PRACTICE
ACUPUNCTURE and SHIATSU
Nigel’s primary Acupuncture training was in Japan (see “About” section) and involves the gentle style known as Meridian Therapy. A treatment will generally involve detailed assessment using the pulse, tongue, abdomen and careful observation and questioning leading to the placement of needles which may be retained up to 20 mins at a time with the patient lying quietly. In this style there are typically two rounds of needling per session, often referred to as the “root” and “branch” phases. As part of the branch treatment other techniques may be applied as needed including moxibustion, gua sha, cupping and Shiatsu massage. Total treatment time is usually 60 mins.
Shiatsu has always been an integral part of Nigel’s practice and he began his East Asian medical training with it almost 40 years ago in Japan, apprenticing in the Zen Shiatsu style with Suzuki Takeo, himself a student of Masunaga Shizuto. Shiatsu is practiced as a discipline by itself and the application of pressure along the meridians together with muscle stretches and gentle manipulation of the joints can also provide a natural and powerful compliment to every Acupuncture session.
Shiatsu Training, Hawaii, 2022
KAMPO HERBOLOGY
Nigel is the premiere practitioner of the Kampo style of herbology in the United States. Kampo is a specialized Japanese method of diagnostics and prescription based on classical herbal formulas as outlined in one of the earliest texts of East Asian Medicine, the Shang Han Za Bing Lun. Combining abdominal palpation with an assessment of the patient's constitution and symptoms, an herbal formula is prescribed specifically targeted to treat the patient's overall condition. The patient is subsequently closely monitored for possible modifications or changes to the original prescription.
Literally translated as "The Chinese Method" the term "Kampo" refers to the practice of Classical Chinese Herbology deriving from Han Dynasty China (200BCE-220CE) and evolving into its adopted form in Japan where it has enjoyed a continuous unbroken lineage for the last 1500 years. Currently it is estimated about 80% of all licensed MD's and Pharmacists practice some form of Kampo in Japan today and in that country the herbs are classed as ethical drugs, available by prescription only and covered by National Health Insurance. For further information please refer to: Kampo: A Clinical Guide to Theory and Practice, Churchill Livingstone, 2010, ISBN: 0443100934.
In response to the the COVID-19 outbreak, Nigel has specifically tailored his Kampo Herbology practice to target immune-enhancement approaches as well as symptom management oof Long-Covid which includes the psycho-emotional fallout caused by the effects of this pandemic on all of us. Given the gravity of the current situation and the overwhelming stresses placed on the standard health care system in the United States, Nigel recognizes the need for alternative supportive treatments, based on comprehensive individualized rather than protocol-driven approaches.
KAMPO PHARMACY
Nigel keeps a comprehensive inventory of classical formulas onsite readily available to the patient at the point of service. These are conveniently available in the form of granular herbal extracts, drunk as a tea, which is the standard way herbs are manufactured and distributed in Japan and much of East Asia. Subject to stringent GMP standards, Japanese as well as similar products from Taiwan are known for their superior quality control and safety and are approved for sale in the US by the FDA as “dietary supplements”.
PATIENT INFORMATION
Nigel integrates a thorough understanding of Western medical conditions with the time-honored science and art of East Asian Medicine to offer the most sophisticated and complete care to his patients. In his regular general practice, he provides treatment for a wide range of conditions with a focus on digestive disorders, gynecological and fertility conditions and orthopedic conditions. He also treats allergies, cardio-vascular disorders, respiratory issues, auto-immune disorders, chronic viral conditions including HIV and CFS alongside many other symptoms and conditions, including and especially supportive cancer care.
Nigel welcomes patients of all ages, including children, with any range of symptoms or conditions, and specifically encourages those currently experiencing COVID-related symptoms or so-called ”Long Covid” to seek help in addition to any conventional care they may already be receiving.
All In-person initial consults are scheduled for 90 minutes and patients will be asked to provide a thorough history of the issue at hand, be expected to answer a number of detailed clinical questions, be asked to show their tongue for visual examination and present their pulse and abdomen for tactile assessment. A combined Acupuncture and Shiatsu treatment will then follow and where applicable, herbs will be prescribed. All follow-up appointments are 60 mins.
For all in-person appointments please book here
or call: 646 732-8097.
Fees for in-person appointments are available on request.
Superbills can be provided for out-of-network insurance claims.