AAEMC - Acupuncture practice in the The Hague region and Haarlem city
East Oriental Medicine has its roots in ancient China. The oldest text concerning medicine appeared in the Han dynasty (206 BCE – 220 C). Probably some medical knowledge about acupuncture vessels dates back even before that time and is traceable in older texts about mediation and longevity exercises. The texts that appear in the Han dynasty show already an advanced knowledge. The oldest form of medicine in China, herbal medicine, is even more ancient and dates back to 3000 years BCE. During and after the Han dynasty, Chinese medicine developed into a systematic form of medicine incorporating herbal medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion, nutrition, breath and movement therapies, massage techniques, meditation and other therapies. There always has been a great diversity in different traditions, styles and regions however.
With the cultural expansion of China, these forms of medicine spread to a very large area of East Asia including Japan, Korea and Indo China. Also there has been an exchange between traditions from other areas in Asia like Tibet and Mongolia and India.
In my clinic I offer an integrated approach which includes these diverse streams and forms of East Asian Medicine, but central in my clinic is the use of Acupuncture (especially Japanese styles) and Chinese Herbal Medicine.
I am also offering from time to time workshops and treatments in Beirut (Lebanon) and Istanbul (Turkey) to bring people in these countries in touch with Oriental medicine. For more info about these locations and schedules, please contact me by mail.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the most well-known form of East Asian medicine in the West. The basic idea behind acupuncture is the concept of a subtle body system in which vital energy (Qi) flows through pathways (meridians). By influencing the course of this Qi one can be able to regain balance and support the recuperating abilities of the body. By inserting needles at points (acupuncture points) along these pathways one can influence the flow of the Qi . Also one can strengthen the Qi when it is weakened or remove pathogens from the body.
Acupuncture is a very sophisticated method to regain health or preventing illness. A very wide scope of illnesses can be treated with acupuncture with good results. There is not enough room here to discuss all the subtleties of acupuncture, but in short it could be said that acupuncture is a way to initiate the self recovering process of the body. This is in stark contrast to Western biomedicine which is much more interfering. Although acupuncture vessels have not yet been verified by modern scientific research, acupuncture has been proven effective in many fields.
Research has shown positive outcomes in the treatment of many disorders. There have been developed different models to explain the effect of acupuncture but until now none of them has been completely satisfactory. For example it has been proven that acupuncture can raise the production of endorphins and this explains how acupuncture can reduce pain or can be used as an anesthetic, but this is just a small part of the effect acupuncture can have on the body. Much more research has still to be done. Acupuncture has been recognized by the WHO as a valuable therapy for many disorders and is now practiced widely outside Asia.
Japanese Acupuncture
Japanese acupuncture has its roots in China but has developed itself in a distinguished tradition. In China there have been many social and political changes in the last 50 years. In this period some aspects of the classical acupuncture where lost. In Japan however acupuncture remained firmly rooted in the classical tradition, at the same time it has developed itself in very refined and sophisticated styles of acupuncture.
In my clinic I integrate Japanese styles like Manaka style, Meridian style and Toyo Hari with other styles of acupuncture. These forms of acupuncture are extremely sophisticated and at the same time don’t cause any pain since needling is done with very fine needles end insertion is mostly very superficial.
This is in stark contrast with the practice of present day TCM (Chinese) acupuncture (which has in general a more deep insertion, thicker needles and strong, sometimes quite painful, manual manipulation of the needles).
Japanese acupuncture is very well suited for Children, since it is completely painless. On young children needles are not used but other implements are used instead
At the same time I integrate other elements of other acupuncture traditions like the classical Chinese acupuncture and Korean styles. My matrix has become another style, in which I also teach nowadays, this is Engaging Vitality (see further below). This approach enables me to integrate different styles of acupuncture in a very nice way. With at one side rooted firmly in the Classical tradition and at the same time being open for new developments and modern knowledge.
Uses of acupuncture
In the past people were drawn to acupuncture and other forms of Oriental medicine (in Europe and USA) when all other therapies failed. But nowadays more and more people start to realize that Oriental medicine can be used for many forms of disease, from minor problems to chronic disorders. There is no room here to discuss all these different diseases but in general one could say that Oriental medicine can be used for almost every disease except life threatening diseases like cancer (supportive treatment is still possible). Sometimes Oriental medicine alone can be effective, at other times we need to combine Oriental medicine with modern Western biomedicine. In my clinic I always strive to give the most optimal treatment. Since I cooperate very closely with Western trained medical clinicians, there is often consultation and in several cases there is a combined strategy of treatment.
