Newsletter 09.11

In This IssueLetter from the President 2

Acupuncture - by Any Other Name 4

Women’s Business Development Center Event 8

Cutting Edge Specialty 10

Asian Moon 2011 14

Who Is Masahilo M. Nakazono, Osensei? 15

How Your Patients Can Find You 19

Jia Wei Xiao Yao San vs HRT 21

TCM Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome 22

Review: The Art of Chinese Pulse Diagnosis 25

Update On Mentorship Initiative 26

ILaaom Continuing Education 27

2011 ILaaom Board Members & Staff 28

Thank You To Our Advertisers:Far East Summit 7

Life Rising 9

Health Concerns 11

Inner Ecology 12

Kan Herb 13

Lhasa OMS 16

Blue Poppy 18

AcuPerfectWebsites 19

Golden Flower 20

Lotus Institute 24

The Illinois AcupuncturistNewsletter for Illinois Association of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine 2011 Volume 2

Illinois Association of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine www.ILaaom.org | 1

Celebratewith Your

Colleagues

AsianMoonFestival2011September 25

Details page 14

by Tom Hurrle,L.Ac,Dipl.Ac (NCCAOM)

Since I wrote last January, your volunteerILaaom Board has been busy! We have attendedtwo national meetings and engaged in ongoing nationalleadership discussion. We have sponsored fourProfessional Development courses, creating opportunitiesfor local study and local teachers. We have answereddozens of questions on points of law, rules andethics from practitioners. We have held ourannual election, and seated new Boardmembers. As part of the IllinoisAcupuncture Federation (IAF), wehave maintained representation inSpringfield for our profession. Wehave investigated the question of dryneedling by Physical Therapists to sup-port our argument against this beforethe IL Department of Financial andProfessional Regulation. We have visitedChicago schools to reach out to students, andinitiated a series of dinner “meet-ups” open to all.

Trigger point dry needling by Physical Therapists is theissue of the moment. See David Miller’s article for a fullreport. We hope the pending decision from the ILDFPRstops this. I assure you that ILaaom has the resources tofight a decision that is not in our favor, thanks to aconservative fiscal policy. What about other issues, likeinclusion of herbal medicine in our license or insuranceparity?

David Miller wrote about the question of getting herbs intoour scope in the last issue of the Illinois Acupuncturist. Toaccess the newsletter, see the link at the end of this article.There have been no changes since then. Insurance paritywould require insurers to pay a L.Ac. the same amountthey pay any other (D.C. or M.D.) for acupuncture. Parityhas had mixed results in some states that have it, including

insurers dropping all coverage for acupuncture, and thesame denials and obstructions with which we are familiar.The "non-discrimination in healthcare" provisions includedin the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA)will stop provider discrimination for plans written startingin 2014. An effort to mandate parity by law in IL couldnot be fruitful until 2012 at best so may not be a good useof resources. Meanwhile, insurers are paying L.Ac.’s foracupuncture in Illinois, though this is not consistent.

Other groups will seek to influence imple-mentation of the “non-discrimination”

provisions of PPACA. Our ability tounite as a profession will determinewhat influence we have at thefederal level. The AAAOM/CSAmeetings last May in Baltimorecontinued progress toward a

unified national/state organizationalstructure. 26 representatives from

15 states plus the AAAOM Boardparticipated. There was a general positive

reaction to a unified structure. Illinois and5 other states are to be the “pilot” states to see howthis works. The proposed result will change ILaaomto “AAAOM/Illinois.” AAAOM has contracted formembership services with a national web-basedservice, and is exploring additional providers to helpcreate and manage the needed structure.

The creation of a truly national association is a monumentaltask. I believe it is necessary to the vitality of our professionin the decades to come. The acupuncture/orientalmedicine (AOM) community is fragmented, not understoodby the public, has no representation at the Federal level, isinconsistent in titling practitioners, is mixed in quality ofeducation, and limited in job opportunities. We have noeffective national brand, only acupuncture, one modality


Letter from the President - Autumn 2011

continued on page 3

of our medicine, now appropriated by a variety of others.To work effectively within the health care system, we mustwork toward national standards, uniform education,consistent licensing laws in 50 states, recognition as anessential service by the federal government, and more.

Assembling a national structure from the moving parts of40-50 states will take time and expertise. While we aimfor a time when your membership is both state andnational – AAAOM/IL – we encourage you to joinAAAOM now to support this developing process.

Board of Directors elections took place following theannual meeting in April. Heather Vandeburg, last year’sVice-President, left the Board after years of valued service.Thanks, Heather! Judith Schlaeger and I were re-elected –thanks to Judy for continuing to commit time to ILaaom asshe pursues her Doctorate. New members are Daryll Daleyfor a full 3 year term, and Ann Degrassi-Kalkis and FrankYurasek to 1 year alternate terms, and we thank them forcoming forward.

ILaaom membership numbers are roughly even with a yearago. We have large numbers of students and first orsecond year practitioners; thanks to you guys – pleasehelp us create an association you will be proud of.The real work of an association is done in committee.I am happy to say that the number of membersparticipating in committee work is growing. JulieDomagolski’s membership committee includes KathyHanold, Rena Zaid and Judy Schlaeger. DavidMiller’s Legislative committee includes Mitch Harris,Marta Conlon, Helen Mullen, and Ann Reed. Caroline

Jung’s CEU Committee includes Ann Degrassi-Kalkis andNisa Wongthipkongka. Thanks to all.

Member Long Huynh, a former IT professional, has offeredto help put up a new ILaaom site. Long and ourCommunications Committee will remain in touch withAAAOM to align our site work with AAAOM’s developingstrategies.

Our profession should reach out to sympathetic andinfluential members of the public to strengthen AOM. Oneway to begin this process is creation of a true non-profiteducational foundation. Contributions to ILaaom havelimited tax deductibility because we are a lobbyingassociation – a 501(c)6. A 501(c)3 educational foundationcould tap many resources not available to a lobbyingassociation. Such a foundation could serve an importantrole in raising the status of AOM. ILaaom invites anyprofessional in Illinois interested in such a project to adialog. AOM needs to move beyond the divisions of ourhistory to create an effective national presence.


continued from page 2

Link to David Miller’s article about the question of getting herbs into our scope.www.ilaaom.org/Images/newsletters/Newsletter_01.11-web-final.pdf (see page 17)

As most of you already know, Illinois is in the midst ofa national discussion as to whether it is appropriate forphysical therapists (amongst others) to use “TriggerPoint Dry Needling (TPDN)” or “Intramuscular ManualTherapy (IMT)”. This is an issue that must currently bedecided on a state-by-state basis. Many states havedetermined that TPDN/IMT is within the scope ofpractice of PTs; many have decided it is not.Differences inrulings depend, in part, upon howindividual state practice acts are written for both of theprimary professions involved: Acupuncture andPhysical Therapy. Recently in Illinois, the IllinoisPhysical Therapy Licensing and Disciplinary Committeeplaced the question to the counsel of the IllinoisDepartment of Financial and Professional Regulation(IDFPR) as to whether TPDN/IMT could be within theirscope of practice. The council examined the PhysicalTherapy Practice Act, did not consult the Board ofAcupuncture, did not consider the AcupuncturePractice Act, clearly did not recognize this practiceas acupuncture, and concluded in an “informal,preliminary” statement that there was nothing in thePhysical Therapy Practice Act that initially seemedto preclude this practice. Based on this, a number ofphysical therapy organizations around the Chicagoland area began offering this service.

