How to Find Practitioners, Supplements and Herbs, and More
HOW TO FIND A LICENSED QUALIFIED CHINESE MEDICINE PRACTITIONER
National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
http://mx.nccaom.org/FindAPractitioner.aspx
76 South Laura Street, Suite 1290 • Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: 904-598-1005 • Fax: 904-598-5001
NCCAOM certifies practitioners in acupuncture, herbs, Oriental medicine, and Asian bodywork. The NCCAOM certification meets national standards for beginning competence in these fields.
The website provides a voluntary practitioner directory for the public to find practitioners as well as a registry for licensing bodies to use for verifying NCCAOM certification. There is also a section on state licensing requirements. NCCAOM practitioners are not necessarily licensed in any state. Each state has its own licensure rules. Check with the licensing or registration body in states that require licensure to find out the status of any individual’s license. You may call the practitioner directly to inquire about licensure and additional training.
Acufinder.com
www.acufinder.com
Acufinder.com provides the consumer with the ability to find a practitioner within any geographical area in the United States and Canada as well as some other countries. The site shows licensure, state organizations, and organizations to which a practitioner belongs as well as areas of expertise and style of acupuncture.
American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine
www.aborm.org
Email: inquiry@aborm.org
The ABORM is a nonprofit 501(C)6 corporation devoted to teaching, research, and the practice of Oriental medicine in the treatment of reproductive disorders. The ABORM respects the training and lineage of all practitioners who work with reproductive disorders. Practitioners listed on their website have demonstrated competency and advanced knowledge in both Western and Oriental reproductive medicine by passing a rigorous advanced certification examination.
Misha Ruth Cohen Education Foundation
www.TCMEducation.org
2339 3rd Street, Suite 48, 3R • San Francisco, CA 94107
415-864-7234
Email: TCMEducation@gmail.com
The Misha Ruth Cohen Education Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to providing resources and education to medical professionals, patients, and the community. The foundation focuses on integrating Western and Eastern medicine, specifically Chinese traditional medicine, in the treatment of complex health issues, including HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, cancer support, gynecological problems, and chronic viral diseases. You may find a list of Hepatitis C Professional Certified Practitioners on the website.
Misha Ruth Cohen, O.M.D., L.Ac.
Chicken Soup Chinese Medicine
www.docmisha.com
2325 3rd Street, Suite 342 • San Francisco, CA 94107
Phone: 415-861-1101 • Fax: 415-644-0614
Email: ChickenSoupChineseMedicine@docmisha.com
Chicken Soup Chinese Medicine is the Integrated Chinese Medicine clinical practice of Misha Ruth Cohen, O.M.D., L.Ac., and her clinical team. She and her team provide comprehensive treatment programs to people seeking support for such complex medical challenges as viral hepatitis, fatty liver, liver disease, HIV, cancer support, metabolic issues such as diabetes or high cholesterol, gynecological conditions, and reproductive health. The website has a great deal of information and resources for the general public and practitioners.
Where to Study Chinese Medicine
The Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM)
www.acaom.org
8941 Aztec Drive • Eden Prairie, MN 55347
Phone: 952-212-2434 • Fax: 301-313-0912
Email: coordinator@acaom.org
ACAOM is the national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for the accreditation of Chinese medicine colleges in the United States. ACAOM establishes policies and standards that govern the accreditation process for acupuncture and Oriental medicine programs.
You may find more information on the accrediting process and status of Chinese medicine colleges at the ACAOM website.
WHERE TO FIND CHINESE HERBS AND NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
Note: Chinese herbs should only be used upon the recommendation of a trained Chinese herbalist.
A limited number of herbs (some mentioned in “The Medicine Cabinet” on page 230) may be ordered over the counter without a recommendation from a licensed practitioner. However, because we recommend that a practitioner follow you, this section will include trusted herb companies that we use in our clinic. Many practitioners use these companies and other high-quality companies. You should always ask your practitioner about the qualifications of the herb companies and products they use. (Refer back to chapter 8 for detailed information on Chinese herbal medicine.)
