Paul Kempisty is a New York State-licensed acupuncturist and board-certified herbalist with over 20 years of clinical experience. He studied TCM in both the United States and the People’s Republic of China, graduating from the Pacific College in New York and completing advanced training in oncology and gynecology in China. Paul runs a private practice, I LOVE ACUPUNCTURE, in New York City. Drawing on decades of hands-on experience, he developed Peekay’s Herbs in 2017 — a clinically crafted full-spectrum apothecary line featuring premium herbal blends inspired by TCM principles, with botanicals sourced from around the world.
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.