TCM muscular channel theory• 3) Points along corresponding channels to affected cutaneous regions• 4) Front-Mu (Alarm) points, Back-Shu (Associated) points, and their combination(s)• 5) Lower He-Sea (Uniting) points• 6) Four-Needle technique points• 7) Eight Influential points• 8) Four Sea points• 9) Based upon causative factor• 10) Five Shu (Transporting) points according to TCM• 11) Luo-Connecting points, Yuan-Source (Primary) points, and their combinations• 12) Xi-Cleft points• 13) Entry and Exit points according to 12 Channel theory• 14) Window of the Sky• 15) Extra points• 16) Auricular points• 17) Scalp points• 18) Coalescent points• 19) Crossing points• 20) Fourteen meridians• 21) Confluent points• 22) Command points

From www.nccaom.org


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– 3. Treatment strategy using acupuncture, cupping and moxibustion

– 4. Needle selection (e.g., filiform, three-edges, plum-blossom, press and intradermalneedles)

– 5. Identification of correct point location

– 6. Point location (images only)

From www.nccaom.org

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• Domain B: Treatment Techniques and Mode of Administration (20% of total exam).

– 1. Patient position

– 2. Needle insertion

• 1) Angle

• 2) Depth

• 3) Needle insertion technique

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– 3. Achieve arrival of Qi by:

• 1) Lifting and thrusting

• 2) Twirling or rotating

• 3) Plucking

• 4) Scraping

• 5) Shaking

• 6) Trembling

From www.nccaom.org

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– 4. Reinforcing and reducing techniques by:

• 1) Lifting and thrusting

• 2) Twirling or rotating

• 3) Rapid and slow insertion and withdrawal of needle

• 4) Keeping acupuncture hole open

• 5) Means of respiration

• 6) Setting the Mountain on Fire

• 7) Penetrating Heaven coolness

– 5. Precautions based upon anatomy

– 6. Removal of needlesFrom www.nccaom.org


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• Domain C: Use of Modalities or Agents (25% of total exam)– 1. Cupping– 2. Guasha– 3. Bleeding– 4. Intradermal needles– 5. Ear balls, seeds, pellets, ear tack– 6. Electro acupuncture– 7. Electricity

• 1) Micro current• 2) Auricular micro system points• 3) TENS

From www.nccaom.org

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– 8. Moxibustion

• 1) Direct moxibustion (e.g., thread moxibustion)

• 2) Indirect moxibustion (stick or pole moxa)

• 3) Moxa on medium (e.g., garlic, ginger)

• 4) Moxa on needle handle

• 5) Moxa box/can

• 6) Navel moxa

• 7) Stick-on moxa

• 8) Smokeless moxa

From www.nccaom.org


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– 9. Physical agents• 1) Heat

• 2) TDP/infrared heat lamp

• 3) Cold

– 10. Precautions related to treatment modalities (e.g., intradermal needles, moxibustion, electricity, guasha, bleeding, cupping, 7 Star Hammer)

– 11. State regulation(s) and law(s) for use of different modalities for acupuncture

From www.nccaom.org

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• Domain D: Assess Treatment Outcomes and Modify Treatment (15% of total exam)– 1. Treatment evaluation

• 1) Assess effectiveness of treatment by re-examining patient

• 2) Assess clinical lab work and physical examination

• 3) Appropriately continue, discontinue, modify treatment, or refer to another healthcare provider

• 4) Point selection modification

• 5) Treatment strategy modification

• 6) Modality and manipulation modification

– 2. Ensure clean needle technique

– 3. Management of acupuncture related emergencies (fainting, shock, bleeding, broken needles, stuck needles, diabetic issues, burns, etc.)

From www.nccaom.org


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Examination Contents Outline (2011)Foundation of Oriental Medicine

• Domain A: Diagnostic Examination (25% of total exam)

• Domain B: Assessment and Analysis -Differentiation and Diagnosis (40% of total exam)

• Domain C: Treatment Principle, Treatment Strategy, Disease Prevention, and PatientEducation (35% of total exam)

From www.nccaom.org

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• Domain A: Diagnostic Examination (25% of total exam)– 1. Looking (observing and examining) (Wang)

• 1) Spirit (Shen)

• 2) Face, complexion, and luster

• 3) Tongue (body and coating)

• 4) Eyes, nose, mouth, lips, teeth, and throat

• 5) Auricular characteristics

• 6) Physical characteristics (movement, weight, expression/demeanor, and general behavior)

• 7) Skin, flesh, hair, scalp, and nails

• 8) Head, torso, abdomen, limbs, hands and feet

• 9) Secretions and excretions (sweat, urine, stool, phlegm, etc.)

