Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institiute

Tallgrass welcomes everyone interested in Animal Acupressure whether you want to help blackdog your own animal or become a Certified Practitioner or Instructor. The Tallgrass training program offers highly interactive courses in acupressure for animals. The introductory level courses in Equine and Small Animal Acupressure are designed to give you the basics so that you can help your own animals or add to your bodywork practice.

All participants receive a Certificate of Completion after successfully finishing the requirements for any of the courses listed and described below. Courses are held in the United States, England, and Australia.

Tallgrass offers a Practitioner Certificate Program curriculum available to people interested in fulfilling all the requirements of the 300 Learning Unit (LUs) program or 164 Continuing Education Units (CE Hours) program approved by the National Certification Board for Theraputic Massage and Bodywork.

The courses entail both hands-on and online study as explained in detail below. The Online courses are available in a correspondence course format upon request at an additional cost.

For a listing of dates of hands-on courses being offered in the USA select this link and for a listing of courses being offered in the UK select this link.

Introductory Courses -
Equine or Small Animal Acupressure
All of the introductory courses are offered for both the equine and small animal tracks. Practitioner Certificate Program participants are required to take both the online course entitled Overview of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the hands-on Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine. The Five-Element Theory course is available as an online course and a hands-on course, participants can take either one, only one of these is required. Participants enrolled in the Practitioner Certificate Program are required to complete 90 LUs or 48 CE Hours of Introductory course work.

We suggest that participants take the Overview of Traditional Chinese Medicine Online Course before coming to the Hands-On Introductory Courses.

Online Introductory Courses

Online - Overview of Traditional Chinese Medicine – Equine or Small Animal
8 Units, 6 weeks to complete/ 30 LUs or 16 CE Hours/ No prerequisites
NOTE: This course is required for the Practitioner Certificate Program.
This Overview covers the basic underlying concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Yin/Yang Theory in relation to the animal body and assessment of conditions; Meridian Theory and the meridian system; The Five-Element Theory; the internal organ systems, zang-fu organs in relation to the body; and, how the vital substances function within the body. This course provides an understanding of how the Chinese perceived of the living body and offers tools for assessment and treatment.
A Certificate of Completion for 30 LUs or 16 CE hours is available upon completion of the online quizzes following each of the 8 units and final examination.
Fees: SmAn & Equine – $260.00

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Online - Introduction to the Five-Element Theory – Equine or Small Animal
9 Units, 6 Weeks to complete/30 LUs or 16 CE Hours/ No Prerequisites
     NOTE: This course is offered both online and hands-on, Practitioner Certificate Program Participants are required to complete either one, not both.
     This course provides an in-depth description of the correspondences and officials of the five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. It discusses how the Theory is applied to Chinese Medicine for both assessment and treatment purposes. Additionally, the course demonstrates a point selection technique that can be used during the Point Work segment of the acupressure treatment sequence.
      A Certificate of Completion for 30 LUs or 16 CE hours is available upon completion of the online quizzes following each of the 9 units and the final examination.
Fees: SmAn or Equine – $260.00

Hands-On Introductory Courses

Hands-On - Introduction to Acupressure – Equine or Small Animal
2 Days / 30 LUs or 16 CE hours/ No prerequisite
NOTE: This course is required for the Practitioner Certificate Program.
This course offers you the ability to perform a complete acupressure treatment protocol and an understanding of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) concepts and theories underlying acupressure. Since Acupressure is based on TCM, we will explore this ancient science and guide you in learning how to help your animals feel their best. There are no prerequisites to this course. The Introduction to TCM & Acupressure covers:

Awakening Healing Energy Exercises
Traditional Chinese Medicine concepts and theories
Understanding the Nature of Horses, or Dogs and Cats
Sharpening Observation Skills
Complete Hands-on Acupressure Treatments
Introduction to Discerning Patterns of Disharmony
Point Work Techniques
Overview of the Meridian System & Meridian Theory
Association and Source Point Function and Use
Specific Key Acupressure Points

A Certificate of Completion for 30 LUs or 16 CE hours is available after successfully passing an open book, take-home examination plus 4 Case Studies.
Fees: $340.00
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Hands-On - Introduction to Five-Element Theory – Equine or Small Animal Acupressure
2 Days / 30 LUs or 16 CE hours/ No prerequisite
NOTE: This course is offered both online and hands-on, Practitioner Certificate Participants are only required to complete either one, not both.
This course introduces participants to the basic concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) using the Five-Element Theory as the basis of selecting acupressure point combinations. Participants will learn how to perform an acupressure treatment, specific condition treatments, plus the function and location of other key acupressure points. After taking this 2-day course, you will be able to offer your horse, dog, or cat acupressure treatments to help him maintain the best of health and spirit. There are no prerequisites for this course. Introduction to 5-Element Thoery & Acupressure includes:

Healing Energy Exercises
Overview of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Understanding of Acupressure Concepts and Theory
Introduction to Balancing Energy
Meridian Theory
Analytic methods of observing the horse and its environment
Hands-on experience in performing a complete treatment
Point Work Techniques
Association Points Location and function
A 5-Element point selection technique using Command Points

A Certificate of Completion for 30 LUs or 16 CE hours is available after successfully passing an Open-Book, Take-Home Examination and 4 case studies.
Fees: $340.00

Intermediate Level Courses for Equine & Small Animal tuscon-class

There are three required Intermediate Level courses for a total of 120 LUs or 64 CE Hours required for the Practitioner Certificate. These courses are available to everyone whether or not they are in the Practitioner Certificate Program. Learning Unit or Continuing Education credits will be given to people completing the entire course work including examinations and case studies.

