DAcHM/MAcHM Faculty

Marilyn Allen is a practice management consultant for the acupuncture profession. Her expertise includes office management, marketing, professional ethics and jurisprudence. With an M.S. in Management and Administration from Pepperdine University, she has honed her skills in several large complementary medical clinics. She is a consultant to the California State Board of Acupuncture for questions regarding health insurance coverage and malpractice insurance. Professor Allen is also the editor of Acupuncture Today, and is a co-author of the book Points for Profit: The Essential Guide to Practice Success for Acupuncturists. Marilyn Allen teaches in the Department of Complementary Studies.

Marilyn “Mariposa” Bernstein is an alumnus of Five Branches University. She has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, and has also studied theater and women’s studies. Mariposa has lectured at Dominican Hospital, Cabrillo College, The Way of Life, and at many health fairs. Her specialties include women’s health, weight loss, immune support, western herbs, and nutritional counseling.

Mariposa’s hobbies include dancing, outdoor activities, comedy improvisation, and travel. She has a private practice in downtown Santa Cruz. Mariposa Bernstein teaches in the Departments of TCM Clinical Training and Western Medicine.

Lynne Caryl L. Ac., owner and practitioner of Harbor Acupuncture, has over 25 years experience as a primary healthcare physician in Oriental Medicine. Introduced to acupuncture while writing her thesis in Japan, she became intrigued with traditional Asian medicine and began her life-long love and practice of this ancient science. Lynne received her Master’s degree from Five Branches University and was licensed in 1987. She has studied Chinese medicine at the Shanghai Hospital with Director, Dr. Huang focusing on diabetes, internal medicine and herbs; Beijing Hospital in endocrinology and renal clinics; Hang Zhou University in the children’s clinic, internal medicine and trauma and injury recuperation; Chengdu University in dietary medicine. Lynne has also done doctoral studies in Los Angeles and New York and is currently co-authoring a book with Dr. Jeffery Yuen. Lynne specializes in chronic degenerative conditions and endocrine conditions, focusing on diabetes. Her background teaching yoga and dance, provides an awareness of physiology and body movement that improves pain management, and trauma recovery. Lynne offers Face Reading as a diagnostic tool revealing one’s genetic gifts and challenges, differentiating habits from acute conditioning. Lynne has taught Argentine Tango for over 15 years, both here and in Argentina (and once in Fiji for fun.) She loves the elegance and grace of the dance. . She also enjoys snorkeling in warm waters, learning, and laughter. Lynne Caryl teaches in the Department of TCM Clinical Training

Flynn received his Masters in Traditional Chinese Medicine and DAOM from Five Branches University. Flynn uses rapid and effective acupuncture techniques to address chronic issues such as insomnia, allergies, digestion and skin problems, mobility limitations, and long COVID. He incorporates Tai-Chi Qi Gong to develop unique acupressure and channel regulation techniques. Flynn specializes in non-invasive auricular and palm reflexology, and provides tailored self-care coaching and dietary recommendations. Flynn teaches in TCM Clinical Training.

Joanna Zhao, Academic Dean, has been Director of Five Branches’ TCM Clinic since she co-founded it in 1984. Her commitment to TCM began as a youngster in China, when she became interested in the work of her uncle, a famous TCM doctor. Joanna received her education from the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the People’s Republic of China, where she trained in both Western medicine and TCM. She studied with noted medical doctors and acupuncturists Yu An Fang and Xian Ming Huang. Joanna has spent more than 40 years teaching and practicing TCM in China and the U.S., working with local oncologists and developing specialties in immune diseases and mental emotional disorders. Joanna has lectured at the Five Branches’ International Symposium on Women’s TCM and on Pediatric TCM, and has been a guest speaker at the University of California, Santa Cruz. She has also been the lead speaker at national conferences on female reproductive cancer, and leukemia. She has led study tours to China since 1992, where Five Branches’ students and graduates study in Shanghai’s Shuguang Hospital and Zhejiang Chinese Medical University. Joanna is an accomplished musician, integrating Eastern and Western styles of music. Like her teacher and great-grandfather, she is also an excellent calligrapher. Professor Zhao teaches in the Departments of TCM Acupuncture and TCM Herbology, and is a faculty member of the Five Branches DAOM program.

Florence Chen received her Masters’ degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in California, and a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Five Branches University. She is a licensed acupuncturist in both California and New York, specializing in women's health, neuromuscular medicine and pain management, and dermatology/external medicine. When not practicing or teaching, Florence enjoys skiing, snorkeling, and backyard barbeques.

Samson Cheung is a licensed acupuncturist with a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Five Branches University. He has studied the I-Ching since 1986 and has a deep understanding of Chinese metaphysics, Feng Shui, and Confucianism. In 2007, he co-founded the School of Yimutology, a nonprofit organization where he teaches I-Ching and related subjects, integrating classical Chinese philosophy into modern life.

Dr. Cheung holds a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from the University of California, Davis, and earned his M.A. and B.S. in Mathematics and Physics from the University of Maryland. Prior to his work in Chinese medicine, he worked as a computer engineer at Boeing, Intel, and NASA Ames Research Center, contributing to Earth science modeling and climate research.

Dr. Cheung teaches in the Departments of TCM Theory, Acupuncture,  Teaching Clinics, also teaches in the DAOM program.

Ching Ching Chi is a DAOM, PhD Graduate of Zhejiang TCM University and licensed acupuncturist and herbalist in the state of California. She is a student of Professor's Fan Yongsheng, Fang Benzheng, and Wang Juyi, the most distinguished acupuncture physicians and herbalists in China.

Ching specializes in pain management, diabetes and its complication, stroke rehabilitation, cancer care and autoimmune disease. Ching is currently teaching in the Departments of TCM Theory and TCM Acupuncture.

David Chi earned his Doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Five Branches University in California. He also holds an M.S. in TCM fromCulture & Health Sciences and M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Santa Clara University.

Dr. Chi specializes in pain management, anti-aging, Alzheimer’s prevention, and Parkinson’s disease. Outside of his clinical and teaching work, he enjoys gardening, hiking, and exploring Bio-healing practices that connect nature and human energy.

He teaches in the Departments of Energetics, Electives, and Teaching Clinics.