While it is unclear exactly what information waspresented to the IDFPR here in Illinois, the formalarguments that the physical therapy community ingeneral has presented to regulatory agencies havehinged on the assertions that TPDN/IMT is not thesame as acupuncture, is not based in traditionalChinese medical theory, and is not meaningfullydifferent from other practices already in their use.

Clearly, the fact that TPDN/IMT is considered by many tobe acupuncture was not included in the informationpresented. Yet to patients, advertising information isbeing distributed that states, “Intramuscular manualtherapy (aka., Dry Needling) is the insertion of a filamentneedle directly into or over a Myofascial trigger point inorder to release tension and decrease pain.” (To clarify,a “filament needle” is an acupuncture needle.) It thengoes on to state, “Dry needling dates back to as early asthe 7th century where Sun-SSu Mo [SIC], a Taoist doctor,used needling on what he called Ah-Shih points [SIC],which correspond to modern day trigger points.”

So, what is being asserted by the PTs is (yes, you readcorrectly) that TPDN/IMT is not acupuncture, but is aprocedure that uses acupuncture needles in a traditionthat dates back to one of the most well recognizedsages of Chinese medicine and acupuncture. Further,discussions saved from list-serve conversations amongphysical therapists include exchanges regarding thepurchase of “Acu-graphs” and similar devices that arespecifically designed to locate acupuncture points.Hence, while the lip-service being presented to theState is that this is a distinct practice unrelated toChinese medicine, the evident intent and advertising ofthe procedure is indistinguishable from acupuncturethat is rooted in Chinese culture and medicine. Thereseems to be, in fact, every reason to believe that theintent of this sub-group of physical therapy professionalsis to practice acupuncture with no supervision,approved training, licensure standards, continuingeducation, or oversight. In effect, the intent is tocircumvent all public protections put into place for the


Acupuncture - by Any Other Name - Is Acupuncture:The Fight Against Professional Plundering Continues

by David W. Miller, M.D., FAAP, L.Ac., Dipl. OM

continued on page 5

practice of acupuncture inIllinois, through the technique ofre-packaging and re-naming.

To clarify, as well, from a strictly“legalist” standpoint, the defini-tion of “Acupuncture” underIllinois law is, “…The evaluationor treatment of persons affected through a method ofstimulation of a certain point or points on or immedi-ately below the surface of the body by the insertion ofpre sterilized, single use, disposable needles, unlessmedically contraindicated, with or without theapplication of heat, electronic stimulation, or manualpressure to prevent or modify the perception of pain, tonormalize physiological functions, or for the treatmentof certain diseases or dysfunctions of the body…” So,legally, in Illinois, TPDN/IMT appears to be exactlyAcupuncture. It should also be noted that the practiceact specifically specifies that the only other profession-als allowed to practice acupuncture are those licensedunder the Medical Practice Act of 1987.

Let it be stated and understood, clearly and definitive-ly, that the protest the acupuncture community has putforth does not in any way have to do with questionsabout the value that Physical Therapy, as a field, hasfor patients. As a medical doctor and a licensedacupuncturist I have found physical therapy servicesinvaluable to the recovery of many of my patients,and the field as a whole has cultivated a body ofknowledge that is vital and underutilized. Physicaltherapists I know and have worked with have beenintelligent, well-intentioned individuals with a sinceregoal to better the health of their clients. HOWEVER,just as I would sanction any peer who was doing harmby practicing out of scope, with inadequate training,intentionally deceiving the public, circumventing andintentionally deceiving the regulatory authorities, and

acting out of their own bestinterest rather than for thebetterment of the public health,so must we take a firm stanceagainst the sub-group of physi-cal therapists attempting to passthis practice off as anything butwhat it actually is: a techniqueoriginating in acupuncturetherapy as developed in East

Asia, and written about in Chinese historic texts.Aka: a specific type of acupuncture practice.

The core of this problem also lies in the following:If TPDN/IMT is approved for use by physical therapistsbased on the idea that it is a confined, limited, specif-ic type of therapy, there is no remotely reliable mecha-nism in place to assure that this practice will remainconfined to ashi point needling. The argument that thisis a distinct practice is essentially meaningless,because, distinct or not, no safeguards are in place tolimit expansion of point selections and treatment proto-cols, and no agency will be monitoring to assure thatacu-graphs are not employed and that classic texts arenot consulted. The field will be open to acupuncturepractice in general, and, yet again, the public willhave no assurance that the product they are receivingis in any way meeting any type of minimum standards.

There are many ways to do harm. The most concrete isof course to directly do bodily harm to a patient, butthis is in many ways the least of the potential harms inthis case. The greater harm comes from distractingpatients away from providers who could truly do themgreater good, because we have allowed to be put intoplace a system where untrained individuals areallowed to offer the same product with no safe-guards,and we allow them to do this in a structure for whichthey can bill insurance, there-by making them a


continued on page 6



preferable source for the uneducated consumer. (Andyes, the physical therapists are billing TPDN/IMTunder physical therapy codes.) Under the guise ofhelping patients achieve relief from focal muscu-loskeletal pain and with the up-front wrapping of thisincreasing access to services, practitioners ofTPDN/IMT actually facilitate patients not receiving thefull spectrum of treatments that they could be gettingfrom a trained practitioner.

Further, by allowing a group of practitioners to circum-vent proper licensing and training prior to practicingAcupuncture, the meaningfulness of the practice actstructure in Illinois is undermined, and thus draws intoquestion why we need regulatory agencies at all. Aswe stated in our letter to the IDFPR, “This move to addwhat is by State definition “Acupuncture” to the scopeof practice of Physical Therapists in Illinois opens adoor to public harm and misrepresentation, and furtherserves to confuse the public about safeties they havecome to expect and standards for practice theydeserve to have in place. It underscores that while oneprofessional group is required to demonstrateexcellence and prove on-going competence in thisfield, another group can effectively do whatever theychoose. For the protection of the public safety and forthe preservation of the legal integrity of the practice actstructure in Illinois, it must be beyond the scope ofauthority for this change to occur via Board determi-nation alone. The practice of Acupuncture by PhysicalTherapists, by whatever name is being used for theprocedure, should cease and desist.”

On June 20th we presented our case to the IDFPRfor consideration, and as of the time of the writing ofthis piece, we await a response. Should this initialconsideration be found to go against the integrity ofthe practice act structure of Illinois, and against the bestpractice of acupuncture in Illinois, we will take the

question to higher levels, as far as it needs to or cango. Then, if a re-determination sides in the acupuncturists’favor, we would anticipate that this question willbe re-challenged by the sub-group of physical therapistsinterested in practicing acupuncture without training. Ofcourse, we will remain on-guard for whatever necessitatesour next course of action. Oregon has recently taken thisbattle to the courts; we hope to avoid a similar course ofaction.

To be complete, there is a core truth that our communi-ty needs to face; one that is not new and comes to lightagain in this current struggle. The situation we arefacing did not arise de novo. It arose out of the publiclack of understanding as to how “acupuncture” fits intothe greater body of Chinese medical practice, as wellas what Chinese medicine is in general. It arose out ofa complete ignorance of the broad scope of conditionsacupuncture can treat when applied in conjunctionwith proper health practices, herbs, and auxiliarytechniques. Remember, “the public” includes not justthe “person on the street”, it includes legislators,regulators, and other health professionals. It was dueto a lack of exposure to what we do that the ILFDR didnot immediately realize that PTs were requesting topractice acupuncture without an acupuncture license.