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– 2. Listening and smelling (Wen)

• 1) Respiratory sounds

• 2) Tonal qualities, strength of voice and speech (quality, manner, pattern, contents)

• 3) Abdominal sounds and joint sounds

• 4) Body, breath and mouth odor

• 5) Odor of secretions and excretions

From www.nccaom.org

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– 3. Asking (Wen)• 1) Sensations of hot or cold, chills or fever• 2) Patterns and nature of perspiration or sweating• 3) Nature, intensity, and location of pain, discomfort, or sensations (e.g., fatigue, heaviness,

dizziness, numbness, tingling, etc.)• 4) Secretions and excretions (sweat, mucus, sputum, etc.)• 5) Sleep patterns and difficulties• 6) Thirst, appetite, digestion, including temperature and taste preference of beverages and

foods• 7) Preferences and cravings for tastes or flavors (e.g., salty, sour, sweet, pungent, bitter,

bland, etc.)• 8) Musculoskeletal conditions• 9) Abdominal conditions and bowel elimination (e.g., difficulty and• frequency, gassiness, constipation, diarrhea, etc.) and characteristics of stool• 10) Urination (e.g., difficulty, frequency, pain, etc.), characteristics of urine and urogenital

conditions• 11) Sexual and reproductive health• 12) Pediatric issues and geriatric issues• 13) Respiratory conditions• 14) Ears, eyes, nose, mouth, lips, throat, and teeth• 15) Skin conditions• 16) Emotions, cognitive abilities and lifestyles• 17) Weight loss/gain

From www.nccaom.org


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– 4. Touching (palpation) (Qie)

• 1) Radial pulses, using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice

• 2) Areas of tenderness

• 3) Abdomen according to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and/or Japanese practices

• 4) Acupuncture channels and points (e.g., pathway, mu, shu, xi, ashi)

From www.nccaom.org

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• Domain B: Assessment and Analysis - Differentiation and Diagnosis (40% of total exam)– 1. Fundamental theory of traditional Chinese medicine

• 1) Yin Yang

• 2) Five Elements (Five Phases/Wu Xing)

• 3) Essential substances (Qi, Blood/Xue, Fluids/Jin-Ye, Essence/Jing)

• 4) Spirit/Shen

• 5) Channel theory

• 6) Organ theory (Zang Fu)

• 7) Pathogenic Factors

• 8) Mechanisms of disorders (Bing Ji)

• 9) Eight Principles (Ba Gang)

• 10) Four Levels (Wei, Qi, Ying, Xue)

• 11) Six Stages differentiation (Shang Han Lun)

• 12) Triple Heater (San Jiao) differentiation

• 13) Circadian rhythms (body clock) and/or time of dayFrom www.nccaom.org


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– 2. Identification of patient’s chief complaint(s) (Zhu Su)

– 3. Identification of key syndrome (Zhu Zheng) and Pattern Differentiation (Bian Zheng)

– 4. Disease diagnosis according to Oriental medicine (Bian Bing)

From www.nccaom.org

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• Domain C: Treatment Principle, Treatment Strategy, Disease Prevention, and Patient Education (35% of total exam)– 1. Formulate treatment principle and strategy

based upon:• 1) Oriental medicine disease diagnosis (Bian Bing)

and pattern differentiation (Bian Zheng)

• 2) Constitutional strength and weakness

• 3) Emotional/spiritual factors

• 4) Seasonal/environmental factors

• 5) Root and branch theory

From www.nccaom.org


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– 2. Adjustment of treatment strategy, including consideration of patient’s (also applies to C2a – C2e)

• 1) Concurrent therapies and use of medications and supplements

• 2) Substance use, including smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs

• 3) Mental and/or emotional factors and significant life events

• 4) Living circumstances, and family and social or other support systems

• 5) Progress or response to treatmentFrom www.nccaom.org

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– 3. Disease prevention and patient education

• 1) Oriental medicine theory

• 2) Healing process and progression

• 3) Dietary principles (Oriental and Western)

