« April 2005 | Main | June 2005 »

May 31, 2005

CA Senate Bill 233 Pronounced Dead!

According to the Acupuncture and Integrated Medicine Specialists (AIMS), the bill that would have eliminated the CA state Acupuncutre board and possibly limited the authority of Licensed Acupuncturists in the state has failed to move out of the Appropriations committee. This means it is off the table for this year, and will not get a vote. This is fabulous news for the CA Acupuncturists as Sacramento continues its barrage on state boards and administrations.

Posted by Admin at 03:34 PM | Comments (1)

May 30, 2005

UPenn Med School and Tai Sophia Partner for CAM Masters Program

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the University of Pennsylvania (my normally conservative alma mater) Med School has reached an agreement with Tai Sophia in Maryland to offer a Masters of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM).

Details are a little fuzzy as of yet, but knowing Tai Sophia there will definitely be a focus on Acupuncture within the CAM Masters. Either way, this is great news because putting the research power house of Penn Med behind an Acupuncture related program will open many doors for us.

Read the Philly Inquirer article here: Link

Much benefit for this should go to the Association for Professional Acupuncture in PA (APA) for pushing to pass the law in 2001 that allows for Acupuncture schools to open in PA.

Posted by Admin at 11:47 AM | Comments (0)

May 23, 2005

Welcome!

Welcome to the new tcmstudent.com. For the past 4 years, I've tried to keep this site as informative and thought provoking as possible. I've provided you with some of the building blocks of knowledge in the TCM world, and given you some first steps to realizing if TCM is for you.

The community has taken over, and more is discussed and accomplished on the message boards than in the actual content. Not being one to walk away from a good thing, I wanted to not only continue along that tack, but to provide a unique vessel for them to take it one step further. This is my vision of what this site will be able to do in the future.

Along with myself, I have brought on a few people who will be posting information, factoids, medical snipets and just general TCM related knowledge. Your authors will range from a seasoned acupuncturist, to a newly minted medical doctor with an eye for the alternative.

Our goal, as always, is to keep you informed of the issues in the TCM world, and to be a portal to all the tools and information you need to join the world of Oriental Medicine.

Cheers,
Steve Mavros, L.Ac.
Admin - Tcmstudent.com

Posted by Admin at 03:58 PM | Comments (6)

May 19, 2005

index

About TCMS

The idea for TCMS started in mid 2000. It finally went online in mid-October that same year. As for me, my name is Steven Mavros and I started all this while in my second year at the New England School of Acupuncture. Not knowing how many hours I would eventually put into this site, I started with just a basic premise; I couldn't find anything out there to help me if I needed a reference or help. In addition, figuring out what programs were available in my area when I was graduating college was also not an easy task. Thus this site was born. Now I have over 75 pages of content, all sorts of references and two forums for help and questions.

This site has now become something more dynamic. In May 2005 I revamped this site so that it could act like an online journal and discussion forum for all those in the lifelong process of learning oriental medicine. The info on it is now a bit out of date and in bad need of updating. I try to continue the blogging and news stories but the other bits have fallen through the cracks. If you'd like to help me update don't hesitate to email me

As for myself, I have run a private practice in Philadelphia, PA since 2001. In 2006 I co-founded the Healing Arts Center of Philadelphia, a wellness center with practitioners ranging from Acupuncture to Chiropractic to Palliative Care to Pilates. I have been on the forefront in the Acupuncture for Fertility world and specializing has been both really fun and extremely fulfilling. Please visit my practice homepage:

I would like to say it has been a great learning experience to put all this together. I hope that I can fulfill all your needs as a student resource and adapt to the changing web enviornment to make this a great site you keep coming back to.

Sincerely,

Steven Mavros

Posted by Admin at 07:17 PM

index

TCM Links

I have been trying to compile a really big list of links. Unfortunately I set my expectations too high and have put this page off for too long. I am putting here all the great sites I have seen and currently use. If you can't find it here, I have created a section called Link Sites which contain other sites with good links listings. Feel free to submit to me what I don't have.

