tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1250480 %ISSUE_DATE%T09:25:32-07:00 Information on the ideas, new and old, that are the foundation of alternative health care. TypePad tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32540 2012-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

Are you treating health conditions related to or affected by love? This past November I taught at the Pacific Symposium, a large educational conference put on for our industry by the Pacific College in San Diego, Calif. I presented an evening keynote titled "The Capacity and Function of Loving" during which I explored definitions of love based upon contemporary research in such areas as the human limbic system, neurochemistry, evolutionary and contemporary psychology as well as multifaceted descriptions from our medicine's history and theoretical constructs.

By Felice Dunas, PhD Are you treating health conditions related to or affected by love? This past November I taught at the Pacific Symposium, a large educational conference put on for our industry by the Pacific College in San Diego, Calif. I presented an evening keynote titled "The Capacity and Function of Loving" during which I explored definitions of love based upon contemporary research in such areas as the human limbic system, neurochemistry, evolutionary and contemporary psychology as well as multifaceted descriptions from our medicine's history and theoretical constructs. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32517 2012-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

The philosopher was given great respect within classical Chinese culture. The Dao De Jing has many passages extolling the virtues of the "philosopher king." The same was true within medicine. It is not enough to look at things in their literal sense: the Nei Jing asks a bit more from us than that. Much of the classical texts are written in code, using philosophical metaphor to present their wisdom.

By Nicholas Sieben, LAc The philosopher was given great respect within classical Chinese culture. The Dao De Jing has many passages extolling the virtues of the "philosopher king." The same was true within medicine. It is not enough to look at things in their literal sense: the Nei Jing asks a bit more from us than that. Much of the classical texts are written in code, using philosophical metaphor to present their wisdom. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32515 2012-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

The terms, neuroplasticity, or brain plasticity, are becoming more and more popular. Often it is loosely used without much specificity for what is actually being referred to. For the intent of this article, I will define plasticity as the overall phenomenon of the central nervous system's ability to self-correct, change and grow from infancy to old age.

By Andrew Rader, LAc, MS The terms, neuroplasticity, or brain plasticity, are becoming more and more popular. Often it is loosely used without much specificity for what is actually being referred to. For the intent of this article, I will define plasticity as the overall phenomenon of the central nervous system's ability to self-correct, change and grow from infancy to old age. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32483 2011-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

Medical qi gong is a comprehensive system of healing. This natural healing system contains the principles of classical and traditional Chinese medicine, as well as theories and applications from the wide range of indigenous traditions of Chinese culture. These traditions include the many branches of taoist theory and practices; including philosophical, religious, alchemical, mystical and cosmological taoist traditions.

By David Twicken, DOM, LAc Medical qi gong is a comprehensive system of healing. This natural healing system contains the principles of classical and traditional Chinese medicine, as well as theories and applications from the wide range of indigenous traditions of Chinese culture. These traditions include the many branches of taoist theory and practices; including philosophical, religious, alchemical, mystical and cosmological taoist traditions. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32480 2011-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

Earlier this year, the journal of Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging published a study showing that in just eight weeks of mindfulness meditation practice, structural changes in gray matter were observed. The study had participants meditating for as little as 27 minutes each day. This is the first study documenting that meditating actually changes the brain.

By Andrew Rader, LAc, MS Earlier this year, the journal of Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging published a study showing that in just eight weeks of mindfulness meditation practice, structural changes in gray matter were observed. The study had participants meditating for as little as 27 minutes each day. This is the first study documenting that meditating actually changes the brain. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32469 2011-10-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-10-01T12:00:07-07:00

Albert Einstein defined insanity as "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." For the last 30 years, management of acute spinal cord injuries has usually included high dosages of the steroid methylprednisolone. Perhaps the rationale for this treatment was based more on the theory of how corticosteroids were supposed to work than the reality.

By David Rindge, DOM, LAc, RN Albert Einstein defined insanity as "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." For the last 30 years, management of acute spinal cord injuries has usually included high dosages of the steroid methylprednisolone. Perhaps the rationale for this treatment was based more on the theory of how corticosteroids were supposed to work than the reality. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32465 2011-10-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-10-01T12:00:07-07:00

HEY YOU! GET YOUR HEAD OUT OF THE CLASSICS! Good, now I've caught your attention. Too many students and graduates of TCM herbal programs in the U.S. are married to the classical formulas and are completely ignoring clinical applications and developments that have been going on in China since the founding of the People's Republic in 1949.