Each and every licensed acupuncturist needs to be partof the effort to educate the public about this medicine,and we need to do this through coordinated efforts.If our community remains splintered or splinters further;if we do not understand the need for practice acts andour own certifying agencies (i.e. NCCAOM, ACAOM);if we rail against demanding high educational stan-dards and professionalism; if we seek to remain in theshadows outside of the system; if we ourselves pursuethe addition of techniques to our scope for which wehave no sufficient training and which are not rooted inChinese medicine (e.g. homeopathy); and, if we do


continued on page 7

not find ways to define, name, and explain who weare that are not based in the single treatmenttechnique of “acupuncture”, then not only will thesystematic dismantling of the profession continue,but we will have contributed to that demise.

The individuals currently in your professionalassociations have been working diligently, asvolunteers, to preserve the integrity of the field. Yet,the number of “hands-on-deck” remains too low toproceed to preemptive action. Ideally, we could seethe coordinated development of a true not - for-profitorganization solely devoted to education of thepublic. It would be vital however, that any such

effort be undertaken in coordination with legislativeefforts already in place and growing, as well asinformed by the national agenda. The acupuncturecommunity should vehemently rally against anyeffort to further splinter collective efforts. It should besensitive to whether intentions are towards qigathering or qi dispersing. ILaaom and AAAOMwith the noteworthy actions of also the NCCAOMare your representatives and gateways to strength-ening your profession. If you are new to this field,you must become aware of how fragile our practiceopportunities are, and how challenging it is formany to become established and to earn a living.Only through participation can we hope to changethe current situation. Thank you to those of you whohave already leant a hand!



by Caroline Jung, Dipl.Ac., MSOM

ILaaom was invited to participate inthis event hosted on July 26, 2011 bythe Women’s Business DevelopmentCenter (WBDC) in Chicago. TheWBDC is the oldest and largestwomen’s business assistance center inthe United States. The Center is nation-ally and internationally recognized forits programs and advocacy effortsgeared towards women’s businesses.WBDC offers business services andfinancial assistance to support womentowards their own entrepreneurship.Since the WBDC creation, they haveassisted more than 65,000 women inthe greater Chicago area. Along with this number, theWBDC has helped establish 14 additional women’sbusiness assistance centers in six states in the U.S. TheWBDC has many specialized programs to supportand grow women’s businesses such as entrepreneurialtraining workshops, multicultural outreach programs, andprofessional business counseling. With steadfast hardwork and passion, the WBDC continues to impactwomen’s economic development across the nation andglobally.

The WBDC event was wonderful. I attended to representILaaom at the event and also to be a panel member. At thetime, I did not have any experience with WBDC but I amthrilled I was able to be a part of this evening with thisamazing group of women. I learned so much about whatthe organization is and what is does, how it was created,and how it continues to grow and benefit so many womenand businesses in our community. The staff of the WBDC,the panelists, and the guests were all excited to come

together to learn from one another.We were excited to learn not only howto nurture our businesses but to createrelationships among each other to fur-ther our individual businesses.

The event was held at Fuga Salonand Spa in downtown Chicago.Fuga recently opened its doors thissummer and is a beautiful spa. Theevent was for women businessowners in various wellness relatedprofessions, such as massage thera-pists, yoga practitioners, lifestylecoaches, and many practitionersfrom other healing arts. The ideaof the event was to bring together

like-minded professionals to learn from one anotherabout building a practice and developing referrals toone another and to develop new referral partners.

The event consisted of 4 panel speakers. The audienceincluded 25 guests, all women except for one gentleman.Many of the guests who attended are current members ofthe WBDC. Meg Herman, the director of entrepreneurialservices, began the presentation by introducing some ofthe directors of the WBDC, including one of theco-founders, Hedy Ratner. Hedy is a co-founder andco-president of the development center. Mrs. Ratner is acharismatic lady with a vision and passion for furtheringbusinesses for women.

The event started with specific questions fielded to each ofthe panel members. Meg gave us great questions toexpand on our answers for the guests. These inquiries


Women’s Business Development Center EventConnection Points: Networking & Focused Conversation

for Wellness Professionals

continued on page 9


addressed how we have built and created ourbusinesses. We explained some generalities on thesesubjects and also went into some great detail abouthow we go about our business on a daily basis. Wehad a nice balance among answers because each ofus on the panel has distinctly different businesses —but all with the same end-goal which is to bring healthand well being to our patients and clients. Some ofthe questions were also specific to discussing how webuild our referral system-which is two differentsystems: one being referrals we have of other practi-tioners to give to our patients and the other referralbeing how we become referrals to other practitioners.

This point illustrates two important points of wellnessbusiness: how we generate business and the good forour patients.

After the formal Q/A presentation, we had informalnetworking, which is where a lot of referrals andrelationship formations took place. I met so manywomen from the wellness industry with various prac-tices and visions of how to grow their businesses. Thesmooth flow of energy was among everyone therethat led to great conversations.

If you would like information about theWomen’s Business Development Center,

visit their website at www.wbdc.org



Cutting Edge Specialty or Cutting Up theAcupuncture Profession?

By Malina Chin, OTR/L L.Ac.

Specialization in Acupuncture enticespractitioners like moths to the flame.But there are dangers of dividing theprofession into specialties that may notbe obvious to casual observers. Someof the dangers include diluting ourmedicine by divvying up the body orreferring to a disease, losing ouridentity, placing barriers to practice,and increased financial burdens.

The acupuncture practitioner who isstruggling with their practice and look-ing to boost business may look at a marketing niche.The hope is to market to a group of clients that aredemographically identified. Specialization comes intwo forms; the style of delivery or diagnosis/bodyparts specificity. The possibilities for specialties areendless from head to toe and delivery options rangefrom Traditional Chinese to NADA and Communitystyle. Diagnosis related specialty are more likely tograb attention of the general public, and hence our pro-fession has specialists in Trauma, Oncology,Reproductive Health and so on.

Several problems become obvious with such divisions.Specialization is dictated by Western Medicinediagnosis, so in order for clients to be treated, theymust first go to the Western medical system to get thatdiagnosis. That implies that each person must exhaustthe possibilities of Western Medicine before they lookto Asian Medicine. We are not getting Spleen Qi

deficiency or Stomach Heat beforethey end up on medications such asPrevicid or protonic inhibitors. Webecome the last specialist practitionersthey see; as left-overs, severe, or hope-less cases. Being the last practitionersin line for patient care also means thatwe are not on par with Western prac-titioners and are last to tap into thethird party reimbursement system.

Asian Medicine is not dictated by thesymptoms alone, but by a recognitionof patterns. When patients are dividedby symptoms, true practitioners of

Asian Medicine must still look at the whole personand recognize the root and branch of the issues. Tosimplify the process by sorting people with a labelof Western diagnoses demeans our philosophy andmedical theories. In the introduction to ThomasCleary’s interpretation of Sun Tzu’s The Art of War, thedescription of a superior physician is one who preventsillnesses, while the lesser physician corrects illnesses asthey manifest and the inferior physician stops bleedingand stitches up wounds. Western medicine saves livesand excels in surgical intervention but Asian medicineis about prevention and life extension. When weemulate the practices of Western medicine by formingspecialties based on Western diagnosis and division ofbody parts, we become less than what we can be. Weforget the reason people are seeking a differentapproach, that of seeing the whole person and the

continued on page 11


patterns of Asian Medical theories. We become justlike option A instead of something better.

