Description
Evolutionary Biology presents a phenomenal lens through which to understand the Chinese physiologic systems. While many concepts in Chinese theory appear to be esoteric and ungrounded in juxtaposition to current understandings of human physiology, shifting our focus to consider the systems in the evolutionary paradigm corrects this.
This talk will explore the integrative physiology of East-West views on mating and reproduction, focusing on the Ren, Du, and Chong vessels. These vessels play a role not only in fertility, but also form the foundations of who we are as individuals and sexual beings. Understanding their breadth and scope will enrich practice and appreciation of the profundity of their use in practice. Through an expanded view of their domains of action, we can better treat our patients for optimal outcomes.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the reach of DU, Ren and Chong vessels from the viewpoint of human growth and development as well as reproductive roles
- Identify the key neurologic concepts that form the basis for somatotopic mapping and the Ren, Du, and Chong Vessels
- Correlate the Chinese channel systems with concepts of somatotopic mapping and western neuro-endocrinology
- Recognize the evolutionary persistence of systems presented
- Apply knowledge of the integrative physiology to the clinical situation
- Understand the drivers of fertility hormonally and how these are related to the hypothalamus
Dr. David W. Miller, MD, LAc is one of the only MD physicians in the U.S. dually board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Dr. Miller received his Bachelor’s degree in Theoretical Mathematics from Vassar College, his M.D. from the Brown University School of Medicine, and completed his internship and residency in Pediatrics at the University of Chicago. He then completed his Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine with the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago.
Dr. Miller is currently in private practice with East-West Integrated Medicine, but is also an instructor at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago where he designed the school’s Integrative Pediatrics curriculum. At Pacific College, he has also designed and taught curriculum for the study of Integrative Endocrinology, Nephrology, Public Health, and Medical Communications. Dr. Miller sees all ages in his practices, but specializes in Pediatrics seeing patients from newborn to adulthood.
Dr. Miller is also involved with organized medicine and medical legislation, and is the chair of the American Society of Acupuncturists, president of the Illinois Acupuncture Federation, Legislative Director for the Illinois Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and sits on the Illinois Board of Acupuncture with Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. He is a subject matter expert and chair of the Biomedical Examination Committee for the NCCAOM, and is a peer reviewer for Meridians: The Journal of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. He is a member of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture, the National Physicians Alliance, the American Medical Association, the Illinois State Medical Society, and the Chicago Medical Society as well, and sits on the ISMS Council on Education and Health Workforce. Dr. Miller also participates in the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Complementary and Integrative Medicine.