Photo by Peter Hapak
(Real Simple October 2016)
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Susan started studying acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in 1996 and received her New York State acupuncture license in 1999. For the first 15 years, she practiced Traditional Chinese Medicine style acupuncture with tuina, bone setting and craniosacral therapy learned through apprenticeship with Frank Butler and extensive studies with Tom Bisio. She also studied Xing Yi Quan internal martial arts and Qi Nei Gong with Frank and Tom. In 2016, Susan transitioned to practicing Traditional Japanese style gentle acupuncture, completing an advanced certification, studying with Stephen Brown, Jeffrey Dann, T. Koei Kuwahara Sensei among other esteemed teachers. Japanese acupuncture encompasses many styles of treatment based on palpation of the pulse, abdomen and channels. More recently, she has been studying and incorporating the Engaging Vitality tools into her gentle Japanese acupuncture and Chinese medicine practice. Using osteopathic assessment techniques, attending to the Yang Qi, the yin fluids, and channel listening, Susan treats according to the findings revealed by palpating and listening to the body.
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Susan's treatment philosophy is to educate her patients and to help them listen to their own bodies and to figure out the best dietary and lifestyle practices based on their constitution and health issues. The initial consultation includes a comprehensive health history intake and discussion of diet and lifestyle.
The treatment session starts with Susan assessing and gathering information through touch. Afterwards, she will discuss with the patient her findings. The most active acupuncture points with the greatest systemic "tōng" effect are stimulated with very fine needles, a teishin (skin contact silver needle) or direct moxibustion. One needle to an average of five needles are used in the acupuncture portion of the treatment to open, connect and unblock the channels, tapping into the body's innate ability to heal. For patients with musculoskeletal issues, Susan ends the session with tuina bodywork, cupping, teishin work on the neck or Sotai structural integration bodywork depending on what she deems necessary.
The treatment session starts with Susan assessing and gathering information through touch. Afterwards, she will discuss with the patient her findings. The most active acupuncture points with the greatest systemic "tōng" effect are stimulated with very fine needles, a teishin (skin contact silver needle) or direct moxibustion. One needle to an average of five needles are used in the acupuncture portion of the treatment to open, connect and unblock the channels, tapping into the body's innate ability to heal. For patients with musculoskeletal issues, Susan ends the session with tuina bodywork, cupping, teishin work on the neck or Sotai structural integration bodywork depending on what she deems necessary.