• 4) Relaxation, breathing, meditation, exercise, and body mechanics

• 5) Lifestyle recommendations and self-treatment techniques

From www.nccaom.org


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Examination Contents Outline (2011)Chinese Herbology

• Domain A: Herbal Safety and Professional Preparations (10% of Examination)

• Domain B: Herbs, Herbal Formulas and Prescriptions (75% of Examination)

• Domain C: Evaluation And Modification Of Treatment (15% Of Examination)

From www.nccaom.org

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• Domain A: Herbal Safety and Professional Preparations (10% of Examination)

– 1. Safe practices of Chinese herbal medicine

• 1) Identify precautions and contraindications

• 2) Side effects of herbal medicines

• 3) Herb-drug interactions

– 2. Maintain an herbal dispensary of raw herbs and/or granules

– 3. Maintain patent medicine herbal dispensary

– 4. Manage inventory of herbal productsFrom www.nccaom.org


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– 5. Maintain medical records of patients, including medications

– 6. Identification of herbal products

– 7. Evaluation of quality of herbs and herbal products

– 8. Identify products containing endangered species

– 9. Maintain herbal dispensary supplies and environment (e.g., tools, scales, etc.)

– 10. Monitor stored herbs for contamination

– 11. Monitor herbs and herbal products for expiration dates

– 12. Storage of herbs and herbal products

– 13. Maintain records of discarded products

From www.nccaom.org

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• Domain B: Herbs, Herbal Formulas and Prescriptions (75% of Examination)

– 1. Prescribe and dispense Chinese herbs for individual patients

• 1) Tastes, properties, direction, and channels entered of individual Chinese herbs

• 2) Functions and indications of individual Chinese herbs

• 3) Functions and indications of combinations of Chinese herbs

• 4) Treatment strategies (Ba Fa) of Chinese herbal medicine

• 5) Dynamics of Chinese herbal formulas

• 6) Functions, indications and ingredients of Chinese herbal formulas (see Appendix of Formulas - Reference of common Chinese herbal formulas at end of file)

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– 2. Proper administration of herbal prescriptions

• 1) Dosage of herbs and formulas

• 2) Appropriate form of administration

• 3) Preparation of herbs and herbal formulas

– 3. Understand expected treatment outcomes and reactions to treatment for individual patients

– 4. Differentiate characteristics of Western vs. Chinese medicinal herbs

From www.nccaom.org

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• Domain C: Evaluation And Modification Of Treatment (15% Of Examination)– 1. Evaluation and modification of Chinese

herbal treatment

– 2. Consult with patient on additional areas of concern

– 3. Communicate with patients and other health care providers about Chinese herbal treatment

– 4. Advise patients of potential side-effects, precautions and interactions (e.g., foods, supplements and/or medications)

From www.nccaom.org


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– 5. Use of herbs in dietary therapy and dietary recommendations based on Traditional Chinese Medicine

– 6. Use of external herbal applications

– 7. Provide patient with copy of the herbal formula prescription

From www.nccaom.org

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Examination Contents Outline (2011)Biomedicine

• Domain A: Western Medical Assessment (55% of total exam)

• Domain B: Pharmaceuticals and Supplementations (15% of total exam)

• Domain C: Safety (15% of total exam)

• Domain D: Practice Management Issues (15% of total exam)

From www.nccaom.org


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• Domain A: Western Medical Assessment (55% of total exam)

– 1. History-taking (5%)

• 1) Identifying information

• 2) Chief complaint and present illness

• 3) Past medical history

• 4) Family history

• 5) Personal and social history

• 6) System review

From www.nccaom.org

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– 2. Physical assessment, pathology and diagnostics (35%)

• 1) Vital signs, weight, and nutritional status

• 2) Organ assessment and system pathology

• 3) Orthopedic evaluation– Measurement of strength

– Reproduction of pain or other signs that reproduces symptoms

– Trigger and motor points

– Assessment of range of motion

• 4) Neurological evaluation

• 5) Diagnostic testing– Imaging studies

– Laboratory studies (average (reference) ranges will not be tested)

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– 3. Ominous signs and patient referral (15%)

• 1) Medical

• 2) Mental health

• 3) Abuse

From www.nccaom.org

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• Domain B: Pharmaceuticals and Supplementations (15% of total exam)

