Integrative Medicine Council

Treating Colds and Flus with Chinese Medicine
2025-07-20 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online Webinar
Click here to sign up for this webinar Every year we go through the cold and flu season, not to mention seasonal colds and the random annoying viral infection. They can cause temporary misery, but also seriously affect our most vulnerable populations. Chinese medicine can offer a lot to treating and supporting patients suffering these conditions without adverse effects. This course will look at the pathophysiology and signs and symptoms of cold and flu conditions from both a biomedical and Chinese medical point of view. We will discuss real world approaches to treating them as well as a discussion of the major modalities of our medicine including acupuncture, cupping, and herbal interventions. Whether you are an expert or a beginner at treating viral cold and flu conditions, there will be lots to learn (or relearn) from this course.

Miscellaneous Drugs and Chinese Medicine
2025-07-27 13:00 - 16:00
Click here to sign up for this webinar An eclectic group of drugs await us as we explore miscellaneous drugs and how they interact with Chinese medicine. We will look at erectile dysfunction, osteoporosis, immunosuppressive, obesity, and acne drugs, skeletal muscle relaxants, and aids for smoking cessation. Join us as we look at the uses, mechanisms of action, cautions, and potential interactions of these agents.

Chinese Herbal First Aid Kit
2025-08-03 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-14 13:00 - 15:00
Click here to sign up for this webinar We should be empowering our patients to help themselves. What better way to do that than give them info for having Chinese herbal formulas in their medicine cabinet to help with minor medical conditions. In this course, we will look at relatively easy to find prepared herbal medicines everyone should have in their medical cabinet. We will discuss the conditions they treat, how to use them, and any cautions. Conditions covered include, but are not limited to, colds, bleeding, burns, digestive complaints, headaches, and sinusitis.

Xiao Qing Long Tang (Minor Bluegreen Dragon Decoction) and Xin Yi (Magnolia Flower)
2025-08-10 13:00 - 15:00
Click here to sign up for this webinar We are going to be recording two episodes of the Sperb’s Herbs podcast. The first covers another Chinese formula, Xiao Qing Long Tang (Minor Bluegreen Dragon Decoction), a formula that releases exterior wind-cold. The second episode covers the Chinese herb Xin Yi (Magnolia Flower) from the warm, acrid herbs that release the exterior category. Each episode of the podcast will go into great depth about a single herb or formula. Besides covering the basics of herbology including category, and functions, we will explore the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb. And then there is always something a little quirky about an episode. Whether that is a unique story or an interesting perspective, there will always be something different to learn about these herbs and formula!

Treating Neck and Back Pain with Chinese Medicine
2025-08-17 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-09 13:00 - 16:00
Click here to sign up for this webinar By far the most common conditions most acupuncturists treat are neck and back pain. And most acupuncturists do a really good job at it. This course takes an integrative approach to treating these conditions and will expand our diagnostic and treatment acumen. It will look at how to ask questions to solicit diagnostic details, conduct a thorough acupuncture-centric exam, develop appropriate and effective treatment protocols, and properly document all of it. No matter if you are new to treating these conditions or an expert at it, you will learn something new and interesting.

Drugs of Abuse and Chinese Medicine
2025-08-24 13:00 - 15:00
Click here to sign up for this webinar Many drugs have addictive qualities. And illicit drugs can still be described with much of the same language and parameters as pharmaceutical agents. As Chinese medical practitioners, we see our patients taking and potentially abusing opioids, benzodiazepines, anorexiants, and cannabis as well as other drugs of abuse. We will look at the nature of addiction as well as categories of illicit drugs, while diving into the details.

GLP-1 Agonists and Chinese Medicine
2025-08-31 13:00 - 15:00
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Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and others, are really popular right now. Like really popular. And several experts say they will fundamentally change our society in our eating habits and in secondary uses such as aiding addictions and sex. This course will look at the science and pharmacology of these drugs as well as how they may work from a Chinses medical view. We will also explore herbs, Chinese and otherwise, and supplements that may help support users of GLP-1 agonists or have similar effects and can be used instead of these pharmaceuticals. And, as usual in our courses, we will determine the risks of drug-herb interactions. This is a must take course for any modern Chinese medical practitioner and/or herbalist!

