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Five Branches University Newsletter 2026 Spring

APRIL 1st 2026

SPRING 2026

ACUPUNCTURE HERBOLOGY BODYWORK DIETETICS ENERGETICS

Message from the President

As the United States continues to seek safer and more effective solutions to chronic pain and the opioid crisis, integrative approaches such as acupuncture—rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine—are gaining increasing recognition in mainstream healthcare. Supported by both clinical experience and emerging research, these therapies reflect a broader shift toward whole-person care. This vision extends beyond the clinic to include movement-based practices such as Qigong and Tai Chi, which cultivate balance, resilience, and long-term wellness. As highlighted in this newsletter, I encourage our students, faculty, and patients to actively engage in these practices and in the study of Chinese medicine, as together we advance a more holistic, integrative future of healthcare.

UPCOMING CEU

  • BEN CAO GANG MU
    APRIL 10 – 12, 2026
    9AM – 6PM PST
    MORE DETAILS
  • 中醫兒科
    APRIL 9 – 10, 2026
    9AM – 1PM PST
    2AM – 6PM PST
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  • 醫道與易理 PART 2
    APRIL 11 – 12, 2026
    9AM – 1PM PST
    2PM – 6PM PST
    點此報名
  • 高階針灸臨床應用
    APRIL 13, 2026
    2PM – 6PM PST
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CONTACT US

OUR MISSION

We are dedicated to providing the highest level of professional education in Traditional Chinese Medicine and integrative medicine in the U.S. and internationally. We aim to develop highly-skilled TCM clinical practitioners, educators and researchers who will advance the practice of TCM as an independent medical modality.

APRIL 1st 2026

SPRING 2026

Important Professional Update: NCCAOM is now NCBAHM

Key Exam Adjustments: September 1st
In addition to the rebranding, please be aware of the following regarding your board examinations:

  • Content Updates: Starting September 1st, all exams will follow the updated 2026 Content Outlines. These outlines place an increased weighting on Biomedicine collaboration, Safety/Ethics, and Integrative Medicine protocols.
  • Diploma Titles: If you are currently working toward your board certification, your future credential will now be recognized as Diplomate of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (Dipl. AHM).
  • Action Required: We strongly advise students scheduled for fall exams to visit the official NCBAHM website (formerly NCCAOM) to download the latest study guides and content weightings.

Five Branches University remains dedicated to preparing our students for these evolving standards. Our curriculum continues to align with these national benchmarks to ensure you graduate as a highly-skilled and board-ready practitioner.
Read the 2026 Exam Content Outlines here: https://bit.ly/40QsdOE

Celebrating the First International Taiji Day: March 21, 2026

It marks a historic milestone for the global martial arts and wellness community: the inaugural International Taiji Day.

At Five Branches University, we believe that the practice of Taiji is a vital extension of Traditional Chinese Medicine—a “living medicine” that harmonizes the mind, body, and breath. To celebrate, our university clubs are taking our practice beyond the classroom and into the heart of the Bay Area community.

Our dedicated members from the Five Branches Taiji Club and the Taiji Sword Club represent the university in a series of commemorative demonstrations and group practices.

In the spirit of our mission to “transform the worldview of healthcare” through professional collaboration, Five Branches students and faculty joined the Taiji practice at Stanford University.

This gathering brings together practitioners from diverse backgrounds to showcase the strength, grace, and clinical benefits of Taiji.

“Taiji is not just a martial art; it is a moving meditation that embodies the very principles of TCM we study every day. Joining the Stanford community for this first International Taiji Day is a proud moment for Five Branches.” — Taiji Club Faculty Advisor

2026 summer trimester

  • May 11 First Day of Summer Classes – Welcome back!
  • May 25 Memorial Day – University Closed (No classes)
  • July 3–4 Independence Day Observed – University Closed
  • August 22 Last Day of Summer Trimester

As the season of the Fire element approaches, it’s time to channel that expansive energy into your clinical and academic pursuits. Summer at Five Branches University is a season of growth, community, and deepening our mastery of integrative medicine.