Crane Herb Company/Crane Herb Pharmacy, Inc.
www.craneherb.com
745 Falmouth Road • Mashpee, MA 02649
Phone: 508-539-1700 • Fax: 508-539-2369
Email: info@craneherb.com
Crane-West Herb Pharmacy, Inc.
www.craneherb.com
515 South Main Street • Sebastopol, CA 95472
Phone: 707-823-5691 • Fax: 707-823-2462
Email: crane-west@craneherb.com
Crane offers products that meet rigorous standards of testing and clinical effectiveness. Crane encourages vendors to make their products with the highest traditions of Chinese herbal medicine. Herb companies represented by Crane include Blue Poppy, Chinese Modular Solutions, Classical Herbs, Dr. Shen’s, Golden Flower, Health Concerns, Kan Herb, KPC Herbs, Mycoherb, Pacific Biologics, Spring Wind, and Yin-Care. The Crane Herb companies limit their sale of herbal products to licensed or certified practitioners, to students of Chinese medicine, and to patients with prescriptions from registered practitioners.
Health Concerns
www.healthconcerns.com
8001 Capwell Drive • Oakland, CA 94621
Phone: 800-233-9355 • Fax: 510-639-9140
Email: service@healthconcerns.com
Health Concerns, founded by herbalist Andrew Gaeddert, is the first company in the United States to manufacture prepared Chinese herbs for practitioners that meet rigorous standards of testing to ensure optimum effectiveness, consistent potency, and maximum bioavailability. I have designed herbal formulas for Health Concerns, including Enhance and other products mentioned in this book.
Health Concerns’ products are almost exclusively sold to licensed health care professionals. In a consumer-oriented section of the website, you will find information about Health Concerns and their products. Health Concerns strongly encourages that their products be used under the direction of a licensed practitioner, so they also provide assistance in locating a practitioner in your area.
Mayway
www.mayway.com
Mayway Corporation
1338 Mandela Parkway • Oakland, CA 94607
Phone: 800-2MAYWAY • Fax: 800-909-2828
Email: info@mayway.com
Mayway is a family business that has been importing and distributing traditional Chinese medicines since 1969. Mayway began as a small herb shop in San Francisco’s Chinatown, and it has become an internationally known company. Mayway promotes quality standards in their sourcing of herbs and in the manufacturing of herbal products. Mayway’s most well-known line is the Plum Flower brand. Mayway sells products to health care practitioners, health-related businesses, and students of Chinese medicine. Proof of licensure or certification is required to open an account.
Spring Wind Herbs Inc.
www.springwind.com
2325 Fourth Street, Suite 6 • Berkeley, CA 94710
Phone: 800-588-4883 • Fax: 510-849-4886
Spring Wind specializes in external topical formulas—ointments, crèmes, salves, and liniments—designed by Andrew Ellis, an accomplished master herbalist and teacher. Spring Wind also supplies herbal concentrates and bulk herbs to practitioners. Spring Wind brought the issue of the use of incorrect species of herbs to the forefront and was the first company to introduce a lot-based testing system for a comprehensive list of pesticide residues. Spring Wind also now carries a large and growing selection of USDA NOP Certified Organic herbs.
WHERE TO STUDY CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE
Rocky Mountain Herbal Institute (RMHI)
www.rmhiherbal.org
Attn: Roger W. Wicke, Ph.D., director
PO Box 579 • Hot Springs, MT 59845
Phone: 406-741-3811
RMHI offers distance learning, interactive game software, clinical reference databases, self-study guides, seminars, and comprehensive international certification programs. HerbalThink-TCM provides an interactive way to learn many aspects of Chinese herbology—explanatory, taking you step-by-step from the theory of Chinese herbology to clinical applications.
Institute of Chinese Herbology
www.ich-herbschool.com
1440 Washington Boulevard, #A-2 • Concord, CA 94521
Phone: 800-736-0182
Email: info@ich-herbschool.com
ICH offers distance learning in Chinese herbology for licensed acupuncturists and people who want to study Chinese herbology as a sole practice. Three programs are offered: foundation courses, professional courses, and clinical training in Chinese herbology.
WHERE TO BUY SUPPLEMENTS
Note: Nutritional supplements are best used upon the recommendation of a trained practitioner, doctor, or nutritionist.
