Dr. PHIL SETTELS DAOM, LAc
Dean of ACCHS DAOM program
Chinese Medicine is not just my job, it’s my passion. In order to learn from the best teachers available, I’ve traveled throughout the US and China, and will soon complete two doctorate degrees (a 4-yr PhD in China and a 2-yr DAOM in the US). I will always keep learning so that I can get better at improving the lives of my patients.
The areas where I’ve concentrated the most include treating pain and musculoskeletal conditions, as well as complex and chronic internal medicine conditions (such as autoimmune disorders, digestive problems, neurological conditions, endocrine disorders, etc.)
After several years in private practice, I returned to the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences to teach. I am now the Dean of Academics as well as a faculty member in both the Master’s and Doctorate programs.
During the course of his career, I have trained with several of the top Chinese Medical physicians in the US and China, obtaining certificates in:
- Advanced Herbal Studies from the Institute of Canonical East Asian Medicine with Dr. Arnaud Versluys (250 hours, 2011)
- Advanced Herbal Studies with Dr. Feng Shi Lun of the Hu Xi Shu Institute, Beijing, China (80 hours, 2014)
- Acupuncture Sports Medicine Apprenticeship Program with Whitfield Reaves (75 hours, 2015)
- Integrative Acupuncture and Physical Medicine with Anthony Von der Muhll (200+ hours, 2017-2018)
- Currently pursuing a PhD in Classical Chinese Herbal Medicine under the tutelage of Dr. Huang Huang at Nanjing University, China (expected graduation 2021)
- Currently pursuing a Clinical Doctorate of Chinese Medicine at ACCHS, in Oakland, CA.(expected graduation 2021).
Dr. PONEY CHIANG, PhD, R.Ac, R.TCMP Dipl. OM (NCCAOM)
Dr. Poney Chiang received a PhD in biomedical research from the Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, followed by a Master’s degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in New York. He is an adjunct professor and founder of the Integrative Acupuncture Certificate Program for the Faculty of Health at York University (Toronto). Poney is also a professor at the American Neuro-Acupuncture Institute in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
He is a leading expert in peripheral neuro-anatomy of acupoints and their associated neuro-modulation needle techniques. Poney has been invited to lecture at various international TCM and biomedical acupuncture symposiums and to conduct workshops in North/South America, Europe, and Australia. His current research interest involves an MRI-based study of the neuro-anatomy of acupoints on the scalp and their relationships to cortical functional regions.
Poney is the primary author revising Fundamentals of Chinese Acupuncture, (Ellis & Wiseman, Paradigm Publication) which is to feature original dissection and illustrations for more than 400 distinct acupoints. Under his supervision, his students have published research in peer-reviewed journals such as Journal of Chinese Medicine and Medical Acupuncture. Former students have become sought-after anatomy instructors and consultants to develop dissection curriculum for Chinese medicine institutions.
Poney was appointed by the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner & Acupuncturist of Ontario as a license examination writer, and as members of the Disciplinary and Complaint committees where he volunteers his service to protect the public and ensure high professional standards for the Chinese medicine profession. He is also called upon to serve as expert witness at professional hearings.
Dr. MISHA COHEN OMD, LAc
Misha has been practicing traditional Asian medicine and integrative medicine for 48 years. She founded Chicken Soup Chinese Medicine in 1990 in the Mission District of San Francisco. Currently, Misha is the clinical director of Chicken Soup Chinese Medicine, former Research Specialist of Integrative Medicine at UCSF, and is an active member of the Society for Integrative Oncology.
Misha developed the system of integrative medicine called Integrated Chinese Medicine to provide complex consultations and Chinese medicine in cooperation with Western medicine.
In the early 1980’s, she co-founded the non-profit Quan Yin Healing Arts Center to provide services to the underserved, particularly people with AIDS, and continues to provide services to underserved people through the Misha Ruth Cohen Education Foundation.
Misha is an internationally known teacher and mentor. She has authored seven books on Integrated Chinese Medicine, HIV, HCV, and gynecology. Misha also created Integrated Chinese Medicine protocols for PMS, infertility, hepatitis, HIV, endometriosis, HPV-related diseases and menopause that are used by many practitioners of Asian medicine.
Misha’s herbal formulas are popular among people who have liver diseases, cancer diagnoses, severe gynecological diseases, immune disorders, HIV, chronic viral illness, fibromyalgia, and the common cold.