Jim Chialtas is a San Diego native.  He received Bachelor’s Degree in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology in 1997 at UC Santa Cruz. He received his Master’s Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine (MTCM) at Five Branches University and a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM) from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in 2019. There, he began his instruction in Quantum Ju-Jitsu, a martial art that encompasses Ju-Jitsu, Yoga, and Restoration Massage Therapy training.  He started his private practice in 2003. Jim has trained extensively in Functional Blood Chemistry and Hormone analysis. When Jim isn’t seeing patients, he enjoys spending time with his family and dog Cheddar, working with wood, and getting into nature as much as possible. He teaches the Applying Lab result for TCM practitioners in the Bridge completion program.

Eddie Chu, L.Ac., has over ten years of clinical experience in Chinese medicine. He studied at the University of Hong Kong, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, and Five Branches University. He holds certifications as an International TCM Doctor and International Acupuncture Doctor, and has served as an examiner in health and massage (China), mentoring students in practical skills.

Eddie specializes in internal medicine, pain management, and men’s health. He is particularly skilled in using acupuncture, herbal prescriptions, massage, and external therapies to treat a wide range of conditions. Passionate about traditional Chinese medicine, he has conducted in-depth research on the foundational classic Huangdi Neijing.

He teaches in the Department of Teaching Clinics.

Sarah Cullerton earned her Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University in Santa Cruz. She also holds an Associate Degree in Community Health from Cabrillo College and completed advanced doula training at Seattle Midwifery College.

Sarah specializes in women’s health and pain management, drawing on over 20 years of experience in birth work. Her clinical practice integrates acupuncture, manual therapy, cupping, herbs, and nutrition. She is the owner of Wellness Medical Center and serves as an education specialist for Benedictine Herbs.

She teaches in the Departments of Herbs and Teaching Clinics.

Thomas Dicklin is a licensed acupuncturist with a Master's degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University. He received Medical Qigong training with Dr. Jerry Alan Johnson at the International Institute of Medical Qigong, California. Thomas is a partner and acupuncturist at Communi-Qi Acupuncture in Santa Cruz, California, and has been a faculty member of the Five Branches Extension program since 2012.

Thomas Dicklin teaches in the Departments of TCM Acupuncture, Western Medicine and Complementary Studies.

Harry Zuohong Ding is a licensed acupuncturist in both Florida and California. He is the fifth generation of Menghe Medicine lineage- a traditional school of thought that originated from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, uniting diverse traditions of medical learning theories into one integrated medicine system based on ancient principles of practice. Harry received a Master of Oriental Medicine degree from the Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine in Florida, and is currently a DAOM Fellow at Five Branches University. He worked in the Department of Rheumatism in Longhua Hospital in 2010, specializing in the treatment of rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis and other related diseases. Harry Zuohong Ding teaches in the Department of Review and Assessment.

Yuemiao Fang earned his M.D. from Zhejiang Traditional Chinese Medical College and completed a postgraduate Integrative medicine  M.S. program at the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology. He brings decades of clinical and academic experience in both China and the U.S.

Professor Fang started Fang’s Acupuncture clinic in 2002, he specializes in integrative treatment of stroke, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions, pain management, and internal medicine using acupuncture, herbal medicine approaches. He has taught at multiple institutions and is currently a senior professor at Five Branches University.

He teaches in the Departments of Acupuncture, Review & Assessment, and Teaching Clinics.

Yuemiao Fang earned his M.D. from Zhejiang Traditional Chinese Medical College and completed a postgraduate Integrative medicine  M.S. program at the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology. He brings decades of clinical and academic experience in both China and the U.S.

Professor Fang started Fang’s Acupuncture clinic in 2002, he specializes in integrative treatment of stroke, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions, pain management, and internal medicine using acupuncture, herbal medicine approaches. He has taught at multiple institutions and is currently a senior professor at Five Branches University.

He teaches in the Departments of Acupuncture, Review & Assessment, and Teaching Clinics.

In private practice since 2000, Rachel Farber has been passionate about helping people live comfortably in their bodies and supporting them to make vital lifestyle choices. Her specialties include women’s health and mental-emotional health, including disordered eating, depression, addiction and hormonal imbalances.

Rachel Farber received her BA from Wellesley College in 1988 and MS from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1999. She studied independently with Efrem Korngold, co-author of Between Heaven and Earth, during and after her formal studies and considers him her mentor. She has also studied acupuncture in Japan. Rachel is also a bodyworker since 1992 and has taught massage and Asian bodywork in several massage programs. She is also a mother of two, a dedicated practitioner and teacher of yoga, and a passionate seasonal food cook.

Anna Goldfarb received a Master's in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University . She earned a M.D., and a M.S. in Physiology and Biophysics from Georgetown University, Washington D.C.

Anna Goldfarb teaches in the Department of Western Medicine.

Jian An Guo graduated from Henan University of TCM in 1989.  He had worked at Henan Luoyang Orthopedic and Traumatology Hospital and performed more than 1000 orthopedic surgeries since then. He specialized in the treatment with integrated TCM and Western Medicine for Orthopedic disease. He received his Master of Medical Science from China Academy of Chinese Medical Science in 1996 and worked at Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology. He guided several research projects, has published 5 books and more than 10 professional papers. Professor Guo has taught human anatomy, acupuncture, Chinese remedial massage, Chinese Orthopedics in Five Branch University (San Jose) since 2008.

Nicholas earned a Master’s Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University in pursuit of a lifelong passion to study ancient traditions of medicine and natural science.  While a student at Five Branches he developed relationships with senior faculty, working as a teaching assistant and focusing on the interpretation and clinical application of classical texts.  His previous studies focused on the history and philosophy of scientific traditions all over the world, which led him to choose a career path in Chinese medicine.

Nicholas has been in private practice since his licensure in 2017, and contributed to the founding of several clinics and businesses that offer modalities of Chinese medicine.  His specialty is utilizing all five branches in the context of patient centered integrative care.  Currently his efforts are focused on his work treating, teaching and administrating at Five Branches University.  He is also a teacher and practitioner of traditional Chinese martial arts, which informs his approach to Chinese medicine.

He teaches in the Departments of TCM Theory and Teaching Clinics.

Frank He obtained his Bachelors and Masters degrees’ in Medicine from the Department of Acupuncture at Liaoning University of TCM, in the People’s Republic of China. He won every scholarship available at his medical school and graduated Summa Cum Laude. He currently is a DAOM Fellow at Five Branches University.

