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2025 Conference Speakers
Learn More about your 2025 Speakers and the classes they will be presenting
Click on the photo to navigate to information about the class
           
**Breakfast Speakers to come soon**
     
Learn From Leading Experts
Chad Bailey, AP is an expert in Acupuncture, Oriental Medicine, Tui Na Massage, Qi Gong, Tai Chi Chuan, and Martial Arts. Chad teaches Tai Chi Chuan, Qi Gong, Filipino Self-Defense (Progressive Arnis & Cadena de Mano), Tui Na (Chinese Massage & Manipulation), and Oriental Medicine in Miami, FL. Chad is a state and nationally licensed acupuncturist (A.P., D.O.M.), as well as a National Diplomate of Chinese Herbology (D.C.H.)
Morning Qigong - Morning Qi Gong will focus on the Tai Ji Qi Gong set which excels at bringing energy to the hands and feet. This energy can be used to protect the body, projected for power or used for healing. The class will begin with the foundational practices of Wu Ji standing and the Qi Bath warm up. We will detail the four sections of the Tai Ji Qi Gong set. One hour on Saturday, One hour on Sunday. CEU Category: GEN 2 (PE/W)
Classical Chinese Medicine - We often talk about TCM, Traditional Chinese Medicine. What about Chinese Medicine before the cultural revolution? Before Mao? Before TCM? This period is called Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM). We will discuss how Chinese Medicine was taught, what theories were stressed, what techniques were different and how is this information applicable to our modern practice. 3 GEN
Tui Na Chinese Massage Foundational Practices - The course will explore the foundational practices of Tui Na Chinese Massage and Manipulation. Basic hand techniques will be learned for soft tissue manipulation (first 3 hours). The core manual manipulations for the pelvis, lumbar, thoracic and cervical will also be learned (second 3 hours). 3 GEN
Cameron Bishop DAOM, L.Ac: After graduating from Seattle Pacific University with degrees in Psychology and Anthropology, Cameron sold his car and bought a one-way ticket to Japan. Where he lived and worked for four years studying healing and martial arts. In Japan he was introduced into Japanese Acupuncture arts. Upon his return to the United States he attended and graduated Northwest Institute of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NIAOM) with a Masters in Acupuncture. He obtained his Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine degree at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine specializing in Women’s Health and Pain Management. Which included working in several hospitals and clinics in Japan, China, and the USA. Cameron has been in full time acupuncture practice for twenty eight years in South Florida. He has been a popular teacher in many acupuncture venues. He has taught many Japanese Acupuncture classes and served as a table translator for national conferences in the USA, Japan and Europe. He has been teaching 25 years at Atlantic College of Oriental Medicine including TCM Gynecology, Internal/External Medicine, Modern Techniques, and Japanese Acupuncture techniques. At Pacific College he developed the popular Integrative Pain Management class and Integrative Case Management. He has a passion for teaching and strives to make his classes practical and growth provoking.
Longevity Mastery: Evidence-Based Strategies and Traditional Practices - Unlock the secrets to a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life in this intermediate-level course that bridges ancient wisdom with modern science. "Longevity Mastery" offers a unique, comprehensive approach to extending and enhancing your lifespan by integrating evidence-based research with time-honored traditions from around the world. This engaging course explores the fascinating intersection of Eastern healing practices and cutting-edge longevity research.
3 BIO
Dr. Christine Chang’s TCM medical education began in childhood in Taiwan, where she received training in herbal medicine, Tui Na, Feng Shui, Zen meditation, and facial diagnosis. She studied under esteemed mentors, including her godfather, a direct student of Dr. Sun Si Miao, and another teacher trained by the Qing Dynasty Emperor's doctor. After a decade in international trade, she found her true calling in advancing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) globally. Dr. Chang earned her MTOM in 2001 and DAOM in 2003 from Emperor’s College, joining its staff in 2000 and faculty in 2003.
Dr. Chang has represented the U.S. TCM profession internationally, serving as a delegate to ISO/TC249 meetings and contributing to the ICD-11 working group for the WHO. She has been an herbal consultant, an interpreter for lectures by Dr. Wei-Chieh Young, and part of the pioneering team introducing acupuncture in emergency care at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles. With expertise in pain management, women’s health, geriatrics, and internal medicine, Dr. Chang integrates diet, nutrition, and herbal formulas with Tui Na in her teaching and private practice in Santa Monica and Los Angeles, CA.