Specialization also implies advanced training andcredentialing. These groups are designed to formbarriers to practice. The specialty requires additional feesfor classes, eventually a fee for the credentialing tests andadditional classes to maintain the specialization. Whatthese different levels are designed to do is preventgeneral practitioners from serving these particular clients.When properly done, a union or guild of a sort is formedso the “powers that be” are informed and only thesespecialists are allowed access to anyone who hasdysfunction in these areas or body parts. Third party

payers love these specialty credentials because theycan exclude payment to those without them. Pressure isplaced on general Acupuncturists practicing in theseareas to meet these industry standards. Each clinicthen has to up the ante, soon limiting the position onlyto holders of these specialty credentials. Is placingbarriers to general practice good for acupuncturists orbetter for our competitors? By giving in to specialization,aren’t we essentially saying we are not good enoughto help certain patients without joining the specialtybandwagon?

The costs of specialization include tuition for classes toqualify, then credentialing tests. Initial costs range from



$400 to $800. Every year after that, classes must betaken to maintain that credential. Conventions areoffered to support the industry of that particulardysfunction or specialization. Acupuncturists are thenincreasing the costs of practicing as higher and higherlevels of continuing education, resources, and choicesof conventions expand to include areas of specialty.Acupuncturists may choose not to take educationalofferings in general Asian Medicine. Will theOncology convention be the big draw each year ratherthan something with AAAOM?

Diverting the education and association dollars tospecialties will hurt the ability of acupuncturistsfinancially and politically. As fewer members allywith general acupuncture associations, we wieldless influence in the medical and political arena.Financially, acupuncturists who are specialists must thenchoose to pay for both the acupuncture association,specialty association and continuing education. Thisdoubles the yearly financial burden for specialists.

As a practitioner in an allied health field, I have met thequalifications to specialize in:

• Sensory Integration

• Early Intervention

• Qualified Mental Health Practitioner

• Certified Hand Therapy

• Rehabilitation Specialist

• Gerontology Specialist

• Manual Therapy

• Cranial Sacral

• Visceral Therapy

And yet I have given up or discontinued each in turn.In marketing myself, I felt pigeon-holed and limited tospecial-case patients. The specialty was limiting meand my ability to treat holistically. I realized that thebody is never divided up by diagnosis. The diagnosisshould not limit me from determining the problem thatcauses patients the most stress. So I feel I must speakout against specialization because it is divisive for theclient, profession, and the soul.

Let’s be true to the unique approach

of Asian Medicine and Acupuncture

and treat each individual as a

whole not parts of a specialty.





Illinois Association ofAcupuncture & Oriental Medicinepresents the 2011

Asian MoonFestivalSunday, September 25th5:00 - 9:00 pmFurama Restaurant4936 North Broadway in Chicago

Make your reservations now!

Join us for a delicious family-style dinner that includes vegetarian dishes, cash bar & a raffle forgreat prizes donated by many of our supportive vendors. Our key note speakers will be:

David W. Miller, L.Ac., MD will give an update on the statusof PTs performing 'dry needling' in Illinois.

Tom Hurrle,L.Ac. will fill us in on talks within the Council of State Associationsabout creating one national association with state chapters, like “AAAOM Illinois.”

Student Raffle! Two $300 scholarships will be raffled.Each student who attends gets a free entry to the raffle.

Tickets: Professional Members & guests $40 (by 9.17) $50 (after 9.17)Student Member & guests $20 (by 9.17) $30 (after 9.17)Table for 10 $350 (by 9.17) $500 (after 9.17)Non-Members $55 (by 9.17) $65 (after 9.17)

Register: CHECK by Mail: Send check payable to ILaaom: 5315 N.Clark St, #611, Chicago, IL 60640CREDIT CARD by Fax: 312.962.0333 Include card #, name on card, exp. date, daytimephone & mailing address. Note: Please include all names in party.

JOIN ILAAOM ON SEPTEMBER 25 - SAVE 50% OFF MEMBERSHIP FEE!Coming CEUs: Sharon Weizenbaum: Classic Formulas: Patho-Physiology of Selected - see page 28

www.ILaaom.org

by Thomas Duckworth, L.Ac

A portion of this article was published inthe November 2010 issue of the NorthAmerican Journal of Oriental Medicine.

“In Japan,” M. Masahilo Nakazono,Osensei was speaking to his first formalclass of Kototama Life Medicinestudents, “it is held that when a studenthas read the pulses of 10 people a dayfor ten years, that student may earn thetitle of “Beginner.” It is like that. Mystudies of the pulses began with Senseiin 1977. I am just a beginner.

Nakazono Sensei opened theKototama Institute with the expressedpurpose of training 100 persons inKototama Life Medicine. The graduating class of 1985brought his student count to 107 and he closed his school.

Opening the Kototama Institute was an expression of grati-tude to his new found home, America. He wished to sharehis wealth of 50+ years of discipline and mastery of the mar-tial arts: Aikido, Judo, Karate, Kendo; his practice ofBuddhist and Shinto principles coupled with 40+ years ofpractice and mastery of traditional Japanese NaturalMedicine, integrated through the Kototama Principle. Hisholistic, trans-disciplinary, multi-faceted reinterpretation ofFive Element Meridian Therapy he termed Kototama LifeMedicine. He encouraged his students to comprehend ‘whois I am’ in healing spirit, mind, body; to master the pulses inorder to heal ‘other’, and to comprehend the KototamaPrinciple in order to guide society.

We spent the first year of studies treating each other withhandwork (Te-a-Te) and moxibustion and treating ourselveswith natural diet and Kototama Sound before being shown

and being allowed to practice“the Way of the Needle.” Senseitaught his students to treat themeridians with the hands and onlythen taught how to use needles as anextension of oneself. This is how hepracticed; this is how he taught. Thetreatment is in the diagnosis; thediagnosis is in the pulses; the handstreat the pulses; the needle is anextension of the hand.

Nakazono Sensei taught his studentsto respect, handle and care for theacupuncture needle “as a samurairespected his/her weapon.” Our firstneedles were gold for Ho treatmentand silver for Sha treatment. [‘Ho’ &‘Sha’ can be translated ‘tonification’

& ‘sedation’; in Inochi Medicine, the meanings are‘enhancement’ & ‘liberation’]. We sharpened them aftereach treatment; they were our swords.

What was impressive about Masahilo M. Nakazono? Hehad an amazing thirst for knowledge and perfection in hispractice. He studied with Morihei Ueshiba Osensei, founderof Aikido and was one of the highest ranked Aikido mastersin the world. He studied with George Ohsawa Sensei,founder of Macrobiotics and opened the first MacrobioticCenter outside of Japan (India, 1956). He studied Hon Li TeA Te with Master Sakai, a mountain mystic who introducedhim to Jizo Bosatsu, the Compassionate Buddha of ancestralwisdom and guidance. Nakazono Sensei conducted JizoBosatsu ceremonies beginning in 1972 and passed thatresponsibility to me in 1987; the practice has continued forthe past 24 years.)

He spent decades studying the Kototama Principle with Koji



Who Is Masahilo M. Nakazono, Osensei?What is “Nakazono’s Way”?

