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The Point- Volume II, Issue 4

Conversations Regarding the Teaching of Acupuncture by Jeanni Bianchi

(Note to Reader: Any page or chapter references in this piece refer to Yellow Emperor’s [sic} Canon of Internal Medicine, translated by Nelson Liangshen Wu and Andrew Qi Wu, China Science and Technology Press.)

The Yellow Emperor asked the Taoist Master Qibo: “In the fourth season of bookstudy, what is the appropriate turn for the young student of the Healing arts? After all, patients’ problems perplex and the unseasoned practitioner finds only basic answers in books…”

Qibo answered: “Since the time of the sages, the wise and successful doctor has endeavored to learn these arts from many sources. She is best advised to seek purity and morality in her heart, endeavor in her actions to perfect techniques both simple and complex, and seek in her path those who can teach her.”

The Emperor asked: “How can the young student best find mentors to guide this further exploration?”

Qibo answered: “We cannot grow in medicine until we grow in experience. The students of ancient times traveled far and to find teachers capable of imparting this experience. Those teachers were revered, followed, studied, and questioned in the treating of the sick. They imparted precious pearls of wisdom and clarified the turbid waters of their students’ understanding.”

The Yellow Emperor asked: “Should students from far off lands travel great distances to our land for study, or can all apprenticeships, regardless location, be regarded as equal?”

Qibo replied: “If you are thirsty, is it not best to drink closest to the source? Likewise, students in foreign lands must know healing and disease of meridians, treatment with herbs, and healing with moxabustion from those closest to the source. What is acupuncture with no feeling of Qi? Likewise, what is Chinese medicine with no sight, feel, or taste of our country?”

The Emperor asked: “But these teachings are disseminated throughout other lands. Please explain further why poor students must gather the resources to study in China, specifically?”

Qibo replied: “A thread pulled out of a silk brocade has no great meaning, does it? Woven into a pattern with other colors, however, the thread is transformed into a meaningful piece of a whole—is it not?” And so, it is difficult to know one part of a civilization thoroughly (i.e. medicine) without seeing the larger patterns from which it sprung.

For example, we Chinese regard food as the highest, most serious of matters. Foreigners must understand this aspect of our culture to understand the power that food plays in our medicine. They must eat what we eat and when we eat, to learn of our ways that are different from their own. The lessons therein are natural to us, but mind opening for other people. The great medicine of China springs from the great culture of China. Students who have tasted its land of origin will know the art of Chinese medicine much more deeply.”

The Emperor replied: “I see... Is tasting the food the main insight and benefit students will reap from studying in our land?”

Qibo replied: “Oh no…no one thing shall prevail in the training of the acupuncturist. The outside visitor will benefit not only from our cuisine, but also from our entire cultural buffet. Let me speak of the topic at hand, the medicine native to China.

Our people have the longest experience with acupuncture. Therefore, there is less questioning here, more free and easy flow about the value of meridians and herbs. Our public and governmental acceptance creates a harmonious environment for these medicines to flourish. Also, because our doctors have no fight from patients or hospitals about its merit, no energy is lost on law or skepticism. Americans especially, so I understand, have need to see the practice of herbs and needles without fear of lawsuit-evils attacking them.

But let us gaze a bit further… GreatYellow Emperor, if you will permit, I will practice divination with the soft-shell turtle shell to look into the future as our great medicine unfurls…

Ah ha! I see that indeed Chinese medicine will benefit from spread to lands across the Earth. In this spread, however, our medicine will adapt to fit the needs, minds, and bodies of the people therein. Doctors of future eras will learn the wisdom of the sages, but combine it with innovations--mysterious ‘machines’ and ‘tests’. They will profit from using these two systems together. It is in this way Chinese medicine will evolve throughout the centuries.

AND! I see that the merging of these two systems will help propagate the seed of Chinese medicine far and wide. Ponder if you will--what better way to persuade skeptical foreigners than to prove its results using their own machines? Further, I see that China will be a leading country in this merger or ‘research.’ We will use these ‘tests’ and ‘experiments’ to verify the wisdom of old, and devise novel uses for herbs and acupuncture to treat modern diseases.