Many diseases can thus be effectively treated, not only in a symptomatic way like Western biomedicine but in many instances also the deeper causes of the disease can be treated. To just name a few of the disorders that can be effectively treated, there follows here a short and incomplete list to give an idea.
Migraine, headache, stiff shoulders, back ache, hernia, skin orders like eczema, sinus problems, recurrent infections, immune system problems, auto immune disorders like MS, other neurological disorders, gynecological problems like irregular periods , painful menstruation, cysts, infertility , miscarriage , menopausal problems, psychosomatic problems, depression, stress related disorders, ADHD, allergies, impotence, chronic fatigue syndrome, glandular fever (Epstein Bar Virus), hepatitis, fibromyalgia, edema, thyroid disorders, hyper and hypotension, arthritis, rheumatic disorders, obesity, addiction to nicotine or other substances.
This is just a short and incomplete list of some of the most common disorders which can be effectively treated with acupuncture. One should realize that acute conditions can be treated effectively in a short range of time, complicated and chronic disorders will demand more time and also a more integrated form of treatment, often a combination of acupuncture, herbs, diet advise and change of lifestyle. Some disorders might also request temporary allopathic medication, for example in the case of severe infections or extreme hypertension.
Diagnosis
Diagnostics in Chinese medicine is also very well developed and distinguishes itself remarkably from Western diagnostics. The diagnose is based on different aspects like observation, anamnesis, palpation (meridians, abdomen), tongue observation and pulse diagnoses. Especially pulse diagnosis is extremely sophisticated, in which the practitioner is able to distinguish many different disease patterns. Mastering this form of diagnose takes years of practice.
Based on a sound diagnose the practitioner is able to differentiate which pattern of illness is prevalent and which therapy and strategy has to be selected. Also it enables the ability to discern not yet manifest disease patterns, so that one can work preventively. Next to these traditional forms of diagnostics, data from Western diagnostics are also integrated like outcomes from blood research, body scans etc. But in the selection of therapy and treatment strategy they play only a supportive role.
Chinese herbal medicine
Chinese herbal medicine is a very old tradition and has developed itself in a very sophisticated form of medicine. While acupuncture is used to regulate the vital energy and in this way is influencing the interior of the body, herbs work the other way round and have a direct influence on the organ systems, the blood and the body liquids. Chinese herbal formulas are prepared on an individual base, so for every person a different formula is designed. Every herb has its special functions and a particular combination has its specific effects. This is the opposite of allopathic medicine in which there is only one medicine which is described for a particular disease. According to Chinese medicine everybody is different, even if he or she has a similar disease, so depending on the constitution and the particular state of the sick person an individual formula is designed.
Chinese herbal medicine can be very effective for many diseases even chronic disease which are difficult to treat with regular medicine. In contrast to acupuncture, much research has been done on Chinese herbs and by now large data of biochemical analyses are available which makes the application of Chinese herbal medicine much broader and more effective. Also the knowledge about toxicity has increased greatly so it is now much more easy to work in a very safe way with herbs.
The toxicity issue has made headlines in the recent past and there is still discussion about the safety of herbs. The main problem is that herbs are sometimes prescribed by people who are not qualified. It takes many years of study to be able to work correctly with Chinese herbs, like with allopathic medicine. The idea that herbs are always safe is of course not true, medical herbs have healing qualities but should be used with care and knowledge. The other problem is the present pollution in China, some areas are so much polluted that it is not possible to obtain safe herbs from such places.
In my clinic I work with Chinese herbs which are 100% safe. They are only obtained from recognized distributers and all herbs are screened on heavy metals and other toxic ingredients. Endangered species are not used. Next to the use of Chinese herbs, I work sometimes with local European/West Asian herbs, which can be also very effective if we use them in the context of the energetics of Chinese medicine. I integrate here also the knowledge from the ancient tradition of Greco-Arabic medicine (Unani), which has also been practiced in Europe before the advance of modern biomedicine. This form of medicine shares a very similar approach with Chinese medicine. In some instances I also use formulas which belong to the traditions of Ayur Vedic and Tibetan medicine, which can be considered as the sisters or brothers of Chinese medicine.
Engaging Vitality
Engaging Vitality – a fresh approach to acupuncture with classical roots
Engaging Vitality is born out an integration of elements from osteopathy and classical acupuncture. It was developed by Dan Bensky and Charles Chace who are pioneers in the field of Chinese Medicine in the West. This approach enables the practitioner to extend his diagnostic skills greatly. It gives the practitioner a whole extra set of palpatory skills next to pulse and abdominal diagnosis and other diagnostic tools.
