Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine

Slideshow!

2006-11-13T00:59:00.000-08:00

Check out www.sbcom.edu for the beautiful photo slideshow of SBCOM faculty, staff and students. Thanks Ricky!

Suggestions??

2006-11-09T13:20:00.000-08:00

There will be a short slide show of photos posted on www.sbcom.edu soon. Anyone have a good recommendation for song to play in the background?

Giovanni is Still Coming to Santa Barbara

2006-11-06T10:21:00.000-08:00

Giovanni will still be coming in February to do his Clinic and Seminar!! Don't miss this unique and last opportunity to learn with SBCOM.Please call us at 898-1180 if you have any questions.

good way to start today

2006-11-06T09:06:00.000-08:00

"This being human is a guest house. Every morning a new arrival. A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor. Welcome and enterain them all! Even if they're a crowd of sorrows, who violently sweep your house empty of it's furniture, still, treat each guest honorably. He may be clearing you out for some new delight." --Rumi

Got a message for the blog?

2006-11-05T23:32:00.000-08:00

If you have questions or information you would like me to post on the blog, just email me the info at melissa@spadefined.com and I will post it.

What Patients are saying about our clinic

2006-11-05T09:09:00.000-08:00

I have gotten a handful of emails from patients of our clinic stating their sadness regarding the college closing. Feel free to share you thoughts on this blog anonymously if you would like to share you experiences and feelings about the SBCOM clinic and the services it provides whether you intern or work there or are a patient.

Thanks Meaghan and Michael!

2006-11-04T14:17:00.000-08:00

I had an acupuncture treatment this morning with Meaghan and Michael at SBCOM -- thank you for the stress reliever guys! I feel better today!

Students are brainstorming

2006-11-04T14:04:00.000-08:00

SBCOM students are in brainstorm mode trying to figure out how to get funds to keep the school open. The question that gets asked over and over is how can such a great resource like the school, offering clinic services to those who really need it, be closed due to budget given the wealth in this town. One of the answers to this question is that there are so many other great charities in SB that people support. I have also heard many students say "What about Oprah?" Poor Oprah...every nonprofit I've worked for has called upon her. Emailing Oprah certainly can't hurt and I say -- go for it!...it can't hurt. However, I don't think she's the answer to our challenge; if there were someone out there, I think it may be someone we would least expect. Has Oprah even ever tried acupuncture -- hey, we'll certainly offer a free treatment for her to try it out! In the meantime -- enjoy all of the emails coming your way Oprah!

Melissa's last day is Monday

2006-11-04T14:02:00.000-08:00

My last day at SBCOM is Monday; if you would like to be in touch with me, please email me at melissa@spadefined.com. Feel free to share your email address on this blog as well. I will still be "floating" around the office however for the next month helping out, so you might still reach me there.

Your thoughts on SBCOM

2006-11-03T17:04:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm not quite sure how to "casually" blog such bad news, but chances are you've already heard from a friend, been to the meeting or read the letter -- As of last night, the Board of Directors decided to close the college. At the risk of sounding cliche, I do believe everything happens for a reason, but it doesn't change the sadness felt right now by the faculty, staff and students. SBCOM will finish this term which ends December 12th; students in their last year will do a "teach out" program and the remainder of students will transfer to another acupuncture college. The clinic hopes to serve the community through the spring and summer. After 25 years in business, the college is closing due to a decrease in enrollment which has proved to be a trend among all acupuncture colleges. However, SBCOM faces another challenge -- high cost of living. Many students want to be here, but cannot afford it. The support last night and today has been overwhelming and appreciated by all of us. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers regarding the SBCOM community and feel free to share you thoughts on this blog.

OPEN HOUSE CANCELLED

2006-11-03T14:57:00.000-08:00

The admissions open house scheduled for this Saturday has been cancelled.

FREE Health Lecture Friday

2006-11-02T16:01:00.000-08:00

Topic: Acupuncture treats more than pain
Lecturer: Gayatri Heeson, L.Ac.
Date and time: Friday, November 3rd, 7-9pm
Location: 1919 State Street, classroom building
for info: 898-1180

Open House SATURDAY!