But foreigners living where walls still exist between the wisdom of old and innovation must see this fertile combination in action. They will see the infinite possibilities for patient care in their homeland, and therefore gain a vibrancy of practice. This, in and of itself, is of great value and inspiration to those endeavoring to practice the medicine in other lands.”

The Emperor said: “It is true. Those who have seen, tasted, heard, and felt that of which they speak hold the greatest weight. But what else might students learn here that would be elusive in their native land?

Qibo answered: “Remember our conversation referring to the influence of the seasons over human health (Chapters 2 and 3)? The student endeavoring to incorporate the ten thousand things offered by Chinese medicine will benefit from experiencing a season or more in China. She will then know the environmental energies of which we speak.”

The Yellow Emperor said: “Of course. The universal energies of yin and yang may be felt anywhere across this planet, but spring in southern China cannot be the same as spring in, say, southern California. And what of language, your highness? Must a student be fluent in our tongue to study in China?”

Qibo answered: “’The journey of a thousand miles begins with one small step,’ as we both know. In other words, one step at a time. The student who has learned the theories of Chinese medicine in another tongue has a foundation. As her knowledge progresses, she will greatly benefit from study of our language itself. What better place to open the student’s ears and mind to basic Chinese vocabulary, plant the seeds of language study, and advance towards greater clarity into the deep well that is Chinese medicine?”

The Emperor replied: “And so it is.”

Qibo said: “I leave you with a composition that our Japanese neighbors to the East call haiku. This poem embodies those reasons for journey to and study in China that we have discussed at length.”

Decoction bubbles

Plants yield essence, needles course

Smell, feel at the source

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A Changing of the Guard and a Call to Arms by Ryan Altman

Welcome back to another exciting term at PCOM. We’ve got a lot planned between the Healing Arts Festival, the Used Book Sale, and guest lectures, but more important then all that, this is an amazing time for Chinese Medicine. While some look at it as a dangerous time with the possible end of our herbal pharmacies or our ability to practice within the Workers’ Compensation arena, I see these next few months as the dawn of a new era in holistic healing overall. More people are turning to complementary modalities than ever before. The long-awaited findings of the Little Hoover Commission are due within the next five months. Change is in the air. This is when practitioners across the nation finally need to wake up and smell the moxa! Noone will fight for us if we’re not organized ourselves.

Several of the National and State professional associations are attempting to mobilize us for action. The AOM Alliance is organizing a Student Caucus at their National conference in the beginning of May. The California State Oriental Medical

Association, (CSOMA) is coordinating regional “Town Hall” meetings of students and practitioners to strengthen local chapters and to focalize our actions politically. Our own student council is leading a statewide membership drive to register all students for a professional organization of their choice. The festival we’re creating will also help to show the community how organized we can be. None of these efforts mean anything, however, without the support of individual students and practitioners. Now is the time for you to make a difference.

I understand that your main focus at PCOM should be your studies, but we all must remain vigilant along the way to ensure that we still have a profession when we graduate! Keeping up to date with political affairs can be simple if we continue to organize our efforts and work together. With so many Student Council programs and events begun these past few years, the question remains: “Who will take over when the current board graduates?” The answer to this will be found in July when we hold our annual elections for office. I hope you all consider taking a more active role in the further development of our profession and run for Student Council Board. The positions of President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Floating Representative will all be up for grabs. Declarations and nominations for candidacy will open at the first Student Council meeting of the term slated for Wednesday, May 26th. Elections will be held at the last meeting of the term, some time around the 22nd of July. The students elected will hold their positions for three semesters as will the new Class Representatives who will be chosen at the beginning of the Fall semester. Thanks to all the current officers and representatives for a great year. What a long, strange trip it’s been.

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Professional TCM Associations and the “Little Hoover Commission” by Karen Rohrbaugh

There are a number of professional associations relating to TCM in the United States. Within California alone, there are more than 10, each with a specific focus. Some are based on language, (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, etc.) and some are only open to those holding a Western medical degree from the US or a medical degree from China. A detailed list and contact information can be found at www.acupuncture.ca.gov/prof-assoc.htm.