Exploration on the Methods of Herbal Medicine Treatment on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Western Perspective: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) involves heightened responses to traumatic events, often leading to severe episodic memory (EM) impairments, a key focus of current research. The prefrontal cortex is recognized for its significant role in both PTSD and EM dysfunction.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Approach: In TCM, PTSD is viewed as a disruption in qi and blood flow caused by emotional and physical stress. Symptoms such as nightmares, persistent negative emotions, sleep disorders, and sensitivity reflect imbalances in liver qi, kidney qi, and spleen function. Treatments are tailored based on individual constitutions and mental states, focusing on restoring balance through herbal formulas, dietary guidance, and addressing underlying physiological imbalances. Common remedies include Xiao Yao San for insomnia and Tian Wan Bu Xin Tang for fear and fright.
Holistic Insights: TCM emphasizes integrating food therapy, such as "red" foods for heart health and "black" foods for kidney support, while avoiding raw, cold, or overly spicy items. Meditation and traditional practices, guided by syndrome differentiation, complement physical treatments. This holistic approach seeks to address both physiological and emotional imbalances, offering a comprehensive pathway for recovery. 3 GEN
Dr. Chen Decheng, Ph.D in Acupuncture, is a licensed acupuncturist in the state of New York, Currently He is President of New York Natural Acupuncture and Wellness, he holds the position of President at the American TCM Acupuncture Inheritance Association. Dr. Chen Decheng is the inventor of Motion Acupuncture, holding two patents related to this innovative technique and needle.Educationally, Dr. Chen Decheng earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and his Ph.D. from Nanjing University of TCM. Prior to his current roles, he worked at the Acupuncture and Moxibustion Research Institute of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences in Beijing, China, In 2001, he immigrated to the United States, amassing over 30 years of extensive clinical experience in traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture.Dr. Chen Decheng is a prolific author, having written 17 specialized books on Chinese medicine and acupuncture. Some notable titles include "Chinese Acupuncture Monotherapy," "Chinese Acupuncture for Specific Points," "Comprehensive Book of Chinese Acupuncture for Beauty and Anti-aging," and "Motion Acupuncture Therapy." In addition to his books, he has published over 100 noteworthy articles on Chinese medicine and acupuncture. Dr. Chen Decheng is currently dedicated to the global promotion and training of Motion Acupuncture.For further information, please visit www.bestacupunctureclinic.com.
Introduction to Motion Acupuncture - The course covers an introduction to hot topics and on-site demonstrations of motion acupuncture. 3 GEN
Dr. Krystal Lynn Couture, PT, LAc, is grateful for the opportunity to connect with others. As a holistic physical therapist and acupuncturist, Dr. Krystal began practicing dry needling in 2009 and quickly became enamored with the significant impact that a single needle can have. She developed a deep fascination with the medicine contained within the needle and the remarkable transformations she observed. Over time, she found a profound resonance with Traditional Chinese Medicine.Dr. Krystal began focusing on pelvic health due to a growing number of clients presenting with related issues at her practice. She created a safe space where clients could discuss matters they felt unable to address elsewhere. Recognizing that pelvic care is deeply embedded within the systems of her practice, she created a framework for acupuncturists to successfully treat the pelvis that includes TCM, the spirit of the points and muscle/sinew specific treatments that treat the source of the pelvic dysfunction and the whole being. Dr. Krystal developed a love of teaching and sharing. She currently teaches live and recorded NCCAOM, FL and CA approved CEUs for acupuncturists. She has been featured in Medicinal Roots, Acupuncture Today, AAC, The Marketing School Podcast and Dao Labs.
Pelvic Care Treatment + Complimentary Techniques - In this course, we will discuss pelvic floor anatomy and physiology, evaluation and assessment techniques, common western diagnoses and TCM patterns, safety and ethics while treating the pelvis, treatment techniques including muscle specific Ashi Point needling or dry needling, spirit of the points, and TCM patterns, and lifestyle recommendations to support clients at home. This class is designed for those who hope to bring pelvic care into their practice and comprehensively treat the source of dysfunction in alignment with the body, mind and spirit. 3 GEN
 Ilyas Hamid DAOM, B.Sci. D.N., Meta-NLP, CES has been in the health and wellness field for 14 years working in fitness, diet and lifestyle, functional medicine, and now TCM. Working on the frontline as a personal trainer and nutritionist not only helped him learn about the daily struggles with health-related behaviors, it also prepared him to be better equipped as a TCM doctor. Ilyas has experience in public speaking working for Aetna Healthcare, weight loss programs, and now as Professor at the Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine. He has always believed that the best decisions can only be made with the best education- how can we DO better, if we don't KNOW better? Because of that philosophy, he spent significant amounts of time with his patients and on social media platforms for the sole purpose of educating them.