In her free time, Misha raises a vegetable garden, runs a Shih Tzu meetup, and loves life and her family.
Dr. JOHN MCDONALD B.H.Sc(Ac), M.Ac, PhD, FAACMA
John McDonald began studying acupuncture in 1971 in Sydney, Australia. In 1975, John combined his role as a registered psychiatric nurse with his acupuncture training to develop an acupuncture programme for the New South Wales Health Commission’s Drug Dependency Service, to alleviate signs and symptoms of acute narcotic withdrawal with ear acupuncture.
In 1977, John began teaching acupuncture and has been involved in acupuncture education ever since. John completed a Master of Acupuncture with Distinction at the University of Western Sydney in 2006. In 2015, John completed a Doctor of Philosophy in the School of Medicine at Griffith University, Gold Coast where he continues to be an Adjunct Senior Lecturer.
John’s PhD thesis was entitled “The effects of acupuncture on mucosal immunity in the upper respiratory tract”. John co-authored “Zang Fu Syndromes: Differential Diagnosis and Treatment” with Dr Joel Penner which was also published in Brazil in a Portuguese edition.
Dr. JENNIFER M. WILLIAMS, PhD, DACM, L.Ac
Dr. Jennifer M. Williams Is A National Board-Certified Doctor Of Acupuncture Medicine And Herbalist Licensed In Tennessee, North Carolina, And Virginia.
She operates two acupuncture clinics, a farm, and a retreat. She is a certified provider of Continuing Education (CEU/PDA) for NCCAOM and is on faculty at the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences in the California Bay Area. She serves as chairs on an International Committee for Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine in Kunming, China and the American Society of Acupuncture.
Jennifer continually refines and integrates concepts into practical frameworks of differential diagnosis and treatment in her practice. Her presentations blend ancient wisdom with modern science to help practitioners and patients better understand pathomechanisms with focused treatment strategies for significant and sustained outcomes.
She specializes in complicated chronic conditions, neurological presentations, brain injuries, and severe chronic pain.
Dr. ALLEN TSAUR, DOM, Dip OM, LAc
Allen received his Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Northwestern University and his Doctoral degree in Oriental Medicine from the Maryland University of Integrative Health.
Besides his institutional training in Worsley’s Five Element Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Allen is also is experienced in Master Tung’s Acupuncture System and “Jing Fang” Classical Chinese Herbal Medicine from his outside studies.
In addition to his clinical work, Allen is currently undertaking several translation projects of the classical medical writings of Zhang Jingyue (1563-1640), Xu Lingtai (1693 -1771), and Xie Liheng (1880-1950).
He is a Buddhist practitioner who regularly attends meditation retreats. He also conducts charity acupuncture clinic at US Zen Institute to serve the underprivileged who may not have insurance coverage or simply cannot afford acupuncture treatments.
Dr. HUANG HUANG PhD
Professor Huang Huang, from the Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, is one of China’s foremost experts in the use of formulas from Shang Han Lun and Jin Gui Yao Lue in the treatment of difficult-to-treat disease.
Professor Huang Huang is a world renowned physician, teacher and one of the preeminent authorities on Jing Fang (Classical Formulas) and Shang Han Lun. He is one of the pioneers responsible for the resurgence of Classical Chinese Medicine in China and the West in recent years. Professor Huang is also a prolific writer and editor who has many published texts including the much celebrated “Ten Key Formula Families in Chinese Medicine” and “Zhang Zhongjing’s Clinical Application of 50 Herbal Medicines”, which have been made available in many different languages. Professor Huang currently holds the position of the Dean of the International Jing Fang Institute of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine and is engaged in promoting and lecturing about Jing Fang across the world.
In 1989 he was sent by the Chinese Government Education Committee to spend one year researching geriatric medicine at the Japanese Jing Du University. In 2001 he was awarded a Ph.D for his research in traditional medicine and its applications. Professor Huang dedicates his lifelong study to differential diagnosis of herbal patterns.
His book Zhong Jing’s Fifty Herbal Patterns is the product of his research. The application of Fang Zheng or Formula Patterns helps to unlock the secrets of Jing Fang.
