Body, mind, spirit and emotions - they are all inextricably fused. The path to transformation challenges Eastern and Western health care professionals to inquire: What makes a patient truly whole? How can we incorporate spirit in healing to create harmony within, and transform the lives and health of those we serve? How can we go beyond treating symptoms?
From October 5-8, 2006, experts in traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine will explore these concepts at the fifth annual educational forum, Building Bridges of Integration for Traditional Chinese Medicine 2006, in East Rutherford, N.J. Convened by the Traditional Chinese Medicine World Foundation, the event aims to foster sustainable dialogues and the exchange of knowledge among diverse practitioner audiences. Participants will learn firsthand from TCM experts who have received in-depth training from China's most respected healing masters, and meet with dynamic Eastern and Western medical practitioners to explore the roots of healing and health.
This year, the Society for Acupuncture Research (SAR) joins as a conference supporter. SAR co-chair Lixing Lao, MD, PhD, LAc, associate professor and director of the traditional Chinese medicine research program at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, will deliver a report from the Research Conference at Edmonton, the international conference held this May in Edmonton, Alberta and convened by the Consortium of Academic Health Centers for Integrative Medicine.
Keynote speakers (and their topics of discussion) include:
Special guest Xiaoding Cao, MD, PhD, director of the Institute of Acupuncture, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, and one of the world's foremost acupuncture researchers, will present her work on the effects of acupuncture on pain perception.
Other scheduled presenters include: Efrem Korngold, Stephen Cowan Larry Baskind ("TCM and Pediatrics: The Five Phases of Asthma"); Lonny Jarrett ("Advanced Diagnosis: An Integrated Perspective on the Intake"); Misha Ruth Cohen ("HIV and Wellness"); Dan Wen ("Treating Chronic Liver Disease With TCM"); Thea Elijah ("Spirit of the Herbs: Five-Element Perspective on Herbal Studies"); Haihe Tian ("Exploring Post-Hysterectomy Syndrome with TCM"); and Michael Smith and Kevin Chen ("TCM and Substance Abuse: Qigong and Acupuncture as Treatment Options").
Also back by popular demand, Michael Taromina, Esq., will deliver his preconference workshop, "Risk Management: Liability and Professional Responsibility in CAM." This four-hour course satisfies the recent NCCAOM requirement for ethics.
The educational forum offers programming for acupuncturists including morning taiji and qigong programs, plenary sessions and panels, and 27 workshops covering subjects such as the benefits of qigong and acupuncture for addictions, HIV, women's health, endometriosis, post-hysterectomy syndrome, herbal therapies, pediatrics, and more. CEUs have been granted by the NCCAOM and the California Acupuncture Board. Continuing medical education and continuing nursing education activity units are pending.
"We have a fantastic fifth anniversary conference planned with lots of fun and surprises," commented Frances Brisbane, PhD, dean of the School of Social Welfare at SUNY-Stony Brook. "We want to provide our participants a singular learning experience. Each year, we're delighted with the growing interest in TCM and its healing modalities, as well as the diversity of presenters and participants who offer such a rich, multifaceted perspective on health and healing with TCM."
Building Bridges for TCM Scholarship Program Expanded
"Our 2005 pilot for the Building Bridges for TCM scholarship program for acupuncture students was a success," remarked Angela Jordan, one of the TCM World Foundation's student coordinators. "Now we're expanding the essay competition for acupuncture students to win several scholarships to our 2006 conference." The program's goal is to expose students to the roots of this ancient medicine, stimulate ongoing dialogues among students and build supportive relationships.
Full-time or part-time acupuncture students enrolled in a school of acupuncture or Oriental medicine are eligible to apply. Applications are available online or can be obtained from the TCM World Foundation, and must be submitted by July 1, 2006. Full scholarships include three-day student registration, most meals and a small stipend. Partial scholarships also will be awarded for limited room and travel expenses. Winners will participate in a special track under the guidance of Nan Lu, OMD, the TCM World Foundation's founding director and president, and will be included in a follow-up support program to help empower the student voice.
"Bring a Friend for Free" Registration Offer
To celebrate the conference's fifth anniversary, organizers are offering a special "Bring a Friend for Free" registration program. The offer is good until July 4, 2006. Details on "Bring a Friend for Free" and registration forms are available online.
To register for Building Bridges of Integration for TCM online, review the agenda and presenter bios, or apply for the scholarship program, visit www.tcmconference.org.
Further conference details and exhibition information can be obtained from Elaine Katen, event manager, by calling (888) TCM-6909.
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