Dr. Juan Liu received a Master of Science in Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in New York City in 2011. She is a licensed Oriental medicine practitioner in the state of New York. Prior to studying Chinese medicine, Juan earned a bachelor's degree in medical technology from the University of St. Louis at Baguio City, The Philippines. After she graduated, as a missionary she went back to the Philippines to join the mission of her sister, Shengrong Liu, LAc, to practice Chinese medicine at the St. Francis Natural Health Care Center in Quezon City, Metro Manila, The Philippines. In 2016, they started the first comprehensive Chinese medicine school, the SMIC institute of Chinese Medicine Inc. Currently, there are two courses being offered: one is TCM, the other is acupuncture. Juan received her doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine in 2020.
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.
| Digital Exclusive
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.