Dr. Thomas Hodge is an associate clinician working alongside Dr. Jason Hao in their Santa Fe clinic where they specialize in the treatment of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease and the sequela of stroke. In addition to his work with Dr. Hao, Dr. Hodge's clinical experiences include Christus St. Vincent's Cancer Center and Rehabilitation Center, and Santa Fe Indian Hospital. He is an executive board member of Neuro-acupuncture Institute 501(c)3 and a member of the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies' subcommittee for brain research.
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.