Dr. SUZANNE ROBIDOUX PhD
Dr. Suzanne Robidoux (苏珊/苏璇) has now been living in China and Taiwan for the last 17 years studying with various masters with a focus on classics and clinical practice. She started by spending three years in the south of Taiwan to master mandarin while learning with clinical masters. Then she moved to Nanjing and completed her Ph.D. in acupuncture at the Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine in 2007. During her doctorates, she focused her studies and research on treating neurological disorders and psychological disorders as well as Major Depression Disorder at the psychiatric department. One of these masters was Dr. Lu Qian at the Neurological Hospital (direct lineage of doctor Jiao Shu Fa). During her apprenticeship with Dr. Lu, Suzanne learned the most effective ways to treat severe cases of post-stroke coma, paralysis, hemiplegia, multiple sclerosis, Meniere’s diseases and other life-threatening neurological diseases. Over 90% of the patients would receive cranial acupuncture with body acupuncture.
Suzanne came to Beijing in 2007 and worked with several masters all over China to bring their life’s work to the printing press and make the knowledge available to the West. She has translated and edited over 20 professional Chinese medical textbooks related to acupuncture and Chinese medicine, during which she had the chance to work with Dr. Shi Xuemin, specialist in neurological disorders and famous for getting the best results with his needling technique. In the West, he is known to be the treating doctor from Tianjin in the documentary “9000 Needles”.
Suzanne is now a fellow at the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine researching the clinical efficacy of the classical approach of the Zhang Zhongjing’s classical texts “Shang Han Lun” and “Jin Gui Yao Lue” in Beijing. She also works at the Suicide Prevention Center in Beijing to contribute to the benefit of society providing acupuncture treatment severe cases of depression and suicidal tendencies. In her free time she continues to research and practice the art of Bagua Zhang and the Zhou yi.
Dr. EDWARD CHIU, DAOM, LAc
Edward Chiu, DAOM, LAc, comes from a three generation tradition of Chinese medicine. His grandfather was an herbalist, and his father a medical doctor and acupuncturist. Dr. Chiu earned his master’s degree from the New England School of Acupuncture, and his Doctorate of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Oregon College of Oriental Medicine. He has studied in Asia, interning in the Chinese medicine departments of several hospitals in Taiwan. Dr. Chiu completed an intensive apprenticeship with the director emeritus of the China Medical College acupuncture department, Dr. Zhong Yong-Hsiang, and has been practicing acupuncture for over 15 years.
Dr. Chiu has been trained in a number of different styles of acupuncture, and uses a number of different techniques from traditional Chinese acupuncture, Japanese styles of acupuncture, Kiiko Matsumoto acupuncture, distal acupuncture (Tan balance method), and Tung style acupuncture. He believes in treatment of the whole body, and not addressing only the problematic symptom. By paying attention to the signs and symptoms of the body, he works to solve each patient’s current health problems with an eye toward preventing future ones.
Dr. DANIEL ENG, PhD, LAc
Originally from the Boston area, Dan began studying Chinese medicine in 2006 at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago, later transferring and graduating with a master’s degree from American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco in 2011. In addition to maintaining a private practice in California, for six years he traveled annually to China to study with well known herbalist Dr. Huang Huang, earning a PhD in classical herbal medicine from Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine under Dr. Huang’s tutelage in 2019. Dan has also taught herbal medicine and supervised clinical training for both master’s and doctoral students at the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences in Oakland, California. He and his family decided to move back to Massachusetts in 2020.
With experience treating a wide variety of conditions, Dan prescribes custom herbal formulas, practices acupuncture inspired by Chinese and Korean traditions as well as modern orthopedic approaches, and also uses guasha, cupping and other modalities as necessary. He believes in the importance of empowering patients with regard to their own health, considering patients’ individual constitutions in deciding how to treat, and encouraging (rather than overriding) the body’s natural healing mechanisms whenever possible.
Dr. JOHNSON CHIU, DAOM, LAc
Johnson’s interest in acupuncture and herbal medicine grew from his practice of martial arts. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Neurobiology from UC Berkeley and Master’s and Doctorate in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
His training includes acupuncture, herbology, nutrition, tuina (Chinese orthopedic massage), and energetics (Taichi and Qigong). In addition to an internship in China, he completed a 300 hour certification program in Acupuncture Orthopedics.
Johnson is a licensed acupuncturist treating musculoskeletal pain and sports injuries since 2003. He has worked with athletes of all levels ranging from high school, college and professional sports. He has worked with the San Francisco State Athletic Program and supervised acupuncture students for a study on the effects of acupuncture on stroke patients at the California Pacific Medical Center.
