As a child Nicholas battled chronic asthma and digestive problems. His Western doctors told him there were no known “cures” for these conditions, but through acupuncture, Nicholas’ life and health were transformed: both as a practitioner, as well as a patient.
As a healer I was trained by a Taoist priest chiefly, but also by Shamans, Confucian doctor scholars, mindfulness (mediation) teachers and mental health professionals. I’ve been reflecting on what my clinical work looks like. There are 5 major acupuncture channel “systems,” all of which work with different levels of the body-mind. Each system creates a different effect/experience. One system requires being a type of therapist, helping the patient process experience, thought and emotion. Another has been inviting me to act as the “shaman,” helping my patients do “shadow work” in the form of shamanic journeys rich with imagery. Another acupuncture system asks me to be the “mystic” and direct the patient into a deep meditative state where they deal with their nature. The system I work with the least is that which asks me to be a bodyworker, focusing on only surface anatomy. I can do it; it just doesn’t come up as “primary” approach that allows me to be the internal medicine doctor. I jump between “roles” constantly, based on the needs and orientation of my patients. Chinese medicine is vast; I was taught I need to be just as vast. It’s a life’s work. And an often satisfying one.
Diseases and dysfunctions are often messages from our bodies that it’s time for something to change. Acupuncture has the power to treat these issues of the physical body, along with those of the mind and spirit. Often it simply requires an energetic nudge for the body to regain balance and find its natural way. Nicholas identifies the root of your issues and helps restore your body’s balance.
As a patient, Nicholas felt alienated by the separation of body and mind, and the total disregard of spirit within conventional medicine. So Nicholas began his deep study and practice as an acupuncturist to honor the spiritual aspect of the healing process as taught by the ancient wisdom of Chinese Medicine.
Nicholas uses acupuncture as preventative medicine to keep his and his clients’ bodies strong, mind centered, and to correct imbalances before they manifest as disease.
Nicholas has been called a “healer’s healer,” having worked within the alternative medical field for more than 15 years. He has a M.S. in Acupuncture from the Swedish Institute College of Health Sciences; a B.A. in Sociology and Philosophy from Brandeis University, a certification of Chinese Herbal Medicine from Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts; and continues to study under renowned Chinese medical master and Taoist priest, Jeffrey Yuen.
Nicholas is licensed by the State of New York to practice acupuncture. He is also student and practitioner of Taoism and Buddhism, a Reiki Master, Chinese Medical scholar, teacher and writer, using his knowledge and experience to educate and inspire.
From the moment you speak with Nicholas, he creates a safe, trusting and comforting dialogue and environment.