Student Resources & Study Tools

Link Sites

Posted by Admin at 05:51 PM

May 18, 2005

index

Acupuncture Theory

Using the words TCM in the domain name of the site is definitely a little misleading. Here you will find information from as many styles of acupuncture and oriental medicine that I can find information on. The three main styles that I have categorized are the Chinese style (Traditional Chinese Medicine), Japanese style, and Korean styles (mostly Korean Hand Acupuncture). I will try and supply you with a decent history of each. As always let me know of errors or inconsistensies by emailing me.


Chinese Style (TCM)

Probably the oldest style, with a history of at least 2300 years (good luck finding a real number for that one), TCM has undergone many changes especially in the past century. It's roots lie in the classics of the Huang Di Nei Jing (Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic), the Nan Jing, the Shang Han Lun, and more. The great doctors of acupuncture, through the course of Chinese history, have often varied from great healers to quacks in the minds of the people and government. From China, especially during the 12th and 16th centuries, it spread to the other parts of asia (especially Japan and Korea) and even as far as Europe. At the end of the emperor's reign and the cultural revolution in the middle of the 20th century, much was lost to the Chinese practitioners as they were put second to medicine of the West. In rebuilding their medicine it went through a metamorphosis and began to mingle with herbal medicine and thus became TCM. A TCM style treatment often involves heavy manipulation of the needles and a strong sensations of qi. Also involved may be Tui Na (chinese massage and physical manipultaion), as well as herbal medicine, cupping, gua sha, and other adjunctive techniques.


Japanese Style

It is said that the Japanese practice a truer form of medicine than the Chinese since the cultural revolution had little influence on their medicine. Whether it is that differentiation, or simply the uniqueness of their nation, the Japanese style resembles next to nothing of TCM. Many different schools exist, some that even only use moxa to treat. Much of the Japanese styles derive from varying interpretations of the Nan Jing. The Japanese have greatly influenced acupuncture with their technological advances in helping to invent the guide tube, the pump cup (as opposed to fire), and the silicon coated needle. As a general rule Japanese styles are much more subtle than TCM. The needles are inserted shallower and the "De Qi" sensation is not necessarily sought after. In addition, the Japanese seem to place much greater importance to details (i.e., direction of needle, order of insertions, etc.). They also seem to concentrate much more on root treatment than local. Some say that the subtleties extend to outcome and that they are no less pronounced but sometimes slower and less dramatic.


Korean Style

As few teach Korean styles of acupuncture I have little information on them. The little I know comes in the form of Korean Hand Therapy, a recent invention of the twentieth century. Two schools of thought exist here. They regard the hand as a microsystem of the body, much like the ear. The two schools simply differ on the orientation of the body. The first school believes the middle (3rd) finger is the torso and head, with the arms being the 2nd and 4th fingers, and the legs being the 1st and 5th. The second school thought the thumb (1st) the head, the palm the torso, the 2nd and 5th fingers the arms, and the 3rd and 4th the legs. Needling is done on the hand both as local treatment for the ailing part of the body. However, one can also do a full root treatment similar to the Japanese styles all on the hand.

Posted by Admin at 10:47 AM

May 17, 2005

index

Web Journal

Given the new format of this site, it is a journal onto itself. Here, however, are some more classic journals. The first are papers - my first journal - that have been submitted over the past few years that seemed interesting. The second are a listing of Oriental Medicine Journals both on paper and on the web.

There are too many wasted papers that students have written that simply sit on your hard drive and the only person who ever reads them is your teacher. I say put them here. Let everyone read them. It's kind of like being published (kind of). I want to give you credit and will put your name on it unless you want it anonymous which you can do as well. So send me some.

Student Papers

Journals of Oriental Medicine

Posted by Admin at 04:55 PM

index

National Associations

Here are all the national organizations and associations that work with and govern over the profession. Here you can find out how to get an application for the board exams and lots of other fun stuff. Now remember, these are also the organizations that are involved in promoting acupuncture at the government level. Many lobby for laws to help us out so check out their sites and maybe help out or just be in the know.

The Important Ones

NCCAOMThis is where to get your board exam application and see where and when it is being offerred. You can even get t-shirts and check this...submit possible test questions. CCAOMClick here for the Clean Needle Technique Exam Application, and take the test that proves you won't stick your needles in dirt before inserting them. :) Hit the public awareness link as well for lobbying info.
AAOMThese guys are at the forefront of lobbying for acupuncture. They are helping acupuncturists stand up to the AMA in the legislature. Join them...they are good!! CMAACWorking with insurance companies and government to make acupuncture the norm in Canada.

