The Second Oldest School of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the United States
As the second oldest acupuncture school in the country, ACCHS currently offers a master’s level of education for students new to Chinese medicine; doctorate level education for already licensed and practicing Chinese medical professionals; and Tui Na: Chinese medical massage certificate programs. Both our Masters and Tui Na programs are taught in English and Mandarin Chinese.
Programs
MAcCHM
4-year Master’s level of education for students new to Chinese medicine. Must have 900 hours of previous college experience to apply. Practice Chinese medicine as a primary care provider.
DAOM Program
Current practitioners of Chinese medicine who desire advanced and specialized doctorate level education and priceless clinical experience from world-class teachers can do no better than the DAOM at ACCHS.
MAcCHM
4-year Master’s level of education for students new to Chinese medicine. Must have 900 hours of previous college experience to apply. Practice Chinese medicine as a primary care provider.
DAOM Program
Current practitioners of Chinese medicine who desire advanced and specialized doctorate level education and priceless clinical experience from world-class teachers can do no better than the DAOM at ACCHS.
Tui Na
Chinese Language Program: Treat the whole human being with this unique form of Chinese medical bodywork. Learn and apply Chinese Meridian Theory using Tui Na.
Our MAcCHM Faculty
Educational Background: Graduated from Western medicine, Jiaozuo Health and Medical School, PRC 1983; B.M. Western Medicine, Xinxiang Medical College, PRC 1999; MSTCM at ACCHS 2006
He has been teaching at ACCHS since 2012 and has practiced acupuncture in Fremont and Redwood City since 2006.
Previous Positions: Physician in Jiaozuo Colliery Central Hospital in1980-1995; Physician in Shanghai Xinhua Hospital, PRC 1995-1996; Deputy Chief Physician in Jiaozuo Colliery Hospital from 1999.
Karin was drawn to the study of herbal medicine from an early age and purchased her first book on herbal medicine at the age of 7. After a life of studying, she realized she could actually be an herbalist and obtained Chartered Herbalist status from Dominion Herbal College in 2001. This lead to more focused training in Classical Greek Herbalism, which focuses on the energetics of herbs, a subject she still teaches whenever she gets the chance.
While pursuing a degree in Naturopathic Medicine at the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) Karin discovered Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM) which espouses a similar foundational basis when treating with herbs. She graduated with her degree in Chinese Medicine in 2012. While at NUNM Karin worked closely with Dr. Heiner Fruehauf, the founder of the CCM program at NUNM, gaining a deep understanding of Chinese Cosmology which forms the basis of her clinical approach.
In addition, Karin has been a practicing Aromatherapist since 2002. She is currently authoring her third book on the subject, Facial Acupressure with Aromatherapy. While her knowledge of Aromatherapy started in a more conventional manner Karin is now focused on applying Chinese Medicine herbal theory to the application of essential oils.
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).
Professor Choong’s far ancestor, Zhi Lu (子路) Choong, was one of Confucius’ most famous disciples, so he has the highest inheritance of Chinese Taoist Culture in his blood. Born in Mainland China in 1948, he started studying Taoist philosophy & Chi-Gong in 1965 (at age of 17); he graduated with a B.S. degree from the College of Chinese Culture in 1973 in Taiwan. In the 1970s, Professor Choong was enthusiastic about studying the Indian Ananda Marga Yoga and doing spiritual retreats with Indian Yogis. He also studied authentic Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine with old masters in Taiwan. Then in 1980, Professor Choong dedicated himself to the mastery of acupuncture and herbal therapies in Taiwan.
He moved to the US and started practicing in 1982. In the 1990’s, Professor Choong served as the traveling acupuncturist for Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead, looking after their health. Currently, Yen Wei Choong serves as a well-respected chairman of the board of directors and professor at the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences in Oakland. As the Director of the Yellow Emperor, he is known internationally for his powerful needles, generous heart and potent herbs.
Tenisha Dandridge graduated from Bastyr University in 2008 with a BS and MS in Acupuncture and Oriental medicine. She completed her doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental medicine at Pacific College of Oriental medicine in 2018. Dr. Dandridge has been in private practice for 10 years and she is currently researching the use of Acupuncture and Oriental medicine to treat transgenerational trauma racial battle fatigue and she is currently researching the use of Acupuncture and Oriental medicine to treat transgenerational trauma racial battle fatigue.
Gerry Kuo, licensed acupuncturist (L. Ac.) is currently teaching acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences (ACCHS), Oakland California.
In 2017, he started to pursue doctoral degree in ACCHS where he also received his Master’s degree of acupuncture in 2012. He also holds a Master’s degree in Computer Information Science from University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth. In 2012, he studied the application of classical Chinese herbal medicine under Dr. Huang Huang, an eminent practitioner and professor at the Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China.