2006-11-02T12:02:00.000-08:00

There will an an ADMISSIONS OPEN HOUSE this SATURDAY from 1-2 in Classroom 3 at 1919 State Street. Cathy McNease, the Herb Clinic Director and Dan Diamond, the Academic Dean will be presenting on Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. We will also discuss admission requirements into our Master's program -- APPLY NOW, CLASSES START JANUARY 8TH! For more information, call 805-898-1180.

Happy Birthday to our Assistant Academic Dean!

2006-10-26T08:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to Julia, SBCOM's Assistant Academic Dean!!!!! Students, Faculty and Staff APPRECIATE YOU SO VERY MUCH!!!!!!!

Heather in the Indy today!

2006-10-26T08:37:00.000-07:00

Nat'l Acupuncture Day TODAY!

2006-10-24T12:47:00.000-07:00

Don't forget -- Today is National Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day! Our clinic has discounts until October 28th for FIRST TIME patients -- only $26 and $22 for first time senior citizen patients. Call 687-7328 to schedule your treatment!

SBCOM Alumni voted in Indy's "Best of"!

2006-10-23T11:25:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Lonnie Wu, L.Ac., an SBCOM alumni who was voted Best Acupuncture in Santa Barbara! Congratulations also to Lori Guynes, L.Ac. and SBCOM graduate who was voted Finalist for "Best of Santa Barbara" Acupuncturist! Lori specializes in women's health and is also featured in our movie theater ads for November and will be in this week's Independent ad!

Jorlyne in the Indy and UCSB Paper!

2006-10-18T16:15:00.000-07:00

SBCOM and MS Walk!

2006-10-16T16:54:00.000-07:00

Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine will have an informational booth at this years National Multiple Sclerosis Society Bike Tour! The event is on October 22nd from 11-4pm at Leadbetter Beach. For more information, visit www.msevents.com . Come out to the beach to support SBCOM and the MS Efforts!

Do you want to be an ACUPUNCTURIST??

2006-10-12T16:43:00.000-07:00

Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine is hosting an ADMISSIONS OPEN HOUSE Saturday, November 4th from 1-2. Attendees will meet faculty, staff and students and learn about acupuncture as a career, our admission requirements and financial aid. DON'T MISS IT! RSVP is encouraged but not required. Call 898-1180 to rsvp or for more information.

I'm looking for a presenter!

2006-10-12T15:30:00.000-07:00

Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo invited SBCOM to present on Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine to a prenursing class. The date is Monday, October 30th from 12:30-1:30. I would like a faculty or 3rd year student to do this presentation. Please email at melissa@sbcom.edu or call me at 805-898-1180 x24 if you are interested in presenting!

Clinic Discounts!

2006-10-12T15:07:00.000-07:00

In celebration of National Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day on October 24th, the clinic is offering discounts to FIRST time patients -- $26/treatment (normally $35) and $22 for FIRST time senior citizens. The clinic will be offering this discount from October 23 through October 28th. To schedule an appointment call 687-7328.

SBCOM & Community College Fairs!

2006-10-12T15:02:00.000-07:00

This week I travelled to Cuesta Community College (San Luis Obispo), Allan Hancock (Santa Maria), Santa Barbara City College and Ventura Community College for the annual transfer college fairs. I noticed that this year, the interest in our college and program was higher than last fall. Many people have seen our ads too -- one of the Deans at SBCC commented on how much he liked our ads! Most of the students I talked with are pre nursing majors and some nursing faculty even stopped by my table. I will be at Allan Hancock again October 20th for a career fair and Cuesta on October 30th to speak with a pre nursing class about what acupuncture and Oriental medicine is. By the way -- I am looking for a faculty or 3rd year student who would want to do this 45 minute presentation -- anyone interested?? Email melissa@sbcom.edu