USA - State Associations

You'll notice a dearth of states here, and that is because I have tried my hardest to find their societies' websites and just couldn't. For phone numbers and email addresses of ones not listed above, click on the AAOM link above and you will find a listing.

Arizona Society of Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture California State Oriental Medicine Association United California Practitioners of Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture Association of Colorado
Florida Association of Oriental Medicine Florida State Oriental Medical Association
Georgia State Oriental Medicine Association Hawaii Acupuncture Association
Illinois Association of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine
Indiana Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Maine Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Maryland Acupuncture Society
Michigan Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine New Hampshire Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine New Jersey Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Oriental Medicine Association of New Mexico Acupuncture Society of New York
The North Carolina Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Ohio Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Oklahoma Acupuncture Association Oregon Acupuncture Association
Association for Professional Acupuncture in Pennsylvania
Rhode Island Society of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Acupuncture Society of Virginia
Acupuncture Association of Washington Wisconsin Society of Certified Acupuncturists

Canada

Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture in Canada - Good introduction to acupuncture knowledge and excellent resource for finding practitioners in canada. Also lots of interesting articles put together.
Association d'Acupuncture du Québec - Hope you speak French!!

International

AACMA
NCCAOM equivalent in the land down under.

British Acupuncture Council - Britain's accreditation association.
European Register of Organizations of TCM - Conglomeration and listing of all of the European Organizations. If you are looking for an organization in Europe just go here.

Posted by Admin at 12:36 PM

May 16, 2005

index

TCM Software

As of now I have been able to find a small number of acupuncture related software, mostly for the PC. Some are just for students and some are actually helpful to the professional with the inclusion of patient related services. Click on the image for ordering information. They are in alphabetical order of title (so no company accuses me of favoritism). If you know of any more, or if you would like to send me reviews for me to post, email me.

AcuBase 2.001
AcuBase 2.001 - Acubase comes from the people at Trigram Software. They have created a combination reference guide and practice management software to be used by practitioners. The reference section holds information in database form of points, herbs (single herbs, patents & regular formulas), TCM theory material. In addition, it has a practice management section that contains patient information databases, billing forms, a system for keeping inventory and vendor information for patent herbs. It's very simple and allows you to modify the information in the reference section to your own knowledge. It comes for both Macs and PCs, and runs 199$ new, or 99$ if you already own their software and need to upgrade.

Acubase 2.01
AcuPartner
AcuPartner - AcuPartner appears to be software meant for both student and practitioner as a good reference. It is divided into sections with point information, maps and images, along with basic info on the organs, syndromes and disorders. This seems cool because it goes by both syndrome and disease, and it gives you good point combinations for both. The graphics are 2d but still good. No practice management software included. Both web based and downloadable demo are available at their site. The cost is 229$ and is for windows only.

AcuPartner 2000
AcuScalp
AcuScalp - AcuScalp comes from a company called Archibel Medical Software. They make both the AcuScalp and AcuVision. This software is a database which boasts of more than one hundred diseases and how to treat, video's, pictures, and illustrations, 3 different approaches to the theory, along with all the literature and theory on the subject. They also claim that it is "web-able" but I couldn't figure out what that meant. I believe it simply means it has hyperlinks in the software. In addition, after several attempts I couldn't even find out how to get it or how much the software costs.

AcuScalp
AcuVision
AcuVision - This looks to be an action packed software geared toward use in a clinical setting. It contains a slew of theory and syndrome based literature. Its main feature, though, is its ability to basically tell you what the pattern is you need to treat and what points to select. It contains a huge database of symptoms, of which you pick and choose, then it tells you what pattern the greatest number of the symptoms fit into. Computerized TCM. You gotta love it. The software has a demo that they email you, and again no finding on price or availability but definitely worth checking out.

AcuVision
Client Tracker
Client Tracker - This is practice focused Acu software by Gingko Software built to help manage your practice. It allows you to do billing, appointments, medical histories (including uploading pics of tongues!) and even a small measure of marketing. It's pretty user friendly and can even help keep track of some of your bookkeeping. The product works well on both Mac and PC and costs $275.