Supplements should be recommended by a practitioner after an evaluation. Sometimes there are deficiencies that need to be addressed as well a therapeutic doses than can be used for specific conditions. Because we recommend that a practitioner follow you, this section will include trusted supplement companies. Many practitioners use these companies and other high-quality companies. You should always ask your practitioner about the qualifications of the supplement companies and products they use.
Karuna Corporation
www.karunahealth.com
42 Digital Drive • Novato, CA 94949
Phone: 800-826-7225 • Fax: 415-382-0142
Email: info@karunahealth.com
Karuna carries a wide variety of supplements and herbs for practitioner distribution only. Karuna herbal and nutritional supplements are free of preservatives, excipients, or other additives problematic for the allergic or sensitive patient. Tablets and capsules contain no sugars, artificial flavorings, or preservatives. We use this local brand in our clinic for all basic supplements. They also provide practitioner information to patients by phone and email.
The following companies are recommended by Lyn Patrick, N.D.
Thorne Research, Inc.
www.thorne.com
P.O. Box 25 • Dover, ID 83825
Phone: 800-228-1966 • Fax: 800-747-1950
Email: info@thorne.com
Thorne Research is recognized as a manufacturer of hypoallergenic dietary supplements for severely allergic, chemically sensitive, and immune-compromised patients. Thorne Research has been inspected and approved by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), the Australian pharmaceutical regulatory agency. They use all non-GMO ingredients and have an in-house laboratory for quality control. They carry a wide variety of supplements.
Pure Encapsulations
www.pureencapsulations.com
490 Boston Post Road • Sudbury, MA 01776
Phone: 800-753-2277 • Fax: 888-783-2277
Pure Encapsulations produces a complete line of research-based, hypoallergenic nutritional supplements. Products do not contain hidden fillers, coatings, artificial colors, or other excipients. Formulas are free of wheat, gluten, nuts, and hydrogenated oils. Only licensed health care professionals may order from Pure Encapsulations.
GAIA Herbs
www.gaiaherbs.com
101 Gaia Herbs Drive • Brevard, NC 28712
Phone: 800-831-7780 • Fax: 800-717-1722
Email: info@gaiaherbs.com
GAIA’s mission is to create and nurture healthy connections between plants and people. They do that “through finding and maintaining strong global relationships in addition to championing personal and environmental sustainability here at home, on our own organic farm.”
Integrative Therapeutics
www.integrativepro.com
825 Challenger Drive • Green Bay, WI 54311
Phone: 800-931-1709 • Fax: 800-380-8189
Integrative Therapeutics sells exclusively to health care professionals. It is a leading manufacturer and distributor of science-based nutritional supplements. They have several different lines of products meeting various nutritional needs to be used in conjunction with lifestyle and diet recommendations.
FINDING LICENSED PRACTITIONERS OF NATURAL MEDICINE AND THERAPY
Naturopathic Medicine Doctors
The Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME)
PO Box 178 • Great Barrington, MA 01230
Phone: 413-528-8877
CNME is the accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for the accreditation of naturopathic medical education programs that voluntarily seek recognition in the United States and Canada. Students and graduates of programs accredited or pre-accredited (candidacy) by CNME are eligible to apply for the naturopathic licensing examinations administered by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE), and they are generally eligible for state and provincial licensure in the United States and Canada.
American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP)
www.naturopathic.org
818 18th Street, NW, Suite 250 • Washington, DC 20006
Phone: 866-538-2267 • Fax: 202-237-8152
Email: member.services@naturopathic.org
AANP’s physician members are graduates of naturopathic medical schools accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME). CNME is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the national accrediting agency for programs leading to the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (N.D. or N.M.D.) or Doctor of Naturopathy (N.D.) degree.
Doctors of Chiropractic
The Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE)
www.cce-usa.org
8049 North 85th Way • Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Phone: 888-443-3506 • Fax: 480-483-7333
Email: cce@cce-usa.org
CCE is the national accrediting body for Doctor of Chiropractic programs and chiropractic solitary purpose institutions of higher education recognized by the United States Department of Education.
American Chiropractic Association (ACA)
www.acatoday.org
1701 Clarendon Boulevard, Suite 200 • Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: 703-276-8800 • Fax: 703-243-2593
Email: memberinfo@acatoday.org
The American Chiropractic Association is the largest professional association in the United States representing doctors of chiropractic. You can search for a chiropractor in your area on the ACA website.