Three organizations I would like to focus on are the American Association of Oriental Medicine (AAOM), the Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Alliance (AOMA), and the California State Oriental Medical Association (CSOMA). All three organizations offer affordable student memberships of $25-$30/year. Each organization hosts conferences, offers special discounts to products and keeps you informed of current events and actions affecting the profession.

The American Association of Oriental Medicine, is a national professional association incorporated in Washington D.C. in 1981. As the umbrella organization representing the acupuncture profession in the United States, the AAOM assisted in the formation of both the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncturists (NCCA, now NCCAOM) and the National Council of Acupuncture Schools and Colleges (NCASC, now CCAOM) in 1982. Their website is: www.aaom.org.

The Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Alliance works to advance acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Its members include acupuncturists, detox specialists, Asian bodyworkers, vendors of AOM products and services, teachers and colleges of AOM, herbalists, MD acupuncturists, consumers and Oriental body workers. According to its website, www.acupuncturealliance.org, the Alliance:

Actively supports acupuncture and Oriental medicine at a state and federal level for inclusion in research, health benefit and student loan forgiveness programs.
Works with HMOs, third party payers, hospitals and rehabilitation clinics to include acupuncture and Oriental medicine in their plans; and
Assists states to pass new acupuncture and Oriental Medicine legislation and amend existing laws

The California State Oriental Medical Association is the only English language California State acupuncture association. It is an association of acupuncture professionals, students, schools, and suppliers. In addition, it is the sole professional acupuncture organization in the state with an office, a dedicated full-time staff, a toll-free phone number and a professionally managed website. (www.csomaonline.org)

As a relatively new field, there are a number of changes afloat in our profession. It is critical for you to be informed and to take an active role if you want to practice this medicine with the same or more privileges as practitioners today! One of the best ways to keep abreast of current legislation and issues facing our profession is through joining one of the above organizations. Check out the websites and join an organization that feels right for you.

The Little Hoover Commission (LHC) is an independent oversight agency that was created in 1962. The Commission's mission is to investigate state government operations and, (through reports, recommendations and legislative proposals) promote efficiency, economy and improved service. A number of decisions about the practice of acupuncture are being reviewed and determined by The Little Hoover Commission’s Acupuncture Regulation Subcommittee, (www.lhc.ca.gov) This is a California committee of 13 appointed people who are currently reviewing and making recommendations on the following four items:

Educational requirements for acupuncturists
Scope of practice for acupuncturists
Whether the national exam should be offered in California in lieu of, or as part of, the state exam
The approval process of the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education and the board’s approval process.

What does this mean for you? It could mean that there will be more hours added to the curriculum. It could mean an expanded or limited scope of practice. It could mean not having to take the California State Exam or having to take both it and the National Exam. There is very little we can do now as the time for public comment is over. The Commission will report its findings and recommendations to the department and the Joint Legislative Sunset Review Committee no later than September 1, 2004. Stay tuned…

There are several other important issues facing us. In particular, how will Workers’ Compensation reform affect acupuncturists? Will we continue to be considered physicians and paid accordingly? In regards to herbs, will the ban on Ma Huang and Ban Xia continue to affect us or will we somehow become exempt as the FDA intended? Will the FDA determine that our herbs are really “drugs” and therefore outside our scope of practice, or will the FDA create a new category called “Chinese Medicinals”? These issues are being reviewed and will be discussed at length in future issues.

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Staff Spotlight:Tantan Huang by Jarrod Ildesa