Client Tracker
Complete Acupuncture
Complete Acupuncture - This software package contains a mix of features which includes the array of references to the acupoints and basic theories. Additionally, it contains a slew (534 exactly) of case studies and a video demonstrations from someone named Dr. Wei Liu. It also emphasizes an auricular acupuncture guide that is in depth with graphics and a study of 100 illnesses specifically treated with auricular acupuncture. I have only seen this one on Amazon so click on the image to the left to see it. It runs 50$ and is for Windows only.

Complete Acupuncture
Qpuncture
Qpuncture - This software is targeted to students mostly for going through the rigors of oriental medical school and preparing for the NCCAOM. Its biggest advantage are its rather attractive 3D images of most points and sections of the body. Some even have 3D panoramic shots of what the needle looks like inserted into a particular point. In addition, it contains tons of TCM theory and illness references for both TCM conditions as well as western medical diagnosis (no herbs though). Their site has some interesting examples of their 3D animations. Currently they are selling it for 159$. It is available for Windows only.

Qpuncture
Qpuncture II
Qpuncture II - The people from Qpuncture are back and they claim to be better than ever. Qpuncture II builds off of the beautiful 3d animation of the original and adds just a bit more. First it includes herbal information including formulas and pictures of the herbs. It also includes pics of tongue diagnosis and pulse. Finally, they added patient management software which seems good but it is just the basics (ptnt management is not included with the mac version for some odd reason). For windows and mac both, and costs 299$.

QpunctureII
Shen Professional
Shen Professional - This is from a company in Germany that has tried to put together a very comprehensive program meant mainly for the practitioner. This software tries to do it all for you in a neat way. You go through and select all the sympotms the person is presenting with. It then counts them up and gives you the list in order of which diagnosis should be most appropriate based on the number of symptoms. Unlike some others that do this it even breaks it up into stem and branch which emphasizes some symptoms over others. The interface is a little clunky but the info is good. It includes point tables, point charts, tcm references, billing software, and more. For Windows only. Cost is 199$ but there is the key free demo to check it out.

Shen Pro
TCM Windows /Pro/Pro+
TCM Windows - It is hard to tell the quality of this software as their site is not so informative. The software seems to combine reference material, study tools, and practice management. The level of practice management goes up as you go to Pro and Pro+ but so does the price. They software claims to be a fully searchable database of all herbs, formulas, point combinations, diseases, syndromes, and point tables. The images seem 2d but again hard to tell. The pro version does billing and record keeping. The Pro+ version is for machines solely with that software on it, in other words it runs the software, patient management, scheduling, inventory and word processing. All are available for PC and Macs. TCM Windows is 199$, Pro is 299$, and Pro+ is 799$.

TCM Windows
Zhangmen
Zhangmen - A group from the Netherlands came out with this one and since it is version 8.0 I would assume they have been through a few versions already. This is a reference guide which is in database form (which means it's changeable). It contains in depth info on all the points, herbs, microsystems and pulse and tongue diagnosis. The images are a little pixely but not too bad. It seems like they just tried to jam in as much info as possible on this one. The software also contains an interesting search function and data module that can be added (for a fee). The site actually offers a free demo. It runs on Windows only. The cost is 129$ if you download it from their site or 169$ for a cd-rom (incentive to save paper...cool!). Additionally if you can prove that you are a student you can get it for 100$ (download version only) which is excellent.

ZhangMen

Posted by Admin at 05:21 PM

May 11, 2005

index

Books on TCM

If you are thinking of going to your good old school bookstore and purchasing that book that you have always wanted....STOP!!! Check these out first. There is a good possibility that you can find them here and with a discount that the bookstore at your school won't offer you. In addition, I have broken down the books into sections by subject, plus a section for the bibliography of the NCCAOM exam & test prep books. If you have used and read these books, please take the time to write a review and rate the books.

Where to Find Discounts?

I have changed my opinion on this a few times. Currently, due to lots of competition, Amazon, which is what all the books are linked to here seems to have the best prices. All the other places I have seen have stopped discounting acupuncture books.