Polyvagal Theory - Explore anxiety and depression through the lens of Polyvagal Theory, examining how the vagus nerve's three pathways (freeze, fight/flight, social engagement) impact mental health and learn to address imbalances using acupuncture, nutrition, and self-regulation techniques. 3 BIO
David Hartmann lives in Brisbane, Australia and has been practicing acupuncture since 1997. He upgraded his qualifications with a Masters of Acupuncture in 2009. Expanding his field of practice he also learnt a range of different tuning fork therapies and has been treating patients using the tuning forks since 2016. David has been a Chinese medicine lecturer for 24 years. Currently, he is freelancing, and is working casually for a number of different colleges and companies nationally and internationally. He is also writing new editions of his tuning fork textbooks. David has written two textbooks on Chinese medicine – 'The Principles and Practical Application of Acupuncture Point Combinations' (published with Singing Dragon in 2020) and 'Acupoint Dictionary 2e' (published with Elsevier Churchill Livingstone in 2009). He has also written five self-published textbooks on tuning fork therapies/treatments.Since 2000, David has also written courses, presented at conferences, and done his own stand-alone seminars in fifteen countries around the world. He has also developed online workshops for eleven companies world-wide.
Using Tuning Forks in a Chinese Medicine Clinic - What exactly are tuning forks, and can they realistically be used in a Chinese medicine clinic? These are two fascinating questions that will be answered along with many others, during this theory/practical workshop.David will also demonstrate various ways that the tuning forks can be used. We will then break into a practical session where participants can experiment with the tuning forks by listening to them, learning how to strike them, and activating them on acupuncture points on the body. - 3 GEN
Acupuncture Point Combinations to treat PTSD, Panic Attacks & Phobias - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Panic Attacks, Phobias and Hypervigilance are typically lumped under one diagnosis umbrella; that umbrella is ‘Anxiety’. Yet each of these mental health imbalances need to be considered differently in order to stay ‘patient specific’.This workshop will explore the different organs responsible and offer over a dozen acupuncture point combinations, thereby allowing us to keep as close as we can to ‘treating the person, and not the disease - 3 GEN
Yueying Li, L.Ac. is a licensed acupuncturist with a specialization in dermatology, and over 36 years of experience in teaching and practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). She suffered from her own congenital skin condition which impacted her both physically and emotionally. This led to her interest in learning about skin issues and she further received specialized training in dermatology in China. Dr. Li graduated from South-West University of Medicine in China, and completed an additional 2 years of training at the Sichuan Institution of Dermatology where she conducted specialized clinical research in the field of dermatology. Years of accumulated knowledge lead her to create her own line of herbal products that aid skin conditions and promote healthy skin. Dr. Li has been a professor at Yosan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Los Angeles since 1995, and teaches both the Master and Doctoral programs. Since then she has successfully launched her acupuncture and Chinese medicine clinical practice, and has built a strong knowledgeable team of professionals to bring optimal care to their patients. She also speaks at various continuing education programs and conferences such as Yosan University, TCMzone, Pacific College of Health & Sciences, and many others.
TCM for Skin Diseases and Beauty - This course is designed to expand practitioners' expertise in addressing dermatological and cosmetological concerns through Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The course will provide in-depth knowledge exploring TCM approach in diagnosing and treating skin conditions such as eczema, acne, psoriasis, and other inflammatory skin diseases, also addressing concerns related to skin beauty and aging. This course will further emphasize the importance of the lymphatic system in connection with skin concerns and how supporting the lymphatic system offers profound benefits to skin and beauty. 3 GEN
Dr. Anthony Lombardi is a 2002 graduate of the New York Chiropractic College in Seneca Falls, New York and completed the McMaster Contemporary Medical Acupuncture program in Hamilton, Ontario. He founded the Hamilton Back Clinic in 2002 and has since become a private consultant to athletes in the NFL, CFL, and NHL. Dr. Lombardi has accumulated some 190,000 treatments over the past 22 years of practice. In addition to practicing, Dr. Lombardi was also an instructor in the Contemporary Medical Acupuncture Program at McMaster University from 2004 to 2013. In 2010 he developed EXSTORE™, an organized system of assessment and treatment that produces fast results using motor points, electro-acupuncture, soft tissue work, and other modalities. Dr. Lombardi has a library of on-demand education that continues to grow, with some 75 webinars available covering a variety of Musculoskeletal conditions and practice management topics. He also teaches his EXSTORE™ system through live, in-person seminars throughout the U.S. and Canada. Dr. Lombardi maintains a busy practice, averaging 170 patient visits a week, including 12 new patients every week, for over ten years.
