Alan Chang is a California licensed acupuncturist practicing in Oxnard and Ojai. He graduated from Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine in 2004, and completed the Classical Five-Element Acupuncture Program with the Institute of Classical Five-Element Acupuncture in Santa Monica in 2009. He is a practitioner and teacher of Yang Style T'ai Chi, and also practices Kyudo Zen Archery.
One of the longest nerves in the body is known as the vagus nerve (VN). The VN is the 10th pair of cranial nerves that originates at the brain stem in the medulla oblongata. This nerve is part of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is a part of the ANS. Research suggests ear acupuncture can activate the VN.
In prior issues, Neil discussed the Gallbladder Official as a whole (March 20 including points 17 and 24); points 37-41 (June 2013); points 1, 16, and 20 (May 2021); and points 2-3, 8-9, and 12-13 (April 2024). This article focuses on GB points 7, 10, 14-15, 18-19, 21, and 23.
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of pain and disability, often managed with pharmacological and surgical interventions. However, acupuncture has long been used as a non-invasive treatment for knee pain, and recent research provides new insights into its underlying mechanisms.
