Hello Friends,

If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you’ve no doubt seen some of the excellent case studies submitted by Dr. Chris Teo. He runs a cancer care clinic in Malaysia that specializes in treating cancer with herbs and energy medicine. AcuGraph is an important tool Dr. Teo uses to monitor patient progress and adjust treatment.

Today’s case is a very rare cancer called Pseudomyxoma Peritonei. This cancer spreads to the body cavity and fills the belly with jelly-like fluid. Dr. Teo treated the patient for 8 months and tracked progress in this interesting case.

Part one of the write up gives the background and case history. Part two discusses treatment progress and results. It’s worth a read.

Read Part One Here

Read Part Two Here

Thanks, Dr. Teo for another excellent contribution!

I recently received an email from a practitioner asking some really important questions about AcuGraph.  I thought many of you would benefit from hearing the answer too–so I’ll address it in today’s blog.

Hi Kimberly,

I have been in deep thought the past couple of weeks on how to really know how many treatments each patient needs.  I have been starting patients out with 1 course of care (12 visits) and then doing a progress exam to determine what steps to take next and now as I am reaching my progress exams I do not have a definite answer of how to move forward.  I graph my patients during their exam and once again at the progress exam–the graphs come back either improved or worse and I know that when the body is healing other areas become blocked or deficient while the body learns how to function normally again. 

I am wondering what you base your treatment plans on?  Do you have some sort of rating system that you use?  

Any suggestions, advice or ideas is greatly appreciated!

Shana

These are really GREAT questions–which are common for a lot of practitioners. I’ll break my answer into three parts.

Read the rest of this entry »

Have you heard? April is has been proclaimed NATIONAL FINANCIAL CAPABILITY MONTH by Presidential Decree. The proclamation calls for helping people learn responsible budgeting, financial literacy and sound decision making. Sounds good…right?

Since this proclamation was made on April Fool’s Day, there was a certain amount of chuckling. Some were sure it was a joke.

But aside from the obvious irony of any branch of the Federal Government attempting to encourage responsible budgeting and sound decision making, especially on April 1st, I think this is a good thing. Certainly budgeting and investing are crucial to financial stability and success.

Investing isn’t Always Easy…

AcuGraph is an investment. It pays back in your patient relationships, your quality of care, and your bottom line. In fact, most of our users tell us AcuGraph pays off many, many times over. Statistics show AcuGraph users make 35% more money than practitioners who don’t use AcuGraph, which is great, but AcuGraph is still a substantial investment.

One of the real hurdles most practitioners face when purchasing an AcuGraph system isn’t quality, usability, or need. It’s price. Unfortunately, many practices are living “paycheck to paycheck” and simply can’t pay a couple thousand dollars or more in a single transaction. What’s worse, the practices that need AcuGraph the most are often least able to afford the investment.

Now, it’s Budget Friendly!

This is why I’m so pleased to announce our new, budget-friendly purchase options. How budget friendly? How about a manageable down payment and $179 per month? That works out to 3 or 4 patient visits to completely cover your monthly AcuGraph system payment. What’s even better? We’re not talking about 5 years of payments, either. This is a 12-month plan, and it’s done.

Here are the details: Put $995 down on ANY AcuGraph package and pay the rest off over 12 months. And since all packages are available, you save by getting the bundle you need at substantial bundle discounts, and a monthly payment you can afford. We’ve got all the details worked out for each of the packages; just click below for complete information.

It’s up to You

We’re giving this new financing plan a limited try to see how popular it is. If it proves popular, we’ll make it permanent. If not, we’ll stop offering it. Right now, the plan is ONLY available to purchasers in the United States. We hope to expand to other areas in the future, but for now, we’ll see how it goes here in the USA.

If you’ve been waiting for the right opportunity to invest in your practice with the power of AcuGraph, here’s your chance to lock in VERY favorable purchase terms that won’t bust your budget! So go check it out and we’ll look forward to welcoming you as a new AcuGraph practice! Meanwhile, happy National Financial Capability Month!

I’d be smiling if I knew how to fly it.

I don’t own an airplane. Investing in an airplane only makes sense if you use it to do what it’s designed to do–fly! Otherwise, it’s just an expensive toy that sits in the hangar, gathering dust. I don’t know how to fly an airplane, and I don’t own one.

Would you buy an airplane if you didn’t know how to fly it? I once saw a video of a guy who did this with a helicopter. He bought it and just couldn’t wait to try it out. You can guess the result…

You Want to Fly

When it comes to investing in your Acupuncture Practice, it’s not just about buying a piece of equipment. Just as the true value of an airplane is only realized when it’s airborne, the true value of your AcuGraph investment is only realized when you have the training you need to make it fly, so to speak.

When we developed the first version of AcuGraph in 2003, it was a great tool. Do an exam, get a graph–pretty basic, but useful nonetheless. And training? It came with a manual.