– 1. Pharmaceuticals

• 1) Classification of prescription and non-prescription (OTC) medications

• 2) Common mechanisms of action, action and side effects of prescription and non-prescription (OTC) medications, including drugs of abuse

– 2. Supplements

• 1) Classification of dietary supplements

• 2) Known mechanisms of action and side effects of supplements

From www.nccaom.org


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• Domain C: Safety (15% of total exam)

– 1. CPR and office emergencies

– 2. Bloodborne pathogens and communicable diseases

From www.nccaom.org

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• Domain D: Practice Management Issues (15% of total exam)– 1. Legal and ethical issues

• 1) Federal and state regulations– Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)

– Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

– Reporting requirements

– Business operations

– Maintenance of proper medical records

– Licensure requirements

• 2) Ethical issues

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– 2. Other practice management issues

• 1) Communication with patients and other professionals (e.g., third party payers, other healthcare providers, attorneys, etc.)

• 2) NCCAOM rules and regulations

From www.nccaom.org

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Recommended Books (2011)

• There is no single text recommended by NCCAOM. All NCCAOM modules and examinations reflect practice in the United States as determined by the most recent job analysis.

• NCCAOM’s item writers and examination development committee members frequently use the following texts as resources; however, the sources used are not limited to the books listed here. The NCCAOM does not endorse any third-party study/preparation guide(s).

From www.nccaom.org


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Recommended Books (2011)Acupuncture with Point Location Bibliography

• Primary Sources– Cheng, X. (Reprinted 2005 and 2007 Eds. & 1999 Ed). Chinese

acupuncture and moxibustion. Foreign Languages Press.

– National Acupuncture Foundation. (2004). Clean needle technique manual for acupuncturists. guidelines and standards for a clean and safe clinical practice of acupuncture. (5th Ed.). Chaplin, CT: National Acupuncture Foundation.

– Deadman, P. & Al-Khafaji, M. with Baker, K. (2001 and 2007 Eds.). A manual of acupuncture, journal of Chinese medicine publications.

– Maciocia, G. (2005). The foundations of Chinese medicine: A comprehensive text for acupuncturists and herbalists. (2nd Ed.).New York: Churchill Livingstone.

– O’Conner, J. & Bensky, D. (1999). Acupuncture: A comprehensive text. Seattle: Eastland Press.

From www.nccaom.org

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Recommended Books (2011)Acupuncture with Point Location Bibliography

• Secondary Sources– Chirali, I. Z. (2007). Traditional Chinese medicine cupping therapy, (2nd Ed.).

New York: Churchill Livingstone.– Ellis, A., Wiseman, N. & Boss, K. (1995). Fundamentals of Chinese acupuncture,

(Revised Ed.). Massachusetts: Paradigm Publications.– Hicks, A., Hicks, J, & Mole, P. (2004). Five element constitutional acupuncture.

(1st Ed.). New York: Churchill Livingstone.– Kailin, D. (1998). Acupuncture risk management: The essential practice

standards & regulatory compliance reference. (1st Ed.). C M S Press.– Kaptchuk, T. (2002). The web that has no weaver, (2nd Ed.). McGraw-Hill.– Li, X. & Zhao, J. (1998). Patterns & practice in Chinese medicine, (1st Ed.).

Seattle: Eastland– Press.– Maciocia, G. (1997). The practice of Chinese medicine: The treatment of disease

with acupuncture and Chinese herbs. (2nd Ed.). New York: Churchill Livingstone.– Nielsen, A. (1995). Gua Sha: A traditional technique for modern practice. (1st

Ed.). New York: Churchill Livingstone.– Worsley, J. R. (1993). Traditional Chinese acupuncture. (2nd Ed.). Element

Books.– Zhang, T. L. & Flaws, B. (Trans). (1987). A handbook of traditional Chinese

gynecology. (3rd Ed.). Blue Poppy Press.

From www.nccaom.org


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Recommended Books (2011)Foundations of Oriental Medicine

• Beinfield, H. & Korngold, E. (1992). Between heaven and earth: A guide to Chinese medicine. New York: Ballantine Books.

• Bensky, D., Clavey, S., Stoger, E., & Gamble, A. (2004). Chinese herbal medicine: Materia medica. Third edition. Seattle, WA: Eastland Press.

• Cheng, X. (Ed.) (2005). Chinese acupuncture and moxibustion. (2nd Ed.). Beijing: Foreign Languages Press.

