Multiple Style Integration and Synthesis in the Acupuncture Clinic

Acupuncturists are routinely faced with accommodating multiple clinical styles and perspectives within their practice. The integration and synthesis of distinct acupuncture styles can be a formidable challenge. A framework for clarifying this process is presented here. Three distinct scenarios are considered: (1) integration through simple additive combination, (2) integration through enlarging the tool-chest of choices, and (3) integration leading to synthesis. The author’s clinical experience with a particular Matsumoto-Nagano acupuncture protocol and classical Neijing pulse-taking is presented a s an example of synthesis emergence through c ritical c linical self-inquiry. The phases of clinician development required to enable synthesis are discussed.

SKU: JCM108-60