Expert: R. Scott Malone L.Ac. - 1/30/2012

Question
Hi Scott,

I found your post regarding childhood trauma on allexpert.com to be hopeful and very enlightening.  My late brother, gerald, was a 5 element practitioner and he helped me immensely with his treatments.  I had probably 30 treatments roughly.  He helped me deal with my trauma while I was in my 20s.  Currently and for the last year I have been seeing a trauma therapist about my trauma and how it manifests in my everyday life and how to cope and maintain it.

I felt compelled to write you b/c I am thinking about a career change.  I am currently a nonmatriculation student at pacific coll. of oriental medicine in San Diego.  If you were in my shoes, would you attend a non 5 element school for a more broader training of oriental medicine which includes herbology or should I set my sights on
Attending strictly a 5 element.  I am amazed at what 5 element can do on a spiritual level?  Did u attend institute of Daoist education? Where did you get schooling for Chinese herbs? Sounds like ur passionate and happy about what ur doing.

Peace,

Matt OConnor RN

Answer
Hey Matt,

Great to have you aboard, the world can always use another good practitioner.

My primary teachers were from Shangi College, so they were very traditional TCM instructors.
I was trained in 5 Element by a Worsley practitioner. I had a number of other teachers who were very deep, tuned in individuals who had been to China to study but were American.
My TCM teachers taught us herbs as well.
Having attended a mixed school, I can only speak to that.
I use both in daily practice, I think it's a good thing to have more tools up to a point.

I think that it's important to have knowledge of herbs in practice.
Let's say a patient is clearing shock and grief during a session, the herbs to support the Kidneys and Lungs are going to be an important part of my practice.

TCM education will make the state and national exams MUCH easier.

If possible, I recommend training in both.

Even if your focus is releasing trauma, you're still going to get everything under the sun walk into your clinic.

I'm not saying that 5 Element isn't enough, but in my practice, I couldn't do without either.

I don't know if this helped Matt, if I can be of any more assistance, shoot me an email at
dt.acup@gmail.com I'd be glad to help.

Have a good one and congrats on joining us,

R. Scott Malone L.Ac.