• Deng, T. (1999). Practical diagnosis in traditional Chinese medicine. London: Churchill Livingstone.

• Ellis, A. & Wiseman, N. (2005). Fundamentals of Chinese acupuncture. Taos, NM: Paradigm Publications.

• Flaws, B. & Sionneau, P. (2005). The treatment of modern western diseases with Chinese medicine. (2nd Ed.). Boulder, CO: Blue Poppy Press.

• Kaptchuk, T. J. (2000). The web that has no weaver: Understanding Chinese medicine. (2nd Ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.

• Maciocia, G. (2005). The foundations of Chinese medicine: A comprehensive text for acupuncturists and herbalists. (2nd Ed.). Philadelphia: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.

• Maciocia, G. (2008). The practice of Chinese medicine: The treatment of diseases with acupuncture and Chinese herbs. (2nd Ed.). Philadelphia: Churchill Livingstone.

• Mitchell, C., Ye, F., & Wiseman, N. (1999). Shang han lun: On cold damage. Brookline, MA: Paradigm Publications.

• Ni, Y. (2004). Navigating the channels of traditional Chinese medicine. Revised edition. Taos, NM: Complementary Medicine Press.

From www.nccaom.org

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Recommended Books (2011)Foundations of Oriental Medicine

• O’Connor, J. & Bensky, D. (Eds. and Trns.). (1996). Acupuncture: A comprehensive text. Shanghai college of traditional medicine. Seattle, WA: Eastland Press.

• Scheid, V., Bensky, D., Ellis, A., & Barolet, R. (2009). Chinese herbal medicine: Formulas and strategies. (2nd Ed.). Seattle, WA: Eastland Press.

• Shi, Xue-min. (2007). Shi Xuemin's comprehensive textbook of acupuncture and moxibustion, Volumes 1 & 2. Beijing: People's Medical Publishing House.

• Wang, B. & Wu, N (Trns.). (2005). Yellow emperor’s canon: Internal medicine. Taos, NM: Redwing Book Co.

• Wen, J. (2003). Warm disease theory wen bing xue. Brookline, MA: Paradigm Publications.

• Wiseman, N. & Ellis, A. (1998). Fundamentals of Chinese medicine. Revised Edition. Brookline, MA: Paradigm Publications.

• World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies. (2008). International standard Chinese- English basic nomenclature of Chinese medicine. Beijing: People’s Medical Publishing House.

• Wu, Y., Fischer, W., & Fratkin, J.P. (Ed.) (1997). Practical therapeutics of traditional Chinese medicine. Brookline, MA: Paradigm Publications.

• Yi, Q. with Stone, A. (2008). Traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis study guide. eattle, WA: Eastland Press.

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Recommended Books (2011)Chinese Herbology

• Primary Sources

– Bensky, D. et al. (2009). Chinese herbal medicine: Formulas and strategies. (2nd Ed.). Seattle: Eastland Press.

– Bensky, D. et al. (2004). Chinese herbal medicine: Materia medica. (3rd Ed). Seattle: Eastland Press.

– Chen, J. & Chen, T. (2009). Chinese herbal formulas and applications. City of Industry: Art of Medicine Press.

– Chen, J. & Chen, T. (2004). Chinese medical herbology and pharmacology. City of Industry: Art of Medicine Press.

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Recommended Books (2011)Chinese Herbology

• Secondary Sources– Cheng, X. (2005). Chinese acupuncture and moxibustion. (2nd

Ed.). Beijing: Foreign Language Press.

– Fratkin, J. P. (2001). Chinese herbal patent medicines: The clinical desk reference. Boulder: Shya Publications.

– Lu, H. (1986). Chinese system of food cures: Prevention & remedies. New York: Sterling Publishing.

– Maciocia, G. (1988). Obstetrics & gynecology in Chinese medicine. New York: Churchill Livingstone.

– Maciocia, G. (2005). The foundations of Chinese medicine: A comprehensive text for acupuncturists and herbalists. (2nd Ed.).New York: Churchill Livingstone.

– Wu, Y. & Fischer, W. (1997). Practical therapeutics of traditional Chinese medicine. (1st Ed.). Taos: Paradigm Publications.

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Recommended Books (2011)Biomedicine

• Beers, M. H. (2006). The Merck manual of diagnosis and therapy. 18th Edition. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories.

