Neuro-Functional Acupuncture
Neuro-functional acupuncture is for people with neurologic or neuro-muscular oriented problems.
The approach of Neuro-functional acupuncture benefits people who suffer from:
- Chronic pain
- Anxiety/Depression
- ADD/ADHD, OCD
- Insomnia
- Headaches, migraines
- Post-stroke loss of motor function, sensation, speech or other neurologic problems
- Tingling, burning and/or pain in the extremities (neuropathy)
- Shoulder pain
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Asthma
- Sciatica, low back pain, hip pain, leg pain
- Knee pain
- Arthritis
- more
What's more, because Neuro-functional acupuncture targets the brain and nervous system, it acts to:
1) Reduce inflammation in the brain and peripheral nerves
(Reduces Pain, Reduces Brain Fog)
2) Restore top-down organization among major brain networks
(Restores Clarity, Self-control and Personal Autonomy)
3) Facilitate auto-regulatory feedback loops between systems and
restore synchrony within the brain and peripheral nervous system
(Improves motor control, Reduces effects of stress, Promotes Healing)
This means, NFA can help anyone suffering from a:
- Neuro-degenerative disorder - Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - ALS, Huntington's, et al.
- Autoimmune disease - Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Graves Disease, Guillain Barre Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, et al.
- Neuro-Behavioral Disorder - ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Tourette's Syndrome, et al.
- Neuro-Psychiatric Disorder - Addictions, Eating disorders, Mood disorders, Sleep disorders, et al.
Acupuncture can help!
Make it a part of your holistic treatment plan today!!
Click below to Book A Consultation and Treatment
How Is Neuro-functional different from regular acupuncture?
Modern neuroscience informs us of functional relationships within different areas of the brain and also between the nervous system and other systems of the body (such as endocrine, immune, musculo-skeletal and digestive systems). Neuro-functional acupuncture is a modern way of seeing the acupuncture channels which focuses on the nervous system, its functional relationships and nerve pathways throughout the body.
Traditional acupuncture focuses on pathways of circulation through the body in a more general way. The acupuncturist assesses blood circulation, fluid and lymph movement as well as sensations of warmth and cold, heaviness, numbness and pain. These and several other diagnostic indicators guide the traditional acupuncturist to stimulate the body at different locations (acupuncture points) to effect change in the body.
The goal of treatment is to alleviate symptoms and shift the person's experience in the direction of balance for that individual, at the time of treatment. This often involves techniques to relieve pain and directly work on problematic areas but also involves treatment to address underlying systemic patterns of imbalance. The long range goal then is to do this consistently until the pain or problem is resolved and systemic re-patterning can be sustained. Thus, not only is health re-established but the patient is made stronger by the process.
It is a process that invites the patient to participate in the creation of health and healing in their body and in their life. It is by nature an empowering process that gradually hands health back to the patient and shows them how to sustain it.
Traditional acupuncture and neuro-functional acupuncture are in no way opposed to one another. Rather they compliment each other very well.
Tom's Integrative philosophy
Tom believes that you are here for a purpose and were created to live as a part of nature. He works to follow the time-tested Eastern approach of restoring balance and health to an already intelligent and self-regulating system (the human body). Having taught acupuncture for 14 years, he has a strong foundation and understanding of classical Chinese medicine. At the same time, Tom enjoys learning and is always seeking new ways to help people with acupuncture!
The modern neuroscience-based approach gives us specific, targeted ways to address problems with known involvement of nerves and nervous system derangement. At the same time, the classical Chinese medicine approach provides a comprehensive way to restore circulation and vitality to the tissues and engage the body's self-healing capabilities. To use the two together is like knowing the general terrain you're traveling in while still using a GPS to arrive at your specific destination. ...It's just the smart way to go!
Tom's experience
Tom has twenty years experience working in the healthcare field, the last sixteen as a nationally board certified, NC Licensed Acupuncturist. Previously, Tom worked as a chiropractic and acupuncture assistant, a community based services provider and a home health aide. He has worked in hospital, home and outpatient settings.
Teaching is one of Tom's great passions and he has been heavily involved with didactic programs at the Jung Tao School of Classical Chinese Medicine since 2009. Tom has taught acupuncture theory and treatment for 13 years as well as classes on diagnosis in Chinese medicine, clinical skills, Tai Chi and Qigong. In addition to teaching classes Tom has overseen and directed thousands of treatments as a supervisor and clinical instructor in the JTS student intern clinic for the past 13 years.
Tom opened Whispering Waters Wellness, an independent Chinese medicine and acupuncture practice, in 2007 and joined Alchemy Center for Healing Therapies in 2017. You can learn more about Tom and his classes and services at:
Recent Continuing Education
- Studied Applied Channel Theory and channel palpation with Jason Robertson, DAHM; 21 hours, 2021; 23 hours 2022
- Certified in Visceral Manipulation, Level 1, 2019; Barral Institute
- Completed Classical Tui Na and Traumatology, 90 hour training with Jen Resnick, DAOM, 2018
- Completed Tangible Acupuncture for External Injuries, 85 hour training with international teacher Andrew Nugent-Head DOM, 2015
- Completed Tangible Acupuncture for Internal Disharmonies, 85 hour training with international teacher Andrew Nugent-Head DOM, 2014
- Completed Classical Herbalist, part I course with JulieAnn Nugent-Head DOM, 2014
- Certified in Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture with international teacher and FRA expert Virginia Doran, 2013
- Completed 150 hours post graduate training with world renowned Acupuncturist Dr. Tran Viet Dzung, MD, 2012
- Chinese Medical diagnosis
- Mental-Emotional disorders in Chinese Medicine
Jung Tao School of Classical Chinese Medicine - 2001 - 2005
Master's level Acupuncture program
Teaching certificate for Tai Chi Chuan
NC School of the Arts (now UNCSA) - 1994 – 1999
Bachelor of Fine Arts, specialization in classical guitar performance