These books are on the Primary Resource List for the NCCAOM exam.
coverChinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion by Chen Xinnong - Most likely you own this already, but if you don't and you go to school outside of California buy this here and now cause it is the cheapest you will find it. This book is what the NCCAOM exam is based off of so regardless of whether it is the best choice for that, it is a must have.

Avg Rating: 0 / 10  Votes: 0   Reviews   Rate It!
coverAcupuncture: A Comprehensive Text by Chen Chiu Hseuh - An introductory text with descriptions of acupuncture points, hundreds of prescriptions, and detailed discussion of acupuncture techniques and modalities ranging from ear, head, hand and foot acupuncture to moxibustion, cupping and surgical techniques.

Avg Rating: 0 / 10  Votes: 0   Reviews   Rate It!
coverEssentials of Chinese Acupuncture by Beijing College of TCM - The textbook for the introductory course in Beijing, Shanghai, and Nanking International Acupuncture Training Centers since 1979. Includes points, theory and technique explanations.

Avg Rating: 0 / 10  Votes: 0   Reviews   Rate It!
coverA Manual of Acupuncture by Peter Deadman, et al. - Manual describes and illustrates the channels and collaterals, the various categories of points, and methods of selection, location, and needling. The book focuses heavily on every individual point with drawings and explantions for every point.

Avg Rating: 0 / 10  Votes: 0   Reviews   Rate It!
coverThe Web That Has No Weaver by Ted Kaptchuck
Excellent book even if your not a student. The perfect basic intro to Chinese Medicine. Read this before you go to school so you know what you are getting yourself into. If you are a student, it's one of the few books that explains the pulses well.

Avg Rating: 7.5 / 10  Votes: 2   Reviews   Rate It!

Practice Test Books - To help you study for the NCCAOM exam.
coverPreparing for the NCCAOM Acupuncture Examination by Lei Ding - This book includes 1000 multiple-choice questions with answers. The topics covered reflect the content outline of the NCCAOM examination. The questions follow the format used on the NCCAOM examination.

Avg Rating: 0 / 10  Votes: 0   Reviews   Rate It!
coverTests: Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion by Dr. Cui Yongqiang - This book also includes about 1000 questions, mainly multi-choice but also other types. Though not directly taken from the NCCAOM it is a good test book based on Essentials and CAM.

Avg Rating: 0 / 10  Votes: 0   Reviews   Rate It!
coverAcupuncture (TCM Study Guide Series) by Shi Cun Wu - This provides resource material and multiple-choice questions designed to help TCM practitioners and students prepare themselves to take acupunture board tests, not necessarily the NCCAOM. The book's 2,200 questions cover point location and function, needling techniques, moxibustion, ear and head acupunture, case diagnosis, and treatment strategies.


Avg Rating: 0 / 10  Votes: 0   Reviews   Rate It!
coverDiagnostics (TCM Study Guide Series) by Shi Cun Wu - Same deal as other one with focus on Diagnostics, tongue, pulse, etc.


Avg Rating: 0 / 10  Votes: 0   Reviews   Rate It!

Other Great Online Bookstores

So you haven't found what you are looking for at Amazon or Booksamillion. You don't have a cool bookstore either?? Then check out the ones below. These sites also have books that you won't be able to find ANYWHERE, especially freshly translated books and ones in Chinese.

Acuneeds-They don't only sell acupuncture supplies, they also have over 20 pages full of books, and at decent prices too. Many books have their own description page too so you know what you're getting.
Blue Poppy Press-Decent site with a ton of their own published books, and a great message board with well known acupuncturists.
China Books-Insanely well developed site that talks to you. A decent amount of books on TCM but a great source for other topics revolving around China (Martial Arts, History, etc).
Paradigm Publications-Cool front page. Again it's own published books but some good ones.
Qi Journal-Great site for beginners of all things qi related, along with a book to match every subject. These guys go in the journal section as well cause the whole site basically is one.
Redwing Book Co.-Not publisher site with a lot of books on TCM, complimentary health care, and energy work. Lots of videos and tapes too.
Shambala Books-Publisher site with direct links to all they have published.
Spanda Medical's Bookstore-They have almost every book I've seen, including some nice atlases and books on Western Medicine. Yet again, though, no discounts.

