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Remember the expression “an idea whose time has come?” That’s a good way to describe the synergy of combining microcurrent therapy with simultaneous therapeutic exercise and essential oils. Many professionals like myself have been very impressed with the results we have seen with patients with such kinetic therapies, or “microcurrents…

We live in a country that is learning to be sustainable. We now see the need for change after having overstretched almost all of our resources - fuel, money and people - to the point of near collapse. We have burned so much fossil fuel that its use as a…

The AAAOM has a clear mission, to promote excellence and integrity in the practice of acupuncture and Oriental medicine in order to enhance public health and well-being. What are we doing to fulfill that mission? What current challenges does the profession face? With a small staff and a volunteer board,…

Does epistemology sound scary - intriguing - or like jargon? Whatever your point of view is, here is an explanation: epistemology at its root, means to take a stand in relationship to a subject (epi-steme). In order to do that, one must develop knowledge about that subject. Put differently, epistemology…

In my last column, I delved into the topic of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). I noted thin type PCOS women often present less frequent or no ovulation/periods. Ultrasounds on these women show ovaries full of immature follicles, and FSH - LH ratios of 3/5: 1 instead of the normal 1:1.…

Continuing with the theme of what we “think” we know about food and nutrition, I would like to deal with two sacred cows—whole grains, and vegetarianism. Not in the way of right and wrong, but rather with the realization that without adequate information, most people are damaging their health completely…

With healthy, noninvasive cosmetic techniques on the rise, Chinese medicine has an opportunity to shine. Chinese medicine offers a variety of treatments and therapies that will not only have great cosmetic results, but will improve the general health of the patient without using needles. The caveat: use of all techniques…

The vast majority of our medical education is dedicated to learning diagnosis and treatment, with almost no time at all focused on learning to communicate with patients, share information and build rapport in a health-promoting way. This despite many studies showing that using techniques that establish rapid rapport can be…

A year after a 7.0-magnitude earthquake devastated Haiti, Acupuncturists Without Borders (AWB) has coordinated efforts to return to the impoverished country to assist in the ongoing recovery and provide further training in trauma recovery treatment for 30-40 Haitian healthcare providers. The Albuquerque, N.M.-based nonprofit organization will arrive in Haiti this…

In my previous column, I examined several factors contributing to situations in which a patient’s symptoms/issues seem to resist our best efforts at treatment. Among the factors discussed were realistic expectations; length of time the patient has had the symptom(s); focusing on a single symptom; energetic blocks to successful treatment;…

I love a good magic show! My son is a magician and I have always enjoyed watching good magician work. Sleight of hand has always amazed me. It takes a lot of practice to become a great magician. The same could be said for building a great practice. It is…

Being part of a community and receiving nourishment from others is especially vital for those of us who are in a profession of giving. If you review the friendships that you have developed through professional contexts you will, hopefully, find a lovely tapestry of caring people and common interests.

The tail end of 2010 was big for weight-loss news. Just after Thanksgiving, Weight Watchers announced a revamp of its famous Points system, which now accounts for quality of foods rather than just caloric value. In early December, an FDA advisory committee voted to expand the indication for the Lap-Band…

Let’s face it, exams are a pain but necessary in patient care. Following a good consultation, a thorough exam will help you confirm your suspicions and document the patient’s condition. We don’t need to go into the whole realm of examination standards and protocols, let alone the scope of different…

On a bulletin board in my office I have the following laws posted, which I have reviewed daily for nearly 40 years. I am asked by patients and visitors a minimum of three to four times per week if they can have a copy of what is to follow. To…

While attending acupuncture school, I was disappointed at the irrelevant nature of business classes that were offered to nascent practitioners, most of whom would eventually need to run a business on their own. Most acupuncture schools offer one business course that is mostly focused on such matters as teaching students…

In many cases of stubborn and difficult-to-treat shoulder pain that is accompanied by loss of motion, the subscapularis muscle is often the hidden source. Understanding the role of the subscapularis muscle in shoulder movement and proper treatment of this muscle are extremely important in addressing the root cause of many…

Marilyn

Yun-tao

Fred