It gives the practitioner also the ability to integrate different styles of acupuncture in a very profound way. It has no protocols like most of the other styles of acupuncture and gives a very refined and individualistic approach in which the practitioner is following the body and not a certain protocol.
It integrates a lot of classical theory without becoming too cerebral. It also offers a way of needling which is very profound and has a much bigger effect than common needling.
I have been trained in this approach since 2010 and have been assisting in transmitting this style in Europe. Since 2016 I started to teach this approach in Holland and other countries in Europe in narrow collaboration with Charles Chace, Dan Bensky, Marguerite Dinkins, Bart Wintjes and other colleagues in Europe.
I am using this approach now in my own clinic as a base in which I integrate all the styles of acupuncture that I have learned in the past, either Chinese or Japanese styles. It also can function as a great tool for establishing a more profound diagnosis for the use of herbal prescriptions.
Felix de Haas (acupuncturist)
Hello, my name is Felix de Haas, I am the main practitioner on this center although I am sometimes assisted by other specialists in the field. Here follows a short biography. I am a licensed acupuncturist. I have been graduated from Ars Medica Academy in 1989. I have been trained in classical and modern acupuncture and in Western physiology, anatomy and pathology as well.
I obtained a masters degree in acupuncture from the International Acupuncture Society in Hong Kong. Thereafter I studied Chinese herbal medicine for many years and studied also other forms of Oriental medicine like Qi Kung, nutrition and other therapies.
I have also studied Western herbs with the Chinese energetic system and at the same time delved in comparative studies on other Asian medical traditions like Tibetan Medicine, Ayur Veda and Unani (Greek Arabic medicine) The last 20 years I have been specializing myself in Japanese acupuncture. The last 10 years I have also been specializing in a new approach, Engaging Vitality, this is a fusion of elements from osteopathy and classical acupuncture and is an approach which enables practitioners to integrate different styles.
I have studied with great teachers like Francois Ramakers, Chris Dhaenens, Bob Flaws, Steven Birch, Junko Ida, Sensei Yanagista, Sensei Takai, Charles Chace, Dan Bensky and Volker Scheid to name a few.
I also had the great opportunity to study different forms of meditation techniques and spiritual traditions from different parts of Asia. I have been studying with several Tibetan Masters , including my principal teacher H.H. Kyabgon Gongma Trichen Rinpoche, one of the greatest living Tibetan masters, for more than 35 years.
At the moment I work in my main clinic in Voorburg, I work together with different other therapists like physiotherapists and medical doctors. At the same time I work in a medical center with general practitioners and other therapists in Haarlem. From time to time I offer consultations and treatments in other cities of other countries.
Since 2016 I have been starting to teach the Engaging Vitality approach together with reknowned masters like Dan Bensky and Charles Chace.
I would like to conclude with the words of the great master Sun Si Miao which has become my adagio.
“A Great Physician should not pay attention to status, wealth or age; neither should he question whether the particular person is attractive or unattractive, whether he is an enemy or friend, whether he is a Chinese or a foreigner, or finally, whether he is uneducated or educated. He should meet everyone on equal grounds. He should always act as if he were thinking of his close relatives. “
(The golden rules of Sun Si Miao -540-682 AD, one of the greatest physicians of Chinese history)
Rates and insurance coverage
Pricing of Acupuncture
- 1st consult for an adult € 125,-
- following consults for adults € 90,-
- consult for child (5-10 years ) € 65,-
- consult for small child (up to 5 years) € 60,-
- Short consult (follow up consult for herbs only or short acupuncture session): € 45,00 (20 minutes)
If you would like to make an appointment, please contact me between 12.00 and 20 hrs on the following number: 0031 (0) 70 3864844 of 0031 (0) 6 53439983. Sometimes I can’t answer the phone, if I am out of reach, you can leave your message and I ll call you back as soon as possible.
Cancellation: please cancel your appointment at least 24 hours before. If one cancels later or not show up, it will be billed.
Insurance coverage:
Acupuncture is covered by most assurances in Holland, it’s in the supplementary packet. Some international assurances like Van Breda also cover acupuncture, but then you need a reference of your doctor.
Contact
Would you like to make an appointment or receive more information about Acupuncture practice AAEMC? Please feel free to contact us. You can reach AAEMC by phone on 070-3864844 and 06-53439983.
In case of no answer please leave a voice mail message, you will called back soon.
AAEMC is located in The Haque as well as in Haarlem. The addresses are:
Location The Haque:
Flaviusstraat 15
2275VG Leidschendam-Voorburg
Location Haarlem:
Wilhelminastraat 27
2011VJ Haarlem