David Berkshire assistant professor in the College of Classical Chinese Medicine at NUNM, has been teaching for more than 10 years. He is the founder and co-owner of two large integrative medical clinics in Portland, Oregon: Kwan-Yin Healing Arts Center and Kwan-Yin Healing Arts Center East, with many naturopathic and Chinese medical residencies. Berkshire is also the current president of the non-profit organization Worsley Institute. Berkshire received his master's from Oregon College of Oriental Medicine; completed an informal apprenticeship in 5 Element acupuncture with David Ford, LAc, and an in-depth training in Drainage Homeopathy with Dr. Gerard Geuniot, and ongoing study with Judy Worsley.
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.
Migraines are unilateral, throbbing headaches, often with concurrent nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia. Approximately 10% of the global population suffers from migraines, with women more than three times as likely as men to experience them. Medication remains a mainstay treatment option, making nondrug alternatives critical to safer practices. New research suggests auricular acupuncture may be one such alternative.
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How much training in gua sha did you get in acupuncture school? If it was not much more than an introduction, now is the time to revisit this powerful healing modality. I’ve found gua sha to be one of my go-to skills to address myofascial dysfunction, all sorts of pain, limited range of motion, and even to promote general well-being. Let’s discuss the keys to effective gua sha treatment, which I hope will get more acupuncturists using it in the clinic.