BAD ZURZACH, Switzerland — Five Branches University Professor Brandt Stickley led a two-day clinical workshop exploring Chinese medical psychology, trauma, and Shen-Hammer Pulse Diagnosis during the international acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine gathering held in Bad Zurzach, Switzerland.
The August 15–16 workshop brought together an unusual combination of disciplines: classical Chinese medicine, pulse diagnosis, psychology, trauma-informed care, psychosomatic medicine, neuroscience, mindfulness, and somatic approaches to health.
At the center of the program was a fundamental concept: understanding the patient as a whole person rather than separating physical, psychological, emotional, and social health into unrelated categories.
Reading More Through the Pulse
Stickley is a direct lineage holder and senior certified teacher of the Shen-Hammer Pulse Diagnosis System, a comprehensive approach to Chinese pulse diagnosis developed through the work of Dr. Leon Hammer.
After more than 25 years of working closely with Dr. Hammer and his teachings, Stickley has continued to develop and teach the relationship among Chinese medicine, psychology, classical medicine, and pulse diagnosis.
During the Switzerland workshop, participants learned to recognize different pulse qualities and examine their significance through the physiological and pathological frameworks of Chinese medicine.
Rather than approaching the pulse as a collection of isolated diagnostic findings, the workshop encouraged practitioners to consider how pulse information may contribute to a more complete understanding of an individual’s overall clinical presentation.
Chinese Medicine, Psychology and Trauma
Another major focus of the workshop was Chinese medical psychology and trauma.
Participants explored Chinese medicine as a framework for examining interactions among physical health, emotional experience, psychological stress, and the social environment.
The workshop also introduced contemporary perspectives from psychosomatic medicine, neuroscience, mindfulness practices, and somatic psychology, examining how these ideas can enter into dialogue with classical Chinese medical concepts.
By bringing these disciplines together, the program encouraged practitioners to consider more integrative approaches when working with individuals experiencing the effects of trauma or psychological distress.
From Classical Theory to Hands-On Practice
Each day combined classroom instruction with practical pulse diagnosis training.
Participants moved between discussions of Chinese medicine psychology and trauma and hands-on practice with the Shen-Hammer Pulse Diagnosis System.
This structure gave practitioners an opportunity not only to examine theoretical relationships among mind, body, and emotion, but also to develop the tactile diagnostic skills required to apply those ideas in clinical practice.
Five Branches Faculty Contributing Internationally
The workshop was part of Five Branches University’s broader participation in the international gathering held August 13–16, 2026, in Bad Zurzach.
Five Branches University was a co-organizer of the event, which brought together practitioners, educators, researchers, and presenters from more than 15 countries for international discussion of Chinese medicine research, theory, and clinical practice. (Five Branches University)
Stickley’s participation also reflects a field he teaches within Five Branches University’s doctoral program. The University’s current academic curriculum includes a continuing series on Chinese Medicine Psychology and Trauma, and Five Branches identifies Stickley as a professor within its DAOM faculty. (Five Branches University)
His work in Switzerland provided an example of how specialized areas of Chinese medicine can contribute to a broader international conversation—connecting classical knowledge, clinical observation, psychological understanding, and contemporary approaches to whole-person care.
Five Branches University is proud to support faculty participation in international academic exchange and the continued development of Chinese medicine education and clinical practice worldwide.
Content provided by Robyn Sodders.