By Jake Paul Fratkin, OMD, LAc HEY YOU! GET YOUR HEAD OUT OF THE CLASSICS! Good, now I've caught your attention. Too many students and graduates of TCM herbal programs in the U.S. are married to the classical formulas and are completely ignoring clinical applications and developments that have been going on in China since the founding of the People's Republic in 1949. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32462 2011-10-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-10-01T12:00:07-07:00

I've had the privilege to be in practice for just over 15 years now. I love my profession, I enjoy what I do, and I look forward to caring for my patients every day. I find my practice to be challenging and exciting with new patients and new interesting cases to work with. Of course, there are days when the practice is frustrating, but I think that is just part of this life. I am very blessed to go to work every day.

By Douglas R. Briggs, DC, Dipl. Ac. (IAMA), DAAPM I've had the privilege to be in practice for just over 15 years now. I love my profession, I enjoy what I do, and I look forward to caring for my patients every day. I find my practice to be challenging and exciting with new patients and new interesting cases to work with. Of course, there are days when the practice is frustrating, but I think that is just part of this life. I am very blessed to go to work every day. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32461 2011-09-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-09-01T12:00:07-07:00

Throughout the history of its development, Chinese medical practitioners have integrated practices from other cultures. In America, the integration of Chinese medicine into American culture was present on the East Coast, physician and chemist Franklin Bache, a great-grandson of Benjamin Franklin, translated and published Morand's Memoir on Acupuncture (1825). By 1900, the father of American medical education, William Osler stated that acupuncture was good for "lumbago."

By William Morris, DAOM, PhD, LAc Throughout the history of its development, Chinese medical practitioners have integrated practices from other cultures. In America, the integration of Chinese medicine into American culture was present on the East Coast, physician and chemist Franklin Bache, a great-grandson of Benjamin Franklin, translated and published Morand's Memoir on Acupuncture (1825). By 1900, the father of American medical education, William Osler stated that acupuncture was good for "lumbago." tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32455 2011-09-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-09-01T12:00:07-07:00

Now that the public and many biomedical professionals have accepted the value that acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine bring to the healthcare system, it's time our profession acknowledges that TCM survived into the modern era not because we assimilated into the dominate healthcare model, but because we are different from it. Our system hasn't proven itself through double-blind randomized studies, but through clinical effectiveness.

By Candace Veach, MTOM, LAc Now that the public and many biomedical professionals have accepted the value that acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine bring to the healthcare system, it's time our profession acknowledges that TCM survived into the modern era not because we assimilated into the dominate healthcare model, but because we are different from it. Our system hasn't proven itself through double-blind randomized studies, but through clinical effectiveness. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32451 2011-09-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-09-01T12:00:07-07:00

Stillness and tranquility set things in order in the universe. Yin-like principles of meditation can be used to help patients who struggle with Yang-like health concerns for example: stress, OCD, PTSD, and anxiety to regain balance. Fire (yang) is active and consumes, water (yin) is still and nourishes. Balancing ceaseless mental and emotional activity requires stillness. Sitting still in meditation for some can be difficult, but integrating meditative techniques throughout daily routines is a practical approach that can still be rewarding. I call this "taking it with you."

By Christopher Carlow, LAc, Dipl. OM, MAOM Stillness and tranquility set things in order in the universe. Yin-like principles of meditation can be used to help patients who struggle with Yang-like health concerns for example: stress, OCD, PTSD, and anxiety to regain balance. Fire (yang) is active and consumes, water (yin) is still and nourishes. Balancing ceaseless mental and emotional activity requires stillness. Sitting still in meditation for some can be difficult, but integrating meditative techniques throughout daily routines is a practical approach that can still be rewarding. I call this "taking it with you." tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32446 2011-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

Tung's Acupuncture was originally a closely guarded oral tradition that was exclusively passed down within the Tung family. Master Tung Ching-Chang broke this tradition and accepted his first disciple outside the family in 1962 in Taipei, Taiwan, over 48 years ago. Since then, Master Tung's system has gained a tremendous amount of momentum and popularity. It is currently one of the most sought after and highly esteemed schools of acupuncture, characterized by its simplicity, ease of use, and great clinical efficacy.

By Chuan-Min Wang, DC, LAc and Steven Vasilakis, LAc Tung's Acupuncture was originally a closely guarded oral tradition that was exclusively passed down within the Tung family. Master Tung Ching-Chang broke this tradition and accepted his first disciple outside the family in 1962 in Taipei, Taiwan, over 48 years ago. Since then, Master Tung's system has gained a tremendous amount of momentum and popularity. It is currently one of the most sought after and highly esteemed schools of acupuncture, characterized by its simplicity, ease of use, and great clinical efficacy. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32443 2011-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

The Ling Shu is considered the seminal text of acupuncture. It begins with a mission statement: "To preserve and protect acupuncture, so it won't be forgotten, obliterated and lost."