Frank was raised in a remote village in northern China. He spent two years in family practice with his grandfather in the early 1980s, then began practicing there as a barefoot doctor in 1986. In the village, Frank treated various conditions not commonly seen in the city. The village offered a family practice setting where he worked as a general practitioner for children and adults.

Frank knows sports and how to treat sports injuries. He was a champion decathlete while in medical school and was an amateur boxer for five years. He has helped thousands of patients return to the sports field, including weekend warriors and Olympic gold medalists. Active in athletic activities in the greater Bay Area, Frank has won medals in track and field, and won the Nankai Cup volleyball tournament.

Frank is a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) appointed by the State of California, one of the few actively practicing Acupuncturist-QMEs among over 10,000 acupuncturists. Frank has earned a reputation for his extensive knowledge, skills and passion. Radiologists often refer to him as “Frank He, MD” because of his superior clinical judgment. Well published and respected in the field, he is an international lecturer traveling around the world to promote acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Frank has appeared in numerous local and national publications – particularly in the areas of sports medicine, anti-aging, stress management, seniors’ health, and women’s health.

Frank has a patent pending approval for a specially engineered acupuncture needle and has developed a unique acupuncture technique called Muscle Channel Technique (MCT)™ which has clinically proven to be effective in pain management and injury healing. Professor He teaches in the Department of TCM Acupuncture and is a faculty member of the DAOM program.

Stephanie He graduated with honors in 1985 from Tianjin University of TCM and earned certification to teach TCM in China at the university level. After graduation, she worked for thirteen years as a physician and instructor at the First Teaching Hospital at the Tianjin University of TCM, which is one of China’s major TCM institutions for treatment, instruction and research. In Tianjin, Stephanie’s supervisor was Professor Shi Xuemin, a famous expert in the acupuncture department in China and abroad.

Stephanie specializes in the treatment of stroke, gastrointestinal disorders, geriatrics, neuropathies and internal medicine disorders. She has published numerous research articles in nationally recognized journals of TCM in China on subjects including high cholesterol, depression, and gout. In her free time she enjoys cooking, hiking and working out at the gym. Professor He teaches in the Department of TCM Clinical Training. For more information about Dr. He, go to www.stephaniehe.com

Jiyoun holds a Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic West. Her academic background is rooted in applied biology and enriched by international externship experience at China Medical University in Taiwan.

Her post-graduate development includes advanced training in Zhu's Scalp Acupuncture, Master Tung’s Points, Dr. Tan’s Balance Method, and Applied Channel Theory. Jiyoun brings integrative experience from both Eastern and Western healthcare systems, supported by a solid foundation in tuina, scalp acupuncture, and chiropractic care.

She teaches in the Department of Teaching Clinic.

Professor Denise Hsu received her medical degree from Shanghai university of Traditional Chinese Medicine and had been trained in both Chinese medicine and Western Medicine with the specialty of Orthopedics surgeon.  She is a licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist with the California Medical Board and certified Acupuncturist with the NCCAOM in the United States.  She had served as the Examination Committee member of NCCAOM since 1997 and supported the California Acupuncture Board exam for many years since 1986. Also she had been elected for the Commissioner in NCCAOM for 9 years. She has joined Kaiser and has been working as the specialty in Pain Management since 1998. She had been the Chair and professor of the Chinese Medicine Department in the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 12 years. She has over 30  years  experience of teaching and practice in acupuncture and herbal medicine in the United States. Currently She has been teaching Diagnosis classes in the TCM theory department since 2016.

Lucy Hu comes from a family of healthcare practitioners. Her great grandfather was a doctor of Traditional Chinese medicine and her two older sisters earned Western MD degrees in China. Lucy received her medical degree from Shenyang University in Shenyang, People’s Republic of China, in 1961 and worked as a pediatrician and instructor at the Dalian Children Hospital from 1961 through 1979. Lucy graduated from the Chinese Acupuncture Medical Institute of Hong Kong in 1982, with diplomas in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine. In her three decades of medical experience, she has specialized in pediatrics. Lucy became a licensed acupuncturist in California in 1987 and obtained her National Certification (NCCAOM) in both Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology. In 2004, Lucy presented a case study of a child with a severe genetic metabolic disorder at the International Conference on Diagnosis and Treatment of Difficult Diseases by Herbal Therapy and Acupuncture in Hangzhou, China. She treated the child with success unobtainable by Western methods. After 12 months of treatment, the child’s health and quality of life continued to improve significantly. Lucy maintains a private practice for adults and children in Santa Clara, California. Her interests include classical music and cooking, especially the healthy Chinese herbal soups so favored by her students. You can visit her website at http://lucy.hu.googlepages.com/. Professor Hu teaches in the Departments of TCM Clinical Medicine and TCM Clinical Training and is a faculty member of the Five Branches DAOM program.

Jundong Jie completed her  six-year Chinese Medicine program at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine in 1990. She has over 30 years of experience in Traditional Chinese Medicine. She is also trained in Haemodialysis at Xiehe Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and in Cardiovascular disease treatment at Anzhen Hospital and Guang’anmen Hospital. Specializing in nephrology, acupuncture, and herbal medicine, she worked at Beijing Jiaotong Hospital, where he served as head of the hemodialysis Unit and attending physician in cardiovascular medicine.

From 2003 to 2021, Jundong was a senior physician at Ma Kuang healthcare Group in Singapore, training and mentoring junior TCM practitioners and advancing research in "Green Dialysis." Since 2021, she has been an instructor and clinical supervisor at Acupuncture and Massage College in Miami, FL.

Jundong has published extensively on nephrology, cardiovascular medicine, and acupuncture, and has been actively involved in media outreach, professional training, and research projects. Her expertise covers a wide range of conditions, from pain management to internal medicine, using acupuncture and herbal therapies. Passionate about TCM, she even applied acupuncture to successfully treat paraplegic dogs.

At Five Branches University, she teaches in the TCM Theory and TCM Acupuncture departments and supervises clinical training.