In his free time, he organizes yearly trips to China to intern in the hospitals, enjoy the amazing tea culture and further study the practice and history of the medicine. He continues to update and renew his passion in traditional medicines with these ongoing studies in China and other parts of the world to learn and incorporate the natural medicine of different cultures into his practice.
He is licensed to practice Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology in the state of California and maintains private practices in San Bruno and San Francisco.
Credentials:
- Adjunct faculty at the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences (ACCHS) and the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM)
- Certified in Acupuncture Orthopedics
- Certified in Tuina (Chinese orthopedic massage)
- Continuing Education Provider to Acupuncturists with emphasis in the Musculoskeletal system, Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
- Clinical Doctorate of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM) specializing in Pain Management and Gynecology
Dr. CLAYTON SHIU PhD, LAc
Clayton Shiu is an acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist with over 19 year’s experience practicing acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a NCCAOM and New York State licensed acupuncturist. Clayton holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Physiology from Boston University and a Master’s degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine.
Clayton received a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in Acupuncture and Moxibustion at the Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a highly regarded teaching facility and the largest acupuncture and moxibustion center in China. His research was concerned with acupuncture treatment for cerebral disorders under the tutelage of Dr. Shi Xue Min, the pioneer of modern acupuncture stroke treatment, at the distinguished First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Clayton was awarded a special scholarship by the Chinese Government to undertake this position as part of continued efforts by both the Chinese and United States governments to facilitate greater knowledge exchange between the countries.
Having trained in both Western and Chinese medicine, as well as treating many patients with acupuncture at the referral of some of the United States’ best physicians, Clayton is at the forefront of integrating Western medicine with acupuncture for best patient care. He is also in a unique position to bridge the philosophical and practical differences between Western and Eastern medicine, and has developed communication techniques that improve understanding for medical practitioners and patients alike.
Dr. PHIL SUGER, PhD
During his undergraduate education at Penn State, Phil was introduced to classical Chinese philosophy and gained a great respect for its perspective. In his research, he stumbled upon Chinese medicine and right away knew he had found his passion. After graduating with a BS in Neuroscience and a minor in Mandarin Chinese, he went to study at the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine.
During these two years, he began his formal study of Chinese medicine and improved his Chinese language skills. He returned to the U.S. to attend Oregon College of Oriental Medicine. In Portland, he earned his master’s degree and passed all national board exams. Wanting to reach the educational pinnacle of his field, he returned to China to pursue his doctoral degree at the Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine in internal Chinese medicine.
During the 5-plus years he spent in China, he was fortunate to have studied extensively with some of the most highly acclaimed practitioners in the modern era. He has experience working in both small clinics and some of the largest Chinese medicine hospitals in the world.
Dr. HENRY MCCANN DAOM, LAc
Dr. McCann is licensed to practice acupuncture and East Asian (Chinese) medicine in NJ, NY, MA and OR. He earned his diploma from the New England School of Acupuncture (a school that is part of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences) and his doctoral degree in Chinese medicine from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine.
As part of his doctoral studies he interned at the Chengdu University of Chinese Medicine in Sichuan, China. He has also finished coursework at the PhD level at the Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine in China. Prior to studying Chinese medicine he finished a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music at Oberlin College and Conservatory, and was a Fulbright fellow to Japan.
A published author in the field, Dr. McCann is on the faculty of the Pacific College of Health and Science, is a core faculty member for the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine doctoral degree program, and is an Associate Professor at the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences doctoral program. He has taught Chinese medicine in Australia, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Holland and Indonesia, and is the staff Qigong teacher for the Wushu Kung Fu Fitness Center.
Dr. ANTHONY VON DER MUHLL DAOM, LAc, DNBAO, FAIPM
Anthony Von der Muhll is the founder of AOM Professional, and has taught Certification in Acupuncture Orthopedics since 2015, and served as a clinical supervisor at the Masters level since 2005 and the Doctorate level since 2017. He has also taught acupuncture orthopedics and pain management in doctorate programs of the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences (Oakland CA), the American College of TCM (San Francisco, CA), the Five Branches University of TCM (Santa Cruz, CA), and the Virginia University of Integrative Medicine (Fairfax, VA).