By Nicholas Sieben, LAc The Ling Shu is considered the seminal text of acupuncture. It begins with a mission statement: "To preserve and protect acupuncture, so it won't be forgotten, obliterated and lost." tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32441 2011-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

Buildings have them. Martial artists and Tai Chi practitioners also have them—a solid foundation on which to build. The foundation of any private practice is built upon a steady flow of new patients. To grow a thriving practice, you have to build and foster every single patient relationship in such a way that your current patients will want to continue to work with you—and also refer new patients to you. This may sound simple, but it's a crucial concept that should not be overlooked if you want to succeed in practice and reach your goals. How do you go about creating these relationships? Read on...

By Jeffrey Grossman, LAc Buildings have them. Martial artists and Tai Chi practitioners also have them—a solid foundation on which to build. The foundation of any private practice is built upon a steady flow of new patients. To grow a thriving practice, you have to build and foster every single patient relationship in such a way that your current patients will want to continue to work with you—and also refer new patients to you. This may sound simple, but it's a crucial concept that should not be overlooked if you want to succeed in practice and reach your goals. How do you go about creating these relationships? Read on... tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32439 2011-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

When the body is in free flow, with no blockage, there can be no imbalance, disharmony, or pain. It is only when the flow of qi, blood and fluids is compromised that a pattern of disharmony results. Thus, the goal for all acupuncture treatment is to restore the body to the natural state of homeostasis.

By Abbey Fromkin, MS, LAc When the body is in free flow, with no blockage, there can be no imbalance, disharmony, or pain. It is only when the flow of qi, blood and fluids is compromised that a pattern of disharmony results. Thus, the goal for all acupuncture treatment is to restore the body to the natural state of homeostasis. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32436 2011-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

Symmetry in form and movement is one of many aspects of Tai Ji and qi gong to be aware of through observation and feeling to identify imbalances and benefit health.

By Christopher Carlow, LAc, Dipl. OM, MAOM Symmetry in form and movement is one of many aspects of Tai Ji and qi gong to be aware of through observation and feeling to identify imbalances and benefit health. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32429 2011-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

Contemporary acupuncture is widely taught through the Zang Fu approach. It has proven to be an effective system. However, its roots are considered by many to be a predominantly "herbal" way of thinking.

By Nicholas Sieben, LAc Contemporary acupuncture is widely taught through the Zang Fu approach. It has proven to be an effective system. However, its roots are considered by many to be a predominantly "herbal" way of thinking. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32426 2011-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

For most people, science, economics and spirituality are separate areas of life and knowledge. All three of these vital pursuits, however, have roots in the same universal laws that govern everything in the universe.

By Darren Starwynn, OMD, LAc For most people, science, economics and spirituality are separate areas of life and knowledge. All three of these vital pursuits, however, have roots in the same universal laws that govern everything in the universe. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32424 2011-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

In a restaurant, we are given a menu and expected to make a choice about what we want to eat. Once we choose the chicken, we are denying the salmon, the beef and the bouillabaisse, yet we are usually not conscious of this denial. We are only aware of the fact that we are going to have the chicken. For some, there may be regret that we didn't choose the beef because it was just delivered to the table next door and it looks so good, but still the awareness is limited to either one or the other and not the whole picture.

By Andrew Rader, LAc, MS In a restaurant, we are given a menu and expected to make a choice about what we want to eat. Once we choose the chicken, we are denying the salmon, the beef and the bouillabaisse, yet we are usually not conscious of this denial. We are only aware of the fact that we are going to have the chicken. For some, there may be regret that we didn't choose the beef because it was just delivered to the table next door and it looks so good, but still the awareness is limited to either one or the other and not the whole picture. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32378 2011-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

Recently, I found myself dancing in China's Yunnan province in a pristine forest beside a turquoise lake at high elevation. The sun warmed my face and body, as my feet spun, my hips flowed, and my arms and hands extended outward and upward to the mountains and sky. I was in Pa Dacuo National Park, on the Tibetan plateau, teaching Gabrielle Roth's 5Rhythms moving meditation.