Ogasawara Sensei and brought it to America. It was herethat he came to understand the significance of the KototamaPrinciple and its vital importance to the metamorphic evolu-tion of energetic medicine and pulses. He opened the firstJapanese - style acupuncture school in North America(Kototama Institute, 1978). He kept us focused continuallyon the classic 12 wrist pulses + Chu Myaku (Middle Pulse,‘Stomach’ Pulse, Life Pulse) diagnosis, Jingie (St. 9/carotidartery) pulse diagnosis, “Kototama Five Dimensions of LifeBeing” and use of bodywork treatment as an integral aspectof Meridian Therapy. That he was the first acupuncturist inthe United States to demonstrate acupuncture to a Legislativebody (New Mexico State Senate, 1972) is impressive. Hespoke seven languages fluently, was a damn good anglerand always won when we played pool. Everything aboutMasahilo Nakazono Sensei was impressive.

The most impressive aspect of Sensei’s genius was his graspof the Kototama Principle leading to his discovery of a newElemental pattern. Sensei grasped the “FiveDimensions of Life Being”: The Will to Be = Fire (I);the Power to Be = Metal (E); the Spirit to Be = Wood (A);the Form or Embodiment of Being = Earth (U) and theContinuance of Being = Water (O). Kototama practi-tioners don’t speak of “Wood, Fire, Metal, Water,Earth”; the terminology is “A, I, E, O, U.”

For a year, Sensei taught his students the diagnostic andtherapeutic theory and applications of Gogio (Five Element)medicine. We were studying pulse diagnosis and MeridianTherapy. We were also studying the Kototama Principle andKototama sound rhythms and patterns. After a year of thesestudies, Sensei guided us toward an understanding that the




sound pattern of (A, I, E, O, U) is the same as the meridians’order of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water. That is, thetraditional order of the ‘Five Elements’ has been a particularexpression of consciousness. As our collective consciousnessshifts, it is in keeping with energetic planetary shifts. Take thepulses, witness evolution.

Sensei changed Gogio relationships to A, I, E, O, U (Wood,Fire, Metal, Water, Earth) to discover notable changes.Using this model of Life Energy, metaphysical as well asphysical changes became the common patient experienceand cure rates skyrocketed. It was this discovery that ledto the founding of the Kototama Institute. Sensei neededto share this metamorphosis of Gogio with his adoptedcountry.

What is “Nakazono’s Way”?There is one meridian and its pulse is Chu Myaku. ChuMyaku, the Japanese name for the Middle Pulse, is flowingthroughout the body. When we feel a pulse at Ki 3, St 9,behind the knee, St 42, anywhere, we are accessing chumyaku. We are constantly reading the Life Energy of thebody. There is one body, one pulse, one meridian. Alltreatments are from that point of view. Keep it simple.

The Five Dimensions of Life Being are necessary for theexistence of life: the Life-Will to Be; the Life-Power to Be;the Life-Spirit to Be; the Life-Form of Being andLife-Continuance of Being. In modern times, OrientalMedicine refers to this universal dance of creation as the“Five Element Theory” and seeks to persuade “Wood”,“Fire”, “Earth”, “Metal”, and “Water” to improve their inter-action. In Kototama Medicine, these five ingredients of lifeformation are manifestations of the basic sound rhythmscreated as the finite universe begins. The universe enunciatesits presence and identifies itself through the human voice.This is the key. The universe manifests the human as its voice.The five vowel sounds, the five elements, the five pairsof a posteriori meridians are manifestations of thesame universal life energy. The Spirit of Being, for

example, is the A dimension, the Spirit Awakening, KetsuYin/Sho Yo (Jue Yin/Shao Yang); those who call it “LiverMeridian” or “Wood Element” are looking at symbolism andtaking analogy as reality. The “Wood Element” is actuallythe human consciousness awakening.

Such studies of sound rhythms and vibratory phenomenamanifesting as meridians are lengthy studies, for sure.Suffice it to say, Nakazono Sensei discovered that the FiveVowel Sounds that are universal in languages and the FiveElements that are universal in life are the same vibration.This definitely changes how one speaks and how one treats,regardless of the language or linage.

The Chu Myaku Pulse (Middle or “Stomach” pulse) providesthe biofeedback of meridians. These 6 Zo/Zang and 6 Fuaspects of life energy - A dimension (‘wood’), I dimension(‘fire’), E dimension (‘metal’), O dimension (water’), Udimension (‘earth’), Yi dimension (‘source’) viewed throughthe paradigm of Kototama provide the treatment protocol of“mother-child” relationship as follows: A dimension (‘Liver’)is the mother of I dimension (‘Heart’) which is the mother ofE dimension (‘Metal’) which is the mother of Yi dimension(Fire minister) which is the mother of O dimension (“Water”)which is the mother of U dimension (Earth) which is themother of A dimension (Wood). This approach to diagnosisand treatment is further supported through the Jingeidiagnosis. Understanding Jingei diagnosis verified toSensei the accuracy of the Kototama diagnosis protocol.Understanding Jingei diagnosis is how I came to understandthat the pattern of the roku-bu-jio-yi (wrist pulse diagnosis)was of another era and that there is another way to under-stand the wrist pulses. This way of pulse diagnosis based inKototama and termed Inochi (Jap: LIFE) Medicine is what Ihave taught to all my students since 1988.

Sensei’s studies and practice of Kototama brought anintegration of Life Dimension diagnosis and treatmentthrough acupuncture, moxibustion and tactile therapy. It alsobrought a method of meditation and centering in one’spersonal spiritual journey, as well as the spiritual discipline




necessary for the adequate delivery of acupuncture,moxibustion and tactile therapy. Kototama Inochi Medicineis not an occupation; it is a way of life, a point of view. Ithas to do with balancing all the aspects that constitute beinga living, human being.

Just as Sensei taught us to correct all pulse imbalances withour handwork, he also guided us in pain-free needling, non-traumatic direct moxa usage, non-violence and communityservice. He was, as a teacher, a hard taskmaster; as aphysician, a gentle warrior. He left so much of himself in hisattempt to heal America that everything I do or practice isbest described as NAKAZONO’S WAY.

[excerpt from unpublished manuscript – copyright 2008]

Glossary:Kototama – Word Soul. The study of the creation of realitythrough the spoken word. The study of human conscious-ness as the creative principle of the universe. Three arch-types of consciousness as described by Koji Ogasawaraare: Spiritual consciousness, the Sugaso Order – AOUEI;Material consciousness, Kanagi Order – AIUEO [Traditional

Five Element medicine]; and Cosmic consciousness,Futonolito Order - AIEOU. Kototama studies the humanmind, body, spirit as the exact mirror reflection of theUniverse.

Te A Te – Hand Healing Spirit; Spiritual Handwork. Tactiletherapy centered in the Breath of the Tanden (Dantien),through the Hand Qi Exercises of Sakai Sensei and the tac-tile protocols (Kototama Anma, Kototama Shiatsu, KototamaAmpuku, Kototama Kappo, Kototama Sotei) of NakazonoSensei.

Thomas E. Duckworth, L.Ac. has been in private practicesince 1980. He began his studies of the KototamaPrinciple in 1973 and of Kototama Medicine in 1977. Heis the only graduate of the Kototama Institute to be award-ed a Doctorate in Kototama Life Medicine (1987) for hisredefinition of the wrist pulses consistent to the discoveriesNakazono Sensei made through his study of the KototamaPrinciple. He founded the Institute of AmericanAcupuncture & Life Medicine, Inc. in 2002 to serve thosein the community who are under-served and to provideprofessional education in Kototama Life Medicine.