Acupuncture and PTSD

2006-10-11T22:25:00.000-07:00

A hopeful note in the September 2006 issue of Guidepoints, the monthly newsletter of the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA), asserts that a trial currently underway at Walter Reed Army Medical Center on acupuncture for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may elevate the respect for NADA's ear acupuncture protocols. The project is led by researcher Roger Lore. The article also notes that "in the aftermath of 9/11, the American Red Cross added acupuncture to their list of 9/11 mental health and substance abuse program reimburseable services, alongside psychotherapy and other traditional mental health services." Now there is a good example of war assisting us in technology advances ... Meantime, according to a release from NADA published in the e-news of the AOM Alliance, a new "Treatment Information Protocol" (#46) from the US Center for Substance Abuse Treatment describes more expansively than in the past the potential benefits of acupuncture, noting its adjunctive value with not only alcohol addiction treatment but also treatment of cocaine and opiod disorders. Copies are available for free through calling 800-729-6686 and asking for DHA Publication No. (SMA) 06-4131.

Jahre is in the Independent today!

2006-10-05T09:34:00.000-07:00

CLINIC OPEN HOUSE TONIGHT!

2006-10-04T13:17:00.000-07:00

CLINIC OPEN HOUSE NEXT WEEK!

2006-09-28T13:59:00.000-07:00

SBCOMer in the Independent this week!

2006-09-27T09:42:00.000-07:00

Julie Green, 1st year student from South Carolina, will be featured in this week's Independent and Ventura County Reporter. For the Independent, it is the "College Issue", so we did it in color! People are going to start thinking this is a modeling school, but these are REAL students at SBCOM!!!!!

CEU at SBCOM

2006-09-21T20:07:00.000-07:00

“Red Flags in TCM Practice”
With Bruce H. Robinson
15 CEUs approved
1 Student Elective Credit approved

Many TCM practitioners would like to expand their practice and increase their earnings and their professional success. This seminar is designed to help you accomplish this by increasing your knowledge and confidence in working with a wider range of medical problems. Every one who takes this training will know what to do when he or she encounters the potentially life-threatening situations we’ll discuss in this seminar. The information you learn in this course will actually save lives. Call 898-1180 or email alumni@sbcom.edu for more info

Free Community Lectures in Ojai

2006-09-20T12:35:00.000-07:00

Nathan Kaehler, MA, LAc of the Ojai Herb and Acupuncture Clinic is presenting 4 different Topics:

September 27th, Eating food and herbs to match your body's individual pattern
October 11th, Easing through menopause without hormal supplements
October 25th, Herbs and acupuncture: gentle treatments for emotional challenges
November 8th, Surviving cold and flu season: Tips and treatments for adults and kids

Location and time: The Ojai Retreat, 160 Besant Road, Ojai. 7:00-8:00pm

For more information call 640-8700 or visit http://ojaiherbs.com

Fibromyalgia Lecture

2006-09-20T09:22:00.000-07:00

SBCOM will be hosting a lecture on Fibromyalgia on September 29th from 7-9:00 pm at 1919 State Street in the classroom building. Call 898-1180 for my details. Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue are chronic illnesses with some similarities, but also significant differences. Traditional Chinese medicine treatments, combining herbs and acupuncture, can often aid the symptoms of these conditions by treating the patterns within the body from which they result. This lecture will overview the patterns typical of these illnesses, and the treatment approaches which Nathan Kaehler has successfully employed in helping these patients improve.

Presenter Bio:
Nathan Kaehler, MA, LAc, operates Ojai Herb and Acupuncture Clinic, specializing in treating problems of mid and later years, psychoemotional challenges, skin conditions and problems of children. A graduate and faculty member of Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine, he also holds an MA in Psychology from Antioch University Santa Barbara. His practice focuses especially on treatment through Chinese herbal medicine, and he maintains an onsite herb dispensary of more than 1000 herbs/products. He also provides herb and acupuncture treatment for addictions and psychological disorders at New Seasons Recovery, Port Hueneme.

SAVE the DATE!

2006-09-19T15:43:00.000-07:00

SBCOM will be having its Annual Mixer for Alumni, Students and the Public on Saturday, February 3, 2007 from 6-9 pm at the Hotel MarMonte, La Cantina Room.Please join us in celebrating our 26th year of offering the highest standards of education and healthcare in the area of Oriental Medicine.Food and beverages will be served. Questions? Call 805-898-1180 and ask for JoAnne.
Check back for more details.

