#63 Dr. Peter Eckman on Acupuncture Oncology, the Worsley Lineage, and Pulse Diagnosis

Pacific Rim College Radio

This is a fascinating conversation with a truly unique doctor. Dr. Peter Eckman earned both his MD and PhD in Physiology in the early 1970s. Having never heard of acupuncture, an early job offer as a staff physician in a Los Angeles acupuncture clinic changed his life, as well as the trajectory of acupuncture in the West. There he received on-the-job training from a group of Korean acupuncturists and became quickly enamoured with this healing art.

Peter has trained under many legends over the years, including a decade of periodic study with J.R. Worsley. His book In the Footsteps of the Yellow Emperor is an intriguing account of the history of Chinese Medicine as well as the genesis of the lineage taught by J.R. Worsley. We open this episode talking about both that book and Peter’s experience studying under Worsley, which includes a detailed analysis of building patient rapport.

Peter then takes us through his Korean acupuncture roots and the mentorship he had in Seoul that revealed for him literal secrets of cancer treatment strategies that he is adeptly using and refining in his clinical practice today. Our discussion includes his passion for his oncology practice and the nuances of a pulse signal that he believes is common to all cancer patients.

Never feeling satisfied with one style of medicine or acupuncture, Peter shares with us his studies of other approaches such as those from Japan, China and Viet Nam, and even his studies of Ayurvedic pulse diagnosis.

This was a most enjoyable conversation for me with a man who is wholly dedicated to his craft and the service of others. With nearly 50 continuous years of acupuncture practice and having authored 3 books, influenced licensing standards, and taught at numerous institutions, Peter has demonstrated a level of commitment that few others have. His stories are engrossing and his wisdom rich.

Please enjoy this episode of Pacific Rim College Radio with Dr. Peter Eckman.
Episode Links:

Peter Eckman Acupuncture

Books by Peter Eckman

Article on Cancer in Journal of Chinese Medicine by Peter Eckman

Learning Links:

School of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine at PRC

Online Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine courses at PRCOnline

Student Clinic at PRC