APRIL 1st 2026

SPRING 2026

Faculty Spotlight:
Dr. Jacquelyn Van Deusen-Byrd

Samantha Berg

Dr. Jacquelyn Van Deusen-Byrd is a trailblazer in the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) within public health and Western clinical environments. Through her dedicated work with Santa Cruz County, she champions TCM not merely as an “alternative,” but as an essential complementary practice to the Western medical model.

She developed these opportunities for integration through the Santa Cruz Health Center, the Watsonville Health Center, and the Homeless Person’s Health Project (HPHP). Collectively, these programs showcase the efficacy of TCM when applied to at-risk and underserved populations who often fall through the cracks of the healthcare system.

Today, these initiatives provide vital care to Santa Cruz County residents while offering educational opportunities and career pathways for TCM students. As Dr. Byrd shares:

“Acupuncture provides physical and mental health relief, and our patients are very grateful.”

Five Branches students have the unique opportunity to witness Dr. Byrd’s impact firsthand through externships at HPHP. For those in the classroom this summer, she will bring her extensive field expertise to the following courses: Public Health and Epidemiology, Herbology II, Herb-Pharm Interactions, and Herbal First Aid.

Baduanjin (Eight Pieces of Brocade): A Timeless Practice for Modern Wellness

Rooted in the rich heritage of the Song Dynasty, Baduanjin (Eight Pieces of Brocade) is a classical form of Qigong that has been practiced for centuries to cultivate vitality, balance, and inner harmony.
This elegant system of eight gentle movements is designed to stretch the body, regulate breathing, and promote the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy). Simple to learn yet profoundly effective, Baduanjin is accessible to individuals of all ages and fitness levels—making it an ideal practice for both beginners and experienced practitioners.

Celebrating the First International Taiji Day: March 21, 2026

MORE NEWS
WHY PRACTICE BADUANJIN?

Support the body’s natural energy flow and reduce fatigue

Calm the mind through coordinated movement and breath

Improve flexibility, posture, and overall physical resilience

Promote balance across internal organ systems and meridians

A Practice for Today’s World

In today’s fast-paced environment, Baduanjin (Eight Pieces of Brocade) offers a gentle yet powerful way to reconnect with the body and restore balance. Often practiced alongside Tai Chi, it is widely integrated into wellness programs, clinical settings, and preventive healthcare.

We invite our students, faculty, and patients to take a few moments each day to practice Baduanjin—whether in the classroom, clinic, or at home—and experience the benefits of mindful movement as part of our shared commitment to health and well-being.

University News

Constitution Day 2025

Where: Five Branches University

When: September 17th, 2025 – All Day

In 1952, President Harry S. Truman signed a bill that moved I Am an American Day from the third Sunday in May to September 17. Truman did so in order for the holiday to coincide with the date of the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. Congress renamed the holiday Citizenship Day.

A joint resolution passed in 1956 requested that the president proclaim the week beginning September 17 and ending September 23 each year as Constitution Week. In 2004, Senator Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia entered an amendment to the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2005 to change the name of the September 17 holiday to Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. The purpose of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is to commemorate the creation and signing of the s
upreme law of the land and to honor and celebrate the privileges and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship for both native-born and naturalized citizens.

Learn more about Constitution Day from the Center for Civic Education! http://www.civiced.org/home

University News

Five Branches Clinic: Treating Pain with Acupuncture

There has been an epidemic in the world of pain relief, too many people are using opioids as pain relievers and there is a danger of forming a dependency on these opioids. But what exactly are opioids? Opioids are a class of drugs often used medically to treat pain. Medications that are considered opioids are hydrocodone, methadone(meth), oxycodone, morphine, and codine.
These are highly addictive substances and when patients cannot acquire opioid prescriptions for pain, they often resort to buying opioid drugs illegally because they are much less expensive.

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University News

Careers Open to Acupuncturists: Newsletter, March 2021

Subscribe To Our Newsletter | Want to share your story? Please contact us: [email protected]

Many Careers are Open to Acupuncturists

Did you know there are a multitude of career opportunities for acupuncturists, including starting your own private practice, joining an integrative medical facility, getting hired at Kaiser or Sutter or Modern Acupuncture, getting hired at a spa or yoga studio, teaching at a university, working at an herbal dispensary, or even traveling the world to assist in dire situations for Acupuncturists Without Borders?

