Interview in Alternative Medicine.com

Deirdra Claiborne, L.Ac.
of the Acupuncture Herbal Center in San Rafael, California
was interviewed as a featured practitioner in the March 2002 newsletter from Alternativemedicine.com.

Alternative Medicine Narrator: Tell us how you first got started in alternative medicine.
At an early age, I had a great love for people and animals, especially those suffering from pain or illness. I cared about people who were not as fortunate as I was. In First grade, one of my classmates had a severe skin disease, which had deformed his hands. I remember wishing that I could heal him so that he would not feel embarrassed.

I was open to receiving the gifts of natural healing and, as a result, many wonderful teachers shared their wisdom. The first was my father who tried to heal me in natural ways and only used Western medicine as a last resort. This made an impression. A childhood seed had been planted which led to my path in becoming a healing professional. When I was nineteen, a Native American herbalist shared her vast knowledge of life, nature, plants and natural healing remedies. Many of these remedies are similar to the traditional Chinese remedies that I use today.

Because I had several life-threatening accidents, I was able to experience the body’s innate ability to heal. This has brought me deep compassion, and along with my knowledge of Chinese Medicine, I am able to guide others in their healing processes.

Why did you choose this profession and what is your educational background?

When I was 20 years old, I was studying pre-med and had a friend who had good results for migraines from acupuncture. He suggested I try acupuncture and herbs for recurring bronchitis. The results were immediate. During my third treatment, it became clear that I had a calling to become an acupuncturist. I became fascinated with Chinese medicine, philosophy, martial arts, meditation and Eastern orthopedic physical therapy. A year later, I apprenticed with an acupuncturist in Los Angeles and learned how acupuncture is administered in a clinical setting. I attended Samra University – the first acupuncture school in Los Angeles and completed my education at American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco because of their comprehensive herbal study program.

In 1984, I had the privilege to personally study with several renowned Chinese doctors at Sun Yat Sen Medical School in Canton, China, where I graduated with an advanced degree in professional acupuncture. My field of study focussed on female disorders – infertility, menstrual imbalances, menopause, urinary difficulties and all pain-related conditions.

In 1989, I completed a six-month advanced post-doctoral training in clinical acupuncture and herbal medicine at the Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Beijing, China and extended my knowledge with a yearlong program in advanced orthopedic acupuncture. This has provided me with the understanding of both Eastern and Western medical perspectives in treating complicated pain related conditions.

How does acupuncture work?

I see our body as a self-healing organism with a network of interrelating and interacting energies. The even distribution and flow of the body's energy (Qi) maintains health. But any disturbance, depletion, or stagnation unbalances the Qi and leads to disease. Acupuncture is a system of Chinese medicine that facilitates the natural processes, encouraging the Qi to regulate. The imbalances are detected through traditional Chinese diagnostic tools such as the pulse, tongue irregularities, physiognomy, and comprehensive patient consultation. This evaluation shows me where the Qi needs to be redirected. Using minute needles (and sometimes electrodes) assists the rebalance of the Qi and helps the body heal itself.

Do you have a specialty and what modalities do you use?

I specialize in acute and chronic pain, menopause, fertility issues, gynecological disorders – PMS, endometriosis, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, urogenital disorders – interstitial cystitis and facial rejuvenation acupuncture.

In 1980, I treated many difficult chronic pain cases at the Alternative Medical Department of UCSF. These patients tried acupuncture as a last resort and many were successfully treated. I had several infertility patients, because Chinese medicine is recognized as increasing the likelihood of conception by creating a healthy intrauterine environment for a harmonious pregnancy. My patients have received relief from chronic pain, PMS, and urinary difficulties, since acupuncture helps to rebalance the Qi. Chinese medicine has lasting results and helps people without side effects. The benefits of acupuncture are enhanced with suggested dietary and life-style changes.

In addition to acupuncture, I employ hot and cold herbal plasters, cupping, infrared therapy, moxa, herbal steam packs, Chinese orthopedic massage, and all forms of Chinese herbs (pills, powder, and raw). There are also many herbal formulas that my partner, Dr. Samuel Wang, and I developed specifically for our clinic.

Would you share with us three short case histories to show the broad range of conditions that Chinese medicine can treat?