Born: September 21, 1955, Hubei, China
Education: B.A., M.S. Chengdu Univ. of TCM
Married: to Yuan Wang since 1985, one daughter, Claudia (age 17)
Favorite Dessert: Apple pie
Hobbies: Photography, watching sports, (especially basketball). "My dream since childhood was to be an engineer."
Luckily for us here at PCOM, Lady Fortune had a different life-path planned for Tantan. Instead of a slide-rule and pocket-protector, he would don a labcoat and penlight. His outgoing personality and people skills are well suited for the clinical/classroom setting, rather than the drafting table and cubicle he might have occupied in another life. The timing of political events in China helped to shape the course of young Tantan's future. Mao's “Cultural Revolution” had ended and Tantan was a member of the first class entering university in 10 years. The selection process was based mostly on aptitude testing. Then the candidates would list their preferred fields of study and the schools would choose candidates based on their test scores. Although he scored highly in math and science, and listed engineering as his first choice, Tantan's score for literature/poetry was off the charts. Medicine is considered an art in China. An aptitude for poetry and literature is critical to studying the Classics. Thus the medical school plucked Tantan from the vast, 10-year pool of candidates. Faced with re-entering the selection process for the next year with no guarantee of securing another spot in any field, he reluctantly decided to study medicine. As we see him in action clinically today, we hope he realizes that he made the right choice!

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Health According to the Chinese Zodiac by Tamara Roe
(Information based on The New Chinese Astrology by Susan White)

Rat 2.10.48-1.28.49, 2.28.60-2.14.61, 2.15.72-2.2.72, 2.2.84-2.19.85,
Individuals born under the sign of the Rat are active and very industrious. Never afraid of hard work, the Rat is compelled to push him or herself toward success. This is often because of their innate nature to provide a comfortable life for their family and loved ones. Life for the Rat is always erratic, and meals taken on the run wreck havoc on the Rat’s sensitive digestion. Because Rats have a tendency towards tension and anxiety, they may suffer from indigestion and heartburn. Although Rats love coffee (it helps to fuel their seemingly endless energy), it disrupts their sensitive stomach and lends to a more jittery nature. Rats are notorious for overindulgence of rich food, alcohol, sexual activity, study, sports, or recreational drugs. They are never satisfied with moderation. Rats are lucky, however; they enjoy a sound constitution, and if they adhere to a healthy, balanced, commonsense lifestyle, they will enjoy a long life.

Ox 2.29.49-2.16.50,2.15.61-2.4.62, 2.3.73-1.22.74, 2.20.85-2.8.86
Ox people are strong and sturdily built. Those born under this sign seem to be blessed with the greatest longevity of any of the signs and can count on their solid, muscular constitution to carry them into old age. Oxen have an incredibly sound work ethic, and work is where they feel most comfortable. This is their nature, but the Ox must know his or her own limits. Oxen have been known to work themselves to death, for they can’t sit down and do not know how to take a break, even when exhausted. Oxen are prone to stomach problems, and this is due to two main reasons. First, Oxen have a penchant for rich foods. This indulgence leads to issues with cramping, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, and even gallbladder problems. Second, the Ox tends to keep issues pent up inside. With an unshakable determination, the long-suffering Ox individual will bide his or her own time, waiting out any situation or conflict. Although this resolve may win the prize in the end, the internal, long-term anxiety will burn away at the Ox’s delicate stomach.

Tiger 2.17.50, 2.5.51, 2.5.62-1.24.63, 1.23.74-2.10.75, 2.9.86-1.28.87
Tigers are the adrenaline seekers of the zodiac. They live life on the edge and actually enjoy racing around trying to keep up with their hectic schedule. Although the Tiger is fast and efficient, he or she is usually not disciplined. This is particularly true when it comes to issues of health. The average Tiger hates the idea of routine or maintenance and will often forgo visits to their healthcare provider. A Tiger is likely to ignore odd bleedings, lumps, pains, or dizzy spells because he or she does not have time to be ill and does not want to appear weak. It is essential for a Tiger to engage in daily intense physical activity like surfing, running, swimming, or rock climbing. This allows the Tiger to move his or her body and course stagnant Qi. Yoga, Tai Ji, or meditation is also recommended to help settle the restless Tiger spirit. Tigers are either plagued by injuries or ailments related to their daredevil lifestyle, or from nerve-related disorders such as headaches, convulsions, epilepsy or tic douloureux, stemming from over-stimulation .

