Enjoy the following Informative Articles written by Florida Licensed Acupuncturists

TCM gaining acceptance by my Western colleagues ...       

The sequence of determining the depth to a TCM diagnosis is never exact. Unlike our western medical colleagues, we keep an open mind in developing our diagnosis and treatment plans. I have noted this difference in other blogs. However, I will now further highlight how this “inexactness” manifests in my treating relationship with the patient. The initial intake is the best example in demonstrating the differing philosophy of both fields.

The TCM intake takes on much more significance in comparison to a typical western intake. Specifically, the TCM practitioner spends much more time in gathering “peripheral” patient information. Matters such as lifestyle choices, diet, and exercise patterns are heavily emphasized in the TCM intake.

For instance, when a patient presents with pain, I will not isolate his complaint to just treating the physical ailment. I assess his pain in relation to his total wellbeing. I investigate much of this relationship in the intake, through inquiring about other aspects of his life that might be contributing to his pain.

Without getting overly technical, if the pain is not the result of an obvious incident, I will look to see if this pain reflects a “deeper” ailment that the patient has been dealing with. Obviously, this ailment is not recognized consciously by the patient. I have seen instances where a patient is suffering from emotional issues that are impacting his physical health. Many times, I am the first clinician that discusses the impact that this emotional disturbance is having on his presenting ailment.

In the Western healthcare system, this patient would probably be referred to a physical therapist to treat his pain. I’ve seen instances where the primary care physician does nothing more than focus his complete intake just on the pain. Essentially, the role of the Western PCP is now nothing more than becoming a gatekeeper to refer the patients out to specialists.

I’ve dealt with many Western doctors who are impressed by the logic behind TCM’s approach to treating an ailment like pain. They are particularly intrigued by how we are trained to look at the source of an ailment, not isolated to itself, but integrated with greater bodily system.

I am finding that, as the US healthcare system continues to evolve, Western clinicians are not only appreciating but acknowledging the merit behind TCM’s approach to treating.

I continue to utilize my passion for Chinese medicine in my practice that is located in Orlando, Florida. I specialize in Pain Management and in treating Mental and Emotional disorders. I also am fortunate to be part of the Veteran Community Care network and, thus, I am privileged to be able to treat our Veterans.  

I attained my Doctorate in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) from 5 Branches University. Due to this Doctoral program’s emphasis on integrating the role of a TCM practitioner in the Western medical system, I am better equipped to partner with Western clinicians in treating patients.