A 41-year-old woman came to see me with a history of tubal pregnancies and several miscarriages. She was having difficulty conceiving for a year-and-a-half and had taken fertility drugs with no results. Her fertility specialist suggested in-vitro fertilization. Instead, she decided to try Chinese medicine. I treated her irregular menstrual cycles and PMS symptoms. Within one year (at the age of forty-two) she had a successful pregnancy that was supported with Chinese herbs and had a healthy baby girl.

Another example was a 72-year-old diabetic woman who came to my clinic because she wanted to avoid amputation of her feet that UCSF thought necessary due to a severe circulatory impairment. I gave her series of twelve acupuncture treatments in conjunction with electrode and infrared light therapy. Her circulation began to improve significantly and amputation was not necessary even up to the ripe old age of ninety-two when she died.

A friend of mine had a German Shepard who had suddenly become paralyzed in his hind legs. After one month of paralysis, I treated him with Chinese orthopedic massage and electrode acupuncture therapy. After four visits, he was able to walk on his right hind leg. After the fifth visit he was partially able to walk on his left. This proves that belief is not necessary for Chinese medicine to work.

Would you like to share anything else?

I was honored to be one of the first acupuncturists in California to work in a major University-teaching hospital, with a staff of physicians that specialized in Western medicine. I encourage other health professionals to share the benefits of Chinese medicine with their patients who are hospitalized so they have more choices in their healing.

Testamonial

“After just two sessions, I was able to walk. My broken ankle healed faster than I thought possible!”
~Dr. Greg Wierzowboski, M.D.

“The natural grace of the office accentuates the healing quality of the practitioners.”
~Dr. Maud Nerman, D.O.

“I always return to the Acupuncture Herbal Center for my healing. I have recommended Deirdra to many people.”
~Ali Akbar Khan, World Renowned Musician.

Services

We specialize in the following modalities: Acupuncture, Children's Health Care, Chinese Medicine, Herbal Medicine, Hormone Replacement with Chinese Herbs, Orthopedic Acupuncture, Pain Management, Stress Management, Weight Management.
We specialize in treating the following health conditions: Addiction, Allergies, Arthritis, Asthma, Back Pain - Sciatica, Cancer, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Colds and Flu, Constipation, Digestive Disorders, Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Gynecological Disorders, Headaches, Cardiovascular Disease, Hypertension - High Blood Pressure, Infertility, Menopause, Neck Pain, Respiratory Diseases, Sports Injuries, Stomach - Intestinal Problems, Stroke, Tendonitis, Urinary Problems, Viral Infections and Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture.

Acupuncture $75.00 to $95.00 per visit
Herbal Remedies Prices Vary



Directions to 824 Fifth Avenue, Suite C, San Rafael

North on Highway 101: Take the Central San Rafael exit, stay in the middle lane. Past three intersections, and
turn left on Fifth Avenue. Proceed underneath the freeway, and go three blocks - passing the intersection at Lincoln Avenue. Our office is located approximately half a block after Lincoln Avenue on the right hand side of the street. Parking is located in the center row at the rear of the building.

South on Highway 101:Take the Central San Rafael exit. Proceed straight through one intersection, and turn right on Fifth Avenue. Go three blocks - passing the intersection at Lincoln Avenue. Our building is located approximately half a block after Lincoln Avenue on the right hand side of the street. Parking is located in the center row at the rear of the building.


Deirdra Claiborne, L.Ac., and Dr. Samuel Wang, Ph.D., L.Ac.
824 5th Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901 USA
Phone: (415) 485-5834
Fax: (415) 456-2636
email: info@acupuncture-herbal.com


For an appointment: (415) 485-5834

Hours of Operation

Monday             9:00 am - 1:00 pm        2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Tuesday            9:00 am - 1:00 pm       2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Wednesday      9:00 am - 1:00 pm        2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Thursday          9:00 am - 1:00 pm        2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Friday               9:00 am - 1:00 pm        2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Saturday           call for appointment

Sunday             CLOSED

 

Acupuncture Herbal Center
824 5th Ave. San Rafael, CA 94901
Tel: (415) 485-5834

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Interview with Deirdra Claiborne | Interview with Dr. Samuel Wang
Infertility | Back and Neck Pain | Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture

© Acupuncture Herbal Center, 2007

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