International Lectures
International Lectures

Conferentiehotel Kontakt der Kontinenten, Soesterberg

An in-depth exploration of treatments and self-cultivation of Xin and Shen.

Want To Dive Into The Rewarding Realm Of Treating Cardiovascular Patients?

In a medical landscape where cardiovascular disorders are increasingly prevalent, can you truly say you have the adequate toolbox for safe and effective cardiovascular management?

This comprehensive course challenges you to elevate your practice beyond basic TCM theory by integrating advanced channel theory with practical applications specifically for cardiovascular and emotional disorders. Taught by Amos Ziv, a practitioner with over 20 years of specialized experience in cardiovascular treatment and the founder of CardiaCare, this is not theoretical knowledge recycled from textbooks—it's clinically-verified wisdom refined through decades of specialized practice that delivers measurable results.

If you want to confidently treat the complex interplay between physical heart symptoms and emotional imbalances that many of your colleagues avoid, this course provides the concrete skills and protocols that will immediately enhance your clinical outcomes.

Course Overview

This in-depth exploration spans three intensive weekends, systematically building your expertise in treating disorders of Xin and Shen:

First Weekend: The Heart's Physical Language (Fri/Sat/Sun)

As Chinese Medicine practitioners we are often a bit apprehensive in treating cardiovascular patients, this is off-course understandable. However, it is important to remember that Traditional Chinese medicine has a long-standing history of effective treatments for disorders of the heart. In China today, treatment of cardiovascular disorders is often integrative, involving high-level western diagnostics and medication with acupuncture or Chinese herbal formulae.

In this first workshop we will discuss the most important syndromes that occur in this area in the clinic. We will learn to distinguish cardiovascular Vs non-cardiovascular complaints, identify key signs and symptoms for effective differential diagnosis and cover major point combinations for effective treatment and understand how to easily resolve the very common shortness of breath associated with emotional subcostal and diaphragmatic constraint. Acupuncture techniques and combinations based on channel theory will be emphasized. The class will also include real case studies, and demo practice.

We will conclude with simple practice techniques for practitioner and patient self-cultivation and stress relief.

Topics That Will Be Covered:

"Understanding basics"- Overview of heart physiology and Xin character
"When the spirit leaves the vessels" - understanding and treating palpitations, skipping heart beats and arrhythmias
"Warding the pressure away"- Chest oppression and shortness of breath (SOB) - How to distinguish and treat Lung Vs. Heart Vs. Liver related chest discomfort and shortness of breath (real SOB vs. difficulty taking-in deep breaths)
"Going back to the source" - Abdominal breathing relaxation technique
"Soothing the Liv and Gb" - Liv & Gb channel draining Qi Gong breath & massage

Second Weekend: Emotional Echoes: Listening Beneath the Surface (Fri/Sat/Sun)

Stress and anxiety are commonly encountered in clinic and are often also the root cause of other symptoms and complaints. The constraint or inadequate flow of Qi is in fact an aggravating factor for any condition due to the effect of Qi on Blood and Blood on Shen. In this second continuation class we will discuss the 3 treasures of Jing-Qi-Shen and the "Taiji Pole" in their relation to emotional trauma.

We will cover the role of the Shao Yin, Jue Yin, Tai Yin and Shao Yang systems in the process and movement of emotions, learn effective point combinations to release emotional and physical trauma, use unique point combinations for unprocessed grief and loss, understand how apply the "wild-card" acupuncture point in effective point combinations for stress, anxiety and trauma.

To conclude the clinical section, we will cover effective treatments for insomnia sleep disorders, a very common complaint in clinical practice which can be resolved with relatively simple differential diagnosis and point combinations. We will finalize the class with the 'dessert' of simple self-cultivation breathing techniques for deep relaxation.

Topics That Will Be Covered:

"Shaking the Demons" - treating anxiety, stress and trauma with effective point combinations - a channel theory approach
"Regaining the Reservoir" - Treatment of Insomnia and sleep disturbances
"Yin Yang Breath Balance" - Inhalation Vs Exhalation duration balancing to promote parasympathetic recovery and optimal relaxation

Third Weekend: Spirit Dialogues: Conversing with the Whole Being (Sat/Sun)

Grasping the essential components of human existence lays the groundwork for effectively applying them in both daily spiritual routines and clinical practice. Aligning the theories of the five spirits, Shen (Heart), Zhi (Kidney), Yi (Spleen), Hun (Liver) and Po (Lungs) with the foundational elements of Body, Mind, Emotion, Spirit and Soul cultivates a tranquil state of mind that permeates every facet of existence.