Posted by Admin at 05:37 PM

index

Acupuncture, Herbs, and Medical Supplies

I am proud to say that the number of online supply companies for acupuncture, herbal and medical supplies has gone up tremedously. We are finally at a catalogue free time. Now that is what I'm talking about. I say patronize the ones that were brave enough to make the internet leap. They are in alphabetical order, not by any preference of mine, so check them all out. Happy shopping.

Acupuncture Supplies Herbal Supplies Medical Supplies
Acu-International Supplies
P.O. Box 1225
Carefree, Arizona 85377
1-888-322-8468
??? Truly this is a purple lovers paradise. Surprising number of items if you can navigate the site. The needles they sell don't appear to have a brand name but the site claims greatness. Tons of moxa, electro units, office supplies, proprietary herbs, books, and even funky qi t-shirts. Credit cards and fax ordering. The site is secure even while browsing the catalog.
Acu-Market
4630 University Drive
Suite 351
Coral Springs, Florida 33067
1-866-440-7703
CW Korean
Mac Ultra Smooth
Peace (C&D)
Seirin (J/D)
These guys sell Seirin (J, D, intraderms & press tacks), CW Korean needles and Peace (made by Cloud & Dragon). They are also the only other wholesale distributor of Mayway's GMP quality Plum Flower & Min Shan Brand Herbs (aside from Mayway themselves). Currently that would make them the only people out there where you can get quality herbs right there without getting a subscription, membership, or account (good stuff!!). Good array of moxa, cupping and other adjunctive technique equipment. Newly added Heel/BHI Homeopathic remedies as well. They'll even send you a sample of all their needles upon request which is cool. Good pictures for everything so you know exactly what you are getting. Credit cards and secure check out. Free shipping if over 150$.
Acupuncture Products
Acupuncture Products
1418 8th Street
#11
Rockford, IL
61104
none Focusing mostly on well designed and inexpensive Acupuncture charts that help both students and practitioners alike. They also provide free information and charts you can download that are great reminders of basic theory. Listings for practitioners, as well as state and national associations.
AcupunctureShop
AcupunctureShop.com
Storegade 58
6800 Varde
Denmark
Phone: +45 75 22 47 05
Fax: +45 76 94 09 77
Cloud & Dragon
HuanQiu
A basic but well designed site whose tag is "Inexpensive acupuncture shop with only quality products." Their prices are okay and they have a modest supply of the usual books, moxa, electro and adjunctive devices. They have interesting french devices for electro and light stimulators, some based on Nogier's designs. The needles are interesting but you should ask for a sample and see how they feel to you. Secure check out and all, but the catch is shipping will run you either 30$ or 60$ which I just don't get.
AcuNeeds Australia
Acuneeds Australia
622 Camberwell Road
Camberwell, VIC 3124
Australia
Phone: +61 3 9889 4100
Fax: +61 3 9889 1200
Hwato
Seirin
Sensei
Australia based supply company whose needles include Seirin and Hwato. Beautiful looking site, extremely well-designed. A very good supply of electro machines and "pain relief" machines, as well as over 20 pages worth of books (and at good prices too)! Herbs are from a few different factories all GMP certified by the TGA (like the FDA). They also are the only acupuncture supply company who sell ear candles, and even have a nice page on the history of it. Major credit cards and secure check out. Contrary to what you may think, the shipping doesn't take long at all. It took three days from order day to arrival on the east coast. Not bad at all.
AcupunctureSupplies AcuMaster
AnChi
Carbo
Ezy
HwaTo
Seirin
Also known as Med Servi-Systems, this Canadian supply site contains a lot of needles. They also have a good supply of all the adjunctive equipment, as well as office supplies, charts and even videos. There is a 5% discount on all web purchases which is cool. They have pics for most items but not all. Unfortunately they are missing them for the needles which I have never heard of before. Secure check out and all credit cards.
Austin Medical Equipment, Inc.
1900 South Mannheim Rd.
Westchester, Il 60154
1-800-382-0300
Millenia
Seirin
Austin appears to cater to physical therapy places but just added an acupuncture section that has Seirins & Millennia needles, tons of electro, tens, and pointers but that's about it. Credit cards and secure check out.
Go Acupuncture
UPC Medical Supplies, Inc.
219 South Raymond Avenue
Alhambra, CA 91801
1-800-790-4888
Kingli
Millenia
Spirit
These guys have been around since the early 90's and had an early web presence. They sell Kingli, Spirit and Millenia brand needles. Huge supply of herbal patent products from China (hard to tell manufacturer). Large supply of general clinic supplies, teas, books, cd/roms, and pictures of almost every item which is cool. They also do free shipping on anything over 35$ which few others do. All major credit cards and secure check out.
Health Point Products
1804 Plaza Ave. Ste. # 21
New Hyde Park, NY 11040
Phone: 516-328-6671
Fax 516-328-6926
Millenia
Natural
Sharp
Seirin
Health Point sells Natural Brand Needles, plus Sharp Brand (my personal favorite), Seirins, and Millenia. They too have a modest supply of adjunctive stuff including horns for gua sha (hard to find). They also sell what seems to be their own proprietary herbal formulas. The site needs a few more graphics of their inventory and they'd be good to go. Credit cards and secure check out (not default so make you sure you click secure when checking out!).
Helio
via Cranherb.com