By Kabba Anand, DAc, LAc, Dipl. Ac., Dipl. CH Recently, I found myself dancing in China's Yunnan province in a pristine forest beside a turquoise lake at high elevation. The sun warmed my face and body, as my feet spun, my hips flowed, and my arms and hands extended outward and upward to the mountains and sky. I was in Pa Dacuo National Park, on the Tibetan plateau, teaching Gabrielle Roth's 5Rhythms moving meditation. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32371 2011-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

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 is how we build knowledge.

By William Morris, DAOM, PhD, LAc 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 is how we build knowledge. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32360 2011-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

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 read and study the following rules of life on a daily and weekly basis will without question have an impact on your family, social life and practice.

By John Amaro, LAc, DC, Dipl. Ac.(NCCAOM), Dipl.Med.Ac.(IAMA) 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 read and study the following rules of life on a daily and weekly basis will without question have an impact on your family, social life and practice. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32337 2011-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

In 1973, Dr. Grossarth Meticek surveyed thousands of people in Heidelberg, Germany regarding their attitudes about life. The average age of the participants was 58. Twenty-one years later, he compared the attitude scores with health outcomes. Those with the 300 most positive attitudes were 30 times more likely to be alive and well than the 200 with the lowest scores. In another use of the data, he took 1,200 participants with the most negative outlooks, divided them into two groups of 600. One group got lessons on how to improve their attitudes for one year, while the other group received no instruction or sham instruction. Thirteen years later the group that got the real instruction had 409/600 alive, while only 97/600 were alive for the group that did not get trained on how to cheer up. These are significant results indicating that attitude affects lifespan.

By Andrew Rader, LAc, MS In 1973, Dr. Grossarth Meticek surveyed thousands of people in Heidelberg, Germany regarding their attitudes about life. The average age of the participants was 58. Twenty-one years later, he compared the attitude scores with health outcomes. Those with the 300 most positive attitudes were 30 times more likely to be alive and well than the 200 with the lowest scores. In another use of the data, he took 1,200 participants with the most negative outlooks, divided them into two groups of 600. One group got lessons on how to improve their attitudes for one year, while the other group received no instruction or sham instruction. Thirteen years later the group that got the real instruction had 409/600 alive, while only 97/600 were alive for the group that did not get trained on how to cheer up. These are significant results indicating that attitude affects lifespan. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32336 2011-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

A good practitioner-patient relationship is vital to effective healthcare. The quality of the relationship affects the quality and quantity of information that patients are willing to provide about themselves and their condition. It also determines the extent to which they are free to ask questions and be candid about their concerns, the value and credibility they attach to information and advice provided by their physicians.

By Teri Powers, DAOM, LAc A good practitioner-patient relationship is vital to effective healthcare. The quality of the relationship affects the quality and quantity of information that patients are willing to provide about themselves and their condition. It also determines the extent to which they are free to ask questions and be candid about their concerns, the value and credibility they attach to information and advice provided by their physicians. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32335 2011-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

Medical education involves the development of cultural competencies. In this discussion, I present the idea of perspective as a tool for navigating complex cultural environments. Hopefully, this article will provide a consideration for coursework in U.S. schools of acupuncture and Chinese medicine.

By William Morris, DAOM, PhD, LAc Medical education involves the development of cultural competencies. In this discussion, I present the idea of perspective as a tool for navigating complex cultural environments. Hopefully, this article will provide a consideration for coursework in U.S. schools of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32330 2011-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

As a healer, one of the greatest rewards of practice is having someone get up from the table with a big smile and say: "I feel so much better." Sometimes I joke with my patients; "well, what did you expect? You didn't come here to feel worse, did you?" All kidding aside, I get a lot of satisfaction from helping people improve their health. The power of acupuncture and the gift of sharing it with others is a privilege we should treasure. The body's ability to heal itself is pretty miraculous. Acupuncturists possess no mystical powers of healing, but we do get to facilitate the body's healing mechanism. However, the reality of practice is that not everyone responds as quickly, or as well, to our treatment.

