Acupressure certification

with Ching Liu, M.T.O.M., L.Ac. (CA), L.M.T.

Course Description   

Acupressure, derived from the ancient system of Chinese Medicine which gave us acupuncture, has been called “acupuncture without needles.” Chinese Medicine utilizes a broad range of modalities and tools to help people attain physical, emotional, and spiritual health and well-being. This series of classes will present students with a basic working knowledge of the theory and practice of Chinese Medicine using the most basic and powerful of those tools: the fingers. Acupressure can be used to treat many common health issues such as emotional stress, digestive issues, cardiovascular disorders, and fatigue. Because such issues are frequently the root cause of muscular tension and pain, integrating acupressure into bodywork sessions can result in a dramatic improvement in therapeutic results.

2025-2026 Class Schedule

September 12, 13, 14, 2025

October 24, 25, 26, 2025

November 14, 15, 16, 2025

March TBD 2026

April TBD 2026

May TBD 2026

Time:   Friday & Saturday, 9-5pm; Sunday 9-4pm

120 CE hours

 Price:

$516 per weekend

$3,092 for complete certification (6 weekends)

Payment Plan Available

$516 non-refundable deposit

Cash / Check Discount Price:

$500 per weekend 

$3,000 for complete certification (6 weekends)

Payment Plan Available

$500 non-refundable deposit

Course Objectives

Students will learn a basic working knowledge of Chinese Medical treatment through acupressure.

This will include Qi, Yin/Yang theory, Five Elements, the Primary Channels, the Eight Extraordinary Vessels, Balance Method, and the locations, functions, and indications of numerous acupoints. In addition, students will cultivate their own Qi through Standing Form Qigong. Students will be tested through written and practical exams

and will be required to complete case studies.

• Qi, Yin/Yang theory, Five Elements
• The pathways and indications of the twelve Primary Channels
• The pathways and indications of the eight Extraordinary Vessels
• Pulse and tongue diagnosis
• The pathways and indications of the Meridian Sinews
• Balance Method
• Organ clock
• Standing Form Qigong
• Locations, functions, and indications of important acupoints
• Cultivate the ability to perceive and interact with acupoints
• Point protocols for common conditions

Required Texts

A Manual of Acupuncture, Peter Deadman

The Web That Has No Weaver, Ted Kaptchuk

Traditional Acupuncture: The Law of the Five Elements, Dr. Dianne M. Connelly

Recommended Texts

The Practical Application of Meridian Style Acupuncture, John E. Pirog

 Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine, Harriet Beinfield and Efrem Korngold

Instructor

Ching Liu, M.T.O.M., L.Ac. (CA), L.M.T., has been practicing holistic health since 1996, when he first trained in massage therapy at the Institute of Psycho-Structural Balancing in Los Angeles, CA. He took nearly one thousand hours of classes there before moving on to study Oriental Medicine at Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine in Santa Monica, CA. He received his master’s degree and then acupuncture license in 2005 and went into private practice in Los Angeles. During that time, he used acupuncture and Chinese herbs to treat many health issues, but specializing in trauma (causing addiction, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain), fertility, and digestive disorders. Ching joined the faculty of four schools of Oriental Medicine in the Los Angeles area: Emperor’s College, SAMRA University, Dongguk Royal, and Southern California University – School of Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture where he was the faculty chair of the acupuncture department. He moved to Maine in 2016, and started a new practice in Newcastle, utilizing acupressure and Chinese herbs while he gets his Maine acupuncture license. His experience in bodywork, practicing Oriental Medicine, and teaching Oriental Medicine are all distilled into his acupressure classes at DSM.