Our practitioners are equipped with paramount levels of education for acupuncture, herbal formulation, Chinese dietary advice, and even marketing skills, so you can get started on your career path right away.

We encourage you to consider what type of practice you might want to have once you are an acupuncturist (and keep in mind our DTCM/DAOM/Bridge Doctoral programs offer added benefits since employers often prefer more initials after your name)! Visit Paths to TCM for more information on the many different transformations your career can take, and has already taken our alumni.

Adding Healthy Oils to Your Diet Can Reduce Depression

In addition to acupuncture and herbs, what other measures can help us through the ‘winter blues’ as we also face an ongoing pandemic? One way is adding more healthy fats to your daily diet, and eating a wide variety of vegetables instead of sticking with the same few ones.

Dietetics research suggests that extra virgin olive oil and fish oils (heavily featured in the Mediterranean Diet) help combat depression, and the positive effects lasted longer if people also committed to eating many different types of greens, nuts, seeds, and beans (Parletta et. al. [2019] A Mediterranean-style dietary intervention supplemented with fish oil improves diet quality and mental health in people with depression, Nutritional Neuroscience, 22:7, 474-487).

In Traditional Chinese Medicine we say colloquially “Eat a rainbow every day,” which references a variety of plant sources. One possibility for a side dish is lightly steamed rainbow chard tossed with cold-pressed olive oil and sprinkled with diced olives (both black and green) and fresh basil.

A Special Point for Pregnancy Anxiety

The pandemic has made most aspects of life far more challenging, and heightened emotions expected with becoming pregnant may be even more complex right now. If you or a loved one is pregnant (the patient in this photo was three months along), consider acupressure for Pericardium 4.

Located between palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis about five inches from the wrist, P4 helps alleviate depression, grief, and fear of people. Coronavirus has sparked additional worry during pregnancy, including transmissibility concerns and a lack of community support. Even the pandemic aside, anxiety is common during pregnancy but your doctor may caution against taking medications if possible.

When stressed, press and hold this point ten times in a row to increase circulation within the energy pathways; acupressure can also be used preventively first thing each morning to avoid developing the symptoms.

University News

Education Continues: Newsletter, February 2021

Subscribe To Our Newsletter | Want to share your story? Please contact us: [email protected]

Education Continues During A Pandemic

Embracing the safety and the well-being of students and faculty in providing patient-care, education at FBU continues with high safety measures and careful adoption of various formats, including online education to achieve teaching objectives to promote upkeep of clinical skills and knowledge.

On February 21 at 2pm Pacific time, join us for

  • General information about the program
  • A graduate and a senior student testimonials
  • Clinic operation in light of the COVID-19 regulations
  • Small groups for Q & A

Spotlight on a Current Student: Frederica Crafts

Our current student Frederica has enjoyed giving free acupuncture at fairs, such as MLK Youth Day in January 2020, just prior to the pandemic temporarily halting our usual events where faculty and students assist underserved populations

At that event longtime professor Mariposa Bernstein had students set up a circle of chairs and treat patients with auricular (ear) points. Frederica says “This unique opportunity gave me the experience of working with a vast array of individuals, many of whom had never experienced the healing nature of acupuncture. It was wonderful to come together as a community and expose people to m odalities that they may never have the opportunity to experience.”

One of the rewards we can have as acupuncturists is a real-time view of the stress relief our treatments provide. The pace of modern life is extremely taxing. Frederica noticed that at the health fair, “Children were cared for, mothers were listened to and relieved, fathers shared healing time with their children. It was a day that has shown me just how important it is to participate in community gatherings.”

Five Branches is looking forward to getting back to our outreach programs which have always been lively and rewarding; for now, please stay safe and focus on cultivating daily routines that work best for your family.

