Department of
Family Medicine

Auricular Acupuncture Badge

The WVU Auricular Acupuncture Badge is for West Virginia physicians, residents and medical students seeking to enhance their clinical practice and patient care with the fast and effective use of auricular acupuncture for their patients experiencing pain, stress and/or addiction.

Course Description

The WVU Auricular Acupuncture Badge will be earned through full participation in the WVU auricular acupuncture training course and after successful completion of the Auricular Acupuncture Manual Skills Exam that is included in the course. This is a one-day, hands on adventure of auricular acupuncture concepts, theory and practice. Each participant will leave the course with this new skill that is immediately available to the patients we care for. CME is also available for those who are eligible.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Explain auricular acupuncture theory and evidence.
  • Identify indications for auricular acupuncture.
  • List contraindications to the use of auricular acupuncture.
  • Recite the indicated points and their locations for 3 auricular needle protocols.
  • Discuss the indications for use of each auricular protocol.
  • Demonstrate accurate needle placement location and technique.
  • Apply auricular acupuncture to clinical practice immediately.

Course Enrollment Criteria

Enrollees eligible for participation include:

  • Physicians licensed in West Virginia.
  • Residents practicing in West Virginia.
  • Students enrolled in a West Virginia medical school.

Rationale

The WVU Auricular Acupuncture Badge was designed to provide current and future physicians of West Virginia with an additional treatment option for their patients suffering from trauma, pain and addiction. Auricular acupuncture is simple to deliver, safe for patients and is effective. It is the perfect addition to other standard treatments and can be delivered in any setting.

Many patients of our wild and wonderful state suffer from chronic pain. This is often associated with past or current trauma and can lead to addiction. West Virginia is one of the leading states in the nation for these significant conditions and auricular acupuncture can be a way for our providers to compassionately respond to the needs of our patients.

Providing auricular acupuncture is within the scope of practice for physicians licensed in West Virginia. With this micro-credential, the current and future physicians of the Mountain State have the opportunity to understand, master and apply this treatment to improve the lives or their patients.