In this climactic concluding class, we will explore theory and practical applications of Qi cultivation for well-being based on connecting to external elements and the foundational triad of Heaven-Man-Earth. We will also review how to enhance treatment efficacy through simple meditation and Qi Gong exercises.  Special attention will be given to the integration of breathing practices with acupuncture needling techniques.

Topics That Will Be Covered:

The Wu Shen and existential elements
Understanding and cultivating De Qi in nature and clinical practice
Energetical Clinic and practice preparation by connecting the three treasures (heaven, man & earth)
Achieving balance in giving and receiving through the mindful use of inhalation and exhalation
Preserving center by descending Qi to the Lower Dan-Tian
Integrating these concepts into needling techniques

Highlights Of The Course

Clinical Differentiation Mastery - Learn to confidently distinguish between cardiovascular vs. non-cardiovascular complaints using precise diagnostic methods
Channel-Based Protocol System - Acquire specific point combinations based on channel theory that address both physical symptoms and their emotional roots
Integration of Breathing Techniques - Enhance your treatments with specific breathing protocols that can be taught to patients for ongoing self-care
Real Case Studies and Demonstrations - Observe practical application through authentic case studies from Amos's specialized cardiovascular practice
Self-Cultivation Practices - Learn techniques that improve your own energetic presence and enhance treatment efficacy

Advantages For Participants

Immediate Clinical Application - Take home ready-to-use protocols for common and complex cardiovascular and emotional disorders
Expanded Practice Scope - Confidently accept and effectively treat patients with cardiovascular conditions many practitioners avoid
Enhanced Treatment Results - Integrate breathing techniques and Qi cultivation into your treatments for more profound outcomes
Unique Specialization - Differentiate your practice with advanced skills in an increasingly common area of patient need
Learning from True Expertise - Study with a practitioner who has dedicated over two decades specifically to cardiovascular disorders and has founded a medical device company in this field

About Your Teacher

Amos Ziv isn't just another TCM instructor. He represents a rare integration of scientific rigor and traditional wisdom that few in the TCM world can match. With over two decades of specialized clinical focus on cardiovascular disorders, he has developed a distinctive treatment methodology that consistently delivers exceptional results for patients with complex heart conditions. His education spans both Eastern and Western disciplines—holding a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco.

What truly sets Amos apart is his remarkable journey of continuous learning and application. His formative training under Professor Wang Ju Yi, beginning in 1999, established a foundation in channel theory that informs his precise diagnostic approach. His spiritual practice began at age 13 through martial arts, evolving through dedicated study of Qi Gong and Tai Chi with masters including Fong Ha and He Bin-Hui. This lifelong cultivation translates directly into his clinical presence and the energetic quality of his treatments.

As founder and Chief Scientific Officer of CardiaCare, a medical device startup developing digital therapeutics for cardiac arrhythmias, Amos exemplifies the innovative application of traditional concepts to modern healthcare challenges. His unique ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity has made him a sought-after teacher across Europe and the United States, where his seminars consistently receive exceptional feedback for both theoretical depth and practical applicability. His approaches have earned recognition in both conventional scientific institutions and Eastern academic circles, demonstrating the universal value of his integrated methods. For practitioners seeking to elevate their understanding of heart disorders beyond conventional TCM approaches, studying with Amos offers a rare opportunity to learn from someone who has devoted his professional life to perfecting this specialized area of practice.

Close
Starts
Friday, 6 March 2026 at 10:00
Ends
Sunday, 18 October 2026 at 17:00
Course language
EnglishEnglish
Time schedule
6 March 2026 | 10:00—18:00
7 March 2026 | 09:00—17:00
8 March 2026 | 09:00—17:00
12 June 2026 | 10:00—18:00
13 June 2026 | 09:00—17:00
14 June 2026 | 09:00—17:00
17 October 2026 | 10:00—18:00
18 October 2026 | 09:00—17:00
Target audience

Acupuncturists, herbalists, tuina therapists, shiatsu therapists, last year TCM, students acupuncture, students herbalism, students tuina, students shiatsu.

Accreditation

Will be applied at NVA, NWP, and Zhong.

Will be applied at request at Eufom and BAF if a student is a member of one of these organizations.

A member of the VNT can apply for an individual accreditation in the member section online.

Prior knowledge

Basic TCM

Background