Assessment & Treatment of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis - Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a common condition in patients aged 50 and older that causes pain and neurological compromise of the low back and legs. This condition can be very debilitating and makes walking upright very difficult. In this presentation you will learn the anatomy and neurology involved in LSS as well as how to assess and treat this condition. 3 BIO
Derrick McBride has over a decade of experience as a strength and conditioning coach working in sports medicine and performance facilities. After becoming a Licensed Acupuncturist, he set out to bring the worlds of movement and acupuncture together. Derrick works with many professional athletes alongside his private practice in Pittsburgh, PA. Derrick has worked as one of Whitfield Reaves' teaching assistants, teaches doctorate classes at Colorado Chinese Medicine University, presents at conferences, and runs weekend workshops on testing and programming. He specializes in bringing orthopedic testing, muscle testing, movement assessments, and corrective exercise programming to Acupuncturists in a systematic, digestible, and clinically effective way.
Whiplash: A Functional Movement Approach to Assessment and Treatment - We will go over functional movement assessments for the neck that are commonly effected in whiplash patients. Movement assessments are used to identify dysfunctional movement patterns as well as the nature of the dysfunction. Local treatment strategies to improve movement dysfunctions and reduce pain will be presented. Simple and effective corrective exercise strategies to reinforce the acupuncture treatments will begin the process of helping practitioners fully rehab pain and movement dysfunctions associated with whiplash. 3 BIO
Galina V. Roofener AP is NCCAOM board-certified and licensed in Ohio and Florida to practice Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine. She has over 35 years of experience in health care, including 8 years as an acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist at the Cleveland Clinic. Work at the Cleveland Clinic has provided valuable insight into the internal audit process, allowing me to adjust clinical note-writing to the best practice standards mandated by CMS. Galina is an active community member; she is a President Emeritus of the Florida State Oriental Medicine Association (FSOMA) and serves on the herbal committee at the American Society of Acupuncture (ASA). Before moving back to Florida to be closer to her family, she served on the State Medical Board of Ohio’s Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Advisory Panel concerning Chinese herbs and other modalities of Oriental Medicine. Also, in the past, she served on the advisory panel for a few communities of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.Galina is a published author, an avid teacher, and a renowned speaker at many conferences.
Do Your Fees and Documentation Meet Legal Standards? - Do you undercharge in your cash practice? Does your documentation support your charges and does your documentation meet the requirements of the State of Florida? As a professional you are required to maintain patient records and document visits. Are you meeting the standards required by Florida and Nationally? Whether you take insurance, offer superbill or have a cash practice, the laws are the same. additionally as acupuncture gains recognition in mainstream medicine, insurance payors are increasingly auditing acupuncturists. This course equips you with the knowledge to accurately document your procedures and defend your charges in the event of an audit or if called before the Board of Acupuncture. Remember, the documentation standards established by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) are mandated to all providers, whether or not you bill insurance. This course equips you with knowledge of best practice standards, ensuring you are always in compliance.
2 ME, 2 BIO, 2 GEN
Dr. Stuart Shipe holds a master’s degree in Oriental Medicine from the Florida College of Integrative Medicine and a doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine. He completed postgraduate residency training at the International School of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Beijing and the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. With over 24 years of experience, he specializes in women’s health, integrating traditional Chinese and modern medicine at his practice in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Dr. Shipe is nationally board-certified as an acupuncture physician and Chinese herbalist and also holds a pharmacy degree from North Dakota State University, alongside certifications in Western herbal medicine and clinical nutrition.
Dr. Shipe has hosted the weekly radio show A Better Way to Health on Florida’s Treasure Coast for over 20 years, educating the public on natural medicine. He has lectured internationally on nutrition therapy and practice management, provides continuing education for natural health practitioners, and has served as adjunct faculty at Nova Southeastern University. Currently, he serves as president of the Florida State Oriental Medicine Association. He can be reached at [email protected] or 772-398-4550
Optimizing Safety and Efficacy in Chinese Herbal Medicine: A Comprehensive Approach - This CE lecture explores critical aspects of medical errors in Chinese herbal medicine, focusing on safety, quality, and effective advocacy. Topics include Chinese herb-drug interactions, dosing and dosage forms, herb identification and authentication, and issues of contamination, substitution, and microbial safety. Participants will examine adverse event reporting, herbal pharmacology, and the role of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in ensuring quality. Special attention is given to safety in pregnancy and lactation, plants as poisons, and arguments surrounding herbal safety. Attendees will gain actionable insights to improve clinical practice and advocate for the safe and effective use of Chinese herbal medicine. 3 ME
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