Hello everyone...

I find myself at one of life's many crossroads. At the tender,
young age of 38 I find myself wishing to change careers (many reasons
behind this which I can share privately for those who care). I've
long had it in my mind to study "alternative medicine" (read:
chiropractic, acupunture, or the like) after having fairly in-depth
experience with it over a course of several years both as a patient
and as an observer. I personally experienced tremendous relief at
the hands of a chiropractor, and long-lasting healing of painful
disorders at the hand of an acupuncturist/herbologist (forgive my
terminology, I'm being specific in how I voice these experiences
because of my current education in these matters.) I also personally
witnessed the benefits of alternative/oriental medicinal practices as
they applied to my wife who eventually died of cancer. Her pain was
mitigated greatly at times through acupuncture.

A little about myself: I've been employed in the computer field
for several years, have been self employed, made my first million,
lost it, and am rebuilding that again... In other words, I've been
around the block a little. I'm also a single dad of 4 kids.

I find myself exceptionally interested in acupuncture and the study
of TCM. I think that the study and application of TCM and "me" makes
a good fit. Generally speaking I think I could succeed quite well at
this endevor. A question comes to mind, however, in what I have
observed over the years about a 'separation' of chiropractic and
Acupuncture. I have met several acupuncturists/TCM Doctors, and
several Chiropractors who also "use acupuncture" as part of their
therapy. Never have I seen one person who is "good" at practicing
both.

My question is: Why not? At one time I was seeing a chiropractor at
the same time that I was receiving acupuncture treatment. My
acupuncturist (a D.O. -- but we'll leave that discission alone at
this time) thought that this was a good thing, but also that he could
help the adjustments I was receiving have more effect and last
longer. My chiropractor, on the other hand, tried to apply
acupuncture as part of my treatment with him with poor success. It
was obvious to me that while he was a competent chiropractor, but a
mediocre (at best) acupuncturist. Why have I never met a good
chiropractor who is also a good acupuncturist (or vice versa)?

Is there a fundamental difference in approach or doctrine? Is it
a 'western thing'? Something else?

I'd personally be interested in -- over the longer haul --
studying/practicing both if they complement each other the way I (in
my uneducated way) see them. For the time being, I am leaning
strongly towards TCM/Acupuncture.

Thanx for your thoughts,

Michael Dow
Houston, TX