Massage and Bodywork
American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA)
www.amtamassage.org
500 Davis Street, Suite 900 • Evanston, IL 60201
Phone: 877-905-0577
Email: info@amtamassage.org
AMTA professional members are massage therapists who have demonstrated their competency by completing one or more of the following: graduation from a minimum 500 in-class hour, entry-level massage therapy school; proof of current state or provincial licensure (where applicable); or certification by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.
Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP)
www.abmp.com
25188 Genesee Trail Road, Suite 200 • Golden, CO 80401
Phone: 800-458-2267 • Fax: 800-667-8260
Email: expectmore@abmp.com
ABMP members at the certified or professional levels must possess a valid massage license from a regulated state, have completed 500 approved educational hours, or be certified through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Licensed nurse and physical therapists may qualify for membership at either the certified or professional level with a minimum of 50 hours of additional massage therapy training.
BOOKS AND PUBLICATIONS
Book Distributors and Publishers
Redwing Book Company
www.redwingbooks.com
Redwing provides books, electronic media, and charts for practitioners and the general public. Categories include Chinese medicine, acupuncture, bodywork, nutrition, integrative medicine, complementary and alternative medicine, and other health-related areas.
Paradigm Publications
www.paradigm-pubs.com
Paradigm Publications provides information about Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture, Japanese acupuncture, and other complementary and alternative healing systems to English-speaking readers. Publications are for both professionals and the layperson. Their work honors both the East Asian respect for language, tradition, and nature and the West’s commitment to science.
Blue Poppy Enterprises, Inc.
www.bluepoppy.com
1990 57th Court North, Unit A • Boulder, CO 80301
Phone: 800-487-9296 • Fax: 303-245-8362
Email: info@bluepoppy.com
Blue Poppy provides a wide variety of books and publications aimed at both practitioners and the public.
Eastland Press
www.eastlandpress.com
1240 Activity Drive, #D • Vista, CA 92081
Phone: 800-214-3278 • Fax: 800-241-3329
Eastland Press provides books to practitioners in osteopathy, bodywork, and Oriental medicine.
Eastwind Books
www.eastwindbooks.com
1435A Stockton Street • San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: 415-772-5888 • Fax: 415-772-5885
Email: contact@eastwindbooks.com
923 Westwood Boulevard • Los Angeles, CA 90024
Phone: 310-824-4888 • Fax: 310-824-4838
Email: info_la@eastwindbooks.com
Eastwind Books has an extensive selection of resources on Asian and Asian-American issues.
Recommended Books
Donald I. Abrams and Andrew Weil, Integrative Oncology, 2nd Edition (Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press, 2014). This text is part of a series of books for clinicians on several health conditions. Integrative Oncology is edited by Andrew Weil, M.D., professor and director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona. Integrative Oncology uses cases histories, tables, and clinical pearls to discuss integrative interventions complementary to conventional treatments in cancer care.
Lise N. Altshuler, N.D., F.A.B.N.O., and Karolyn Gazella, The Definitive Guide to Thriving After Cancer: A Five-Step Integrative Plan to Reduce the Risk of Recurrence and Build Lifelong Health (Berkeley, CA: Ten Speed Press, 2013). A companion to The Definitive Guide to Cancer, this fully revised guide outlines a five-step plan integrating both conventional and alternative therapies for cancer survivors. Dr. Altshuler is widely recognized as an expert in cancer treatment and prevention. She is the founding board member of the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Karolyn A. Gazella is the publisher of the Natural Medicine Journal, a peer-reviewed medical journal for health care practitioners.
Harriet Beinfield and Efrem Korngold, Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine (New York: Ballantine Books, 1991). This book focuses strongly on the philosophy of the Five Phases.
Dan Bensky, Steven Clavey, and Erich Stõger, with Andrew Gamble, illustrations compiled and translated by Lilian Lai Bensky, Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd Edition (Vista, CA: Eastland Press, 2004). Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd Edition is one of the main books used in the West by Chinese herbal practitioners. It covers more than 530 of the most commonly used herbs in the Chinese pharmacopoeia. This book is essential in the library for anyone studying or practicing Chinese herbal medicine.