Dr. Fengli Lan received her Ph.D. in Chinese Medicine (CM) after 11 years of full-time education and training at prestigious universities and hospitals of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Hebei province and Shanghai, China. She has over 20 years of professional experience in Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture, including teaching, research, practice, and extensive publications. She did her postdoctoral research project at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China, sponsored by the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation. She was a Professor and Graduate Advisor at the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a Guest Professor at the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Vienna, and a Visiting Faculty at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and the University of California, San Diego. Lan has provided excellent patient care for over 20 years. She specializes in the areas of classical acupuncture, acupuncture research and practice, internal medicine, and gynecology. She has published 36 internationally peer-reviewed journal papers (12 indexed in PubMed, 4 indexed in CSSCI), 38 book chapters, 27 conference papers, and 24 books on TCM foundations, classics, acupuncture, gynecology, mental and emotional disorders, and the philosophy of Chinese Medicine.

Dr. Lan is currently a CA & NCCAOM Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist, and a faculty member at Five Branches University. She teaches in the departments of TCM Theory and Clinical Medicine, Clinical Training, and Research.

Jessica Jing Lao has been a TCM skin rejuvenation specialist since 1995. She was a lecturer and Director for the Teaching Management Department at Zhejiang College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Since 2010, she has taught TCM skin rejuvenation, basic theory of TCM, TCM diagnosis, herbs, food therapy, and Tai Chi to both local and foreign students at  Zhejiang Chinese Medical University. Jessica’s specialties include TCM facials, facial massage, facial acupoints massage, acne treatment with acupuncture and herbs, Chloasma treatment with acupuncture and herbs, weight loss treatment with acupuncture and herbs, beauty herbs, and beauty foods. Jessica completed her Masters degree in TCM at Five Branches University in 2012. She graduated from Zhejiang Chinese Medical University with a specialty in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in 2004, and completed her Master Course of skin care at Huadou Beauty College of Hong Kong in 1994. She is a member of the TCM Beauty Committee, a branch of the National Traditional Chinese Medicine Association in China.

Thomas has great passion for the inner alchemy practices found in Daoism and other eastern traditions, both as a vehicle for self transformation as well as a means to promote healing ranging from the physical to the spiritual. After completing massage certification, Thomas found energetic medicine to be his passion, and by 1999 he was deeply moved to the study and practice of medical qigong. By 2006, he completed the highest level of training and certification available from the International Institute of Medical Qigong and Henan University of TCM. While studying in China on five separate occasions, Thomas received lineage into the Dragon Gate sect of Daoism at Qingchengshan (青城山) in Sichuan. Through these experiences, and his deep commitment to the practices, Thomas has absorbed and embodied the essence of energy medicine and transformation. In addition to Thomas' study and practice of Daoist medicine and healing, he also has a very close association with the great Indian saint Mata Amritanandamayi, better known as Amma, or the hugging saint. He serves on staff for her tours in North America and abroad, absorbing her deep wisdom and compassion for the human condition. Thomas currently teaches medical qigong, energetic medicine, and core mysticism, while offering energetic healing sessions to his students and clients. For more information about Thomas go to: www.inneralchemycenter.com

Sally Lewis holds a TCM Master’s and DAOM degree from Five Branches University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Lake Forest College in Illinois. Sally has been in private practice since 1987. She incorporates Esogetic Colorpuncture, a healing technique developed by German Naturopath and Acupuncturist Dr. Peter Mandel into her treatments, using colored light on acupuncture points to affect balance in the body. She also integrates Medical Biomagnetism, developed by Dr. Issac Duran Goiz, into her treatments to help balance the ph of the body, and neutralize bacteria, parasites, viruses and other diseases. Sally completed a three-year program in Spiritual Direction at the Mercy Center in Burlingame, California. She specializes in treating pain and working with spiritual and emotional issues, including PTSD. Aside from practicing acupuncture and Chinese herbalism, Sally enjoys gardening, hiking, and swimming with the dolphins in Hawaii. Sally Lewis teaches in the Department of TCM Clinical Training.

Wei Lou graduated from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine,  specializing in acupuncture, tui na, moxibustion, and dietary therapy, with clinical focus areas including pain management, digestive health, preventive care, and overall wellness. Known for the ability to combine herbal wisdom with nutritional science, he provides holistic care tailored to individual patient needs.

With a strong background in TCM education and decades of clinical experience, he is dedicated to advancing the global development of Chinese medicine through teaching, research, and compassionate practice. Wei Lou teaches in the Department of Acupuncture and Teaching clinics. 

Nancy Lowe was in Five Branches’ first graduating class in 1987, and now is a member of Five Branches' first DAOM graduating class. Prior to studying TCM, she was a massage therapist. Nancy loves the challenge and satisfaction that comes from working with patients and teaching at the University. She is a general practitioner with experience in treating a broad spectrum of maladies, specializing in the treatment of pain. Nancy has been in private practice since 1987 and has been teaching in the Five Branches clinic since 1993. She enjoys knitting, reading, gardening, being in nature and the pursuit of happiness. Nancy Lowe teaches in the Department of TCM Clinical Training.

Mary received her undergraduate degree from Ohio State University and her Law degree from Capital University in New York. After receiving her Master’s degree from Five Branches University she moved to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania where she worked in an integrated medical practice. Since returning to Santa Cruz, she established an externship at the Santa Cruz Veterans Hall to teach students how to treat veterans with acupuncture. Her passion is Five Element Acupuncture. Her current interest is Shamanic Studies through the Harner Foundation. Mary F. Lyell teaches in the Department of TCM Clinical Training.

Raqib Lynn-Katz is a graduate of Five Branches University and has been in private practice since 1992. In 1994, she began teaching classes and seminars for Kan Herbs, a local Chinese Herb company. Her areas of specialty include women's health, pain management, emotional imbalances, children and teens. Raqib Lynn-Katz teaches in the Department of TCM Clinical Training.

Dr.Boya Ma holds a DAOM from Five Branches University, an M.S. in TCM, as well as an M.S. in Statistics. She underwent her residency at Highland Hospital in Oakland, CA, as well as at numerous hospitals in Beijing, China, including the prestigious Peking University People's Hospital. Dr. Ma practices internal medicine utilizing the Five Yun and Six Qi methodology which observes the weather change and how that is related to human health, and its application with Chinese herbs and acupuncture. Dr. Ma is also an expert in abdominal acupuncture, which has a strong application in sports injury, post surgery, and stroke recovery.  