Rabbit 2.6.51-1.26.52, 1.25.63-2.12.64, 2.11.75-1.30.76, 1.29.87-2.16.88
Rabbits are the compliant patients of the zodiac. When a doctor advises a Rabbit to modify his or her lifestyle or diet, the Rabbit listens and implements the necessary changes. A Rabbit understands the importance of prevention of illness and does not hesitate to invest time and money towards this goal. Although, Rabbits are usually quite healthy, they may suffer from poor digestion. A disturbance in the equilibrium will be first felt in the digestive tract. But because a Rabbit is resilient, his or her digestive tract springs back to normal almost instantaneously. Female Rabbits may suffer from gynogological problems such as dysmenhorrhea, cramps, mood swings, or fibroids. This is usually traced to problems within the endocrine system. Rabbits do not function well under stress. They have a basic need for harmony and should avoid city living, if possible. Ideally, a person born under this sign will reside in a quiet beach or country home, living and evolving with the rhythms of nature.

Dragon 1.27.52-2.13.53, 2.13.64-2.1.65, 1.31.76-2.17.77, 2.17.88-2.5.89
It is a Chinese astrological fact that Dragons are healthy. These creatures have incredible vitality and are known for their longevity. Not only do Dragons tend to live long lives, they live long, healthy lives. Dragon individuals have a robust nature and an enthusiastic spirit. It is important that the Dragon learn how to curb his or her tendency towards excess. Dragons enjoy fine foods, especially those laced with creamy sauces or spices. Dragons also are notorious for imbibing in fine wines and spirits. These propensities may lead to issues with obesity, atherosclerosis, and heart disease later in life. Because of the Dragon’s impatient nature problems with anger, tachycardia, and cardiac spasm may also arise. Dragons can combat stress and anxiety by spending plenty of time alone in nature.

Snake 2.14.53-2.2.54, 2.2.65-1.20.66, 2.18.77-2.6.78, 2.6.89-1.26.90
Health issues in the Snake most often manifest themselves in childhood. Even at an early age, the young Snake internalizes intense situations which often leads to kidney problems, UTI’s, digestive, or inflammatory issues. Because the Snake presents calm on the exterior, it is not until infections have become quite progressive that a parent of a Snake child is given any indication of ailment. Snakes do not recover quickly, and this compounds the problem by creating anxiety within the Snake individual. Consumption of large amounts of water is essential for a Snake, helping to encourage liver and kidney function and combat diseases of the urinary tract. Snakes also suffer from allergies. This presents as hay fever, post nasal drip, swellings, or hives. Even the tiniest weather variations can disrupt the harmonious internal balance. Snakes thrive in peace, quiet, and moderation. Rest and relaxation are of the utmost importence to the health of a Snake. Rushed schedules and abrupt changes will only lead to malady. A Snake needs empty mental space for his or her mind to evolve as Snakes were created for poetry, deep-thinking and romance.

Horse 2.3.54-1.23.55, 1.21.66-2.8.67, 2.7.78-1.27.79, 1.27.90-2.14.91
For the Horse, good health is a way of life. Those born under this sign seem immune to childhood diseases, and this robust constitution carries them into their adult years. Horses are always participating in a sport or physical activity because of the sheer love of movement. This allows the individual to keep a heavy schedule, yet not collapse from exhaustion. The downfall of a Horse’s physical health may be his or her love for food. Horses love to eat, especially foods rich in fat and sugars and are often hungrier than most other people. This tendency leads to issues with obesity, high cholesterol, heart disease, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. Emotionally, Horses are unlikely to be very forthcoming with their feelings. Individuals born under this sign are prone to passionate outbursts. They keep feelings pent up inside and erupt explosively when emotions reach the boiling point.

Goat 1.24.55-2.11.56, 2.9.67-1.29.68, 1.28.79-2.15.80, 2.15.91-2.3.92
The Health of a Goat is often precarious. Goats are physically and emotionally delicate and are the target of sudden onsets of infection and attacks of acute illnesses. People born under this sign rarely complain, as symptoms never seem to be specific. Allergies, such as asthma, chronic sinusitis, and hay fever are common to Goat individuals. It is suggested that these individuals avoid allopathic medicine to deal with these complaints because this approach, as we know, deals with only the symptoms, rather than the source of the problems. These allergic issues are essentially caused by an energy imbalance and attacks are usually precipitated by the emotional state of the sufferer. Goats can help to support good health by engaging in gentle physical activity such as water sports or brisk walking. A quiet hike in the green outdoors is ideal for the gentle Goat. They thrive in clean mountain air away from the fast-paced polluted life in the hectic city.