Jill Blakeway and Sami S. David, Making Babies: A Proven 3-Month Program for Maximum Fertility (New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2009). Making Babies is an accessible book that helps you determine your “fertility type” developed by the authors, who combine Chinese medicine and Western medicine to improve the chances of becoming pregnant.
Keith Block, Life Over Cancer: The Block Center Program for Integrative Cancer Treatment (New York: Bantam Dell, 2009). Dr. Keith Block, an internationally recognized expert in integrative oncology for more than thirty-five years, presents the Block program for fighting cancer to people who are at different places along the cancer continuum: for those who’ve been recently diagnosed, to those in treatment, to those who’ve concluded treatment and need to remain vigilant to prevent recurrence. Dr. Block’s program is explained in easy-to-understand language and format. Patients can implement the program themselves or with the assistance of their health care providers.
Boston Women’s Health Book Collective, Our Bodies, Ourselves, 9th edition (New York: Touchstone, 2001). This is the fortieth anniversary of this women’s health bible, one of Library Journal’s best books of 2011. It offers information about reproductive health, menopause and aging, sexuality, relationships, gender identity, and domestic violence.
John K. Chen, Tina T. Chen, and Laraine Crampton, Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology (City of Industry, CA: Art of Medicine Press, 2004). Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology is a widely used practitioner herb manual. It covers traditional and modern uses of Chinese herbs, clinical studies and research, safety data and toxicology, and Western pharmacological and herb-drug interactions.
Misha Ruth Cohen, O.M.D., L.Ac., and Robert G. Gish, with Kalia Doner, The Hepatitis C Help Book: A Groundbreaking Treatment Program Combining Western and Eastern Medicine for Maximum Wellness and Healing, Revised Edition (New York: St. Martin’s Griffin, 2007). Two experts on hepatitis C teamed up to write the first comprehensive guide to orthodox and alternative treatment options. The Hepatitis C Help Book includes programs for self-care, nutritional and fitness plans, and a comprehensive Western and Chinese medical treatment program for people affected by HCV.
Misha Ruth Cohen, O.M.D., L.Ac., and Kalia Doner, The HIV Wellness Sourcebook: An East/West Guide to Living with HIV/AIDS & Related Conditions (New York: Henry Holt & Company, 1998). The HIV Wellness Sourcebookshows how to incorporate herbs, acupuncture, diet, nutritional supplements, stress reduction, and massage into a sensible comprehensive medical plan, which also addresses the spiritual, mental, and emotional needs of people with HIV/AIDS. It features targeted comprehensive programs combining Chinese and Western medicine for treating digestive disorders, respiratory problems, diarrhea, skin problems, fatigue, pain, anemia, depression, and other maladies.
Peter Deadman, Mazin Al-Khafaji, with Kevin Baker, A Manual of Acupuncture, 2nd Edition (Hove, UK: Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications, 2007). A Manual of Acupuncture is the primary reference in the west for the study of acupuncture points and Channels. There is a companion flash card set, Acupuncture Point Cards. It is also available as an app.
Ted Kaptchuk, The Web That Has No Weaver: Understanding Chinese Medicine (New York: McGraw Hill, 1983, 2000). The 1983 edition of this book was the first widely popular book on Chinese medicine theory published in the West. It has been used as a textbook for beginning practitioners.
Rebecca Katz and Mat Edelson, The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen: Nourishing, Big-Flavor Recipes for Cancer Treatment and Recovery (Berkeley, CA: Ten Speed Press, 2009). This book includes recipes that stimulate the appetite and address treatment side effects, the “Cancer-Fighting Tool Kit” for what caregivers and friends need to keep loved ones eating during treatment, advice on putting together a culinary support team, a culinary pharmacy that reveals the peer-reviewed science behind every ingredient in the book, plus strategies for food and lifestyle choices that help patients stay energized, along with food shopping, preparation, storage, and serving tips.
Toni Wechsler, Taking Charge of Your Fertility, 10th Anniversary Edition: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement, and Reproductive Health (New York: William Morrow, 2006). Toni Weschler has developed the Fertility Awareness Method for birth control without chemicals or devices, to maximize a woman’s chances of conception, expedite fertility treatment, and gain control of her sexual and gynecological health.