Hal is a highly experienced Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner with over 45 years of experience, including 8 years of specialized training in Taiwan. He was also an Adjunct faculty and community liaison lecturer at ACTCM. Hal specializes in TCM internal medicine, autoimmune diseases, women's health, and preventive lifestyle medicine. He teaches in the department of TCM theory, Acupuncture and Teaching clinics.

Jennifer’s Chinese medicine training includes an extensive traditional apprenticeship, with over 17 years of study with Dr. Vince Black, Miranda Warburton, PhD, and the North American Tang Shou Tao Association (NATSTA). Jennifer received a Master’s in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University. She also earned a Master's in Medical Anthropology from Northern Arizona University and completed a graduate research fellowship with the National Cancer Institute’s Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine (OCCAM) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). She is a Certified Instructor with both the American Organization of Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA) and the NATSTA. Jennifer currently sits on the Board of Directors for the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AAAOM) Jennifer Minor is the founder of Six Harmonies Traditional Medicine Center, Inc. in Los Gatos, California, home to a Chinese medicine clinic, a traditional Chinese medicine apprenticeship program and traditional gongfu training. The center is instrumental in bringing alternative healthcare to underserved communities through their Navajo Healthcare Project in partnership with CasaBESU.org. Jennifer Minor teaches in the Departments of TCM Acupuncture and TCM Clinical Training.

Doc has been practicing Chinese medicine since 1989 in Los Gatos, CA, and teaching Chinese medicine since 1996, both in the clinic and classroom. He is also a former member of the board of directors and is currently the associate chair of the Theory Department.

His election to the Five Branches Board of Directors in 1995 came as the school transitioned to a not-for-profit organization and successfully sought federal accreditation. This was a time of great growth for the school with academic and student body development.  Academic programs were greatly enhanced, and federal certification brought funding for student loans.

Leaving the Board of Directors as Chairman in 2000, Doc took an academic sabbatical and bought land deep in the Santa Cruz mountains, where he designed and built an off-the-grid craftsman home. Surrounded by forest overlooking Monterey Bay, his home reflects his values of form and function, integrating a thoughtful relationship with the land.

Doc returned both to student life and teaching in 2006 with the first Five Branches Doctorate (DAOM) program, finishing in 2010 with the presentation of his Capstone paper A Clinician’s Inquiry and the Unspoken Words: A Discussion of Didactic Inquiry.

With over three decades of a busy and successful practice in the modern Bay Area, Doc brings his extensive clinical and academic experience to the classroom with three academic classes: The Introduction to Chinese History and Philosophy, Case Studies I & Case Studies II.

These three comprehensive classes, built on the foundation of cultural and clinical literacy, are rooted in (US) level doctoral inquiry and research; the academic foundations of a successful modern Chinese medical practice.

Maria Mitchell is one of the few second-generation acupuncturists with a lifetime of exposure to Chinese Medicine. Her mother, Donna Leight, L.Ac. is a pioneer in Traditional Chinese Medicine with over thirty years of clinical experience. Maria specializes in Reproductive Health. She completed a six-year clinical internship in advanced acupuncture with renowned practitioner and speaker Holly Guzman L.Ac. (a specialist in Women’s Health and Infertility) and studied for 10 years with Kiiko Matsumoto, a Japanese acupuncturist renowned for her innovation, precision, and dramatically effective use of acupuncture. Maria has a comprehensive background in Integrative Sports Medicine and Trauma. She received her B.S. in Kinesiology from San Jose State University and was a firefighter for seven years, trained in emergency protocols. She worked for five years in a physical therapy setting and later received certification in Integrative Sports Medicine, with Frank He, L.Ac. Maria specializes in the treatment of athletic injuries, musculoskeletal and pain related conditions. Currently, Maria shares a practice in Santa Cruz, with her mother Donna Leight L.Ac. and Holly Guzman L.Ac. For more information go to http://www.mariamitchellacupuncture.com/ Maria Mitchell teaches in the Departments of TCM Theory and TCM Clinical Training.

Bina Moghaddam received a Master’s of Science degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1996 from the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences in Oakland, California, and a DAOM degree in 2008 from Five Branches University. She has had extensive apprenticeships with several masters of Traditional Chinese Medicine including Dr. Miriam Lee. She practices her own unique style of acupuncture treatment combining the trainings she obtained from her mentors, and treats a broad spectrum of ailments, including general internal and preventive medicine, pain management, gynecological diseases, weight management, and cosmetic and facial rejuvenation acupuncture.

Bina has worked at Kaiser Permanente, San Jose for the past 12 years, is a consultant for the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, UCSF, and has worked at Stanford as part of a research team studying the impact of acupuncture. She also has a private practice at Healthstyle; an integrative medical center in Campbell. She has many years of experience as a clinician, lecturer, and researcher in the field of Chinese Medicine. Her lifelong passion is to help others through compassionate healing to achieve their optimum state of health and well-being.

Bina Moghaddam teaches in the Departments of TCM Acupuncture and TCM Clinical Training as an associate professor.

Hai Pan holds a B.A. in English Language and Literature from Guangdong Education Institute and a college degree in Chinese Language and Literature from Zhongshan University in Guangzhou, China. With a background in both Chinese and English language education, he brings a unique interdisciplinary approach to his teaching.

Hai has decades of experience as an educator, including teaching English in middle and high schools in Guangdong Province and Chinese language instruction in Santa Cruz. He has also translated Chinese medical texts into English, including Treating Miscellaneous Diseases by

Regulating the Spleen-Stomach System, published by American Academic Press.

He teaches TCM History and Philosophy in the Department of TCM Theory.

Ms. Xiu Fen Pan received her Doctor of Medicine degree from China Medical University in Taiwan where she majored in Zhongjing Theory and pulse studies. She studied with Professor Zhang Yang and has been practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine in public hospitals in Taiwan for over ten years before moving to the United States. Ms. Pan specializes in internal medicine, including cardiology, endocrinology, respiratory disorders, dermatology, gastroenterology, gynecology, and obesity. She is currently enrolled in the doctoral program at Five Branches University, advancing her knowledge of the latest research in TCM.  Xiu Fen Pan teaches in the Department of TCM Medicine and TCM Clinical Training.

