Free Talk on Thursday, September 22nd

This Thursday, I will be giving a talk at NESA in response to the question, "How does one approach needle technique as a path for acupuncturists?"  We will be gathered in Classroom 2 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM.  I was asked to be a guest lecturer by my friend and colleague, Par Scott, whose regular class meets at that time.  Par has generously offered his own translational work on part of Ling Shu to accompany my musings on the 'Nine Ancient Needles' and their relevance in modern day acupuncture.  Because some practitioners not enrolled at NESA have expressed interest in attending, Par has opened up the class to as many people as will fit into the room.

In addition to talking about the historical development of the 'Nine Needles' and the many different ways to use acupuncture tools, I will be sharing my own personal journey to become more proficient in acupuncture skills.  Come and hear about the practitioners who inspired me to become better at my work, and learn some of the foundational exercises that will help you develop your own acupuncture techniques and help you go beyond what you can do with a needle today.

Since there is limited seating available, it will be on a first-come-first-served basis.   So come early, bring some good questions and maybe your dinner.  I hope to see you there!

Energy Signature and Vibration Techniques

NEW DATE: September 24-25, 2011

Come join Zach as he shares how to discern the type, strength, and chronicity of each pathogen by recognizing what he terms its unique “energy signature”. When pathogens invade the body, they initially lodge in the exterior, blocking Qi flow, creating Stasis, and setting in motion a cascade of events that can lead to many diseases – and leaving a palpable marker in its wake. You will learn each pathogen’s unique signature, and how it will feel under your finger when you palpate the point. We’ll spend time practicing the diagnosis of points, as well as the needle techniques best for effectively ridding the body of each pathogen

This information can be taken right into the clinic on Monday and applied with great success in healing your patients! No previous experience with “The Evolving Art of Acupuncture” necessary, and practitioners of all styles are welcome.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

All Moved In

Hello everyone!  I am all moved in at my new home.  Here is a photo of my son, who is now almost 13 months (didn't THAT go by fast!), and as you can see in the photo above (taken about 4 months ago), he is cute as a button and loves acupuncture.  Such a surprise!  This photo was taken by the amazing photographer Felix Rust in Boston, Mass.  Felix took pictures of our wedding, and has done some gorgeous portrait shots, many of which now adorn our home and office.  You can see some of Felix's genius at his website: http://www.felixrust.com/.

Back in... um... January?  February?  A follower of the blog informed me that it was getting a little "stale."  And, indeed, I have completely slacked off writing posts since the baby was born.  My wife, Rachel, has informed me that since I am now feeling rested enough to play a good deal of Microsoft Hearts in my spare time, that it is an indication that I now HAVE some spare time and that it would be better spent talking with you lot.  And she is absolutely right.  As I come out of the year-one haze of having a baby (oh yes, there is a year-one haze) I am looking forward to posting more and more in the days ahead.

Here is what is planned for the near future:

I have recently been asked to give a talk about needle technique as a path for acupuncturists.  We are settling on a date for that, but I am hoping it will be in a few weeks.  The request came at just the right time for me.  I have been musing for some time now about how best to lay the foundation for more expert needle technique in first-year acupuncture students, and have developed a series of exercises which both prepare a new student for the process of needling, improve an established practitioner's needle handling, and facilitate learning several intermediate and advanced concepts of needling.  In addition to this upcoming talk, I will be putting those up on the blog over the next few weeks.

There are two more classes in this year's class series.  In two weeks, on September 24-25, I will be teaching Energy Signatures and Vibration Techniques.  And on October 22-23, I will be teaching Non-Insertive Needle Techniques.  I am excited to be teaching these classes again.  Energy Signatures and Vibration Techniques has always been a well-received class that is chock-full of useful material for practitioners of any style.  Non-Insertive Needle Techniques will show you just how easy it can be to harness your Qi more directly during treatment, and how much more wonderful all your needle technique will be because of it.

In late October, I will be starting a new project that will be closely tied to this blog.  Stay tuned for more on that.  Trust me when I say that this will be something that you do not want to miss!

It feels good to be back!