• Bickley L. S. & Szilagyi, P. G. (2003). Bates’ guide to physical examination and history taking. (8th Ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Publishers.

• Fischback, F. et al. (2003). A manual of laboratory and diagnostic tests. 7th Edition. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Publishers.

• Hoppenfeld, S. (1976). Physical examination of the spine and extremities. East Norwalk, CT: Appleton & Lange.

• Kailin D. C. (2006). Quality in complementary and alternative medicine. Corvallis, OR: CMS Press.

• Kumar, V., Abbas, A. & Fausto, N. (2005). Robbins & Cotran pathologic basis of disease, seventh edition. Philadelphia: Elsevier Saunders.

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Recommended Books (2011)Biomedicine

• MacPhee, S. J., Papadakis, M. A., & Tierney, L. M. Current diagnosis and medical treatment. Columbus: McGraw-Hill Medical. (Current Edition)

• Mahan, L.K. & Escott-Stump, S. (2008). Krause's food & nutrition therapy. 12th Edition. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier.

• Murray, L. (2005). PDR for nonprescription drugs, dietary supplements, and herbs: The definitive guide to OTC medications.Montvale, NJ: Thomson PDR.

• National Acupuncture Foundation. (2004). Clean needle technique manual for acupuncturists. guidelines and standards for a clean and safe clinical practice of acupuncture. (5th Ed.). Chaplin, CT: National Acupuncture Foundation.

• Sperber, G. (2007). Integrated pharmacology combining modern pharmacology with Chinese medicine. Boulder, CO: Blue Poppy Press.

• Stone, J. (2002). An ethical framework for alternative and complementary therapists. London: Routledge.

• HIPAA: www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/• OSHA: www.osha.gov/ From www.nccaom.org


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How to Prepare NCCAOM Exam?

• How NCCAOM organize an exam?

– 30% simple, ensure you quick reaction

– 30% moderate, have to take a consideration

– 30% difficulty, you must take time to think and speculate.

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• Simple Questions– 1. How many principal Luo-Connecting channels are

there?• A. 10

• B. 12

• C. 15

• D. 27

– 2. What below are thought as three treasures in body?

• A. Qi, Blood, Essence

• B. Shen, Hun, Po

• C. Essence, Qi, Shen

• D. Brain, Muscle, Bone


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• Simple Questions

– 3. The point 4 Cun below the umbilicus and 2 Cun lateral to the REN meridian is____

• A. ST 27

• B. ST 28

• C. ST 29

• D. ST 30

-4. What point is this?A. ST-30 (qi chong)B. KI-12 (da he)C. ST-29 (gui lai)D. ST-28 (shui dao)

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• Simple Questions– 5. Wang Bu Liu Xing (vaccaria seeds) can treat Insufficient lactation due

to______• A. Blood heat• B. Blood cold• C. Blood stasis• D. Blood deficiency

– 6. Cranial nerve XII refers to which nerve?• A. Glossopharyngeal• B. Abducens• C. Vagus• D. Hypoglossal

– 7. Which lab test, if positive, provides further evidence of possible peptic ulcer?

• A. Urine for albumin test• B. Stool blood test• C. Blood Glucose test• D. BUN test


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• Moderate Questions

– 1. What is the mother point of Spleen channel?

• A. SP 1

• B. SP 2

• C. SP 4

• D. SP 9

– 2. Severe chills with a mild fever is indicative of _____

• A. Exterior Cold

• B. Exterior Heat

• C. Exterior Excess

• D. Exterior Deficiency

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• Moderate Questions– 3. Which of the following herb can stop the spasm of

calf?• A. Huo Xiang

• B. Wei Ling Xian

• C. Cang Zhu

• D. Mu Gua

– 4. Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan can be used for menopause and is modified from which formula?

• A. Liu Wei Di Huang Wan + Zhi Mu & Huang Bai

• B. Liu Wei Di Huang Wan + Gou Qi Zi & Ju Hua

• C. Qi Ju Di Huang Wan – Zhi Mu & Huang Bai

• D. Qi Ju Di Huang Wan – Gou Qi Zi & Ju Hua


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• Moderate Questions– 5. Sympathetic nervous system B-receptors cause all

of the following physiological responses EXCEPT?• A. Heart rate increase

• B. Vasoconstriction

• C. Pupil constriction

• D. Broncho dilation

– 6. What should you do if STD (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) patients come to your clinic?