Hands-On Intermediate Courses

Hands-On - Meridians & Specific Conditions
I. & II. – Equine, or Small Animal
     I. 2 Days / 30 LUs or 16 CE hours/ Prerequisite: 1 Introductory Course
      II. 2 Days / 30 LUs or 16 CE hours/ Prerequisite: 1 Introductory Course
     Prerequisite: 1 Introductory Course
      NOTE: These courses are required for the Practitioner Certificate Program.
     This course is divided into two sections so that we can cover 6 of the 12 Major Meridians in each section. Following the categorization of the Five-Element Theory, the courses offer greater depth regarding the types of physical and psychological issues presented when particular meridians are not in balance. Participants will learn: indicators for each of the meridian imbalances; key acupressure points along each of the meridians; and Specific Condition Treatments for each of the 12 Major Meridians and two Extraordinary Vessels.
      A Certificate of Completion for 60 LUs or 32 CE hours is available after successfully passing the Open-Book, Take-Home Examination, and 6 case studies.
Fees: - $675.00

Online Intermediate Courses

Online - Meridian Theory – Equine or Small Animal
8 Units / 6 week completion/ 30 LUs or 6 CE hours/
Prerequisite: 1 Introductory Course
NOTE: This course is required for the Practitioner Certificate Program.
The Meridian Theory courses offer an in-depth understanding of how the meridians function within the animal’s body. As it was written in the Spiritual Pivot: “The meridians are where the beginners begin and masters end.” The more you learn about the meridian system and their location, the better your working knowledge of acupressure -- your assessment skills and point selection for treatments will be more effective. The course covers the 12 major meridians and 2 extraordinary vessels. This course includes:

Review of TCM Concepts
Zang-Fu Organ system
Meridian System Theory
Location of Meridians
Function and Energetics of Meridians

A Certificate of Completion for 30 LUs or 16 CE hours is available after successfully passing 8 unit quizzes and the final examination.
Fees: SmAn & Equine - $260.00

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Online - Acupoint Classification – Equine or Small Animal
9 Units/ 6 weeks to complete / 30 LUs or 16 CE hours/
Prerequisite: 1 Introductory Course
      NOTE: This course is required for the Practitioner Certificate Program.
     In Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupressure points are categorized by how acupoints can best be used to rebalance Chi within the body. This course covers the major acupoint classifications, the "medicine bag" of TCM, such as: Source, Association, Master, Connecting, Influencial, Ting, etc. You will learn the functions, the location and energetics of key acupoints. Knowing the acupoint classifications provides participants with invaluable tools that are basic and essential in developing treatment plans for specific animal conditions.
      A Certificate of Completion for 30 LUs or 16 CE hours is available after successfully passing 9 unit quizzes and the final examination.
Fees: SmAn & Equine - $260.00

Advanced Level Courses
The Advanced level courses required for Practitioner Certification are described below. These courses are also available to people not in the Tallgrass Practitioner Program.

Hands-On Advanced Courses

Hands-On: Acu-Point Energetics and Landmark Anatomy – Equine or Canine
2 Days / 30 LUs or 20 CE hours/ Prerequisite: 1 Introductory Course
      NOTE: Participants in the Certificate Program are required to complete the online and hands-on courses. The cost of the 2nd Anatomy & Acupoint Energetics course is 1/2 price or, $175.00.
        Required Materials: Acupoint Energetics DVD & Manual - $75.00. (Same materials are used for the Hands-on & On-Line Course, purchase one time only).
      This hands-on course puts into action the systematic approach to learning the anatomical landmarks presented in the online course. Emphasis is placed on the location of major bones, joints, tendons, muscles, and ligaments and the location and function of key acupoints. This course is designed to aid students in study for their practicum acu-point location and energetics.
      Upon completion, participants are able to use anatomical language, locate points using anatomical landmarks and know the function and energetics of specific, key acupoints.
      A Certificate of Completion for 30 LUs or 20 CE hours is available after successful participation in the hands-on course.
Fees: Hands-On Course – $350.00.