Desert Quandong (Santalum acuminatum) and Fan Xie Ye (Senna Leaf)
2025-09-07 13:00 - 15:00
Click here to sign up for this webinar We are going to be recording two episodes of the Sperb’s Herbs podcast. The first covers another herb of the world, Desert Quandong (Santalum acuminatum), useful for pain relief. The second episode covers the Chinese herb Fan Xie Ye (Senna Leaf) from purgatives category. Each episode of the podcast will go into great depth about a single herb or formula. Besides covering the basics of herbology including category, and functions, we will explore the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb. And then there is always something a little quirky about an episode. Whether that is a unique story or an interesting perspective, there will always be something different to learn about these herbs and formula!

Treating Knee, Elbow, and Shoulder Pain with Chinese Medicine
2025-09-14 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-23 13:00 - 16:00
Click here to sign up for this webinar The majority of most acupuncturists’ practices are orthopedic and neurological. Knee, elbow, and shoulder pains are incredibly common. And the shoulder is probably the most complex joint in the body. This course takes an integrative approach to treating these conditions and will expand our diagnostic and treatment acumen. It will look at how to ask questions to solicit diagnostic details, conduct a thorough acupuncture-centric exam, develop appropriate and effective treatment protocols, and properly document all of it. No matter if you are new to treating these conditions or an expert at it, you will learn something new and interesting.

Treating Thyroid Conditions with Chinese Medicine
2025-09-21 13:00 - 15:00
Click here to sign up for this webinar More than 12 percent of the U.S. population will develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime and an estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease.* That is a lot of people who need our help. Chinese medicine can offer a lot to treating and supporting thyroid conditions without adverse effects. This course will look at the pathophysiology and signs and symptoms of thyroid conditions from both a biomedical and Chinese medical point of view. We will discuss real world approaches to treating it as well as a discussion of the major modalities of our medicine including both acupuncture and herbal interventions. Whether you are an expert or a beginner at treating thyroid conditions, there will be lots to learn (or relearn) from this course.
*https://www.thyroid.org/media-main/press-room/#:~:text=Prevalence%20and%20Impact%20of%20Thyroid,are%20unaware%20of%20their%20condition.

Treating High Cholesterol with Chinese Medicine
2025-09-28 13:00 - 15:00
Click here to sign up for this webinar High cholesterol and triglycerides (hyperlipidemias) have been shown to contribute to heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. Drugs used to treat these conditions are consistently in the top ten drugs sold in the US. Chinese medicine can help these patients in natural and effective ways. This course looks at the biomedical side of these conditions including the pathophysiology, common (and not so common) lab tests, and treatments, mostly pharmaceuticals. Then we will look at how Chinese medicine can help. We will discuss acupuncture, herbs, and lifestyle changes and the evidence to support their use. Practitioners will walk away with a clear understanding of these conditions and tools on how to help their patients.

Jia Wei Xiang Su San (Augmented Cyperus and Perilla Leaf Powder) and Chai Hu (Bupleurum Root)
2025-10-05 13:00 - 15:00
Click here to sign up for this webinar We are going to be recording two episodes of the Sperb’s Herbs podcast. The first covers another Chinese formula, Jia Wei Xiang Su San (Augmented Cyperus and Perilla Leaf Powder), a formula that releases exterior wind-cold. The second episode covers the Chinese herb Chai Hu (Bupleurum Root) from the cool, acrid herbs that release the exterior category. Each episode of the podcast will go into great depth about a single herb or formula. Besides covering the basics of herbology including category, and functions, we will explore the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb. And then there is always something a little quirky about an episode. Whether that is a unique story or an interesting perspective, there will always be something different to learn about these herbs and formula!

Nine Drugs and Ten Herbs to Worry About
2025-10-12 13:00 - 16:00
Click here to sign up for this webinar We may not be able to predict all drug-herb interactions, but we can determine potentials for interactions This seminar examines how to approach these potential drug-herb interactions. A discussion of basic pharmacology, including the ADME scheme (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination) and the therapeutic index, form the foundation of this understanding. The participant will leave with real skills to assess potential interactions and the ability to determine which are important, which aren’t, and which may be in the future. Both the nine drugs and ten herbs most prone to drug-herb interactions will be discussed. These drugs and herbs are based on an evidence based approach. and discusses the practical application of the ADME scheme and therapeutic index.

Treating Diabetes with Chinese Medicine
2025-10-19 13:00 - 16:00
Click here to sign up for this webinar According to the America Diabetes Association, “In 2021, 38.4 million Americans, or 11.6% of the population, had diabetes.” And about one quarter of those are undiagnosed. As Chinese medical practitioners, we often see these patients in our clinics. This course will look at diabetes, both type 1 and 2, from both a biomedical and Chinese medical point of view. We will discuss real world approaches to diagnosing and treating, or even if we should treat, these conditions as well as educating our patients about them. Please join us as this is a vital course for any modern practice.

Treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease with Chinese Medicine
2025-10-26 13:00 - 15:00
Click here to sign up for this webinar Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease can be devastating diseases. Often biomedical treatment involves strong pharmaceuticals with lots of adverse drug reactions. Chinese medicine can help treat and support patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This course will look at IBD from both biomedical and Chinese points of view, and discuss Chinese medical diagnostics and therapeutics. Participants will leave with a real-world approach to treating these conditions.

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) and Huang Qin (Baical Skullcap Root)
2025-11-02 13:00 - 15:00
Click here to sign up for this webinar We are going to be recording two episodes of the Sperb’s Herbs podcast. The first covers another herb of the world, Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum), purportedly useful for the liver. The second episode covers the Chinese herb Huang Qin (Baical Skullcap Root) from herbs that clear heat and dry dampness category. Each episode of the podcast will go into great depth about a single herb or formula. Besides covering the basics of herbology including category, and functions, we will explore the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb. And then there is always something a little quirky about an episode. Whether that is a unique story or an interesting perspective, there will always be something different to learn about these herbs and formula!

Treating Insomnia with Chinese Medicine
2025-11-16 13:00 - 15:00
Click here to sign up for this webinar Insomnia happens to everyone at some point. From a biomedical perspective there can be psychological or physical causes with a few interventions, especially pharmaceuticals. As Chinese medical practitioners, we see these patients often in our clinics and have several differential diagnoses and treatments. This course will look at insomnia, from both a biomedical and Chinese medical point of view. We will discuss real world approaches to diagnosing and treating these conditions as well as educating our patients about them. Please join us as this is an important and useful course for any modern practice.

Nourish the Yin Formulas and E Bu Shi Cao (Small Centipeda Herb)
2025-12-07 13:00 - 15:00
Click here to sign up for this webinar We are going to be recording two episodes of the Sperb’s Herbs podcast. The first covers another class of Chinese formulas, the nourish the yin formulas, used for a variety of reasons and often for women’s issues including menstrual and menopausal. The second episode covers the Chinese herb E Bu Shi Cao (Small Centipeda Herb) from the warm, acrid herbs that release the exterior category. Each episode of the podcast will go into great depth about a single herb or formula. Besides covering the basics of herbology including category, and functions, we will explore the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb. And then there is always something a little quirky about an episode. Whether that is a unique story or an interesting perspective, there will always be something different to learn about these herbs and formula!

Electronic Health Records for Chinese Medical Practitioners
2026-01-18 13:00 - 17:00
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Electronic health records (EHRs), also known as electronic medical records (EMRs) are necessary for a modern practice. And they can save time, money, and energy, as well as actually increase income, if done correctly! This course will discuss all aspects of using this type of software/app including what to look for in deciding which system to get, looking at both personal/professional preferences and legalities, how to safely implement them, and how to use them appropriately including dos and don’ts. And we will discuss artificial intelligence (AI) and how it may affect EHR programs. This course is a must take for anyone striving for a modern practice!

Enzyme Supplements and Chinese Medicine
2026-01-25 13:00 - 15:00
Click here to sign up for this webinar This is the 18th course (however, don’t worry, you can take them in any order) in a series called Integrative Nutrition and will cover biomedical and integrative science of nutrition and explore the complementary and alternative concepts that are part of the modern supplement industry. This series will be one live class per month covering a category of nutrition and will include some basic biochemistry, nutrition, and supplements available on the market. In other words, it is going to be the perfect combination of biochemical nutrition, supplements, Chinese medicine, and real-world use cases, If you are a practitioner of any stripe or just interested in nutrition, this is the series for you,
This class will examine enzyme supplements and the physiological biochemistry supporting their use. We will examine them from a modern nutritional and chemical perspective while always having an eye on how they may explain some of the actions of Chinese medical herbs and vice versa. And we will be looking at the science of those supplements, trying to answer the question: do they work? There will be a lot of information and it will be immediately useful for treating our patients.

