Peter Hanfileti, MD, and Lisa Hanfileti, LAc, are acupuncture practitioners and principals of a holistic health clinic in Vancouver, Washington. Peter is a pediatrician who received his medical degree from the State University of New York-Buffalo Medical School and his medical acupuncture instruction from the UCLA acupuncture program for physicians. Lisa, a licensed acupuncturist, received her training in traditional Chinese medicine from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine. She is certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA).
The Hanfiletis share a clinical practice and enjoy the daily benefits of drawing on each other's unique expertise to benefit their patients and to further their own knowledge of Eastern medicine. They have been married for 11 years. In the following article, written in question and answer format, the Hanfiletis share their views on operating a multidisciplinary practice and how their philosophies and methods of care work together to provide what is best for their patients.
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.