Live Events Schedule

American Society of Acupuncture April 2026 Conference

I will be presenting at this year's ASA Conference:

As neuroscience continues to advance, acupuncture is increasingly recognized for its measurable effects on central nervous system function. In my presentation, “Acupuncture & CNS Effects: Advanced Clinical Assessment,” I will explore how traditional acupuncture principles intersect with modern neurological science—and how refined clinical assessments can make those effects visible, trackable, and clinically meaningful.

Through a series of concise, real-world case examples, attendees will see how advanced neurological examination techniques can be used to assess changes in brain function following acupuncture treatment. These cases highlight a range of neurological presentations, including postural instability and cranial nerve dysfunction, offering practical insight into how acupuncture influences sensorimotor integration, brainstem regulation, and autonomic balance. The goal is to provide clinicians with concrete tools for both understanding and demonstrating the neurological impact of their treatments.

When: Sat April 25 9:00 AM - Sun April 26 5:00 PM
Where: Minneapolis, MN

Neurological Acupuncture for Migraines - May 1st, Laval, Quebec

Join Dr. Wolf for an intensive one-day seminar designed to elevate your expertise in migraine management with acupuncture. This course provides a comprehensive, clinically relevant exploration of migraine pathophysiology and its direct implications for acupuncture practice. Gain hands-on proficiency in key bedside neurological assessments, stay at the forefront of cutting-edge research on acupuncture’s efficacy for migraines, and refine your treatment strategies for optimal patient outcomes. Additionally, discover how modifiable dietary and lifestyle factors can enhance acupuncture interventions, empowering you to deliver more effective, holistic care.

Course Objectives:

• Develop a Deep Understanding of Migraine Pathophysiology – Gain a comprehensive understanding of the neurological mechanisms underlying migraines and how they inform acupuncture treatment strategies.

• Enhance Clinical Assessment & Treatment Skills – Learn to perform key bedside neurological examinations, apply evidence-based acupuncture protocols for migraine relief, and integrate modifiable dietary and lifestyle factors to optimize patient outcomes.

• Apply the Latest Research to Clinical Practice – Explore cutting-edge research on acupuncture for migraines and develop confidence in utilizing science-backed approaches to improve patient care.

Morning Session:
-Migraines and the brain: the science behind migraines.
-Underlying autonomic nervous system factors in migraines.
-When is a migraine not a migraine? Common migraine misdiagnosis.
-Understanding vestibular migraines.
-Neurological examination as it related to migraines.
-Modern medical management of migraines: pro’s and con’s.
-Migraines abortives

Afternoon Session:
-Acupuncture research
-Acupuncture strategies
-Circumstances requiring caution with scalp acupuncture
-Weather influences on migraines
-Hormonal influences on migraines
-Dietary influences on migraines and nutritional strategies
-Research-based supplements
-Herbal formulas

Register through Institute Axis - link below.

When: Fri May 1 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Neurological Exam Skills Practice for Acupuncturists - May 2nd-3rd, Laval, Quebec

Enhance your clinical expertise with this essential course on neurological examination techniques for licensed acupuncturists. This seminar explores how targeted neurological assessments can deepen diagnostic accuracy, refine treatment strategies, and improve patient outcomes. Participants will learn practical, easy-to-incorporate exams, the neuroanatomical foundations behind each assessment, and how to interpret findings to guide acupuncture interventions effectively.
Designed for practitioners treating chronic pain, whiplash, headaches, migraines, dizziness, vertigo, neuropathy, concussions, long-COVID, and more, this course provides invaluable tools for elevating your acupuncture practice. Gain confidence in integrating neurological insights into your patient evaluations and develop a more precise, evidence-informed approach to care.


Objectives:
• Enhance Clinical Assessments – Learn to integrate targeted neurological examination techniques into acupuncture practice to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning.
• Understand Neuroanatomy & Function – Develop a clear understanding of the neuroanatomical foundations behind key neurological exams and their relevance to acupuncture.
• Interpret & Apply Findings – Gain proficiency in interpreting neurological exam results and using them to inform acupuncture treatment strategies for various conditions.
• Expand Treatment Capabilities – Apply neurological assessments to enhance patient care for chronic pain, whiplash, headaches, migraines, dizziness, neuropathy, concussions, long-COVID, and more.
• Bridge Eastern & Western Medicine – Strengthen clinical reasoning by integrating neurological insights with acupuncture principles for a more comprehensive, evidence-informed approach to patient care.


Day 1:
Understanding the Sensory System and Neuroanatomy
Review the communication between the peripheral nervous systems and central nervous system
The role of the somatosensory system in pain and neurological disorders
Functional neuroanatomy
Functional assessment of the somatosensory system, body mapping, and parietal lobe
Hands-on practice
Clinical applications utilizing acupuncture

The Frontal Lobe
The frontal lobe’s role in pain processing and autonomic nervous system integration
Functional neuroanatomy
Examination of different frontal lobe functions as it relates to motor function, cognition, and planning
Hands-on practice: Finger Tapping, Loria Sequencing, Saccades, Anti-saccades, Gait
Clinical applications utilizing acupuncture

Insular Cortex
Interoception
Role in pain processing
Role in internal body mapping
Role in autonomic nervous system function
Clinical applications in irritable bowel disorder, digestive disorders, nausea, dysautonomia, and chronic pain

Cerebellum and Vestibular System
Functional neuroanatomy
Bedside examination of the cerebellum and vestibular system
Hands-on practice for the cerebellum:
Romberg, Gait, RAM, F2N, FNF
Hands-on practice for the vestibular system: gait assessment, balance assessment
Clinical applications utilizing acupuncture

Day 2 Cranial Nerves I-V
Review Day 1
Functional neuroanatomy of cranial nerves
The role of the autonomic nervous system in health and disease
Examination of cranial nerves
Hands-on practice of general assessment of the ANS: Positional changes in HR/BP, HRV, grip strength testing, breathing mechanics, bowel sounds
Hands-on practice for individual cranial nerves with an emphasis on utility in clinical practice for chronic pain, autonomic dysfunction, headaches, migraines, nausea, balance issues, dizziness, vertigo.

Day 2 Afternoon
Cranial Nerves VI-XII
Neuroanatomy
Examination and practice
Balance Testing
Vestibular Testing
Review of weekend course material
Q & A

Register through Institute Axis. For those registering for Friday and the Weekend, you must still register for each course separately.

When: Sat May 2 9:00 AM - Sun May 3 5:00 PM

Beginning January 1st 2025, continuing education courses by Dr. Ayla Wolf will be hosted through Net of Knowledge

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