Thomas Duckworth can be contacted at:[email protected] or (314) 991-6044



by Jeffrey Grossman, L.Ac

Let me ask you a question. Would you ever considerpracticing acupuncture without needles? My guess isprobably not, unless of course you are a Qi Gongmaster. My point is, in this day and age, a businesswithout a website is like an acupuncturist withoutneedles. When potential patients are looking for anacupuncturist, one of the first places they turn to is theInternet. They’ll search phrases like “acupunctureSeattle” or “acupuncture and headaches, New York”.

You probably know this first hand. Let’s say you want tofind a good Italian restaurant in Seattle, so you go toGoogle and type in “Best Italian Restaurant in Seattle”.Anyway, you type your phrase in, get results, click thelinks, visit the website and make an informed decision.

This is how business is done now for just about EVERYindustry, and our industry is not different. Your futurepatients are out there “Googling” around on the Internettrying to find someone to help them. Your prospectivepatients want to be able to learn about you and yourpractice before they pick up the phone to call for anappointment. While business cards have their place, it’snot enough to communicate all the benefits you offer andwhat sets you apart from other acupuncturists.

Why are websites so important? Because they help you:

• Develop your reputation and increaseyour credibility

• Establish yourself as an expert• Build trust with current or prospective patients• Be visible 24/7• Get new patients from the internet and all that

“googling” going on out there!

Having a cool, professional, easy to navigate andinformation-packed website will attract visitors andconvert them from visitors to patients.

There are certain features you need to have on yourwebsite that allows it to work for you. Meaning, it helpsyou get found online by people searching for answersand convinces them to pick up the phone. If you are think-ing about getting a website or already have one, belowis a checklist to compare your site against or know whatto ask for in the first place. A professional websitedesigned to bring in customers needs to have or allowyou to:

1 Create new blog posts and announce specials andpromotions with ease. This feature helps you keepwebsite “alive” vs. a stagnant pile of text hangingout in cyber world..


How Your Patients Can Find You...and Yes, They Are Looking!


2 A built-in patient education library. This shows thatyou know your stuff and have the expertise to helpthem with their issues.

3 Designed with Search Engine Optimization (SEO)in mind (ability to optimize website for Googlesearches).

4 Newsletters and interactive quizzes that updateeach quarter to keep content fresh.

5 The ability to easily edit and update text andphotos yourself. This way you won’t need to go toyour web designer if you want to change yourphone number or upload a new photo of yourself.

6 Ability to easily add and update testimonials. Thisadds to the credibility piece. Nothing speaks asloud as testimonials.

7 Allows new patients to download a health historyform before their first visit.

8 Live customer service and technical support to helpsolve website questions or issues that may come up.9 Ability for your patients to ask you questions andrequest appointments directly from your website.10 Integration with Facebook and Twitter.

If you already have a website and you’re happy with it,congratulations! You are ahead of the game. If you don’thave one or have one you don’t like, honestly, You reallyneed one RIGHT AWAY! It is a win-win when a patient inneed finds you and you get to make a good living doingwhat you love!

You can email Jeffrey Grossman [email protected]




Abstract:Objectives: Interest in the use ofalternative remedies for manag-ing menopausal symptoms isincreasing exponentially duringthese years. Jia Wei Xiao Yao San(JWXYS), one of the traditionalChinese herbal prescriptions, is afamous herbal remedy used forthe management of variousmenopausal-related symptoms. Arandomized, controlled pilot studywas performed to evaluate theclinical effects of JWXYS com-pared with those of a continuouscombined hormone replacementtherapy, Premelle®, on quality oflife in non-hysterectomized post-menopausal women.

Methods:The present trial compared the effect of a l6-weektreatment with JWXYS or HRT (Premelle®) in post-menopausal women with climacteric symptoms.The Greene Climacteric Scale was used to assessthe clinical effects at baseline and after 16 weeks’treatment with either JWXYS or Premelle®. Thephysiological parameters, such as follicle-stimulat-ing hormone and estradiol levels, were alsorecorded at the same time points.

Results:The results showed that JWXYShad a relatively lower discontinu-ation rate due to adverse effects,in particular the bleeding andbreast tenderness. Both JWXYSand Premelle® effectively alleviat-ed most of the menopausal symp-toms with no significant differ-ences between treatment groups,whereas the beneficial effects ofJWXYS were not mediated by hor-mone replacement-like effects.Moreover, JWXYS showed goodcompliance and safety withoutestrogenic effects and metabolicalterations.

Conclusions:It was suggested that JWXYS wasa safe and efficacious therapy

and might be an alternative choice for relief of cli-macteric symptoms in postmenopausal women.However, the exact efficacy and clinical roles ofJWXYS have not been convincingly demonstrated inthis study because of the blinding approach and somestatistical concerns, and only the possibility of its effi-cacy has been raised. Therefore, a blinding trial withmore patient numbers to evaluate the efficacy ofJWXYS deserves further study.

Jia Wei Xiao Yao San vs HRTA pilot study comparing the clinical effects of Jia Wei Xiao Yao San, a traditional Chinese herbalprescription, and a continuous combined hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausalwomen with climacteric symptoms.

Submitted By April Yang, Sun Ten Pharmeceutical Co., LTD.


by Kathleen Albertson, L.Ac

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) isa luteal phase defect affecting 5-10%of women. It is generally defined as acondition where small cysts locatedwithin the ovaries cause chronic fail-ure to ovulate. Typically, women withPCOS have much larger ovaries thanaverage, with multiple rows of cysts,covered with a thick, slimy, waxy, orhard outer coating. These cysts pro-duce male hormones that blockfollicles, causing them to degenerate.An overproduction of estrogen or anincrease in insulin levels can causeandrogenic factors, like hightestosterone, which in turn causesexcessive body or facial hair or athinning hairline.

PCOS often occurs with one or more ofthe following factors:

• Anovulation• Inappropriate estrogen

misbalancing the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis

• Hyperandrogenism• Imbalances in sugar metabolism

and insulin levels or apredisposition for diabetes

• Obesity• Increased lipid levels• Higher prolactin levels

PCOS involves a lack of communica-tion between the gonadotropin releas-ing hormones and hormones of the

hypothalamus and pituitary glands.Many PCOS patients resist ovulationstimulating drugs, which hyperstimu-late the ovaries creating many sideeffects. The HPO axis, affected withtoo much estrogen and not enoughprogesterone, raises the luteinizinghormone (LH) and testosterone levels.Western diagnoses evaluate via ultra-sound and blood tests for LH, folliclestimulating hormones (FSH) and testos-terone. It is possible to present witheither long cycles with heavy bleeding,or light cycles with little bleeding.

Clinically, PCOS can combine withmenstrual disorders such as amenor-rhea, oligomenorrhea, or dysfunction-al uterine bleeding. Infertility is amajor concern for many women. Theuterine lining, failing to shed eachmonth, increases the possibility ofendometrial cancer. Western treatmentincludes such medications as:

• Clomid to promote ovulation.• Gonal-F or Pergonal

(gonadotropins).• Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

(hCG).• Gluchophage, Metformin or

Actos to control insulinresistance

• Steroids to balance theandrogen hormonal effects,which, over the long term,can cause liver damage anda reduction of bone density

TCM PathologyPCOS is a yang disorder with imbal-ances affecting the second half ofthe menstrual cycle. Involved organsystems include the Spleen, Lungs,Liver and the Kidneys. Generally,PCOS derives from Kidney yangdeficiency, in its inability to transform,transport and evaporate fluids in thelower body. The accumulation of waterin the pelvic cavity enlarges theovaries, leading to phlegm/dampnessor blood stagnation. Dietary andlifestyle counseling is important for thepatient to improve. Acupuncture,Chinese herbal medicine, dietary andlifestyle protocols prove effective.

