Bookmark and Share

Style of Practice

930 Logan Street #101 & 102
Denver, Co 80203
720.284.1374

Licensed Acupuncturist and Practitioner of Chinese Medicine

John S. Aguilar Jr., L.Ac.

Home

Introduction FAQ Foundations of Health About Chinese Medicine Acupuncture For... My Private Practice Community Acupuncture Links Sources, Suggested Reading Sitemap Mind and Mood Diet Exercise Sleep Meditation Appropriate Medical Care 10 Steps to Better Health What is Acupuncture? What is Chinese Herbal Medicine? What Can Chinese Medicine Treat? What to Expect Acupuncturist Training Herb Identfication Energy Almanac Addictions Aging Allergies Anxiety Back pain Common cold Depression Digestive Issues Disease Prevention Fatigue, Low Energy Menopause Migraines and headaches PMS, Painful periods Sports injuries Stress Students Weight loss About Me Practice Philosophy Specialties Modalities Rates Training and Licensing Location Clinic Photos Seminars Current Patients New Patients Chinese Medical Chinese Medical - Organizations Chinese Medical - Schools Chinese Medical - Government Chinese Medical - Journals Chinese Medical - Misc. Exercise (Tai Chi, Kung Fu) Government Western Medical Drug Information Local Practitioners Chinese Medical Chinese Medical - Classics and Pre-modern Texts Chinese Medical - Modern Texts Taoism Physics Diet Exercise Western Medical Psychology

As is likely evident throughout this website, I am pretty traditional in my practice of acupuncture and Oriental medicine. What I mean by that is that I fully acknowledge that the power – the medical efficacy – of this medicine is based on, and accessible through, its long history. I consciously honor this in my daily studies and clinical practice.

In my research, I focus on the classics and many pre-modern texts written by past sage-physicians. These texts are somewhat equivalent to clinical research in the practice of modern biomedicine ('Western medicine'). Both the evidence, and the underlying, explanatory theory, for the practice of acupuncture and Oriental medicine comes from these texts.

Though there is more and more modern research being done on Oriental medicine, I do not believe it is appropriate to base one's clinical practice on this research. The strength of evidence based on modern research is much, much weaker than that based on the accumulated wisdom and experience of a hundred generations of practitioners. (Not to downplay the importance of modern research into this medicine. It, in fact, constitutes much of the contribution of the modern era to the storehouse of medical knowledge that is Oriental medicine.)

In my private practice, I am rather stringent in applying therapeutics in as strict accord as is practical with the classical approach, this approach representing the modern incarnation of this ageless medicine. For example, I study and practice needling techniques (what is done immediately after insertion of the needle) discussed and expounded upon over the last several hundred years. I rarely use 'guide tubes', small tubes used to guide the needle during insertion, even though they are in common practice for many styles and practitioners of acupuncture. I do this because the classics are clear in stating the practitioner must maintain direct contact and control of the needle through its insertion and manipulation. (Please note, I do not necessarily consider one approach superior. I simply feel an obligation to honor the root of this medicine to the best of my ability. I know many practitioners who get results with the use of guide tubes.)

In my practice of Chinese herbal medicine, I use mostly bulk herbs (as opposed to the popular and more convenient pills or tablets), and I tailor every formula to individual patients. When preparing these herbs, I have the patients cook certain herbs for longer duration and others for shorter, depending on the desired therapeutic effect. Though more time consuming for the patient, it represents a practice more inline with the style of practice upon which Oriental medicine makes its claims of safety and efficacy. (The thought being if I make a claim that the medicine can do something, I should practice it in a way the medicine says will, in fact, do that thing.)

In discussions with patients, I strive to share information that is solidly grounded in the experience of past Oriental medical physicians. Very rarely will I share information that I 'just read' in a magazine or journal. And it is unlikely you will catch me advising the use of modern dietary supplements, such as Glucosamine, or vitamins and minerals. The knowledge behind the medical use of these and any evidence to support that use is distinct from the history of Oriental medicine. Quite simply, they are not part of the medicine I practice. I honor that fact, as well as the medicine I do practice by avoiding suggesting their use.

Note, often patients will inquire into my belief and understanding of supplements, techniques, or styles of medicine outside of my professional scope of practice. I am all to happy to discuss these things with patients, answer any questions they have, but I am very clear to distinguish between my personal experiences and beliefs and those of Oriental medicine, as a distinct field.

Back to my private practice.

All contents Copyright
John Aguilar, Jr. 2008