 

Service Updates: Our Clinics Are Open

We offer affordable acupuncture at both our Santa Cruz and San Jose clinics, as well as virtual Telehealth sessions for those who wish to speak with their clinician from the comfort of their homes. To make an appointment please give us a call; unfortunately, we cannot accommodate walk-ins at this time. Below you will find our current hours and contact information:

Santa Cruz Clinic
200 7th Ave #115, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

(831) 476-9424| SC Clinic

Service Hours:
Monday 9:00am – 6:00pm
Tuesday 9:00am – 6:00pm
Wednesday 9:00am – 6:00pm
Thursday 9:00am – 5:00pm
Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday & Sunday Closed

San Jose Clinic
1885 Lundy Ave, San Jose, CA 95131

(408) 260-8868 | SJ Clinic

Service Hours:
Monday 9:00am – 7:30pm
Tuesday 9:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday 9:00am – 7:30pm
Thursday 9:00am – 7:30pm
Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday & Sunday Closed

Giant Hot Pot Broth Being Made

Winter is upon us, and a cozy delicious soup you can enjoy is a traditional Chinese hot pot (made with beef tallow, vegetables, spices, herbs, beans, and so on) but you have never seen it cooked in a cauldron this big before! It is mesmerizing.

Notice the range of Chinese herbs from our pharmacopeia being added one by one. Each Chinese herb in a decoction, formula or stew has a specific function in our medicine, such as reducing blood pressure or assisting with weight loss!
Image Source

 


 

 

University News

Newsletter & Happy New Year, January 2021

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New Year’s Resolution: Stress Less

This year as we celebrate switching over to 2021 with just our own company or with our small ‘pod’ of folks, let us try to bring in extra warmth and acceptance after a very difficult time. If you generally feel extra stress during darker and chillier months, consider adding these to your self-care regimen:
  • Rescue Remedy (available at health food stores) 10 drops daily in your water
  • Mint tea (known to acupuncturists as Bo He) each evening to help you sleep
  • Ginger tea (known as Sheng Jiang) every morning to warm hands and feet
  • Omega-3 oils such as DHA and EPA (found in fish oil capsules, or even better by eating salmon or mussels twice weekly) can protect against heart disease
  • Goji berries (known as Gou Qi Zi) in boiling water as a tea or baked in muffins

What Does the Yin-Yang Symbol Mean?

Spotted at a CA outdoor market: licensed acupuncturist and 2005 grad Erica Vessells, sporting a new pair of yin-yang earrings made by fair trade craftswomen in Bali. The yin-yang symbol has its roots in Chinese Taoism and represents how opposing forces are often beautifully interconnected. An analogy would be how day turns into night and night into day; one catches glimpses of each within the other. During twilight a spreading quietude and indigo enshrouds the world; at dawn, day is blossoming from within the night. The yin-yang is perhaps the most crucial symbol in all of Chinese medicine, representing ultimate balance and vitality.

Industry Update

The NCCAOM changed its policy on exam retakes; under new rules candidates can have more than 5 attempts IF they satisfy certain requirements (such factors include certification application validity and previous exams passed). Please see this post for more information.

A Message from the President & Dean

“I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.” -Confucius

As we head into 2021, our thoughts are with those whose health has been affected by the pandemic, and the frontline workers who remain at risk every day. At Five Branches we switched to a virtual model immediately and continue to incorporate updates to virtual and hybrid teaching to keep students and patients safe. This year has been such a difficult time. Our students and faculty remain committed to the foundations of healing from five thousand years ago. We are working hard to spearhead best practices to face these challenges, and we wish you a better 2021.

-President Ron Zaidman & Dean Joanna Zhao

University News

Newsletter & Seasonal Greetings, December 2020

Seasonal Greetings from Five Branches University

Chinese Medicine to Soothe COVID Anxiety

To put it mildly, 2020 has been a strange and challenging time for all of us here in the U.S. and around the world. One year ago scientists became aware of the first cases of the novel coronavirus, and the global infection rate led to so many months of isolation and permeating fear it is difficult to recall what life was like before. Remember you are not alone if you harbor a deep wariness from this pandemic. Hopefully your anxiety has decreased over time, while you have also stayed vigilant about prevention.