Admissions OPEN HOUSE!

2006-09-19T14:19:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder about becoming an Acupuncturist? Here's your chance to find out information! November 4th, 1-2ish, SBCOM will be hosting an Admissions Open House. Hear about the curriculum from our Academic Dean, admission requirements, financial aid, and ask questions to current students regarding why they chose this field instead of PT, OT, Nursing or Medical School! Call 805-898-1180 x24 for more information!

Adult Ed Lecture Wednesday!

2006-09-19T10:06:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, Sept. 20th at 6:45 pm: Healing hands: Principles of Healing and Self-Healing. Unity of SB, 227 E. Arrellaga. James Kwako, M.D., moderator. For more info visit http://ce.sbcc.edu

Adult Ed Lecture: Holistic Healing

2006-09-15T12:11:00.000-07:00

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16TH: Holistic Medicine: The force of healing, James Kwako, M.D., 10 am-noon, Rm 14 Tannahill Auditorium, Schott Center, 310 W. Padre St. off of Bath Street. Go to http://ce.sbcc.edu for more info.

SBCOM Alumni: A Memorial

2006-09-14T18:31:00.000-07:00

Kathy Salisbury( Lawrence) passed away from cancer in August. She was a graduate of SBCOM and practiced in Arizona since 1991.She first learned about acupuncture from her training of thoroughbred horses; acupuncture's ability to heal them intrigued her from the start.We all will miss her dearly.

Acupuncture and Pregnancy

2006-09-14T11:59:00.000-07:00

Acupuncture as it is practiced today is a safe, comfortable and cost effective treatment for many of the problems that commonly develop in pregnancy.

Click here for the entire article provided by Acufinder.

Giovanni workshop

2006-09-12T16:56:00.000-07:00

Giovanni Maciocia, one of the English speaking world’s most well known and prestigious author and educator, is coming for an extended stay to teach at Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine. His books are the main textbooks for students all over the world in the area of Oriental Medicine( Acupuncture and Herbology). His herbal formulas are known for their unique clinical usage and effectiveness. His reputation as one of the top innovators in his profession continues to bring him awards in all aspects of this field of medicine.SBCOM, a Master’s degree granting college in operation in Santa Barbara since 1981, will be giving a special seminar program with Giovanni in early 2007. Opportunities for patients to take part in our clinical portion of the program are still available. For more information please click HERE. To register, email alumni@sbcom.edu

AAOM International Conference

2006-09-12T16:54:00.000-07:00

On behalf of the AAOM and the new National Student Organization, the AAOM-SO, we’d like to invite you to join us at the AAOM International Phoenix Conference & Expo ‘06, focusing on Healing the Body, Mind and Spirit, October 19 – 22. We’re encouraging all students across the country to Help Choose the Direction of Your Future by personally attending this outstanding International Conference. For more information, a conference brochure, and registration instructions visit http://aaom.org

A Firefighter in our ad this week!

2006-09-12T16:34:00.000-07:00

Stephanie Kennedy, a new SBCOMer, is featured in this week's Independent! Here's the ad, but be sure to check it out in the Independent on Thursday! We have the coolest students!

Sign up for the Newsletter Qi Mail!

2006-09-12T16:10:00.000-07:00

SBCOM is now sending out a monthly newsletter from the Public Relations Corner. It's called Qi Mail. It's a short newsletter that addresses one or two topics on acupuncture and how it assists in healing different illnesses. The September issue highlights acupuncture, depression and anxiety. If you would like to sign up for this monthly newsletter, just send me an email to melissa@sbcom.edu and type "subscribe Qi Mail" in the subject line.

Clinic Fundraiser for AIDS Walk!