Joe Davis, a California State Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.), herbalist, and Associate Professor at ACCHS, came to Chinese medicine via his study of the martial arts of Tai Chi Quan and Ba Gua Zhang. These subtle practices rely on the cultivation of relaxation and sensitivity to generate health and skill. After graduating from UC Berkeley, he subsequently traveled and lived in Asia, studying meditation, martial arts, yoga, and Chi Gong in Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, and India. Here he also witnessed Traditional Chinese medicine in public health settings, where it was being used to address the needs of large populations of people.
Returning to the States, he completed his Masters of Science in Chinese Medicine at the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences (ACCHS). He teaches didactic courses for the acupuncture program at his alma mater, and supervises MSTCM candidates in the student clinic. He is certified by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) as an Acudetox Specialist, and has been an intern at the clinic of renowned fertility specialist, Dr. Lifang Liang. He has also studied the organic cultivation of Chinese herbs at the Chinese Medicinal Herb Farm in Petaluma. Joe is currently completing his Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DAOM), focusing on orthopedic acupuncture approaches and classical Chinese herbology.
Joe brings his knowledge of the context, breadth, and philosophy of Eastern cultures to his practice of medicine. His years of study with local Daoist sage Liu Ming were influential in his evolving sense of wellness and pathology. Health cultivation is not a “fix” that a doctor or acupuncturist gives you, but is a process that the practitioner and patient engage in together. Movement, lifestyle, diet, and meditation, as well as acupuncture and herbs, are all life-giving parts of this journey.
He lives with his family in north Oakland, and is delighted to be able to offer his community the many approaches to wellness of Chinese medicine. Joe is not currently seeing patients at Octagon, but remains involved in supporting the staff and the clinic.
As a fourth generation Chinese Medicine doctor, Dr. Dave Liu began his education at home with his grandfather who operated an extensive herbal pharmacy, while teaching and maintaining a clinic. After many years of study with his family, Dr. Dave Liu attended and graduated from the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Shanghai, China. Thirty years ago, Dr. Dave Liu immigrated to the United States and continued his studies to earn a Ph. D. in Oriental Medicine Research Advancement.
Dr. Dave Liu is a renowned educator and has been teaching Chinese Medicine for thirty-five years. His specialities include Women’s health especially Fertility support (with or without IVF procedure in conjunction), tinnitus and loss of hearing, and pain management for any type of musculoskeletal conditions using Myofascial Alignment Manual Therapy (MAMT) and acupuncture. Dr. Dave Liu has enjoyed many years of success treating patients in the bay area in his private practice and views Chinese Medicine as his life’s work. He is described to be attentive, highly knowledgeable, and providing exceptional care to his patients.
Henriette Lenssen received her Master of Science in Oriental Medicine from the Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College in Berkeley. She also holds a Master of Science in Biology from the University of Utrecht, the Netherlands. At present she’s pursuing a Doctorate degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences in Oakland.
Henriette treats many different syndromes and illnesses within the broader scope of family practice but she has a special interest in women’s health and the support of patients undergoing cancer treatment. In addition to her private practice at Fourth Street, Berkeley, Henriette has treated hundreds of patients with acupuncture and herbs in Bay Area Clinics: the AIMC Berkeley Community Acupuncture Clinic, Berkeley Primary Care, Charlotte Maxwell Clinic for women with cancer. She teaches meditation and “Energy and Movement” classes, using her extensive experience with Tai Qi and Medical Qigong.
Accreditation
The Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) California public benefit corporation.
Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) Disclosure:
ACCHS has been approved to offer the professional Doctorate of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM), Master of Science in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine (MAcCHM) degree, and the Tuina Massage Therapy Certificate program. “Approved” means compliance with state standards as set forth under the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009, as overseen by the Bureau of Private Post-Secondary Education within the Department of Consumer Affairs.
California Acupuncture Board Licensure Information:
Through approval of the California Acupuncture Board, graduates of ACCHS are eligible to sit for the California licensing examination for acupuncture and Oriental medicine. Eligible students may also sit for the examination of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences and its following programs are accredited by the
Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM):
(1) Master of Acupuncture with a Chinese herbal medicine specialization (offered in English and
Mandarin)
(2) Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
The program(s) listed above may offer courses via distance education.
ACAHM does not accredit any programs at the undergraduate/bachelor level.
Accreditation status and notes may be viewed on the ACAHM Directory.
ACAHM is recognized by the United States Department of Education as the specialized accreditation agency
for institutions/programs preparing acupuncture practitioners.
ACAHM is located at 500 Lake Street, Suite
204, Excelsior, Minnesota 55331; phone 952/212-2434; https://acahm.org
Public Disclosure Statement Effective as of 28 February 2024.