Monkey 1.25.44-2.12.45, 2.12.56-1.30.57, 1.30.68-2.16.69, 2.16.80-2.4.81
According to the Chinese, Monkeys are born fragile and grow stronger with age. These creatures have a unique relationship with food. If they are not urged to keep their diet varied, they will often choose to eat only one kind of food all of the time. Monkeys are not overeaters and do not tend to be obese, but they do enjoy snaking and grabbing throughout the day. Their digestion is fickle, and although Monkeys should include a wide variety of food in their diet, meats, cheeses, fruits, veggies, and starches should be eaten separately. It is a Monkey’s nature to have long limbs, and these need to be exercised regularily so that they do not become weak. Skin problems often present themselves later in life. Nervous skin disorders like psoriasis, eczema, shingles, and dandruff are common to Monkeys. The best remedy is a diet full of Vitamins A, D, and B as well as plenty of cold-pressed oils. Although these active people enjoy the pulse of city life, they are most suited to tranquil surroundings.

Rooster 2.13.45-2.1.46, 1.31.57-2.17.58, 2.17.69-2.5.70, 2.5.81-1.24.82
Tension and anxiety seem to particularily plague the Rooster. Life is always throwing these individuals one challenge after another, creating constant drama in the life of a Rooster individual. This flight-or –fight state keeps the Rooster locked in high gear. These creatures are incridibly resilient and stubborn and just keep perservering through each catastrophe. Unfortunately, the body is not as strong as the spirit in these individuals, and without proper care, health problems can be incapacitating. Female Roosters have their fair share of menstrual issues such as mood swings, dysmenorrhea, cystic ovaries, and hemorrhage. Roosters of both sexes are prone to tension headaches, ulcers, constipation, low back pain, and depression. Most of the ailments experienced in these creatures tend to be psychosomatic in nature and are best remedied with psychotherapy, acupuncture, homeopathy, yoga, martial arts, and meditation. Intense physical activity is a perfect outlet of nervous tension.

Dog 2.2.46-1.21.47, 2.18.58-2.7.59, 2.6.70-1.26.71, 1.25.82-2.12.83
People born under this sign are very lucky, physically, for they do not tend to suffer from delbilatating illnesses of youth like asthma or diabetes. Dogs generally appear older than their chronological age, yet continue to act youthful much longer than his or her middle-aged peers. Furthermore, the sedentary Dog tends to become more physically active as he or she ages. Arthritis and other joint issues are commonly seen in the Dog individual. Dogs present with sore knees, tight low back, and weak ankles. The best treatment for these problems is regular aerobic activity, walking, dancing, swimming, and even sex. Dogs tend to get rusty and joints need to stay moving and well-oiled. Most Dogs tend to have skin problems. Their nervous nature is hidden below the surface and emerges as hives, poriasis, and itching. Genlte organic creams and lotions should be applied to the dry, chapped, or itchy skin.

Pig 2.22.47-2.9.48, 2.8.59-1.27.60, 1.27.71-2.14.72, 2.13.83-2.1.84
Pigs tend to be the hypochodriacs of the zodiac. These individuals have a hypersensitive nature and an overactive imagination. Pigs conjure themselves into a physically disabled state, and live in incessant fear of illness and death. This tendency often leads to a vicious cycle where the feared illness actually manifests itself. Pigs should shy away from health journals or medical books, for this will only create anxiety and dread within the individual. When a Pig does become ill, he or she needs an enormous amount of care and moral support. He or she will often search around for a second, third, or fourth opinion, phoning physicians continually. This constant state of paranoia often presents itself as digestive complaints and chronic insomnia. To help calm their fragile nerves, Pigs often turn to alcohol or drugs to take the edge off. Pigs should be encouraged to explore healthy methods of relaxation like meditation or yoga.

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