Some exciting new developments are unfolding. I am now going to have a location at St. Luke's hospital working in the clinic at SOMA Orthopedics Medical Group http://www.somaortho.com/. This will give my patients access to a complementary orthopedic medical group as well as access to a network of doctors of different specialties, special imaging, labs, and medical practitioners of different modalities. Also, I am in the process of applying to get on staff at the hospital. Another location I will be treating at is Pacific Pain Treatment Center http://www.pacpain.com/. This is a chronic pain center that is also in the process of starting an acute pain program. I will still be seeing patients in my comfortable and quiet Precita Park clinic as well.
Alpha-Stim
The latest tool I am treating patients with at my clinic is a electronic stimulator, similar to a tens unit, that has been shown in clinical research to effectively treat pain, anxiety, depression, insomnia, addiction, and much more. The Alpha-Stim uses microcurrent tuned to the bodies own frequency to treat these conditions. When attached via clips to the earlobes it stimulates an alpha state similar to meditating. When using the probes to treat pain the the device stimulates nerves to block pain and actually promote healing of damaged nerves. There are over 55 five research articles and it has been treating many conditions effectively for 24 years. Here is a link to their web site with vast information and research. Please inquire about Alpha-Stim at your next appointment. http://alpha-stim.com/
Dit Da Jiao
Dit Da Jiao literally means "trauma wine". This is an external herbal remedy traditionally used by Kung Fu masters to treat broken bones, sprains, strains, and bruises. Every master has their own proprietary formula and they are very guarded about them. This formula is basically a topical analgesic and anti inflammatory that promotes circulation and quick healing. Typically herbs are soaked for a minimum of a month in rice wine and the longer they are soaked the better. Dit Da Jiao is a great remedy for high impact athletes or for anyone to keep around the house for those occasional accidents. I have seen bruises disappear by the next day when applying this formula. I make my own Dit Da Jiao which is a modified version of my Kung Fu teacher's formula and provide it for my patients in four ounce bottles.
Observing Docs
I have just completed module five of my Acupuncture Orthopedics program. Now I will have the skills necessary to examine, evaluate, and diagnose problems associated with the musculoskeletal system. Some of the diagnostic tools I have gained are testing range of motion, muscle strength tests, reflexes, gross neurological exams, and I can measure posture, as well as perform various orthopedic tests to allow me to treat accordingly or make an appropriate referral. These past modules have also taught me some therapeutic tools such as manual therapy, and various stretches and exercises which will compliment my acupuncture treatments as well. I am also very excited because with the completion of this last module I will now be observing in doctors offices of different specialties! Stay tuned for upcoming modules which include systematic disorders, physical therapy, acupuncture orthopedics, and more.
Proteolytic Enzymes
My new and biggest rave in maintaining optimum health is the use of proteolytic enzymes for prevention and maintenance. There has been a lot of research on the use of proteolytic not only as an anti-inflammatory but also to treat and prevent cancer as well as other systematic disorders. Dr. Beard published some of the first medical literature on the use of enzymes to treat cancer in 1906. Dr. Gonzales is currently the most widely recognized expert on enzyme therapy to treat cancer and has conducted vast research on the topic following Dr. Beards research (http://www.dr-gonzalez.com/). Dr Thal (http://www.drthal.com/) , my personal doctor, once told me that if he ever was to be diagnosed with cancer he would go see Dr Gonzales first. Proteolytic enzymes are widely accepted as a powerful anti- inflammatory for athletes as well. There is much research on this dating back the the 1950's. I am currently prescribing proteolytic enzymes as part of my nutritional regiment for athletes and anyone interested in the prevention of inflammatory diseases. The company I use, Marco Pharma (http://www.marcopharma.net/products.htm), is located in Germany and only uses the highest grade Pharmaceutical quality enzymes and herbs. Please inquire upon your next visit to my clinic.
Acupuncture Orthopedics
I'm really excited about my Orthopedics class. The first module was mostly about practice management and it was very empowering! Module two covered the head and how to differentiate between head injuries with either a central nervous system or peripheral nervous system legion. We learned how to test all the cranial nerves and give a complete head exam. Module three covered the neck and upper extremities. We learned to examine, diagnose, and differentiate neck, shoulder, and arm injuries. Part of my commitment to this class is to full fill some observation hours at various medical facilities. I am excited to say that I made a great connection with SOMA orthopedics group at St. Lukes for observation hours and there is a big possibility that I will be in a referral network with them. So, in a few more months I should be able to give a complete exam for any location on the body and properly diagnose any orthopedic issue. Stay tuned for module four which covers the torso, module five which covers the lower extremities, and module six which covers systematic problems. If you ever are interested in taking a look this program the website is: http://www.lernereducation.com/
Sports Acupuncture
I am currently attending Dr. Lerner's Acupuncture Orthopedics program at Cedar-Sinai hospital. This program is certified by the Nation Board of Acupuncture Orthopedics and on completion I will sit for the national board exam. I have decided to take this program in order to provide the best quality health care to athletes and any person with an injury or illness. This program is providing me with the knowledge and ability to preform the traditional western medical exams you see in any sports or orthopedic clinic. This will allow me to better asses any sports related injuries or conditions, make the appropriate diagnosis, order any imaging or labs necessary, and provide more effective acupuncture treatments. This program is also teaching me the necessary language to effectively communicate with M.D.s, and create efficient referral networks with Orthopedic clinics and surgeons, and sports medicine clinics.
In China, people traditionally go to the Acupuncturist before they get sick. They view the medicine as a preventative measure against illness. In the U.S. we typically go to the doctor only when we get sick or injured. This is true of athletes as well. I believe that by visiting my clinic athletes will heal quicker and more complete, enabling them to get back into competing sooner. Similar to the preventative philosophies in China, I also believe that by visiting my clinic pre-competition, athletes will have less injuries and more of a competitive edge.
A lifelong process.
Hello and welcome to my first blog entry! The purpose of this blog will be to keep my current and prospective clients informed of any new developments with my clinic, updates on my continuing education, links to research articles, updates on any herbal products I'm working on or offer, and just keep people informed about important health information. I hope you enjoy my entries and come back often! Hope you are well!
A homey, eclectic place.
I hope you will find the atmosphere of my clinic serene and relaxing. I spent about four months remodeling it last year to get it as cozy as it is. I used nearly all sustainable materials in the remodel. The floors and shelves are bamboo from Bamboo Mountain. The curtains are custom made of hemp and organic cotton. Even the table utilizes sustainably harvested maple. And the space is heated with radiant heat which is considered to be a energy conserving method of heating. The clinic is very quite but if you like I have a big collection of world music that you can chose from while you relax.
My Acupuncture
I have been practicing Chinese martial arts for twelve years now and
about fifteen years ago I was introduced to Acupuncture. The most profound
lessons I have learned in my years of training have centered around humility and service. Acupuncture was a natural progression in my martial arts training.
I love helping people and as an Acupuncturist I am able to help people make important decisions regarding there health and well being.
My Clinic
As eclectic and homey as my clinic is I also like to maintain an air of professionalism that you would expect to find at your regular doctors office. I am currently in a western orthopedic program at Cedar-Sinai. This ten month long course is teaching me the necessary language and skills to communicate with your doctor, while being able to preform any necessary medical exams pertinent to each case, and order any necessary labs. It is my hope to become a colleague at a sports medicine clinic and eventually move into a multi exam room clinic. In the mean time I hope you enjoy my current clinic.