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Hands-On: Equine Pathology
2 Days / 30 LUs or 20 CE hours / Prerequisite: 1 Introductory Course
      Taught by Dr Bill Harnetty of Hocking College, the Equine Pathology course provides an overview of common equine pathologies. Dr Harnetty will discuss Each pathology and include a description of the issue, its clinical signs, treatment patterns and information on prevention. This course provides equine bodyworkers with additional tools and information to help them asses the horse and recognize conditions requiring immediate veterinarian attention. Live demonstrations of equine handling and safety procedures and a partial dental examination are included in this courses.
      NOTE: The Equine Pathology Course is offered as an online and hands-on course. Participants taking both the online and hands-on lab courses will have the opportunity to reinforce their knowledge of common equine pathologies, vital equine health signs, dental issues and much more. The lab and online courses are designed to complement each other. If both Equine Pathology courses are taken, the cost of the 2nd course is 1/2 price, or $175.
        A Certificate of Completion for 30 LUs or 20 CE hours (approval pending) is available after successfully completing the course final examination.
Fees: Hands-on Course – $350.00.

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Hands-On: Introduction to Indicators & Assessment – Equine or Small Animal
2 Days / 30 LUs or 16 CE hours/ Prerequisite: 1 Introductory Course
      NOTE: This course is required for the Practitioner Certificate Program.
      Participants learn the basics of how to identify imbalances of yin and yang in an animal and understand how Chi functions along with how exogenous, emotional and other pathogenic factors that can cause imbalances. The course offers an overview of methods used to assess patterns of disharmony including the Yin-Yang Theory, Four Examinations, Eight Principles, and Zang-Fu Theory, Pulses, and Tongue Assessment. This course requires reading assigned texts prior to attending the course and successful completion of an introductory course.
      A Certificate of Completion for 30 LUs or 16 CE hours is available after successfully passing an Open-Book, Take-Home Examination.
Fees: Small Animal & Equine - $350.00

Online Advanced Courses

Online - Acu-Point Energetics and Landmark Anatomy – Equine or Canine
Equine - 10 Units/Canine - 9 Units / 6 weeks to complete
2 Days / 30 LUs or 20 CE hours/ Prerequisite: 1 Introductory Course

NOTE: Participants in the Certificate Program are required to complete the online and hands-on courses. The cost of the 2nd Anatomy & Acupoint Energetics course is 1/2 price or, $175.00.

      Required Materials: Acupoint Energetics DVD & Manual - $75.00. (Same materials are used for the Hands-on & On-Line Course, purchase one time only). class-dog
     This course presents a systematic approach to learning the anatomical landmarks necessary for locating acupressure points on horses or dogs (cats will be added in the future). Emphasis is placed on the location of major bones, joints, tendons, muscles, and ligaments. Upon completion, participants are able to use anatomical language, locate points using anatomical landmarks and know the function and energetics of specific acupoints.
     A Certificate of Completion for 30 LUs or 20 CE hours is available after successfully passing the unit quizzes and final examination online. Fees: Online Course – $350.00.

Online Equine Pathology Course

Equine Pathology
15 Units - 6 weeks to complete / Prerequisite: 1 Introductory Course
The Equine Pathology course provides an overview of common equine pathologies. Each pathology includes a description of the issue, its clinical signs, treatment patterns and information on prevention. Written in conjunction with Bill Harnetty, DVM, Hocking College, this course provides equine bodyworkers with additional tools and information to help them asses the horse and recognize conditions requiring immediate veterinarian attention. Additionally this course includes live video demonstrations of equine handling and safety procedures and a partial dental examination.

NOTE: The Equine Pathology Course is offered as an online and hands-on course. Participants taking both the online and hands-on lab courses will have the opportunity to reinforce their knowledge of common equine pathologies, vital equine health signs, dental issues and much more. The lab and online courses are designed to complement each other. If both Equine Pathology courses are taken, the cost of the 2nd course is 1/2 price, or $175.

A Certificate of Completion for 30 LUs or 20 CE hours (approval pending) is available after successfully completing the unit quizzes and final examination online.
Fees: Online Course – $350.00.

Electives

Two Elective courses are required to complete the Practitioner Certification Program. Participants will receive 20 LUs for each Elective. It is not required that these courses be taken through Tallgrass though we suggest people check our course schedule for some of these electives. Electives are available through Tallgrass Animal Acupresure Institute which are listed in the menu under Training Program - Electives. Examples of elective courses are: Spirits in Transistion, Tui Na/Chinese Massage, Essential Oils, Reiki, Kinesiology, etc.
Participants are welcome to submit letters of completion in other areas of complementary medicine study not listed above for approval and acceptance as an Elective.

Practicum – Equine or Small Animal
1/2 Day / Hands-on & Written Exam
Prerequisite: 270 LUs or 148 CE hours of course work
The Practicum is the culmination of the Practitioner Certification Program. It is an opportunity to integrate all that has been learned in the previous courses and demonstrate a level of competency in: assessmen

t of animal issues and conditions; developing a treatment plan based on knowledge and understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and application; and, performance of acupressure treatments on either horses or dogs. The intent is to have participants continue to learn and share knowledge with other participants and the instructors. The instructors will evaluate each participant individually regarding theoretical knowledge and direct application of acupressure. The instructors are responsible for determining the participant’s competency level and designation of a Practitioner Certification.
Upon successful completion, participants receive their Tallgrass Equine or Small Animal Practitioner Certification, which qualifies as a certificate of achievement in the field of animal acupressure. Fees: $260.00

*Please see the Training Schedule to check locations and dates when courses are offered.