Growing up as a member of a distinguished medical family in southern China, Jeffrey Pang was privately educated to join a lineage of traditional Chinese doctors spanning several generations. In 1968, he received his M.D. (training in both Western medicine and TCM) from the Sun Yat Sen University of Medical Sciences located in Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China. In 1984, Jeffrey emigrated to the U.S. and became a licensed acupuncturist in California. His experience includes ten years of clinical practice in Guangzhou and Hong Kong hospitals, and 25 years of private practice. A principal member of the Five Branches’ faculty since its inception in 1984, Professor Pang leads the review and development of Five Branches TCM curriculum as Theory and Herbology Department Head. He has been a contract acupuncturist with Kaiser Hospital, and Santa Teresa Pain Management Center since 1997 and currently maintains a private practice in San Jose, California. His areas of specialization include joint pain, visual disturbances, dermatological diseases and immune system disorders. Jeffrey balances his full-time TCM career with Taiji exercises, camping in Yosemite, swimming and planting fruit trees from cuttings given to him by his students. Professor Pang teaches in the Departments of TCM Theory, TCM Herbology, TCM Clinical Medicine and TCM Clinical Training and is a faculty member of the Five Branches DAOM program.

Heerei Park received both a Master's and Doctorate from Five Branches University. She graduated from Seoul National University College of Nursing, Korea in 1977 and has worked at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz, California on the oncology and med-surgical units. Heerei is a licensed acupuncturist specializing in pain management, women’s health and internal medicine. In her free time she enjoys traveling, cooking and gardening. Heerei Park teaches in the Department of Teaching clinic.

Tunan received his Master's in Traditional Chinese Medicine at Five Branches University in 2012, and he is a licensed acupuncturist in California. He was born and raised in a family with a lineage of Chinese medicine. Tunan specializes in Master Tung Acupuncture and classical herbal treatment. He focuses on addressing the root problems and utilizes acupuncture, acupressure, and cupping to provide immediate relief to his patients. He translated Dr. Huang Huang’s renowned work, “Huang Huang’s Guide to Clinical Application of Jingfang,” into English in 2021. Currently, Tunan teaches in the Departments of Herbal Medicine and TCM Clinical Training, he teaches Formula classes.

Jennifer holds a Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University and she has pursued advanced training in TCM Dermatology, Integrative Acupuncture Physical Medicine, and Functional Medicine. With a background in environmental design and a deep commitment to integrative care, Jennifer brings a unique perspective to clinical medicine and education. She specializes in orthopedics, trauma, and clinical evaluation, and serves as both a didactic instructor and clinical supervisor. Her work is informed by ongoing studies in shamanic healing and end-of-life care, reflecting a holistic approach to healing and patient support. Jennifer teaches in the Departments of TCM Clinical Medicine, the Review and Assessment and Teaching clinics.

MTCM, Five Branches University B.A., Environmental Studies and Economics, University of California, Santa Cruz George Samuel teaches in the Department of TCM Clinical Medicine.

Bill Schoenbart has been practicing traditional Chinese herbal medicine since 1992 and maintains a clinical practice in Santa Cruz, California. Bill is the associate chair of the Department of Herbology at Five Branches University, and he teaches classes in Chinese herbal medicine and medical theory to acupuncture students. He is the author of two books on Chinese medicine, and he is also the current editor of the Botanical Safety Handbook and is an editorial reviewer for the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia. He works as a consultant to herbal product companies with the goal of providing sound advice regarding the development, manufacture, and maintenance of high quality, safe herbal products

Eleonor Mendelson received her Master’s Degree in TCM from Five Branches University and then continued her studies to earn her doctorate degree, with an emphasis on pain management and endocrinology. Prior to enrolling at Five Branches University, Eleonor worked for over a decade as a physical therapist in hospitals, out-patient clinics and in-home care in her home country, Israel. She was also a lecturer on behalf of the health education department. Since graduating from Five Branches University in 2000, she has worked as the Admissions Director and is also in private practice at the Five Branches Santa Cruz Health Center. Eleonor joined the Five Branches faculty in 2008 and currently teaches in the Department of Acupuncture. Beyond her professional duties, Eleonor is a wife and mother to two daughters. She enjoys cooking, taking care of her bonsai plants, making jewelry, and dancing Zumba.

As a child Po-Lin Shyu spent many weekends working in a relative’s herb shop in Taiwan, observing the treatment of patients and the preparation of herbal formulas. He graduated from San Francisco State University with a Pre-Physical Therapy degree in the late 1980s, and received his Masters of Science degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences in 1993. Po-Lin interned at Shu Guan Hospital in Shanghai, China, studying internal medicine and gynecology. While in China, he received training in Tuina with Dr. Wei Shu-Yin. Since 1987, Po-Lin has been working at Wu’s Healing Center under Angela C. Wu, L.Ac. He owned his first herb shop in 1989 in San Francisco, and opened an acupuncture clinic in Cupertino in 1995. Po-Lin has been working intensely with Dr. Wu on fertility treatments since 2000 and is well-known for his expertise in treating injuries with TCM. To learn more about Professor Shyu please visit: http://www.nurtureacupuncture.com.

Shawn was introduced to Chinese medicine in 2003 through his early studies in Taijiquan, and in 2008 graduated from Five Branches University with a Master’s in TCM. While studying at Five Branches, he was introduced to the Tang Shou Tao system of Chinese internal martial arts and medicine by Jennifer Minor. In 2006, Shawn joined North American Tang Shou Tao Association (NATSTA) and began training in the Chinese internal martial arts. He trained with Jennifer Minor and Miranda Warburton, two of NATSTA's most senior instructors and the founders of Six Harmonies Traditional Medicine Center, for 16 months in a nationally recognized clinical apprenticeship in Jin Shou Tuina™ - a unique and comprehensive style of tuina associated with the martial arts lineage held by NATSTA. Licensed both nationally and in California, Shawn enjoys a thriving private practice, Lokahi Acupuncture, in San Jose, California. He combines Tuina, Acupuncture and CranioSacral Therapy in a focused treatment setting often giving herbal and diet/nutriment recommendations, as well as qigong or other exercises to support his patient’s progress at home. Shawn specializes in the treatment of: acute and chronic pain syndromes, digestive dysfunction, insomnia/anxiety, cancer support, and stroke rehabilitation. Shawn Smolinski teaches in the Departments of TCM Acupuncture and TCM Clinical Training.

