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- Last Updated: 02 July 2024 02 July 2024
Traditional Chinese Medicine/TCM is a rich and complex medical system originating over three thousand years ago. Its extensive history has developed intricate diagnostic systems focused on assessing the whole person. It also encompasses an in-depth theory of disease patterns and a multitude of therapies and specialties. This multifaceted system provides explanations and treatments for symptoms experienced by those with multi-systemic, invisible and post-viral illnesses within its medical theories and diagnostics.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is rooted in performing an in-depth intake of each patient which includes gathering detailed information on organ systems, physical strengths and weakness, mental and emotional health, environmental factors, and external pathogens that have influenced one's health in order to create a treatment plan that aligns with the specific needs of the individual.
This system based on personalized care is applicable to a variety of symptoms and disease patterns and is attributed to why those with post viral conditions such as ME/CFS, Long Covid, Chronic Fatigue, and various invisible illnesses have experienced significant improvement of symptoms and quality of life by incorporating an experienced TCM provider into their healthcare team.
For our Sunday Conversations, we have curated an informative and engaging event with a prestigious panel of Traditional Chinese Medical Experts discussing important topics to help those living with invisible illnesses gain a deeper understanding on how integrating TCM into their healthcare plan can enhance their quality of life. Participants will learn…
• What is the TCM medical theory and diagnosis on the common factors and overlapping of symptoms in Post Viral Illnesses, ME/CFS, Long Covid.
• What are the various specialties and approaches of Traditional Chinese Medicine and which ones are the best fit for those with invisible illnesses
• Which TCM treatments are the best for common symptoms experienced by those with ME/CFS and Long Covid ( Chronic fatigue, Pain, Post Exertional Malaise, Cognitive Issues, Dysautonomia, POTS)
• How to find the right provider for your condition
BONUS! Discussion on Insurance Coverage for TCM with Amy Mager
• How does insurance play in to care for those with invisible illness?
• What can you do to advocate for coverage?
• What can you share with your doctor or other medical providers to teach them about how Traditional Chinese Medicine can be part of your integrative medicine team?
The panelists
Christi Mendoza, L.Ac, Moderator and Panelist
South Bay Total Health, Torrance, CA
Christi Mendoza is a California Licensed Herbalist, Acupuncturist, and Tui-Na (Chinese Medical Massage) practitioner and National Board Certified Diplomate of Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). She is the owner of South Bay Total Health in Los Angeles County that serves a diverse population of patients throughout California.
During the pandemic, she has helped hundreds of acute and long covid patients recover and has become an advocate and educator for the long covid community though serving on panels, committees, and providing public education.
Her expertise is with patients who experience chronic and complex health conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, multisystemic illnesses, allergies, cardiovascular disease, chronic fatigue, endocrine dysfunction, acute and latent infections, and immune disorders.
Ms. Mendoza is a passionate educator and speaker who has created a loyal patient community by integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine, Functional Medicine, Indigenous Traditional Wisdom, Soul Mind Body Medicine, and current scientific research with unique protocols to create a comprehensive and effective system of healthcare. The combination of experience, various therapies and protocols, with compassionate care and human connection has improved the quality of life and restored health for those living with various forms of chronic illness.
Dr. Misha Ruth Cohen, OMD, L.Ac, Panelist
Chicken Soup Chinese Medicine, San Francisco, CA
Dr. Misha Ruth Cohen, a Doctor of Oriental Medicine and Licensed Acupuncturist, has practiced traditional Asian medicine and Integrated Chinese Medicine for the past 47 years. She is the Clinical Director of Chicken Soup Chinese Medicine, Executive Director of the Misha Ruth Cohen Education Foundation, and past Research Specialist of Integrative Medicine at the University of California, all in San Francisco. She is an active member of the Society for Integrative Oncology.
Dr. Cohen has authored eight books, for both professionals and for consumers along with numerous professional journal and consumer magazine articles.
Dr. Cohen is internationally renowned as a senior teacher, mentor and leading expert in Integrated Chinese Medicine. She regularly trains Chinese medicine practitioners as well as medical doctors and practitioners in cancer support, chronic viral illnesses, gynecology, liver disease and HIV. She has presented at many international cancer, AIDS, and hepatitis symposiums, along with Chinese medicine and lay conferences.
She has collaborated with Western university and community-based research teams as a leading researcher in Chinese herbal medicine, acupressure and acupuncture in the areas of HIV/AIDS, HPV, anal neoplasia, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, and breast cancer. She has been published in a number of peer-reviewed journals.
Dr. Cohen has created Integrated Chinese Medicine treatment protocols for cancer support, fertility support, liver disease, HIV, endometriosis, HPV-related diseases and menopausal syndromes that are used by many practitioners of Asian medicine. Herbal formulas she has designed are popular among people with HIV, hepatitis C, chronic viral illness, cancer diagnoses, fibromyalgia, CFS and the common cold.
She is currently part of an integrative medicine/acupuncture Covid-19 research group that has published its first peer-reviewed article. The group is applying for funding for ongoing research in acupuncture and herbs for both acute infection and long COVID.
Dr. Hua-Bing Wen, OMD, L.Ac, Panelist
Acupuncture Center, Los Angeles, CA
Dr. Hua-Bing Wen has been practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 35 years and helps patients with a wide array of illnesses. His expertise ranges from chemo and radiation therapy, infertility and most recently has had the privilege to support hundreds of acute-COVID and long-COVID cases. With a prestigious educational background from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, having published multiple scientific articles, and being a past physician in charge at the emergency department of Dong-Zhi hospital; he has developed a passion for mentorship to pass on his knowledge. Currently, he is actively teaching in both Master and Doctorate programs at Yo San University and Emperors College as well as multiple CEU courses.
Amy Mager, DACM, L.Ac, Panelist
Wellness House, Northampton, MA
Amy Mager DACM, Lic.Ac., NBCA has been licensed to practice Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine since 1990. She is also a Birth and End of Life Doula which enhance her skills working with patients with invisible illness. She serves as the Vice Chair of Public Policy of the American Society of Acupuncturists and as Co-Chair of the Legislative Committee of the Acupuncture Society of Massachusetts. She serves on the ASA & NCCAOM Medicare Leadership Team. Amy has been published on Acupuncture Today, and in the books Parenting from the Heart andRound the Circle. She had a radio show called "Healing Outside theBox, Inside the Heart" for 8 years with Bob Flaherty.