Early on it seemed we were all so anxious about catching Covid from doorknobs and countertops that it was practically debilitating. Of course, the silver lining is we have learned so much about Covid from both a Western and Chinese Medicine perspective. We know now the three W’s of Covid prevention: Wear masks, Wash hands, Watch distance. “But of the three, the most important is wearing a mask,” says UCSF infectious disease expert Peter Chin-Hong MD, who asserts by comparison cleaning your groceries or wiping your iPhone are “just distractors.”[1]

So we have been masking and distancing and (hopefully) able to remain in acupuncture practice, and thankfully we now arrived at the crisp winter air and sentimentality of the holidays. But our celebrations still need to look different this year, whether with a very small ‘pod’ or completely virtual. The lack of community may be made worse by winter being the season of the Kidney Meridian and its associated emotion of fear.

Fortunately, Chinese Medicine is adept at treating many symptoms of not only Covid infection but the anxiety as well. Even though most of us are avoiding contracting Covid we are absolutely affected by the widespread anxiety within and of our families, coworkers, and on the news.

Here are excellent points to press on yourself or have your acupuncturist needle:

  • Pericardium 6 and Heart 7

Plus any of the following:

  • Bladder 11 & 20
  • Conception 6 & 17
  • Stomach 25 & 36
  • Liver 2

Spotlight on Graduates: Arcadia Farber LAc

Arcadia grew up in Marin County, CA, and from an early age was interested in artistic and creative pursuits. She graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a major in fine art and a minor in sociology, but her life was changed forever after a personal experience of healing from acupuncture.

The clarity and peace she found from those first acupuncture treatments amazed her, as did the versatility of this ancient science. Combining art and medicine suddenly seemed possible, and she enrolled at Five Branches to pursue a new path.

Now an acupuncturist and herbalist with more than a dozen years of private practice under her belt, Arcadia works in two offices in Marin; one is a shared clinic where she rents a room alongside several providers, and the other is an outdoor acupuncture cabana she conceived of when the pandemic hit.

Asked about her new open-air treatment space, she says she herself and also her patients love combining acupuncture with the gentle sounds of rustling wind and trilling birds all around them; a lesson in adaptability. Her words of wisdom for all of us in 2021 and especially to aspiring acupuncturists: “Stay creative.”

Holiday Goji Muffins (Gluten Free)

The famed Himalayan goji berry builds the Blood to increase circulation. From a Western perspective, “Many pharmacological functions related to the eyes, kidney, and liver particularly have been promoted by the consumption of goji berry.”[1] For this treat, whisk together then bake in a greased 12-muffin tin at 350 degrees for about 40 min:

  • 2 cups gluten free flour (such as Bob’s Red Mill GF 1-to-1 Baking Flour)
  • 6 oz dried goji berries (available at Whole Foods or Asian grocery stores)
  • 3 oz dried blueberries
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 8 oz maple syrup
  • 3 oz almond milk
  • 4 oz softened butter
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Want to share your story? Please contact us: [email protected]

Happy Holidays!

This year has not been easy by any means, but we’re so grateful for you and our extended community of healers. Our deepest thanks for your continued support, and please stay safe. We look forward to welcoming you soon.
 

-Five Branches University

University News

Faculty Snapshots

Selected from a community of prominent Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western medicine practitioners, teachers, authors and international lecturers in the United States, China and Taiwan, the faculty at FBU is dedicated to being at the forefront of teaching and provide a supportive learning environments, both in academic and clinical experiences for students to graduate as competent TCM practitioners.

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Anna Goldfarb, assistant professor at Five Branches University, is greatly valued for her passion in teaching students to become competent doctors in both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine. Her skillful integration of the two medicines allows patients to benefit from the best of both worlds.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine? How does Acupuncture work? What does it mean to say that your body is your best doctor? Ching Ching Chi is a DAOM, Ph.D. Graduate of Zhejiang TCM University, and a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist in the state of California. Ching specializes in pain management, Diabetes and its complications, stroke rehabilitation, cancer care, and autoimmune diseases.

