Back needling session with (past) Year 2 students
Helen Singleton – Clinical Education Lead
What is this session all about?
In this session my team and I were working with the Year 2 weekday students in a practical needling session. We were reviewing the location and function of acupuncture points on the back of the body, particularly the points along the bladder channel. This channel has the most acupuncture points and covers the widest bodily area, compared to other channels. Acupuncture points on the bladder channel give us access to all major energy systems in the body. In Year 2 we build on the knowledge acquired in Year 1 and apply it in a practical setting. Students are building their skills in preparation for working with real patients in the teaching clinic in the coming year."
John Livesey
What was valuable about this particular teaching session?
"This teaching session was valuable because it focussed on developing our understanding of the location of the main acupuncture points on the back and their location in relation to the anatomy of the spine. The back points are located in relation to the vertebrae and they can be tricky to find. The session helped us to understand the structure of the spine in order to find the main back points and then to needle them accurately and safely."
Sarah Simpson
How did your second year compare to your first year?
"My first year at the NCA felt like everything was new and the start of a journey. Not having done any higher education (leaving school straight after GSCEs) it was in all areas that I was learning and developing new skills. Now in Year 2; being able to use the correct terminology, understand concepts at a greater level and build on those foundations from Year 1 – it feels like everything is coming together! I’m now aware that this journey with acupuncture will never end (I’ll always be wanting to learn and better myself going forward) which feels rather exciting! Year 2 brings with it new challenges but having the solid foundation to build on means that I’m ready to throw myself happily into both the academic and practical lessons."
Jun Bai (on the left of the photo)
What is it like being taught in the practical classes?
"In the needling classes we are given ample time for the essential hands-on practice, locating the points and palpating to look for the signs. Our tutors are patient and encouraging, they are always there when needed, until we build up skills and confidence. It’s great to work alongside my classmates and these practical sessions are relaxing, enjoyable and good fun."
Saoirse McKinney (on the right of the photo)
When do you get to practise needling in clinic?
"We can practise our needling skills in clinic, during the second term of year 2."
Do you feel you will be ready and why?
"Yes I’m excited to get started. I’ve put a lot of effort into memorising point locations, and we have had plenty of time observing fellow students’ needling skills during our clinic days. So taking the next step and having the opportunity to needle in clinic feels like it will be a natural transition."
