Dr. William Prange pioneered the use of acupuncture in mainstream medicine while providing over 100,000 unique patient visits. His TCM studies began before California first approved schools in 1976. As a psychotherapist specializing in mindfulness-based somatic therapy, he earned a degree in advanced acupuncture studies in China (1982) and an OMD addressing complex biao-li conditions from SAMRA (1984).
He served on the first of California Acupuncture Association’s advisory boards while founding the Sonoma Oriental Medical Association and building a successful integrative practice with MD partners. He was also the first acupuncturist to obtain hospital privileges in California (1997), and subsequently helped launch integrative programs for Sonoma County’s Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Hospital, Blue Shield of California, and American Whole Health.
Always dedicated to the health of his patients, he blended acupuncture with bodywork, herbal therapies, effective listening, and proper referral. He is now retired on the central coast of California, where he teaches meditation and looks forward to supporting the further development of our profession.
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.