Education & Experience

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Why Acupuncture?

On November 14, 1999 my Father died from a stroke due to complications during a surgical procedure. I was angry, I wanted revenge, but mostly I was in shock that someone's incompetence took my beloved Father from me. I was truly devastated.

As we all eventually come to realize, storing anger and holding grudges benefits no one and so I decided to be proactive and become a Doctor, perhaps specializing in neurological disorders.

However, I had to admit to myself something I already knew. I have always viewed the body in a different way, not necessarily better than the biomedical perspective, just different. Therefore, If I was going to learn medicine I would have to learn something that fit into my paradigm of health and healing. 

I found this in Oriental Medicine and the several other modalities I have studied since embarking on this journey into the world of medicine and healing. 

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After Acupuncture School:

In the years since graduating Acupuncture School I have spent a considerable amount of time and money improving my knowledge and skills. I have traveled as far as China and Japan to continue with my Acupuncture studies, working with highly skilled, yet very humble masters many who are blind. Their blindness only enhanced their sensitivity to Ki or Qi [Click here for definition of Ki] as well as their palpation skills which are essential for proper Acupuncture treatment. Their compassionate and selfless way of teaching is inspiring. I am truly fortunate to have studied with such amazing beings.

In December of 2007 I was certified as an Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA). This particular technique uses the NADA protocol which is an auricular (ear) acupuncture system for treating addictions and has been successfully used since the 1970s. The NADA protocol was as a developed by Michael O. Smith, MD, a psychiatrist and addictions specialist who wanted a "pharmaceutical-free no nonsense approach" to treating addictions. NADA Website.

In recent times, the NADA protocol has been used by the U.S. Military to treat our men and women in uniform suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

As of March 9th, 2008 I completed the first Advanced Toyohari Training Program in North America. This program included exposure to more advanced and refined Acupuncture techniques as well as a deeper analysis of the Acupuncture classics. The curriculum included the creation and presentation of case studies as well as original academic and clinical research. It was a rewarding program to be a part of.

In September of 2008 I began a Clinical Doctorate program at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in Portland, Oregon. Upon completion on September 3rd 2010, I will receive a Doctorate  of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM).

Please note: The DAOM degree is not a requirement to practice Acupuncture however it is the highest formal education credential available in the field of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in the United States.

There are only three fully accredited programs in the United States to date, all on the west coast. I have decided to take on this challenge to further my education and improve my skill sets which will assist me in providing my patients with the most advanced level of Acupuncture available.

Upon completion, I will be part of a very small percentage of Acupuncturists in the United States that will have this level of training. It is my hope that others will commit to follow this path so that the field of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine can continue to grow and become a part of mainstream health care.

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Travel

I have traveled extensively throughout the United States, Central and South America, Europe and Asia and have lived in Japan and Costa Rica. I consider the experience gained in my travels to be some of the most valuable since my profession involves interacting with so many types of people from a multitude of cultural and spiritual backgrounds.

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Beyond Acupuncture:

I have also dedicated myself to the study of other modalities such as Craniosacral Therapy and Visceral Manipulation. I have attended the following classes:

Craniosacral Therapy

• Craniosacral Therapy levels 1 & 2
• Somatoemotional Release levels 1&2
• Craniosacral Therapy for Pediatrics
• Craniosacral Therapy and the Immune Response
• Lymphatic Drainage
• The Brain Speaks [a focus on Neuro Anatomy and Brain Disorders]
• 5-day intensive externship at the Upledger Institute.
• Bioaquatic Exploration [Craniosacral Therapy in the water ~ we actually had the opportunity to practice with & treat Dolphins!]
• Reversal of the Pathogenic Process
• Teaching Assistant for Craniosacral Therapy level 1

    ***Click on the Craniosacral Therapy link in the left column for more information

         regarding this modality***

Visceral Manipulation

• Visceral manipulation I (Abdomen 1)
• Visceral manipulation II (Abdomen 2)
• Visceral manipulation III (Pelvis)
  
• Visceral manipulation IV (Thorax)

   ***For more information about Visceral Manipulation please go to:

       The Barral Institute

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I will continue to dedicate my time to expanding my knowledge of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine as well as various other Holistic health care modalities. It is my hope that my passionate pursuit to find new and more refined techniques will allow me to continue assisting in the facilitation of healing for many years to come.  Thank you.

Links:

Natural Awakenings

Saint Petersburg Junior College (now St. Pete College)

University of South Florida

American University

East West College of Natural Medicine

Nonviolence International

Belief Net