He has been a featured instructor in acupuncture orthopedics at conferences of the Sports Acupuncture Alliance, the PSOAS Symposium, and State acupuncture associations of California, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia.
Anthony Von der Muhll is one of the only acupuncturists in the US with extensive experience serving as an expert witness for the California Acupuncture Board and in civil malpractice litigation. He emphasizes the highest standards of safety, ethics and sustainability in his classes.
Dr. BRANDT STICKLEY, DAOM, LAc
Brandt Stickley is an Associate Professor in the College of Classical Chinese Medicine, National University of Natural Medicine, and a Visiting Professor at Dragon Rises College of Oriental Medicine, Pacific Rim College, Five Branches University, Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences, Yo San University and Maryland University of Integrative Health. As a Senior Instructor and Board member of Dragon Rises Seminars he teaches Shen-Hammer Pulse Diagnosis.
Brandt is a graduate of Cornell University and the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. He has worked closely with Dr. Leon Hammer for 20 years, and is considered an authority on the model of Chinese medical Psychology developed by Dr. Hammer. In his own development of this school of thought, he has relentlessly pursued a synthesis of Classical Han and Tang Dynasty herbal medicine and acupuncture, Chinese magical medicine, philosophy and religion, with concepts of psychosomatic medicine, body-oriented psychology, neuro-phenomenology, process-oriented philosophy, imaginal, integral, and consciousness studies.
He brings all of these disciplines to play in striving to intend the impossible as a clinician, teacher, writer and speaker. In theory and in practice, Brandt’s work seeks to establish Classical Chinese medicine as a vital psychosomatic and physiosemiotic current in the evolution of consciousness and the alleviation of suffering.
JOSEPH ADAMS, LAc
Joe received a Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine, from Emperor’s College in Santa Monica, and is also a second-generation acupuncturist. He often calls upon needling techniques and Chinese medical protocols that were handed down to him. In addition to his family lineage and formal training, there have been a number of significant mentors throughout his training that helped to develop his clinical orthopedic focus.
In addition to his work with Kaiser Permanente, he also serves as a clinical supervisor and instructor for a prominent acupuncture college in the Bay Area, and offers continuing education classes to other acupuncturists throughout California. Joe also delights in researching classical Chinese literature with the goal of bringing ancient medical systems to life and bringing this to serving as Adjunct Faculty in the Doctorate program at the Academy of Chinese Culture & Health Sciences. This fascination with classical medical texts has led to the publication of articles relating to health, pulse diagnosis and Chinese philosophy.
Dr. TOBY DALY PhD, LAc
Toby received his undergraduate degree in Food Science from the California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo. He began studying Chinese medicine in 1997 with a Korean monk trained in the Saam tradition. He earned his master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2002 upon completion of training at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco and Chengdu University in China.
During his four years of training in San Francisco, he interned with the prominent acupuncturist Dr. Angela Wu and learned to apply the lofty theories he was studying in school into the pragmatic setting of a busy clinic. In 2013, he developed the Chinese Nutritional Strategies app to provide digital access to the wealth of Chinese dietary wisdom. In 2016, he completed a PhD in Classical Chinese Medicine under the guidance of 88th generation Daoist priest Jeffery Yuen. In 2021, he developed the Chinese Medical Characters app to enable direct access to foundational Chinese medical terms and concepts.
His current focus is on sharing his 25 years of clinical experience with the Saam tradition.
Jim Donak, CAMT
Jim’s fascination with the human body began at an early age. He began teaching himself anatomy and physiology at age 8 and studying Gung Fu at age 14. Since then, he has committed himself to in-depth studies of the healing arts, ranging from Tai Chi, kinesiology, and The Alexander Technique, to Neuro-Linguistic Programming, manual orthopedic and osteopathic techniques, and musculoskeletal therapy.
His dedication to clinical knowledge is matched by his passion for dynamic movement, including practices such as Chinese martial arts, circus arts, sports, dance and outdoor recreational activities
Jim teaches anatomy and physiology, structure based bodywork techniques and sports applications for Tui Na. He has taught circus arts and functional movement for over 30 years and coached for over 25 years at San Francisco’s Circus Center where he taught trampoline, acrobatics and his popular Physical Limitation Elimination class.
Jim also maintains a private practice in Berkeley focusing on musculoskeletal healing and athletic development using manual and exercise therapies.