606 Charcot Ave.
San Jose, CA 95131
1-800-672-2726
Fax: 1-408-433-5566
AcuGlide
AcuMaster
Carbo
Viva
Helio does their catalog through Craneherb which is a great source of herbs. Problem is you have to send them a copy of your license or proof that you are a student to be able to buy stuff. Until you do, and then log in, you can't even see what their prices are. Their catalog is pretty extensive and their needle selection are all excellent alternatives to the norm. You put a credit card on file with your first order and that is what they use so there really is no checkout.
Lhasa OMS
230 Libbey Parkway
Weymouth, MA 02189
1-800-722-8775
Seirin
Tai-Chi
Nano Tech
DBC
Hwa-To
Hua-Xia
Carbo
These guys finally took that step to selling their catalog online. It's about time too. They definitely have a very large selection of stuff. Their prices aren't always the lowest but you can get a lot of stuff here not found elsewhere, especially since the 2 companies merged together. Secure checkout and all that fun stuff.
Relaxing Natural Health
19 Warwick Road
Watertown, MA 02472
Voice: 617-924-1901
Fax: 617-924-1901
Kingli
Sharp
At least these guys have their catalogue online. You can't order online but they have a printable version of their order form. Small supply of needles, cups, and moxa. Additionally some herbs with pictures but I can't tell manufacturer at all.

Posted by Admin at 12:20 PM

May 03, 2005

index

Study Tools

Welcome to my favorite part of the site. The real info. Here is where I want you to find everything you are gonna need to get you through that tough point location exam or that tough patient in clinic whose condition you never saw in your pathology class. To your right are links to easy reference charts and tables which a few friends and I put together. If I do this right, I don't want you to ever have to open a book for reference purposes ever again. Just sit with your browser, pop open three or four windows, and chug away. Let me know if there is anything up there I am missing.

Below are different things that will increase your knowledge base and challenge you; textbook like chapters with explanations of the basic styles of treatment, cases, practice exams for point location, etc. Here is also where I hope you can help me make the site better by submitting information that has helped you in some way. If you have interesting cases that you have had success with, old exams that teachers won't use anymore, or anything else that will expand a student's knowledge, I can post it in a flash.

Acupuncture Theory

Right or wrong I have placed all the information regarding the theory of each style of medicine under Acupuncture Styles on the left side bar and here below. For an overview go to the Styles page.

Test Yourself

After reading through both my theory pages and your own texts, now it's time to see what you have learned. Here are some exams that I have created specifically for this site. Each question varies in difficulty and there is not that much of an order to them so you better be ready. If you have old exams you would like to share or questions you think might be good to add to an exam, hit that link to email me above to add to the collection.

In a feat that I don't have the coding skill to do, there is a site (www.drfeely.com) that has absolutely awesome tests that even score you per exam on how well you are doing. They include most of the points and even extra stuff like five elements and theory. Check it out... Tests Here.

Case Studies

Right now I only have a few categories for cases because I am working off of the ones I have seen and some that teachers have given us. Click the email link above to send me more.

Currently Under Construction.
© Copyright 2001. All charts, exams, and case studies are property of TCM Strategies, Inc. Reproduction of any material without permission is prohibited.

Posted by Admin at 11:46 AM