• A. Need to be reported depending on the State

• B. Have to be reported to the Health Department

• C. There is no need to report

• D. Need to be communicated with all identifiable patient partners

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• Difficulty questions

– 1. The prescription for a Chronic Bronchitis is___

• A. LI-4, LV-3, LU-7, UB-60

• B. LU-7, LI-4, UB-13, KD-3

• C. LU-7, LI-4, LI-6, SP-4

• D. LI-4, LU-7, PC-6, KD-3

– 2. For headache caused by hyperactivity of Liver-yang, the best points are

• A. LI-14, DU-24, BL-12, SJ-8

• B. LV-3 or LV-2, KI-1 or KI-3, Tai Yang, Erjian

• C. LI-11, DU-14, SJ-5, LU-7

• D. ST-40, BL-67, BL-15, BL-20


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• Difficulty questions

– 3. Which of the following manifestations indicate blood dryness transforming into wind?

• A. Numbness of limbs and trunk, spasm of tendons and muscles

• B. Dizziness, trembling of limbs, facial paralysis, hemiplegia

• C. Coughing of scanty, sticky sputum

• D. Dry, scaly, peeling skin with itching

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• 4. A 30 year-old woman was diagnosed with myalgicencephalitis two years ago. It began after she had the flu. At that time she felt exhausted and could hardly stand up. She did not fully recover and continues to experience exhaustion, general flu like symptoms such as shivering and achy muscles. Her fatigue is worse with exercise. She has poor memory and her head feels like she has cotton balls in it. She sweats easily after even a short walk. Her appetite is poor and she has abdominal distention. The tongue is pale and swollen with a crack in the center part. The pulse is weak (xu mai) and minute (wei mai) especially in the front position. What is the treatment plan?

• A. Tonify Lung Qi, Tonify Spleen Qi• B. Tonify Qi and Blood• C. Release Exterior, Expel Cold, Stimulate Descending and

Dispersing Lung Functions• D. Tonify Kidneys, Warm Yang


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• 5. Low-grade fever as the main complaint. There is low-grade fever at night, night sweats, five centers heat, hot spells, thirst, dry stool, night sweats, scanty urine, temperature rises in the afternoon or evening, but returns to normal during the day, tongue red with scanty yellow coating, pulse rapid, thin. What is the treatment? – A、 Qing hao bie jia tang (artemisia annua and soft-

shelled turtle shell decoction– B、 Bu zhong yi qi tang (tonify the middle and

augment the qi decoction)– C、 Gui pi tang (restore the spleen decoction)

combined with si wu tang – D、 Si wu tang (four-substance decoction)

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• 6. A 72-year-old female patient comes to your clinic with a complaint of joint pain on right hip and knee, both wrists and all distal interphalangeal joints. This pain is relieved by rest and ibuprofen, but aggravates with weight-bearing and long standing and walking. She says her doctor took a X-ray last year, and discussed with her about possibilities of joint replacement surgery. Her most likely diagnosis is:– A. Rheumatoid arthritis

– B. Gout

– C. Osteoarthritis

– D. Rheumatic arthritis


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• What I recommend?

– 1. Follow the latest NCCAOM exams content outline

– 2. Pay more attention on the exam points in the syllabus

– 3. Organize and go over your previous handouts and textbook and repeat the class exam questions.

– 4. If you think they are too much and time-consuming, you can focus on Review Books that can be concise.

– 5. Dongcheng Li, Review and Pretest for NCCAOM and California Exams in TCM Foundation and Acupuncture, the latest version.

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• What I recommend?

– 6. Set up your own Review Plan.

– 7. My experience is one module per month. Finish them in one semester. Do not be too long or too hurry.

Acupuncture

Foundation

Biomedicine

Herbology

Florida License

Diplomat in Acupuncture(NCCAOM)

Diplomat in Oriental Medicine

(NCCAOM)


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What will be introduced in Four classes?

• Acupuncture and Point Location– Go over Contents Outline

– Do practice questions relating specific contents

– Solve the confusing questions

– Practice test

• Foundation of Oriental Medicine– Go over Contents Outline

– Do practice questions relating specific contents

– Solve the confusing questions

– Practice test

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Documents

NCCAOM Examination Review Introduction...• 9) Meridians and collaterals including divergent meridians (Jing Luo) • 10) Extraordinary meridian From 20 Examination Contents Outline