Path To Acupuncture & Functional Medicine
In 2002 at age 40 Van encountered a major health crisis: blood disorder, stroke and lethal prognosis. He was confronted with the limitations of conventional medicine – hope was taken away and was given 6-12 months to live. Saddled with disabilities, unable to work and not having a future he chose from the ‘Bucket List’ to resume study of horses which have been his life’s passion. It was there that he was introduced to Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) by several of the world’s top veterinarians and therapist. Those medicines combined with guidance by them, his prior medical science knowledge (he had studied pre-med and pre-veterinary sciences 30 years prior) combined with problem solving skills from his profession as a designer/builder of complex special effects lead to creative solutions eventually the restoration of his health.
Along the way he established a horse therapy practice and five years after the stroke entered acupuncture college. His life is now dedicated to bringing these powerful therapies and medicine practices to conditions which they typically are never considered much less applied. There are 700,000 strokes annually in the USA and equates to many who are in need. Today, his practice includes those medicines and therapeutic practices that restored his health and have given him a new purposeful life.
To quote Van “I lived through the years of disability and despair. I am here to tell you there is hope, even when the conventional medical world tells you there’s nothing more they can do. They are correct, they do not practice or provide the CAM therapies – hence, the reasons why you may never hear about them. When I was diagnosed and living with disabilities, I had trouble seeing the positive side of the situation. Now, I am so grateful that I am able to use my own experiences to help others recover the way I did”.
CREDENTIALS
Licensed in California
California is one of the few states in the USA whereby a licensed acupuncturist is a Primary Care Provider and as such my scope of practice includes both modern biomedicine, the prescribing of laboratory tests and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Laboratory tests include but are not limited to blood, urinalysis, fecal tests, radiographs (x-ray), MRI, and CT scan. Treatment includes the practice of acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition therapy and Tuina, which is a form of hands on therapy to treat musculoskeletal pain and disorders. Verify my license Cyril V. Harding
National Certification
All states in the USA, with the exception of California and Nevada, utilize the examination by NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) to assess and establish the qualifications and competency to practice acupuncture, herbal medicine, oriental medicine and biomedicine. The national certifications in all 4 areas permit registration to practice those approved disciplines within 43 states and the District of Columbia. Read More about NCCAOM
Studied in China – Unique Specialization
Van studied in China at the Qingdao Neurological & Brain Hospital learning the
techniques and protocols of Neuro-Acupuncture and Neurological Therapy for the treatment of Acute and Chronic Stroke, TBI or Concussion Syndrome. This powerful form of modern acupuncture can end paralysis. Van’s practice includes emergency response to hospitals by request of family. The sooner the therapy is applied the faster and more comprehensive the results.The training for stroke and TBI is applicable to other Brain-based disorders. See Video on HOME page: New Therapies For Stroke & TBI
Functional Medicine and Neuroendocrine Immunology
Van spent three additional years studying Neurophysiology, Neuroendocrine Immunology, Blood Chemistry, Functional and Orthomolecular Medicine to address the biochemistry aspects for treating brain injury and recovery of function. The other brain-based disorders he treats includes Emotional disturbances, Psychological & Psychiatric disorders, Neurodegenerative diseases of the brain, Aphasia, Apraxia, Memory Loss, Autoimmune diseases and Pain. In Chinese Medicine these disorders translate into disharmonies of Shen, Mind, Heart, Kidney along with Internal Wind, Phlegm Obstructing Orifices, Jing & Essence, Blood & Qi deficiencies and stasis/stagnation.
Certified Interactive Metronome Provider
Interactive Metronome is a computerized Neurological Therapy that provides real-time assessment and feedback of neuron function and improves neuron timing and sequencing. It enhances rehabilitation therapies such as physical, occupational and speech/language as well it treats ADHA, OCD, Autism and many other brain-based mental and cognitive disorders. The US Department of Defense and the Veteran’s Administration completed their study in 2013 of blast-brain injured soldiers and found that it also treated PTSD.
BIOGRAPHY
Prior Profession
I have 20 years experience of design and construction in theatre, television, motion picture and theme park industries. Ten years as the CEO and lead designer of my own company Encompass Design & Build, Inc. We provided services to Steven Spielberg, Jeffery Katzenberg, Universal Studios, Disney and Las Vegas casinos.
Education
Master of Traditional Oriental Medicine
Master of Fine Art
Bachelor of Fine Art
Other Interests, Education & Experience
I am an Equinologist, a person who studies the horse through the sciences of biology, veterinary medicine. biological evolution and anthropology. I hold an academic certificate in Horse Science and a certificate as an equine therapist trained in massage, Myofascial Release, acupressure, nutrition and advanced biomechanics. I am the owner of Equine Equilibrium and I spent 10 years providing horse therapy services throughout the greater Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara area during my early years of post-stroke recovery.
I give a portion of my time to public education of horses to address a widespread knowledge gap which perpetuates preventable injuries and abuses of horses. I was a guest speaker and provided demonstrations of horse therapy at both the 2005 and 2007 Equine Affaire Expo in Pomona, CA. At the 2009 Horse Breeders & Owners Conference in Red Deer, Alberta Canada I presented two seminars: Hands-On Therapy for Horses and Beyond White Hairs-Saddlefit and the Sore Back and received the Best Speaker of the Conference award. I served as the founding Chairman of the International Equine Body Worker Association.
I have worked and/or travelled in 19 countries including Europe, Great Britain, Scandinavia, Far East Asia, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, Middle East, Mediterranean and North Africa. I enjoy culture diversity, museums, art galleries, history, architecture, culinary arts and music.
Twenty years volunteering at the Sons of Norway as a cook preparing Lutefisk for their annual fund raising dinners. It was a great experience to preserve and share Norwegian cuisine and culture.
by Blake Farmer Feb. 16, 2012