Did you know you can find medicinal herbs growing along the trails you hike? Engage in our community where common interests in herbal medicine and holistic lifestyles unite. Professor Pang has been a principal member of the Five Branches’ faculty since 1984. Professor Pang leads as Head of the Theory and Herbology Department and he reviews and develops the Chinese medicine curriculum at Five Branches.

Lucy Hu graduated from the Chinese Acupuncture Medical Institute of Hong Kong in 1982 with diplomas in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine. With three decades of medical experience and specialization in pediatrics, professor Hu teaches in the departments of TCM Clinical Medicine and TCM Clinical Training in our DTCM/MTCM program. She is also a faculty member in our DAOM program.

Thomas Leichardt, L.Ac teaches medical qigong, energetic medicine, and core mysticism at Five Branches University,   while offering energetic healing sessions to his students and clients. He began his study and practice of medical qigong in 1999 and completed the highest level of training and certification from the International Institute of Medical Qigong at the Henan University of TCM in 2006.

A warm welcome to prospective students from our University President, Ron Zaidman. ” Education at Five Branches University prepares graduates for independent practice and a successful career. Chinese Medicine has gained an edge in the treatment of chronic health conditions where pharmaceutical and modern medicine have yet found a solution. “

Learn what’s vital for a successful treatment from George Lu. George interned at Shu Guan Hospital in Shanghai, China. He trained in Dr. Shi style Orthopedic Tuina along with other specialties including internal medicine, advanced acupuncture techniques, and gynecology. George has practised in Canada and Southern California, and opened his first clinic in Cupertino in 1995. He specializes in sports injury, Tuina, and fertility.

“If you know how Chinese Medicine is constructed, it is easier to develop it based on your own knowledge and clinical experiences.” Learn from Dr. Fengli Lan who has over 20 years of professional experience in Chinese Medicine, and published 24 books and numerous peer-reviewed journals.

University News

The Charm of Our Santa Cruz Campus

Five Branches University has two campuses that lie about forty miles apart. The Santa Cruz Campus is located just a block from the ocean. It’s just a short walk to Twin Lakes State Beach. The San Jose Campus is in north San Jose, the largest city of the innovative Silicon Valley.

We allow students to take classes at both campuses. This gives you a lot of flexibility as far as timing. If you need to work, and the class that you need is taught at the other campus at a better time that is more convenient for you, you can do it. It’s just that you need to declare a home campus and then you have to take the majority of your classes in that home campus. But if occasionally you need to take the class at the other campus, then you can definitely do that.”

Beyond the faculty, each location has its own unique charm. Despite being less than an hour’s drive apart, San Jose and Santa Cruz are two vastly different communities.  At the Santa Cruz campus, I would say the majority of our students are not local, they have a bachelor’s degree usually, or higher.” About half of the Santa Cruz students move to the area to study. Many are graduates of UC Santa Cruz. Others have family or friends in the area or vacationed there and have fond memories. They have diverse backgrounds such as massage therapists, yoga and martial arts practitioners, nurses and business majors.

“Santa Cruz is a nice place for someone who does not like a big city, that prefers to have more of a homey town, a small-town feel. It’s next to the ocean on the coast of Monterey. People who enjoy water sports will enjoy being so close to the ocean because, while cold, the coastline is easy to swim. The weather in Santa Cruz is relatively tepid for most of the year with only a few weeks of hot weather during the summer. If you come from an area that is cold and rainy or super humid, living here is a nice place for the years while you go through your education. Santa Cruz has a lot of draw from beyond that. It’s a community that loves spiritual growth.

There are personal growth types of events and seminars, a lot of health-oriented events, a wonderful farmers’ market, a lot of alternative health. Santa Cruz is very progressive. There are a lot of athletic things too, whether it is running, mountain biking, rock climbing, there are a lot of opportunities to participate in physical sports in Santa Cruz. From city & state parks to soccer pitches, outdoor basketball courts, and more.

“I have lived here for over 20 years. Even I just recently discovered that there is a huge park with cows roaming in the meadows in the middle of town. I didn’t even know that it existed and just by accident, I found out. Ariana Gulch. So nice! You can have a long trail, a picnic, so there are all these hidden gems in Santa Cruz.