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Dr. Yat Ki Lai was born in Canton in 1947 and died in San Francisco on August 13, 2019. He was 76 years old by traditional Chinese count.

For the acupuncturist it’s no surprise when a new study proves the effectiveness of this ancient technique; however, one more study under the AOM belt benefits the profession as a whole. For instance, new research, published by MedPage Today, reports chest pain improves with acupuncture.

Dry needling is back on the radar for acupuncturists but this time there’s a twist—the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AAAOM) and the American Physical Therapist Association (APTA) came together for a meeting, prompted by Dr. Carlos Chapa, president of the AAAOM and Dr. Jan Dommerholt, a physical…

In health care, the term red flag is used to describe signs and symptoms that can indicate the presence of serious health conditions. These conditions generally carry an increased likelihood for serious complications, disability or even death.

Each point on the meridian of the Separator of the Pure from the Impure will play a part in restoring the health of this Official so that it can do its vital work for the benefit of all, and each has a unique contribution to make.

In October of 2018, a group of acupuncturists gathered in Calistoga, California, underneath a gigantic walnut tree and expressed intentions for a week of education, personal healing, and community connections with Acupuncturists Without Borders (AWB).

Insomnia is defined as the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, waking up early, or a disturbance in sleep quality that makes sleep seem inadequate or un-refreshing. Sometimes, insomnia may be due to the common condition of sleep apnea, and most other times, the cause is unknown or considered…

The Five-Element model is one of the core theories/concepts of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and acupuncture that describes how the Zang-Fu organs function and interact with each other; how disease happens and changes; and how the symptoms transmit among meridians.

I recently had the pleasure of having a discussion with three individuals who practice acupuncture in a unique clinical and academic setting – providing acute care to hospital patients at Harborview Medical Center (HMC). For Bastyr University’s Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM) students, a good portion of their…

The American medical establishment is in crisis. A major sign is the dramatic medical doctor shortage today. An article in Forbes, “Free Med School Won’t Solve the Doctor Shortage” was a stark reminder that medical doctors are jumping ship in droves, or just not getting on board in the first…

Many patients seeking acupuncture have back pain related problems. A clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians include recommendations of acupuncture for acute, subacute and chronic low back pain. Besides, chronic back pain is one of the diseases that is effective on acupuncture treatment. It is also necessary…

In this article I strive to expose some of the emotional components of pain that may be affecting our patients, clinics, and/or ourselves. Like mentioned in parts 1 and 2 covering the physical and chemical sides of pain (found in the March and May issues), the emotional side of pain…

Overactive bladder is a condition that affects adults and children worldwide and can be caused by numerous underlying factors or traumas like childbirth, prostate enlargement, poor pelvic floor muscle control, bladder prolapse and more. The condition creates a significant psychological burden on patients and symptoms range from urinary urgency to…

Magnets stimulate acupuncture points and meridians. Although this use isn’t prominent in the West, it’s utilized in China, Japan and Korea as an alternative to needles. In 1990, when I began treating people with acupuncture, they did not necessarily resist the idea of acupuncture but did balk at the needles.…

I would like to think I am a pretty traditional, conservative practitioner, and I like to keep things simple. I have techniques I have used with great effect for years. But it seems that just about every time you open a professional magazine or mailer there is someone promoting a…

In my last column I discussed some important ideas for clinicians to consider when helping patients stay in dynamic balance in the Spring season. In this installment, I would like to touch upon some key acupuncture points to consider when treating patients in the Summer season. One of the most…

G. Ravyn