Dr. Ann Sun holds a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Five Branches University and is a licensed acupuncturist in California with over 15 years of clinical experience. Her practice is rooted in the foundational principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, with a focus on precision needle techniques, herbal therapy, and holistic patient care. Dr. Sun specializes in enhancing circulation, supporting cardiovascular and emotional health, relieving pain and stress, and treating sleep disorders such as insomnia. Her approach emphasizes the natural balance of Yin and Yang to promote lasting wellness. She teaches in the Department of Teaching Clinics, where she brings her clinical expertise and patient-centered philosophy to support the next generation of TCM practitioners.

Dr. Sun holds a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM) and a Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine, with foundational training from Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. With over 30 years of international clinical experience in China, Singapore, Canada, and the United States, she brings exceptional depth to her teaching and practice. Ann specializes in pain management, women’s health, emotional wellness, digestive disorders, and eye acupuncture. Her clinical approach is shaped by extensive experience treating a wide range of conditions and by her commitment to compassionate, individualized care. Ann teaches in the Departments of Acupuncture and Teaching Clinics.

Kevin graduated from Five Branches University with Doctoral and Master’s degrees in Traditional Chinese Medicine. He specializes in internal medicine, pediatrics, and neurological-emotional disorders. He thrives on the challenge of treating patients with complex, multifaceted conditions, where Chinese medicine’s holistic approach excels in addressing multiple symptoms at a time. Outside of school, Kevin maintains a private clinical practice in San Jose and is a provider at Sutter Health’s Integrative Medicine unit, where he treats inpatients. When not working, Kevin is riding his thoroughbred, IP, walking his pomsky, Mahjong, or feeding his two cats, March and Clicker. Kevin teaches in the Department of Review and Assessment. 

Having studied at Five Branches University, Phu Tran maintains his private practice in chiropractic and acupuncture in San Jose. He specializes in musculo-skeletal problems and sports injuries. Dr. Tran teaches in the Departments of TCM Acupuncture and TCM Clinical Training.

Jacquelyn Byrd is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist in California and a Diplomate of Oriental Medicine, certified by the NCCAOM. She received a Master's Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University in 2010, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California State East Bay, Hayward in 1988.

Janice Walton-Hadlock received her Master’s in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Five Branches University, and her B.A. in Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She is the founder of the Parkinson’s Recovery Project (www.pdrecovery.org), a non-profit organization that provides free information about the latest findings regarding the cause and treatment of Parkinson’s disease from the perspective of Asian medicine. She is a founding member of the Parkinson's Treatment Team of Santa Cruz, and a member of the European branch of the Parkinson’s Recovery Project, the Parkinson Stichting of Amsterdam, also a non-profit. Both the Treatment Team and the Stichting focus on treating people with Parkinson’s disease and training health care practitioners in the use of techniques she developed. Janice is an active researcher in the field of Parkinson’s disease. Her findings have been published in many journals, including the peer-reviewed American Journal of Acupuncture, and the Journal of Chinese Medicine. Her analysis of a Parkinson’s drug study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine’s correspondence section. Janice is the author of four books: Trouble Afoot, a book about the underlying causes of idiopathic Parkinson's disease and the effective treatment for this disorder (published by the Parkinson’s Recovery Project, 2008, 690 pages), Medications of Parkinson’s or Once upon a Pill (Parkinson’s Recovery Project, 2003, 650 pages), Tracking the Dragon, a classroom text on advanced channel theory (published by Fastpencil.com, 2010), and Yin Tui Na: Techniques for Treating Dissociated Injuries (published by Fastpencil.com, 2012). All are available at www.pdrecovery.org Janice’s specialties include channel theory, scar tissue work, and Yin Tui Na. In her private practice, she primarily treats movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease. Her other long-term interests include Western medicine, modern physics and chaos theory, and raja yoga practice and theory. Janice Walton-Hadlock teaches in the Department of TCM Clinical Training.

Chao Wen (Joann) completed her B.D.S, M.S., D.D.S. in Dental School and has  practiced in pediatric Dentistry.  Dr. Wang successfully runs a private practice with a staff of 9 employees , one anesthesiologist ,one associated pediatric dentist and one orthodontist for over 20 years. She earned MTCM at Five Branches University in 2017 and practiced part time at private acupuncture health centers. Beside work, Dr. Wang likes to travel, bake, and spend time with her dogs. Dr. Wang teaches in western medicine department.

Faculty and department chair / clinic director in San Jose campus, Since 2004. Douglas Wang received his Medicine degree in 1982 from Qinghai University Medical School in China. He continued his medical studies at the International Psychiatrist Training Center offered through the WHO and Shanghai Psychiatry and Hygiene Center where he received the title of Neuro-Psychiatrist. He pioneered the first series of seminars for physicians treating substance abuse, and established the first substance abuse program in Qinghai Province; this program employed a combination of Western medical and TCM treatments for its participants. Professor Wang earned his Master’s degree in TCM from ACTCM in San Francisco, Doctoral degree in TCM from Five Branches University. He has California state licensure, National acupuncture and Chinese herbology certificatios. Professor Wang has held numerous teaching positions in China and the U.S. including President of Bo-Ai Special Hospital in China and Director of the Chinese Bilingual Program, Assistant Dean of Academic Studies at ACTCM, clinic director at Five Branches University, San Jose campus and department chair of integrative medicine at Five Branches University. Professor Wang specializes in stroke, paralysis, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, mental illness, emotional / behaviors disorders, and drug addiction. He is in private practice, and his hobbies include hiking and skiing. Professor Wang teaches in the Departments of TCM Herbology, Clinical Medicine and TCM Clinical Training and is a senior faculty member of Five Branches DAOM program.

In his early life, Dr. Alan Wong was in poor health. He became interested in the study of medicine as he searched for ways to help regain his health. Dr. Wong completed medical school at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York and did his residency in internal medicine at Stanford University. His professional work experience includes private practice and group practice with the Permanente Medical Group, and principal physician at Lockheed Missiles and Space Corporation. Dr. Wong is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and has completed the Medical Acupuncture training program at UCLA.