As AcuGraph has evolved with greater capability and value, we’ve also added additional training resources: videos, seminars, blog entries, and even personal coaching. The point is that AcuGraph is a high performance aircraft that will help your practice soar–but only if you know how to use it. And without proper training, it’s just a really nice airplane sitting in the hanger.

More Value than Ever Before!

And THAT, my friends, is why I’m so excited about our new AcuGraph system packages. ALL our AcuGraph packages now include incredible training that will get you up and flying fast. Options include all the following, depending on your needs:

• Video boot camp
• AcuGraph e-Course
• Seminar Series (with CE credits!)
• AcuGraph Case Studies Textbook
• Personal Coaching
• Personal Case Consultations
• Concierge Installation and Setup
• Patient Education Tools
• Advanced Marketing Training
• And More…

What’s even better? The combined packages save you LOTS of money! In the past, our users purchased AcuGraph, realized they needed training, and purchased it separately within a few months. Those who got the most training, got the most benefit from their AcuGraph investment. But they also spent the most, and had to do it in multiple purchases.

Who wants to invest in equipment only to find they also need to invest in training they hadn’t planned on? With our new, integrated packages, you get everything you need up front, and save money doing it! Equipment, training, coaching–it’s all there to guarantee your success!

Taking Off

If you haven’t yet made your practice investment in AcuGraph, there’s no better time than now! Your package is positioned on the runway and ready for take off. We have equipment and training packages tailored to every need and every budget. We’ll even design a custom package for you!

Is your practice ready for takeoff?

- -> Click Here to See the AcuGraph Packages <- -

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Pick What you Need and Click Below!.

It’s been seven weeks since I began researching and writing this series about Chronic Dehydration. Drinking 3 liters of water has been life changing on so many levels.

1. Personally, I feel fantastic! Aches and pains have diminished, brain function has improved, and my digestive system feels so clean. The added BONUS–I’ve lost 30 pounds!
2. My patients are happy. Most people know how important it is to drink water–but having a gentle reminder with evidence to reinforce this important healthy lifestyle habit goes a long way. I have copies of “New Year’s Resolutions…They can be Hard to Swallow! Part 1″ in my waiting room. I insist everyone read it.
3. AcuGraph analysis of patients over a one-year period taught me how to better analyze the effects of Chronic Dehydration in my patients.

Let’s take a look at two patients.

Case Study #1:

Symptoms: Chronic hives, pain in the liver, low back pain, headaches which pulsate through the eye, muscle twitching, chronic phlegm, obesity.

TCM Diagnosis: Spleen Qi Deficiency; Liver Qi Stagnation with Phlegm Damp leading to Liver Yang Rising and Toxic Heat.

Read the rest of this entry »

Happy Valentine’s Day!

In case you haven’t heard, love is in the air, along with overpriced flowers, wafts of perfume, cards, and lots of chocolate. I hope you have someone to share it all with today.

But whether you do or you don’t, we’ve got some sweet AcuGraph love to share with you! We love all our customers, and our future customers!

In yesterday’s post, I mentioned that after 3 years of holding the line, we’re going to have to raise prices on AcuGraph systems. Today, I can tell you a little more detail. AcuGraph system prices will be increasing by $300. We hate to do it, but our costs have increased to the point we must do something to be able to continue providing our legendary service and support to all our customers.

“But Wait! I thought you were sharing love, not price increases!”

You’re exactly right.

So here’s the love:

We’re going to hold 2010 pricing for a few more days, just to make sure you have your chance at love.

I know some of you have been watching and waiting for the perfect opportunity. Well, here it is. You can still bring all the power of AcuGraph to your practice and your patients–at 2010 pricing through February 28th. After that, the new pricing will be in effect.

Not ready for a commitment? No worries! AcuGraph gives you a full 30-day, money back guarantee. If you don’t find love, you can end the relationship and get a full refund. I bet you’ve never gotten a Valentine’s offer like that!

So don’t delay! 2010 pricing will end before you know it! Why complicate the relationship by waiting? Just click on the heart to meet your new best friend.

Happy Valentine’s Day from all your friends at Miridia Acupuncture Technology!

Learning to Work

One of the benefits of the family farm in days gone by was the opportunity to teach children and pass on a work ethic. Traditionally, the whole family pitched in to complete farm chores every day, and children began doing chores at a young age. They learned to work because they grew up working.

Miridia Technology, my family business, serves much the same role. My children have been involved in the work since I started this business, and they continue today.

2004: Kids, Living Room, AcuGraph Systems

Back in 2003 and 2004, when I ran Miridia from my home, my children were my only work force. They helped me with production, packing, shipping, and pretty much anything else I could get them to do. As the business has grown my children’s role has shifted. Now they’re the cleaning crew. My job has changed too. I vacuum.

That’s how it is when you have your own business. You know what I’m talking about. You do whatever needs to be done. I’m the president and owner of the business, and I’m also the chief janitor. As I push that vacuum while my children and wife clean the bathrooms and kitchen, I feel very grateful to not only have a business, but also to have a way to teach my children life’s lessons.