Pattern Differentiations /Signs & Symptoms

Phlegm/Dampness:• Amenorrhea, light periods or

infertility.• A need to frequently “clear your

throat,” which is caused by stressor emotions.

TCM Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)



• Abdominal fullness or distention.• Joint inflammation or aching.• Heaviness in the chest, abdomen

area, or body in general.• Feeling sleepy or lethargic after

a meal.• Obesity.• Hirsutism.• Sinus congestion, lipomas, yeast

infections or excessive vaginaldischarge.

• Diarrhea or foul smelling stools(heat).

• Mucus-like menstrual blood orstools.

• Pale, swollen tongue body.

• White and sticky or greasytongue coating.

• Weak or slippery pulse.

Blood stagnation:• Amenorrhea, light periods,

infertility.• Heaviness, discomfort or pain in

the chest or abdomen.• Excessive vaginal discharge.• Hirsutism.• Pale-purple or bluish-purple,

swollen tongue body.• Sticky, white tongue coating.

Herbal FormulasGreat formulas to use include thefollowing:

• Liu Jun Zi Tang (Six-Gentlemen

Decoction)• Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang

(Six-Gentlemen Decoction withAucklandia and Amomum)

• Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan (CinnamonTwig and Poria Pill)

• Zao Jiao Ci (Gleditsia) - resolvesphlegm and promotes ovulation

• Tao Ren (Semen Persicae), HongHua (Flos Carthami), ChongWei Zi (Fructus Leonuri) forblood stasis

Useful Acupuncture Points• Lieque (LU 7) and Zhaohai (KI 6)

regulate Ren, HPO axis, strengthenUterus, and dissolve masses.




• Lieque (LU 7), a connecting pointto the Large Intestine and one ofthe command points.

• Gongsun (SP 4) connects the 2Earth organs (Spleen andStomach) and is a confluencepoint of the extraordinarychannels (chong (thoroughfare)channel in particular).

• Zhaohai (KI 6) is also aconfluence point.

• Mingmen (GV 4), “Life Gate” –the area between the Kidneys –equated with the womb.

• Shanzhong (CV 17), “Upper Seaof Qi”, is the meeting point of qi.Intersecting point of the Spleen,Kidney, Small Intestine, San Jiao,and Ren channels.

• Qihai (CV 6), “Sea of Qi”,opens the reservoir.

• Sanyinjiao (SP 6), connectingpoint of 3 leg yin channels (Liver,Kidney & Spleen), the Great Yin.

• Yinlingquan (SP 9), water pointon the Spleen channel.

ResearchA study done in 2000 by Stenor-Victorin et al. showed regulation ofovulation in rats with electro-acupuncture (EA). This study provedthat EA inhibits the hyperactivity ofthe sympathetic nervous system.Another study by Chen et al. in1997 showed that acupuncture nor-malized dysfunction of the HPOaxis, and that EA may promote the

activity of the body to normalize sen-sitive mechanisms balancing GnRH,LH, and estrogen.

Yoshimoto et al. in 1989 used theChinese herbal formula, Wen JingTang (Warm the Channels Decoction),in a combined gonadotropin therapyresulting in ovulation in 43.8%of cases without ovarian hyper-stimulation. Wen Jing Tang is aformula used in cases of deficiencyand cold in the ren (conception)channel and chong (thoroughfare)channel; with stasis and slight yindeficiency. It countered the effects ofthe Western medications (Clomid)resulting in ovulation.

About the AuthorKathleen Albertson is an experiencedacupuncture who specializes inwomen’s health issues and fertility. Shehas been in private practice for over15 years, and is the author of thebook: “Acupuncture and ChineseHerbal Medicine for Women’sHealth: Bridging the Gap BetweenWestern and Eastern Medicine.”

In addition to acupuncture, Kathleenholds a Ph.D. in Holistic Nutrition. Sheis currently in private practice in Irvine,CA, but continues to write and lectureon the importance of acupunctureand herbal medicine to foster bettereducation and integration of Westernand Eastern methodology.

Kathleen is a speaker for the Lotus

Institute of Integrative Medicine. To seeher upcoming webinar schedule, readmore of her articles, or to view arecording of her past course, pleasevisit www.elotus.org.ReferencesCai, X. (1997). Substitution ofacupuncture for HCG in ovulationinduction. Journal of TraditionalChinese Medicine, 17(2), 119-121.

Chen, B. Y. (1997). Acupuncture nor-malizes dysfunction of hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. Acupuncture &Electro-therapeutics Resources.International Journal, 22(2), 97-108.

Stener-Victorin, E., Lundeberg, T.,Waldenstrom, U., Manni, L., Aloe, L.,Gunnarsson, S., et al. (2000). Effectsof electro-acupuncture on nervegrowth factor and ovarian morpholo-gy in rats with experimentally inducedpolycystic ovaries. Biology ofReproduction, 63, 1497-1503.

Stener-Victorin, E., Waldenstrom, U.,Anderson, S., & Wikland, M. (1996).Reduction of blood flow impedance inthe uterine arteries of infertile womenwith electro-acupuncture. HumanReproduction, 11, 1314-1317.

Yoshimoto, Y., Miyake, A., Tasaka,K., Aono, T., & Tanizawa, O. (1989).Ovulation following combined thera-py with wen-jing-tang and clomiphenecitrate therapy in anovulatory women.American Journal of ChineseMedicine, 17, 243-244.



by Mavis Bates, L.Ac

One of my New Year’s resolutionswas to take my practice to a deeperlevel, in order to take better care ofmy patients, get better diagnoses,and make my experience of our Asianmedicine more rewarding every day.I was already getting good results, butI felt that I was missing something interms of treating each of my patientsas an individual, special case, differ-ent from all the rest. I wasn’t sure how I wanted toaccomplish this goal. I just knew that I wanted to besure that I was giving each of my patients the very besttreatment I could, the treatment that they deserve atevery appointment.

So, I decided to take Justin Pomeroy’s class on “TheArt of Chinese Pulse Diagnosis”. This was a veryinspirational class, and Justin is a very engagingteacher. Pulse diagnosis has always been hard for meto master because it seems very subjective. But Justinbrought together Chinese historical theory, detailedexplanations of every one of the twenty-eight classicalpulses, and classroom hands on experience to help usunderstand the objective side of this technique. The titlesays much of what he was teaching: Chinese PulseDiagnosis is an Art, and to master any art form takespractice and dedication. Pulse diagnosis classes are

not offered very often, partly becauseit’s a hard subject to teach. I’m glad Itook this class.

One of the secrets of pulse diagnosisthat Justin cleared up during the classwas: How does pulse diagnosis work?How can the pulses tell us about thebody’s condition? Why do we believethis? His answer was simple but put itinto perspective for me: It’s a system ofcorrespondences. Just as we can say

that the ear acupuncture system resembles an unbornbaby, and assign correspondences from points on the earto parts of the body, we can assign points on the pulse tothe organs. These aspects have been field tested forthousands of years on billions of people. They are notwithout validation.

Of course, we all learned pulse diagnosis in school,but this kind of review is very valuable. When we aregoing through our formal training for the first time,everything is so new, and much of what we are tryingto learn is overwhelming. Thank goodness for CEUclasses like this, that can help us refine our skills anddeepen our appreciation for our wonderful medicine.Now when I take my patients’ pulses I am happier withmy depth of understanding and my own ability toperceive the strengths and weaknesses, excesses anddeficiencies of their constitution. Frankly, it’s a lot more fun.