By Douglas R. Briggs, DC, Dipl. Ac. (IAMA), DAAPM As a healer, one of the greatest rewards of practice is having someone get up from the table with a big smile and say: "I feel so much better." Sometimes I joke with my patients; "well, what did you expect? You didn't come here to feel worse, did you?" All kidding aside, I get a lot of satisfaction from helping people improve their health. The power of acupuncture and the gift of sharing it with others is a privilege we should treasure. The body's ability to heal itself is pretty miraculous. Acupuncturists possess no mystical powers of healing, but we do get to facilitate the body's healing mechanism. However, the reality of practice is that not everyone responds as quickly, or as well, to our treatment. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32325 2010-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

Even I had heard the rumor. I suffer a certain isolation from my co-workers and the clients who forgo acupuncture treatments, first by the things I don't do: facilitate a group required for graduation or by the courts to stay out of jail; carry a one-on-one counseling case load; write letters to Judges, Probation Officers, Parole Officers or Child Protective Services; I don't sign disability papers, bus-pass orders, SSI, General Assistance or Section 8 Housing paper work. And secondly, by the thing I do; which is remain in the acupuncture spaces almost all the time I am at work. All contribute to my isolation. If I do leave, I put up a sign that I will be back in five minutes. The things I don't do mean that people seek me out for acupuncture and tea and to talk but, since acupuncture is not compulsory, they can drop in any time I am scheduled, making staying in or close to my spaces necessary.

By Gregory Ross, LAc Even I had heard the rumor. I suffer a certain isolation from my co-workers and the clients who forgo acupuncture treatments, first by the things I don't do: facilitate a group required for graduation or by the courts to stay out of jail; carry a one-on-one counseling case load; write letters to Judges, Probation Officers, Parole Officers or Child Protective Services; I don't sign disability papers, bus-pass orders, SSI, General Assistance or Section 8 Housing paper work. And secondly, by the thing I do; which is remain in the acupuncture spaces almost all the time I am at work. All contribute to my isolation. If I do leave, I put up a sign that I will be back in five minutes. The things I don't do mean that people seek me out for acupuncture and tea and to talk but, since acupuncture is not compulsory, they can drop in any time I am scheduled, making staying in or close to my spaces necessary. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32324 2010-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

Recently, I came to a stunning realization. The furniture from my childhood home, bought by my parents after they married in 1951, is considered antique. Herman Miller tables, a sideboard and china cabinet, somewhat scratched and stained, are now worth more because they have crossed a threshold of maturity. No one would think to put these beautiful walnut pieces into a yard sale. You want to show them off, bring out their essence, give them the premier place in your house. The signs of use give them character, distinction and uniqueness.

By Nancy Post, MAc, PhD Recently, I came to a stunning realization. The furniture from my childhood home, bought by my parents after they married in 1951, is considered antique. Herman Miller tables, a sideboard and china cabinet, somewhat scratched and stained, are now worth more because they have crossed a threshold of maturity. No one would think to put these beautiful walnut pieces into a yard sale. You want to show them off, bring out their essence, give them the premier place in your house. The signs of use give them character, distinction and uniqueness. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32320 2010-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

Our profession has grown because of the great efforts of those who trusted their instincts in the early days of acupuncture in America. In all my experience in business, healthcare, educational administration and various roles in our professional organizations, my instinct tells me our profession is at a tipping point. Another unfolding is occurring and I am grateful to be able to share my perspective.

By Mark McKenzie, LAc Our profession has grown because of the great efforts of those who trusted their instincts in the early days of acupuncture in America. In all my experience in business, healthcare, educational administration and various roles in our professional organizations, my instinct tells me our profession is at a tipping point. Another unfolding is occurring and I am grateful to be able to share my perspective. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32319 2010-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

I have noticed that many of my colleagues rely only a little on their patients' descriptions of their feelings, preferring to look for more obvious signs and symptoms. It is hardly surprising, considering this is how we were taught at acupuncture school. While it always is nice to have signs and symptoms that paint a clear picture of the patient's condition, their emotions can be much more helpful in establishing a diagnosis than they are given credit for. Numerous classical sources including Nei Jing point out a strong relationship between the zang organs and emotions, and yet when patients describe what they feel, many acupuncturists place such descriptions into the "subjective" category in their notes. Can it be possible, however, to get more reliable information from the patient's descriptions of their experiences? Let us consider several observations that help to rediscover zang organs, and then you be the judge of their value.

By Vladislav Korostyshevskiy, MS, LAc I have noticed that many of my colleagues rely only a little on their patients' descriptions of their feelings, preferring to look for more obvious signs and symptoms. It is hardly surprising, considering this is how we were taught at acupuncture school. While it always is nice to have signs and symptoms that paint a clear picture of the patient's condition, their emotions can be much more helpful in establishing a diagnosis than they are given credit for. Numerous classical sources including Nei Jing point out a strong relationship between the zang organs and emotions, and yet when patients describe what they feel, many acupuncturists place such descriptions into the "subjective" category in their notes. Can it be possible, however, to get more reliable information from the patient's descriptions of their experiences? Let us consider several observations that help to rediscover zang organs, and then you be the judge of their value.