In addition to his medical training, Dr. Wong is interested in the application of modern clinical research methodologies to the study of TCM. He has a strong interest in integrative medicine and believes that optimal care of patients requires the combined use of Western medicine, TCM, and mind-body medicine. In his free time he enjoys Tai Chi and hiking. You can learn more about Dr. Wong on his website: http://alanswongmd.googlepages.com/. Dr. Wong teaches in the Department of Western Medicine and is a faculty member of the Five Branches DAOM program.

Jessie holds both Doctoral and Master’s degrees in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University. She teaches in the Department of TCM Theory and Herbal Medicine and is dedicated to advancing online education through curriculum development, faculty training, and technology support. Jessie also leads a team that provides technical assistance for both students and instructors.

Beyond her academic and clinical work, Jessie is an active community volunteer. She has organized and supported a range of educational programs, from coordinating tea meditation sessions and Zen classes to mentoring high school science students. Her passion for teaching and service is reflected in her ongoing commitment to both student success and community engagement.

Fei holds a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM) from Five Branches University and both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Traditioal Chinese Medicine from Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine. With over a decade of clinical experience in both China and the United States, she specializes in pain management, internal medicine, and pediatric care. Her approach integrates classical TCM practices with modern medical understanding to deliver effective, personalized treatments. Since 2017, Fei has operated her own clinic while also dedicating herself to the education and mentorship of future practitioners. She teaches in the Department of Teaching Clinic.

Dr. Wenling Zheng is a distinguished physician-scientist and professor with over three decades of experience in molecular oncology, genomics, and integrative medicine. He currently teaches anatomy, physiology, and pathology at the Florida College of Integrative Medicine. Dr. Zheng previously held key academic and research positions at leading institutions, including Southern Medical University, Shanghai University, and Yale University. He also served as a research scholar at the National Cancer Institute (NIH), contributing groundbreaking work on genomics and cancer biology.

A pioneer in gene-chip technology and molecular diagnostics, Dr. Zheng has published over 100 peer-reviewed papers and holds more than ten patents. His interdisciplinary research integrates bioinformatics, stem cell biology, and traditional medicine. His innovations include novel genomic cataloging techniques and DNA microarray technologies used in next-generation sequencing and cancer therapy.

Dr. Zheng earned his medical degree from Southern Medical University and holds a Ph.D. in Cancer Cell Biology from Beijing Medical University. He has trained hundreds of graduate and international students and continues to mentor the next generation of integrative medicine professionals.

He teaches in the department of Western Medicine.

Dr. Zhou holds a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Five Branches University and a medical degree from Fudan University in Shanghai. She is a licensed acupuncturist and NCCAOM-certified practitioner with clinical experience in both the U.S. and China. She teaches in the Department of Review and Assessment.

Dr. Zhou has practiced in a variety of settings, including outpatient clinics and veterans’ care, with a strong focus on integrative approaches to patient well-being. She is currently preparing to begin her residency in family medicine at Maine Dartmouth Family Medicine Residency, with the long-term goal of integrating acupuncture into primary care.

A lifelong martial arts enthusiast, Dr. Zhou has studied Chen Style Tai Chi since 2013 and continues to train under Master Wang Haijun.

Kevin Zhu received his degree in 1988 from the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology, where he studied for six years. He worked as the Physician-in-Charge and as a Lecturer for nine years at the Beijing First Teaching Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Kevin served as the chief secretary for the National Academic Symposium and organized four symposiums on male diseases, urology, skin diseases, cancer, gynecology, and gastroenterology. He developed the Acupuncture and Herb Treatment Software with the Qinghua University in China, and participated in the compilation of eight professional books. From January 1999 to May 2001, Kevin worked and taught at the Texas College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. He was the manager of the herbal pharmacy at the school’s clinic, in addition to supervising the clinical training for student interns. He was also a professor at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco. Kevin specializes in pain management, dermatology and urology. He has years of experience utilizing a wide spectrum of TCM modalities, including herbs, acupuncture, Tuina, and moxibustion to provide an integrated TCM treatment plan for his patients. In his spare time, Kevin enjoys reading, swimming, table tennis and hiking. Professor Zhu teaches in the Departments of TCM Acupuncture, TCM Clinical Medicine, and TCM Clinical Training.

Wenying Zhu is a graduate of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology. She has nearly 30 years of experience treating a variety of diseases with acupuncture and Chinese herbs. In addition to teaching at Five Branches University, Julie maintains a private practice in Fremont, California, specializing in women’s health and pain management. Professor Zhu teaches in the Departments of TCM Acupuncture and TCM Clinical Training.

Greg Zimmerman received a Masters of Science degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in 1996. While practicing and teaching traditional Chinese medicine, he has continued his studies in the disciplines of Tuina and Acupuncture Orthopedics, Jing Fang and Classical Canonical Medicine, and Acupuncture Science. Greg is currently completing his doctoral research at China Medical University in Taichung, Taiwan and lectures for China Medical University and Taipei Medical University. He is a consultant and lecturer with Sun Ten Pharmaceutical Company and the owner of Retreat Acupuncture located in downtown San Francisco. Greg has taught many topics in TCM and has been an editor and co-author for textbooks related to traditional Chinese herbal formulas as well as an author of SCI journal publications. Before diving into Chinese medicine, Greg earned a BS in Biological Sciences. Greg Zimmerman teaches in the Departments of Herbal Medicine, TCM Theory  and TCM Clinical Training. He also teaches Biology.

Dr. Bingzeng Zou received his MB/BS degree in medicine in 1983 at Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine and received his Ph.D. degree in integrative Chinese and Western medicine with a concentration in orthopedics and traumatology at the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences in 1994. He had practiced as a Chinese medicine and orthopedic physician in the Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology at the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing from 1983 to 1996 before he  moved to the USA. He earned a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Life University, Marietta Georgia in 1999. 

Dr. Zou has over forty years of expertise in practicing and teaching acupuncture and Chinese medicine. He was a professor and the Academic Dean at Southwest Acupuncture College in New Mexico while maintaining a private practice. Dr. Zou was a professor and Academic Dean at American College of TCM in San Francisco. He is an NCCAOM Diplomate since 1999 and served as a subject matter expert on the Biomedicine Exam Development Committee (EDC). Dr. Zou has served as a site visitor/site visit chair of Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM) since 2006. Dr. Zou currently teaches in the Department of Western Medicine.