Review of “The Art of Chinese Pulse Diagnosis”A Workshop with Justin Pomeroy


by Julie Domalgowski, L.Ac

Asian medicine students in Illinois are lucky tohave their choice of three schools in which tobegin their studies. I say ‘begin’ because as weall know, this medicine requires a lifetimejourney of learning, the first steps of which are achievedupon graduation. As acupuncture has not yet achievedfull acceptance in mainstream society, private sectorjobs are limited and most acupuncturists in Illinois havethe additional burden of becoming a profitable businessowner. For these reasons, ILaaom feels it is imperativefor acupuncturists in Illinois to work together to ensurethe successful evolution of our medicine.

Indigenous medical knowledge in Asia historically wastransmitted via apprenticeship in which the studenthumbly requests assistance from the master. In order tostreamline this process, ILaaom is constructing aprogram in which first or second year professionalshave access to professional members willing to act asmentors for both clinical and/or business relatedissues. Mentors will be organized by location and areaof expertise and will receive some form of compensa-tion for participation (e.g., a small fee, CEUs/PDAs orboth). Once in the program, mentors and mentees willagree upon meeting times (virtual or in person) andtopics to be discussed. The program will include aformal contract to protect the interests of all participants.

But in order to be effective, mentorship should beginlong before graduation. Therefore, Ilaaom has beenworking on develop other programming to benefitstudent members. This year we have begun hostingdinner meet-ups that students can use as an opportuni-ty to meet and interact with professional members in acasual setting. This extends the reach of our studentmembers beyond the confines of their individualschools and promotes the interaction of all members.So far in 2011 we’ve hosted three dinner meet-ups in

both Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.Watch your email for the next dinner which willtake place on November 6th.

Another program designed to get studentsthinking about their futures well before

graduation is a series of small student gatherings hostedby a professional member in their workplace. The firstsuch meeting is planned for Saturday, August 13th (justbefore this newsletter arrives) and will focus on what isinvolved in building out a clinic space (layout consider-ations, estimating costs, reasonable timelines, andbefore and after pictures). This is a short, 1 to1.5 hourinformational tour/meeting with time with ample timefor questions. Student members have requested this typeof program as a way to see how different practices arerun and/or what types of employment opportunities areavailable for acupuncturists in Illinois.

Another upcoming ILaaom mentorship event for studentmembers is a Post-Graduation Realities Roundtable,scheduled for the afternoon of Sunday October 9th atMidwest College. This is an opportunity for studentmembers to meet with recent graduates and discuss'what life is really like’ after graduation. There will be abrief introduction of each recent graduate on the panel,followed by an open questions and answer format toaddress what students really want to know. This is alsoan opportunity for ILaaom members from various schoolsto get to know each other, share information, and worktogether for the common good of our profession.

The Mentorship Program is only one aspect of memberbenefits that the Membership Committee is working to putin place. Our long-term goal is to host at least oneprogram a month specifically for students, while improvingbenefits across the board for professional members. If youare interested in assisting the committee, hosting an event,or participating in any of the mentorship programactivities, please contact ILaaom and let us know!

Update On Mentorship Initiative


ILaaom Continuing Education

Understanding Classic formulas can be a wonderful tool for refiningour diagnostic skills and treatment strategies. These formulas havebeen ingeniously designed to correct malfunctions of the Qi dynamic.Deep understanding of a formula refines diagnosis, teaching usabout both physiology and patho-physiology, and directs treatmentstrategies for acupuncture, tui na, and other interventions. You will betaken into the heart of several very important formulas, some ofwhich are often misunderstood.

You will gain a new understanding ofsome less used formulas, and of theirsurprising utility for diagnosis and treat-ment of problems we often see.In depth case studies will includeinsomnia, anxiety, hypertension, type 2diabetes and others.

Sharon’s analysis will improve your clin-ical skills, and help develop effectiveacupuncture treatment strategies. Yourapplication of her methods will extendbeyond just the formulas presented.

Saturday & Sunday November 19 & 209am-5 pm at the Holiday Inn Chicago O’Hare

5615 N. Cumberland Ave in Chicago

Classic Formulas: Patho-Physiology ofSelected Formulas with Case Studies

Sharon Weizenbaum

Registration www.ILaaom.org Phone/fax 312-962-0333Become an ILaaom Member and save on all events!

Cost *Early bird: Regular:

Members $300 $350

Non-members $350 $400

Students $250 $300

*Early bird pay byNovember 11, 2011Total of 13 CEU's



Illinois Association of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine2011 ILaaom Board Members & StaffThomas Hurrle, L.Ac,Dipl.Ac & CH (NCCAOM) President

Caroline Jung, L.Ac,Dipl.Ac, MSOM Vice-President

Malina Chin, L.Ac.,OTR/L, MSOM Treasurer

Julie Domagalski, L.Ac.,Dipl.OM (NCCAOM), MSTOM Secretary

Jason Bussell, L.Ac.,Dipl.OM (NCCAOM) President Emeritus

Mavis Bates, L.Ac.,Dipl.OM Board Member

Daryll Daley, L.Ac., MSOM Board Member

David W. Miller, M.D., FAAP,L.Ac.,Dipl.OM (NCCAOM) Board Member

Judy Schlaeger, L.Ac., CNM, MSOM, MS Board Member

Alternate Board Members:

Ann Degrassi-Kalkis, L.Ac., MSTOM,Dipl.OM (NCCAOM)

Frank Yurasek, L.Ac., PhD(China), MSOM, AHG RH, Dipl. ABT, L. Ac.

Katie Chapman. Administrative Assistant

Institutional Membership:Pacific College of Oriental Medicine

Midwest College of Oriental Medicine

Thank you for your many years of support toILaaom and the profession!

Newsletter Editor: Mavis BatesAssociate Editor: Thomas HurrleLetters to Editor: Please send to [email protected] of Address: Please send to [email protected] & Logo Design:

Julie Winsberg: www.BlueGreenRainbowDesigns.com

ILaaom 5315 North Clark Street Suite 611Chicago, IL 60640 - 2113Phone & Fax 312.962.0333www.ILaaom.org email [email protected]

Shanghan Lun Seminar SeriesDr. Arnaud Versluys9 Weekends of Monthly TrainingStarting February 19thpresented by The Chicago Institute for ClassicalEast Asian Medicineand co-sponsored by ILaaom & PCOM-ChicagoAll courses will be held on the new campus of thePacific College of Oriental Medicine - Chicago65 E. Wacker Place, Chicago, IL

SHL 8 (Sept 10 & 11): Shanghan Lun FormulaModification System + Shanghan Lun AcupunctureSHL 9 (Oct 15 & 16): Shanghan Lun Case StudiesMore information & registration:http://chicago.iceam.orgSingle weekend attendance options availableQuestions? Contact [email protected]

Master Tung’s Magic Acupuncture PointsSusan JohnsonChicago, ILpresented by Golden Flower Chinese Herbsand co-sponsored by ILaaom

Advanced Series:September 16 & 18

Information & registration: www.gfcherbs.com

Watch for ILaaom 2012 Events• Practice Management in Chicago, with a panel

of local acupuncturists on how to make yourpractice a success.

• Dr. David Miller on Integrative Endocrinology

Join ILaaom Now and Save On All Events!Thanks for Being A Member!ILaaom memberships renew every April First

ILaaom Continuing Education


Documents

Newsletter 09.11