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In many cultures, women are unfairly blamed for the inability of a sexually active couple to conceive. In reality, men suffer from infertility issues just as frequently as women. According to statistics from the National Infertility Association (an organization also known as RESOLVE), between 35 percent and 40 percent of…

In part two of this series, we provided an overview of the use of essential oils in classical Chinese medicine, and how they facilitate treatments that involve the three constitutional levels. Other topics covered included the use of carrier oils, the Doctrine of Signatures, their different “notes” (which are determined…

A lifelong practice of the martial arts is what led me to the study of traditional Chinese medicine. In martial arts, aside from the artistic perfection of strikes, kicks, joint locking, throwing, and ground fighting, the health-giving benefits of opening up the channels and collaterals for qi flow, and learning…

In what is believed to be a first, the Chinese government has announced that it will include research on traditional Chinese medicine as part of its National Basic Research Program (NBRP). In July, the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology reported that it would invest more than 52 million yuan…

Premarin (conjugated estrogen) is one of the most frequently prescribed medications in the United States. 1 Considering that only half of the population can be prescribed this medication (females), and that only elderly patients need this medication, it is an astounding number. I am often asked by practitioners about patients…

For all those upperclassmen (and women) who find this concept beyond simple, please excuse my second-year theory regarding the relationship between the liver and lung. I am intrigued by the spiritual component of these two organs, and am focusing on the outer back shu points of the Urinary Bladder channel…

On Oct. 24, 2002, acupuncturists, patients and other advocates of Oriental medicine across the country celebrated the first-ever occasion of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day. The brainchild of a group of acupuncture and Oriental medicine organizations from the U.S., Canada and Mexico, the original purpose of AOM Day was to…

Perhaps one of the most perplexing clinical questions of ear acupuncture is which ear to treat for maximum effectiveness. As most practitioners are aware, the “authorities” have advised that “if the patient is a woman,” treat the left ear; on the other hand, another “authority” will suggest treating the right…

It’s that time of year again. No, I’m not talking about the start of fall (although it is one my favorite seasons). I’m not talking about Halloween, either (although it is one of my favorite holidays). I’m talking about Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day, which will be celebrated October 24.…

Rock climbing is a popular sport among both males and females from recreation to competition. While rock climbing involves upper body strength, it also involves endless grip strength, which reflects the tactile ability to ascend and descend many different rock faces in various terrains. Understanding the different types of grip…

The American Association of Oriental Medicine (AAOM) was formed in 1981 to be the unifying force for American acupuncturists who are dedicated to high educational standards and the well-regulated ethical practice of acupuncture and Oriental medicine. The AAOM’s mission is to promote excellence and integrity in the professional practice of…

The following letter was written in response to “Acupuncture Point Warming in the New Millennium: Finding a Safe, Smokeless Alternative” by Matthew J. Robinson, which appeared in the May 2005 issue. Mr. Robinson’s reply appears after the letter.

“What Are My Choices?” is here to answer all of those questions - and more. What Are My Choices? is an occasional column that gives you the information you need straight from the experts: the companies themselves. This issue’s column focuses on technique seminar s - ingredients that are essential…

In the mid-1970s, Michael Smith, a medical doctor at Lincoln Hospital in New York, modified an existing system of auricular acupuncture into a simple five-point technique for the treatment of many common drug addictions as an alternative to methadone. This selection of ear points eventually became what is now referred…

When we are getting started in our practice, we want to tell everyone what we are doing and why they need us. We have been told by teachers, newspapers and other practitioners that Oriental medicine is coming to the forefront of health care, and that if we educate the public,…

Save the dates and plan to attend this year’s conference of the Society for Acupuncture Research (SAR), co-sponsored by the University of New Mexico Medical School, to be held Oct. 21-23 in Albuquerque. Since its inauguration in 1993, the annual conference has reflected SAR’s role as a focal point for…

The scene: Northern California, summer 2005. A Vietnam war veteran is relaxing on a local beach. A Coast Guard helicopter flies nearby. The man breaks out in hives; he begins to sweat, and his pulse races. The man has done extensive therapy and is aware that the helicopter is bringing…

If I have only a limited number of hours available to devote to hospital practice, is it worth my time to pursue offering clinical services? Realistically, I don’t have more than one morning a week to work in a hospital environment, but I’d like to consider practicing there. Any ideas?

The Acupuncture Poll question for June 2005 was: When inserting acupuncture needles, do you use a guide tube?

After an extensive search, Bastyr University has announced the hiring of Dr. Dan Church to be the school’s next president. Dr. Church will officially assume his duties in September, and will take over the position from Dr. John Daley, who served as president on an interim basis.