You put THAT on your wall?

Hello Friends, Have you ever been to a healthcare office that had downright ugly—or even inappropriate—charts and posters on the walls? I remember once as a child, I was in a doctor’s office that had this problem in spades. There were faded, wrinkled, and even torn posters literally TAPED to the walls, and there was a particularly ugly one taped to the ceiling over the exam table, so when you were on your back you... Read more

“Back to School” means Back to Patients…Are You Ready?

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2012. References to AcuGraph 5 reflect the software version available at the time; the current version is AcuGraph CS. The clinical techniques described remain fully applicable. Isn’t it exciting? After all of the vacations, reunions and hot summer days…the kids are now heading back to school! Even if you don’t have kids, or they are grown, Back to School brings a collective sigh of relief since that’s... Read more

Local Girl makes it Big!

Ever since the Olympics started, I’ve been amazed to see how many World-class athletes come from humble beginnings. We all want to make it to the big time, but even if we don’t, we celebrate those who overcome the odds and do! I am excited to announce that our very own Kimberly Thompson has been published in Acupuncture Today! Following is an  excerpt…   September, 2012, Vol. 13, Issue 09 Are You a Pulse Master?... Read more

Are you getting splinters from sitting on the fence?

Editor’s Note: This post was written for a previous version of AcuGraph. The current version is AcuGraph CS. The clinical concepts discussed remain applicable. Hello Friends, I know acupuncture means different things to different practitioners, but I’m pretty sure NO practitioner thinks a backside full of splinters is therapeutic. That’s precisely what you get if you sit on the fence too long. And I know at least one third of you are sitting on the fence... Read more

How do You Stop a Raging Bull?

Editor’s Note: This post references the Stimplus Pro, now replaced by the Pointoselect Digital and Auriculo 3D, now replaced by Auriculo 360. The clinical concepts discussed remain applicable to current practice. I hope you’ve never had occasion to find out how to stop a raging bull. And frankly, I hope I never have to know either. But this much I do know: If you MUST stop a panic attack, whatever you do had better be... Read more

Graph Analysis #5: Triple Energizer Continued

As promised, I wanted to share with you the progress of my patient with the Triple Energizer nightmare. If you haven’t caught my last couple of blogs, here are the links which will bring you up to date on this difficult case study. What the Heck is a Triple Energizer Anyway? Graph Analysis #4: Triple Energizer Here is a quick recap: I have a patient who consistently has excess in the Triple Energizer channel. We... Read more

The BIG Buzz on Auriuclo 3D

Editor’s Note: This post references Auriculo 3D, now replaced by Auriculo 360. The clinical concepts discussed remain applicable to current practice. Okay, so an acupuncturist and a patient are hanging out in an acupuncture clinic. The practitioner finishes up the treatment by putting radish seeds in the patient’s ear to extend the treatment. The patient says: How long should I leave the ear seeds in my ear? The practitioner answers: Wait for it…. Typically, ear... Read more

Graph Analysis #4: Triple Energizer

Last week, we had a tutoring session on the Triple Energizer. (If you missed it…click here and catch up!) This week, I decided to put my research to the test on several patients. I was amazed with the breakthrough results received by a patient who has been stuck with high Triple Energizer graph results for a very long time. Typically, I can get great results simply with balancing the graph, but this patient seemed to... Read more

What the Heck is a Triple Energizer Anyway?

I get asked, at least once a day, what a Triple Energizer is. This strange TCM organ has several names–the Triple Energizer, San Jiao and Triple Burner. Typically, I give a quick response to my patients, explaining that it has to do with trunk of their body; consisting of the upper, middle and lower parts of their core and/or a pathway that goes through their arms and shoulders. That is usually enough to suffice their... Read more

Kimberly’s Article was Published!

Introduction by Alan Gifford We are excited that our very own Kimberly Thompson was published in the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine newsletter! Last year, Kimberly participated in an essay contest at her Acupuncture Alma Mater – the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. The publication of her essay titled “What is Digital Meridian Imaging?” came as a surprise to all of us since she did not receive prior notification! We are pleased with the progressive... Read more

Practice Marketing Series…the Introduction!

I hope you had a great weekend! My Saturdays are filled with projects around the house. My kids will tell you that if there’s nothing that needs to be done, I’ll create a project! (They’re not always happy about that!) I find it rewarding, and actually relaxing, to spend a day building things with my hands. This past weekend, my goal was to build shelves in the garage. As I began the project, I realized... Read more

Patient Retention – By the Numbers

How is your practice doing? Summertime is slow for many practitioners, which makes it the perfect time to reflect on the past six months and evaluate what’s been working…or not! Your vision certainly includes financial success for your practice. Let’s work together to calculate your patient Attrition/Retention rate and improve your bottom line! What do the numbers tell us? How many patients do you have listed in your database? How many do you see regularly?... Read more

Graph Analysis Series #3: The All GREEN Graph

I have a patient who comes in every two weeks for acupuncture. She is always excited when she gets an all green graph. It doesn’t happen very often. But when it does, I always tell her: “Make sure that you tell your husband tonight that you are perfect–Kimberly said!” So, let’s talk about the all green graph. There are multiple reasons that I see them. #1: Your patient is in excellent condition. The few times... Read more

Got Herbs?

Editor’s Note: This post references AcuHerb, which is no longer available. The clinical concepts discussed remain applicable to current practice. Pop Quiz: Is there an herbal component to the AcuGraph system? Answer: YES. Maybe you’ve missed it…so, I want to introduce you to AcuHerb, the herbal recommendation portal built into the AcuGraph system! Have you noticed that there is a button along the header of the AcuGraph software called “AcuHerb?” You’ve probably been so busy... Read more

Create the “NEW Family Practice”

If you grew up in the United States, you probably watched TV shows that centered around a medical doctor…the “Family Practitioner!”  Do you remember: Ben Casey MD, Marcus Welby MD, Trapper John MD, Quincy ME, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman? The episodes focused on the relationship the doctor developed with the patients and their families. For nearly a century the term MD was synonymous with “Family Practice” in the minds of Americans. Then, there was a... Read more