Should you accept insurance?
2026-02-01 13:00 - 14:00
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Whether you are new to practice or have been in practice for quite a while, there is usually one question that pops up: should I accept insurance? It seems like more and more insurance plans are now paying for acupuncture. But, do they pay fairly? Is it worth the time, effort, and change, if you have them, to current procedures? In other words, what are the pros and cons to accepting insurance? This course is a quick, hopefully objective, overview of these pros and cons. And ultimately, it should give you some idea how to answer the “should I accept insurance?” question for yourself…
This course is part of an ongoing series of classes in our Mastering Business for Acupuncturists series which looks at business, practice, and marketing with an emphasis on helping acupuncturists become as successful as possible. When one of is more successful, we are all more successful and our profession benefits…

Playing the Game: Accepting Insurance as an Acupuncturist
2026-02-01 14:00 - 16:00
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Accepting and billing insurance can be like a game. This course explains the playing field and rules of this game. We will discuss what an acupuncturist needs to do before seeing insurance patients, during the patient visit, and after the patient leaves. In other words, it will examine all the stages, equipment, and, most importantly, systems necessary to successfully accept insurance and increase income, all while minimizing the risks. This is a must take course for anyone who wants to promote our medicine to more patients while increasing revenues.
This course is based on the book Playing the Game, A Step-by-step Approach to Accepting Insurance as an Acupuncturist by Dr. Greg Sperber (the course teacher) and Tiffany Andersen-Hefner. It includes many necessary forms for accepting insurance and creating time saving and effective systems.
This course is also part of an ongoing series of classes in our Mastering Business for Acupuncturists series which looks at business, practice, and marketing with an emphasis on helping acupuncturists become as successful as possible. When one of is more successful, we are all more successful and our profession benefits…

Dermatologic Drugs and Chinese Medicine
2026-02-08 13:00 - 15:00
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Drugs used to treat the skin are very commonly prescribed. This seminar explores this class of drugs including those used to treat acne, bacterial infections, rosacea, psoriasis, alopecia, and pigmentation disorders. Join us as we look at the uses, mechanisms of action, cautions, and potential interactions as well as the potential Chinese medical actions of these agents.

Treating Alzheimer’s and other Dementias with Chinese Medicine
2026-02-15 13:00 - 15:00
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5.5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease. Currently, considered the 6th most common cause of death in the United States, but according to the National Institute of Health, it should be ranked third (https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet). While the most common form of dementia, there are lots of different types other than Alzheimer’s. This course will examine these dementias from both biomedical and Chinese points of view, and discuss Chinese medical diagnostics and therapeutics. Often biomedical treatment involves pharmaceuticals with adverse drug reactions. Chinese medicine can help treat and support patients with dementia. Participants will leave with a real-world approach to treating these conditions.

Treating Asthma with Chinese Medicine
2026-02-22 13:00 - 16:00
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Did you know 5.8% of children and 8.4% of adults have asthma in the United States? That is over 25 million people! (https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/most_recent_national_asthma_data.htm) Have you ever heard of “the rule of thirds” or what are the five most common triggers for asthma? How do these triggers help us help our patients? As Chinese medical practitioners, we see a lot of asthma patients, whether it is a reason for coming to us or not. And we can help them! This course will look at the pathology and various signs and symptoms of asthma from both a biomedical and Chinese medical point of view. We will discuss real world approaches to diagnosing and treating this condition and will include a discussion of the major modalities of our medicine including both acupuncture and herbal interventions. Whether you are an expert or a beginner at treating asthma, there will be lots to learn (or relearn) from this course.

Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with Chinese Medicine
2026-03-01 13:00 - 15:00
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According to the National Institute of Health*, “Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most prevalent focal mononeuropathy, constituting 90% of all neuropathy cases.” Acupuncture can be very useful in treating this condition and is among the least intrusive treatments. This course will look at carpal tunnel syndrome, from both a biomedical and Chinese medical point of view. We will discuss real world approaches to diagnosing and treating this fairly common condition. And we will examine its misdiagnosis which happens frequently. Please join us as this is a vital course for any modern practice.
*Sevy, J. O., Sina, R. E., & Varacallo, M. A. (2023). Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448179/

Dr. Greg's Office Hours
2026-03-06 13:00 - 14:00
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I have had at various times in my career a desire to just go to an old professor/mentor and discuss an issue, be it a patient’s problem, a business question, or just a philosophical conundrum. In other words, I would love an intellectual salon to discuss the issues of my practice. That is what I am trying to create here. This is a non-CEU and absolutely free (at least for 2026) discussion of whatever we want as practicing Chinese medical professionals, whether it is acupuncture, herbs, insurance, business, biomedicine, current events affecting our profession, or just a strange philosophical interchange. It is going to be a fun and fascinating time, so bring your lunch, or at least a nice beverage, and join us!
If you have anything you would like to discuss, please bring it to the webinar or, if you want me to prepare an even better conversation, give me a heads up by emailing me at DrGreg@integrativemedicinecouncil.org.
