Dan Kalish

Day 1: introduction to core concepts of functional medicine and all three body systems used in Kalish Method, Explain the philosophical synergy with Chinese medicine, outline the clinical benefits for existing acupuncture practices.

• What are the unique challenges faced by acupuncturists in introducing functional medicine into their clinics.
• Understanding the five pillars of functional medicine:

1. how to choose the right patients
2. Focus on the Kalish Method’s Three Body Systems
3. Patient communication skill development
4. Choosing the right lab tests to start with
5. Low overhead and use of technology

• Case study on adrenals, case study on detox
• How to use functional medicine to address common patient complaints presenting in acupuncture clinics to complement your existing treatment model: addressing weight loss, fatigue, stress, pain
• Adrenal hormone testing, causes of adrenal fatigue, HPA axis regulation
• Pregnenolone steal pathways and introduction to use of supplements
• After getting started with adrenals, where to go next for more advanced cases: GI issues, female hormone issues and detoxification and the brain
• The role of digestive health in functional medicine
• The adrenal and GI connection: Secretory IgA and gut function
• Female hormone programs for pre-menopausal women
• Post menopausal females
• Role of detoxification programs

Day 2: practical application for running your first lab tests, interpreting them and getting patients started on a program blending lifestyle changes with lab-based supplement programs.

• Getting started with your first lab test, what test to order and why
• How to explain the value and purpose of the test to your acupuncture patients
• The details of the new patient interview: patient communications skills
• Patient health history taking for functional medicine success
• Guiding the new patient interview, goals and landmarks to achieve
• Getting your first adrenal lab back, interpretation skills is it a Stage 1, 2 or 3?
• How to get started with your first lab presentation to go over the results of their adrenal test and explain what the findings mean
• Adrenal protocol skills, safe use of supplements required to fix HPA axis
• Stage 1 example labs, stage 2 example labs, stage 3 example labs
• Lifestyle factors to consider: diet changes, blood sugar control and gluten free
• Coaching on exercise and sleep
• Stress reduction: meditation, spiritual and emotional growth