Family Cleaning Crew

Changes and Challenges

One constant in small business is change. Business circumstances change and evolve, and the business must constantly adapt. I’m sure it’s the same in your practice.

Well, change is on the horizon. Today I’m writing to give you a heads up—the price of AcuGraph is going to be increasing soon. 

For the past 3 years, we’ve kept prices the same on our AcuGraph systems. Though our costs have increased substantially, we’ve kept the same pricing model we used in 2010. And we’ve continued to deliver the same outstanding level of service and support to our customers, despite increases in the costs of providing such service.

We held it off as long as we could, but unfortunately the time has come to make adjustments. Before we do, I want to give you the opportunity to still get 2010 pricing on your AcuGraph system before it’s too late.

If you’ve been thinking about an AcuGraph system, now is the time to act. You’ve only got a few days before the new pricing kicks in on March 1st.  I’d hate for you to miss out on this opportunity to save. And please understand, I’m still doing all I can to keep prices low. Heck, I even do the vacuuming.

The “Chronic Dehydration” blog was quite popular. Your feedback has been amazing. I love that so many of you wanted to share this article with your patients! Together we can make a huge impact.

If you missed it for some reason, you may want to click below and catch up.

New Year’s Resolutions…They can be Hard to Swallow: Part 1

“Chronic Dehydration” plays an important role with regards to blood-related TCM patterns. Our Western analysis told us that 83% of the blood in the body is WATER.

Today we are going to continue our discussion on Chronic Dehydration in relation to blood in TCM.

I did a little research on the subject of blood in one of my favorite books. Okay, I’ll admit I’m a little nerdy. How many of you like to curl up in a big comfy chair, reading “A Practical Dictionary of Chinese Medicine” in your spare time?

I LOVE reading this book! The words and explanations crack me up. When I was in college, my friends and I used to come up with random phrases from the TCM dictionary and try to stump the class. Everyone would get a chuckle. Now days, I don’t have many to chuckle with ‘in person’ because most of my colleagues have scattered around the world. Hopefully today, you and I can chuckle together.

Read the rest of this entry »

Hi! Are you enjoying the cooler temperatures? As I write this, we’re enjoying a snowfall. There are tiny little snowflakes gently floating down outside my window.

You might be thinking the picture to the right is a little out of place with snow falling outside, however, now is the time to implement your Weight-Loss Program!

This is part 2 of my Weight-Loss series. In Part 1 I included a spreadsheet matrix for determining your fee structure…Did you look at that? First, you must determine your fee structure. If you missed that discussion, go back and read it real quick!  Click Here! I know it’s a lot to take in, however, the numbers I listed there are the result of ACTUAL weight-loss programs.

Okay, now let’s continue.

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Do you have patients who suffer from these symptoms?

If so, then keep reading… Each of the above symptoms can be linked to ONE common health problem–possibly the BIGGEST problem in the world!

 **********

  Read the rest of this entry »

Hello Friends,

As I worked through my Inbox yesterday I discovered an email from Kimberly that I forgot to send! Without further delay…here it is! (*embarrassed*)

Alan Gifford

During this busy and hectic time of year, I hope you take a little time to rest your bodies, rejuvenate your minds and enjoy your families. It’s hard to believe, but this month marks my third year working for Miridia Technology. I must say, one of the best parts of my job is writing the blog each week–for YOU. I especially enjoy interacting with such amazing acupuncturists all around the world.

Read the rest of this entry »

Are you a planner/organizer? I’ve learned how to be “that girl” over the years out of pure necessity. Having 9 kids FORCED me to learn organization skills. Consequently, I am a list maker. I’ve even been known to file my holiday lists away in my computer so that I can bring them out the next year and use them again.

I’ve been doing some business planning for the new year–making lists of things that I want to implement in my clinic. While planning, I like to ask myself questions about my clinic in order to decide which new ideas to implement. Here are a few that I’ve asked myself recently.

• Where should I focus my spare time? Networking, health fairs, finding new patients, activating old patients? Was my networking effective last year?
• How many NEW patients did I have last year? How many of those patients came for a series of treatments and then disappeared? How many of the same patients actually became part of my CORE group of regulars?
• Who are my CORE patients? What can I do to show them how much I appreciate them?
• Do I have patients who I need to work on reactivating?

Read the rest of this entry »

Hello Friends,

How much have you been hearing about the “Fiscal Cliff?”

In case you don’t know, this colorful term refers to the combination of across-the-board tax rate increases and automatic spending cuts that take effect on January 1st, unless Congress enacts changes before then. And Congress, as usual, isn’t showing any signs of progress. Nobody knows whether an agreement will be reached in time–which makes business planning difficult, at best. It’s hard to make decisions affecting next year’s bottom line when tax rates may shift in a big way.

You may not be able to plan for next year quite yet, so why not take the sure thing and act now to reduce this year’s tax bill? 

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