2006-09-06T09:02:00.000-07:00

SBCOM is very excited to support the Pacific Pride Foundation and raising funds for the AIDS walk to take place on October 7th. The SBCOM Clinic is doing a fundraiser until September 16th; a portion of the fees of each treatment will go toward sponsoring two of our students to walk in the AIDS walk. Call 687-7328 to make an appointment in our clinic.

First Night of Class!

2006-09-01T11:27:00.000-07:00

Orientation was yesterday and it was awesome just to see and meet all of the new students. Their first class was last night -- so do they have all of the points and herbs memorized yet!?:)

Clinic Open House!

2006-08-30T13:29:00.000-07:00

Nikki Doner-Sherwood, our Clinic Director, just informed me that there will be a Clinic Open House on October 4th, 6-7 pm. There will be a tour of the clinic and acupuncture demos! Our student clinic is a low-cost clinic and acupuncture treatments are $35. For more information call our clinic at 805-687-7328.

SBCOMer going to New Orleans

2006-08-30T10:44:00.000-07:00

SBCOMER IN THE NEWS - SANTA BARBARA NEWSPRESS Public Square: You Should Know by Karna Hughes August 18, 2006

Nick Hoyle, a recent graduate from the Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine, is collecting funds for acupuncture relief projects sponsored by Acupuncturists Without Borders. The newly formed national organization is providing free ongoing stress-relief acupuncture treatments to New Orleans residents affected by Hurricane Katrina in an effort it calls "We Stick Bayou!" Between October 2005 and February 2006, the group treated more than 4,000 people, including evacuees, first responders and relief workers. Its new Iraq Veterans Project is aimed at helping soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. To make a donation, call the Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine Clinic at 687-7328 or visit 1919 State St., Suite 208.

How did you hear about SBCOM?

2006-08-29T17:55:00.000-07:00

Our new students are mainly local SB people, but we also have a handful of out-of-staters. How did you hear about SBCOM? A friend? The radio, newspaper? SBCOM has been in Santa Barbara for 25 years and we want to know how you came to know about the college and the clinic. In fact, what made you choose SBCOM and this field of study?

Sheryl Crow and Cancer Interview

2006-08-29T17:40:00.000-07:00

One of SBCOM's fellow students, David Fitch, sent me an interview regarding Sheryl Crow who used acupuncture as part of her recovery with cancer. Click here to read the whole interview.

Ad Campaign

2006-08-29T17:00:00.000-07:00

Over the past two months, SBCOM has been working on an ad campaign that highlights our students and their lives. The team that creates these ads consists of myself, Brian our graphics guru and Ricky our photographer. We have had so much fun on the photoshoots and capturing the character of our students. Make sure to check out the Independent every Thursday AND take notice of the ads in the movie theaters -- you will see familiar faces! If you missed the past ads in the independent, take a look at these!

New Fall Class Starts THIS Thursday!

2006-08-29T16:46:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how fast the summer went by! In just two days SBCOM will welcome our new fall class -- Orientation is on Thursday from 1:00-2:30 and then there will be a social with student council members. Our fall class is very impressive, we have a dental hygienist, teachers, a fire fighter, a handful of massage therapists, and even a couple of students with Master's degrees. Two of our new students speak Japanese (they're not Japanese) and we even have a transfer from the Oriental Medicine college in Austin (AOMA). Most of the fall class is from California -- most are local actually (Goleta, Summerland, Lompoc, Buellton, Cambria, Ventura, SB), but we do have a few from out of state -- Virginia, Massachusettes, South Carolina, Texas. The fall class consists of 6 males and 14 females. SBCOM is VERY excited to welcome these new students into the SBCOM community!

SBCOM has a Blog!

2006-08-29T16:28:00.000-07:00

Welcome to SBCOM's blog! We are the first TCM college to have a blog for our future and current students. Faculty, staff and alumni can chime in too! I will be the moderator of the blog and will enter news and other helpful info daily and you are welcome to comment throughout the blog. Please email me if you have any questions or suggestions regarding our new blog; it will take shape as I receive feedback. The link to the blog will be added to our website, but for now, you will need to just go to http://sbcom.blogspot.com. Oh...and one more thing...we will also have instant messenger soon, so keep your eyes open for that!