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How many kinds of lower back pain are there? This was the question I had several years ago when asked for advice by one of my very old and dear friends, a world-renowned, prominent surgeon, Professor P.C. Leung of Hong Kong Chinese University. He was in charge of a research…

For me, the attraction to Japanese acupuncture started in Japan. During a martial arts class, I was injured and they sent me to an acupuncturist. Because my response to acupuncture was so good, I became fascinated. The acupuncturist befriended me and soon was sharing the great depth of his family’s…

Anyone who genuinely is interested in social entrepreneurship - the use of business to achieve social gain, as well as financial gain - must, at some point, spend some time considering issues of social justice. One has to ask: Who gains? What do they gain? How does that affect everyone…

It’s becoming more common to encounter patients who are on a mood-stabilizing drug for depression or anxiety. Most of these are SSRIs (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibiters) given for depression and include Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa and Lexapro. Serotonin is a neuro-transmitter that allows communication between central nervous system neurons and,…

After sex, politics and religion, the most volatile issue folks can discuss is diet. Because I like simplicity, I look for the most basic, essential nugget that might drive my thinking when it comes to such a difficult subject. What it comes down to for me is the wisdom of…

The study of pharmacodynamics gives us insight into the dynamic behavior of drugs inside the human body. The phrase “pharmacodynamic interactions” refers, in our context, to fluctuations in the bioavailability of ingested substances as a result of synergistic or antagonistic interactions between herb and drug molecules. Pharmacodynamic interactions generally are…

Once again the holidays have passed and we are beginning a new year. The coming year is that of the pig - and a prosperous pig, to be sure. When I think of a pig and prosperity, what comes to mind first is a piggy bank and this usually means…

The Society for Acupuncture Research (SAR) will hold its annual conference, The Status and Future of Acupuncture Research: 10 Years Post-NIH Consensus Conference, from Nov. 8-11, 2007, at the University of Maryland in Baltimore. The conference will mark the 10 th anniversary of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus…

The Academy of Oriental Medicine at Austin (AOMA) and Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have developed a strong relationship that began back in 1994, with the sharing of highly qualified and experienced faculty. Chengdu University of TCM provides externship opportunities for AOMA’s students in university-affiliated hospitals and clinics…

On the last day of its 2006 session, the Pennsylvania legislature unanimously passed S.B.1235, an amended version of a 1986 bill that required acupuncturists to obtain physician referrals before providing treatment. The Association for Professional Acupuncture (APA) in Pennsylvania has worked since 2002 to get this legislation amended and remove…

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released its 30 th annual report on the health status of the nation, Health, United States, 2006. The document, prepared by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services for the President and Congress, frames a general picture of…

The American Association of Oriental Medicine (AAOM) and the Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Alliance (Alliance) are continuing their discussions on how to work in a more unified manner to advance the acupuncture profession. Following the initial meeting at the Alliance conference in Keystone, Colo., numerous teleconferences were held between members…

My Sifu once told me an old saying: “Once the dragon lifts its head above water, it opens itself to attack from the gods.” Since I began acupuncture school in the late ‘90s, there has been an industry push to “mainstream” the profession of acupuncture. Numerous organizations have been created…

In the September 2006 issue of Acupuncture Today , my article, ” What Does It Take to Succeed in an Acupuncture Practice? ” created a huge response from readers wanting to know more. I found it quite interesting that of all of the e-mails I received with requests for further…

If you remember my last article, I talked about a system of describing immune system malfunction in four categories, the first three being: constantly getting colds and flues by underreacting to external threats, underreacting to internal threats (e.g., cancer), and overreacting to internal threats categorized by autoimmune diseases. Today we…

The Mid-Autumn Festival has arrived, and the pungent fragrance of blooming osmanthus flowers fills the air as people are bustling about, enjoying the spectacular weather. While most foreigners are beginning to appreciate the taste, aroma and health benefits of Chinese cha (tea), tea art is relatively unknown abroad.

Acupuncture and traditional medicine from around the world were uniquely highlighted at the 15 th International AIDS Conference, held in Toronto in August. More than 26,000 delegates from 170 countries attended the gathering. Featured speakers and guests included President Bill Clinton, Melinda and Bill Gates, and singer Alicia Keys. The…

Acupuncturists and herbalists face a daunting task. The history of Chinese medicine is vast; its conceptual frameworks varied and richly textured. The poetic and evocative language of Chinese medicine has inspired penetrating and profound inquiry into the nature of life in health and disease for more than 2,000 years. Yet,…