Introduction to Acupuncture and Manual Therapy for Spinal Movement Dysfunction

Instructor:
Joshua Margolis, LAc DOMTP

Date/Time/Credit Hours:

• Friday & Saturday, December 4th & 5th 2026,
• 9am-5:30 pm (15 CAB Approved CEUs)

Course Description

This two-day course introduces a practical, neurologically informed approach to the assessment and treatment of spinal movement dysfunction using acupuncture and manual therapy.

Participants will learn to identify and assess segmental facilitation and spinal motion dysfunction in the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral regions, and to apply targeted acupuncture and manual therapy techniques to address these conditions.

Emphasizing the relationship between spinal movement, segmental innervation, and myofascial pain, the course explores the neuroanatomical foundations of segmental acupuncture, including the roles of peripheral nociception and nervous system sensitization in musculoskeletal dysfunction.

Through a combination of lecture, demonstration, and supervised hands-on practice, participants will develop practical assessment and treatment skills that can be readily integrated into clinical practice.

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Identify and assess segmental facilitation, including its neuroanatomical foundations and relationship to peripheral and central sensitization, myofascial pain, and spinal movement dysfunction.
2. Assess spinal motion dysfunction in the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral regions, using palpatory and functional assessment techniques to identify segmental restrictions and their relationship to neuromuscular dysfunction.
3. Treat spinal motion dysfunction in the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral regions using acupuncture and manual therapy, applying segmentally informed treatment strategies to address musculoskeletal restrictions, myofascial pain, and associated nervous system sensitization.

Instructor

Joshua Margolis has been practicing manual medicine and bodywork since 1995, and acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine since 2001. From 2005 to 2009, he was on faculty at The Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences in Oakland and The Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College in Berkeley teaching anatomy, orthopedic acupuncture, advanced channel theory, and pain management. Currently, Joshua is on staff at The Osteopathic College of Ontario and teaches doctoral level orthopedic courses at several Bay Area acupuncture colleges. Additionally he teaches acclaimed manual therapy courses for acupuncturists around the United States.

 

Enrollment

Enroll now! – Early Registration Discount Ends @Midnight 11/8/26

• Early Alumni/Faculty: $515 (will be verified)
• Early Professionals:$595

 

Regular Rate

• Alumni/Faculty: $595 (will be verified)
• Professionals: $695 
  

 

Note: Enrollment reserved for licensed acupuncturists and recent graduates currently engaging in the licensure process.

 

Cancelation & Refund Policy 

• All cancellations must be received in writing by letter or email (info@acchs.edu).
• Cancellations made at least 7 calendar days prior to the first class day will receive a full refund less a $40.00 administration fee.
• Cancellations made less than 7 calendar days prior to the first class day will receive a 50% refund
• ACCHS is unable to transfer course fees paid for one seminar or course to any other seminar or
  course.
• In the unlikely event that ACCHS has to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment, or for some
  other unforeseen reason, registrants will receive a full refund.