Juniji Mizutani Seminar

Photo by: maricarnjerry

During my time at the weekend seminar with Junji Mizutani, I learned more efficient and painless ways to use moxibustion with our patients. And, even better, we had a good deal of practice time with the instructor, including individual time. As a student, it was also nice to be able to work with other more experienced practitioners.

We were taught several new methods of moxibustion, and I learned a lot of new ways to help patients with specific illnesses. For example, moxa can be used to treat diabetes, gynecological problems, sciatica, pain, neuralgia and so much more. As a practitioner, moxa is a great way to help nourish, heal, and warm the body. It can be used to supplement the healing process, or even instead of needles if patients aren't into needles.

Here are a few things I learned about the art of moxibustion this weekend:

• Moxa should be pleasant, as this warming technique is a powerful healing tool.
• Acute conditions may take 3-4 daily treatments to notice a difference, while chronic problems may take longer, depending on the injury or problem.
• The use of moxibustion can temporarily double the white blood cell count as well as the platelet count.
• Moxibustion can assist the function of the renal glands.

Junji Mizutani has written several articles for the North American Journal of Oriental Medicine(NAJOM). I recommend reading them, as his teachings are invaluable. I use moxa regularly at the OCOM clinic, but now I feel that I have a deeper appreciation and understanding of this powerful medicine.

This seminar was the first of many put on by the Traditional Japanese Medicine Seminars of Portland (PDXTJM), and I look forward to their future seminars.

Moxibustion Workshop with Junji Mizutani

photo by benegesserit

This weekend I was fortunate to attend Junji Mizutani's workshop on applying moxibustion in clinical practice. Moxibustion is a technique in which a cone of mugwort (Artemesia vulgaris), is placed on or over an acupoint or affected area of the body. The cone is then lit and burned, and is usually removed before burning the skin. It is used to stimulate and strengthen the qi, blood in the body.

This seminar was organized through the Traditional Japanese Medicine Seminars of Portland (PDXTJM). As I am currently taking a Japanese Meridian Therapy (yet another wonderful form of acupuncture) class at OCOM with Bob Quinn, DAOM, I felt incredibly fortunate to be able to attend this workshop.

This is the short biography of Mizutani Sensei on the PDXTJM website:

"Junji Mizutani is the director of the North American Journal of Oriental Medicine (NAJOM). He is a leading authority on traditional approaches to moxibustion and has extensively researched and reported in the scientific literature. He graduated from the Japan Central Acupuncture College in 1983, and in 1984 he moved to Canada where he has taught shiatsu, acupuncture, and moxibustion for many years. He has produced a DVD on his moxibustion technique and has authored many articles published in NAJOM (North American Journal of Oriental Medicine). He also served three years as the president of the Shiatsu Therapy Association of Ontario. Currently he practices in Vancouver B.C. and lectures regularly at acupuncture schools throughout North America.

I'll be writing more about this great seminar later in the week- stay tuned for more!

News Radio with Dr. Richard Hammerschlag

A New York public radio station WYNC interviewed Dr. Richard Hammerschlag, Dean of Research at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, on Friday! Listen to the discussion between Leonard Lopate, Dr. Hammerschlag, and Martin Feldman, LAc. http://www.wnyc.org/shows/lopate/explain.html - Look under Please Explain: Acupuncture October 10, 2007

Technorati Tags: Dr. Richard Hammerschlag, acupuncture, Martin Feldman

Acupuncture in the US: Miriam Lee

Miriam Lee (left) with her student, Susan Johnson, L.Ac. Photo taken from: www.tungspoints.com/miriamlee

Miriam Lee is an innovative and amazing woman who was at the forefront of helping acupuncture and TCM become a common practice the U.S. Those of us who experience the benefits of acupuncture have her to thank for her hard work, belief, and perseverance in Chinese medicine.

She was arrested for practicing acupuncture in California, but the incident led to the legalization of acupuncture in the state of California and eventually other states. Lee also introduced innovative as well ancient traditions of TCM in North America, such as bloodletting, Dr. Tung acupoints, and other insights for practicing acupuncturists. More information is on the website of Susan Johnson (see photo above), who was one of her students.

You can read more about the history of acupuncture in the United States on the Insights for Acupuncturists website where Lisa Hanfileti, LAc, MAcOM, also discusses the famous acupuncturist.

Two of her books are: Insights of a Senior Acupuncturist: One Combination of Points Can Treat Many Diseases, and Master Tong's Acupuncture: An Ancient Alternative Style in Modern Clinical Practice can both be found on amazon.com, and Insights can be found at Portland's powellsbooks.com.