Dr. Nobue Nobematsu, DAOM, LAc.

Director of Clinical Education

Dr. Nobué Nobematsu holds a Masters of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine from ACTCM San Francisco and a Doctorate in Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine from Five Branches University. Her strong interest in art and architecture blossomed in her undergraduate years when she completed a BA in Fine Art at Mills College. Continuing her artistic training in the MFA program in Interior Design at the Academy of Art University in SF, she learned of Rudolf Steiner’s teaching philosophy and Waldorf Education. She valued her unique experiences as an early childhood educator at Waldorf kindergartens. Holistic education and living approach rooted deeply into her heart, and led her to an interest in Art Therapy, Anthroposophical Medicine, Bach Flower Remedy, and the study of Chinese Medicine to help heal friends and family—as well as to respect and appreciate her own heritage. A decade of clinical apprenticeship trained her extensively from infant to elderly in diverse clinical settings and challenging cases. She is a lead acupuncturist and herbalist at Shen Clinic in Albany. Alongside her private practice, Nobué had volunteered regularly at the San Francisco Haight-Ashbury Free Clinic. 

She previously held a position as a didactic instructor, clinical supervisor, and Director of Clinical Education at ACCHS, Oakland.

Dr. NISHANGA BLISS, DAIM, DSC, LAc.

Nishanga Bliss, DSc, DAIM, LAc, is a holistic doctor and educator who believes that personal and planetary health are interdependent. She teaches Chinese and integrative medicine at AIMC, where she practices in the community clinic, offering nutrition consults, herbal medicine and acupuncture. She is passionate about protecting the planet and is active in the climate movement. A former chef, Nishanga loves kitchen medicine and practicing the ancient healing art of fermentation. Her book, Real Food All Year: Eating Seasonal Whole Foods for Optimal Health and All-Day Energy (New Harbinger Press, 2012) dives deeply into the practice of eating with the seasons, weaving the ancient wisdom of Chinese medical nutrition together with nutrition science and real-world culinary know-how. Visit her website at: https://nishangabliss.com

Dr. Joyce Kwok, DAIM, LAc.

AIMC Berkeley Supervisor Joyce Kwok worked as a hospital inpatient and outpatient physical therapist before studying Acupuncture and earning her Master’s degree from Meiji College, Berkeley in 2001. She started her private practice in Lafayette, CA, where she integrated the two disciplines. Joyce’s practice included some major influences of practice such as: Jeffrey Yuen, Dr. Richard Tan and Craniosacral Therapy.

Dr. Glenn Oberman, OMD, LAc, QME

Professor Oberman is board-certified in Acupuncture Orthopedics and appointed as a Qualified Medical Evaluator by California’s Industrial Medical Council. He earned his BA from the University of California, Los Angeles and his MA in International Relations from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He later studied Oriental Medicine at the California Acupuncture College and earned his Oriental Medicine Doctorate from Samra University of Oriental Medicine. Professor Oberman has served as a Director of the California State Oriental Medical Association, and currently practices privately in Berkeley. In addition to his many roles at AIMC Berkeley, Dr. Oberman oversees a specialty externship, providing acupuncture to athletes at the University of California, Berkeley.

Dr. David Caruso-Radin, DAIM, LAc.

Professor Caruso-Radin received his DAIM and his MSOM from AIMC Berkeley and his Master of Science in Organizational Psychology from Baruch College in New York, New York. He studied Shiatsu and Integrated Nutrition with Paul Pitchford at the Heartwood Institute in Garberville, California, and was a nationally certified diplomate of Asian Bodywork Therapy. David earned his Medical Qigong Practitioner certification under Suzanne Friedman at AIMC Berkeley, and earned Wild Goose Qigong teacher certification from Master Hui Liu at the Wen Wu School of Martial Arts in El Cerrito, California. David maintains a private practice in Richmond, and he is an avid kayaker and photographer.

Dr. Christine Taradelles, DAIM, LAc., Dipl. OM

Professor Tarradelles received her Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the Academy of Chinese Culture & Health Sciences (ACCHS), and has numerous certifications and experience in holistic bodywork (educator), health care, and nutrition from both Eastern and Western approaches. She teaches Dai Yen Qigong as a certified instructor of the Wen Wu School of Martial Arts and practices privately in Marin, California. She specializes in advanced auricular medicine bringing her students to France to Lyon to study with Dr. Nogier.

Dennis W. von Elgg, LAc.

Dennis earned his Master of Science degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the ACTCM in San Francisco. He has traveled to Sichuan Province in China, working and studying at the Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital. Since 2002 Dennis has been a professor at the Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College in Berkeley where he has taught topics on herbology, herbal formulas, diagnosis, acupuncture therapy, modern disease, tongue and pulse diagnosis, and more. Dennis also periodically presents lectures to students and fellow acupuncturists. He is a frequent guest lecturer at UC Berkeley in the Integrative Biology Department.

Dr. Emmie Zhu, DMed (China), DTCM (China) LAc.

Professor Zhu earned her Doctor of Medicine from Shanghai First Medical University in 1953 and went on to graduate in 1961 from Inner Mongolia Medical College in TCM and Acupuncture. She served as an associate professor and Director of the Internal Medicine Department in the Inner Mongolia Chinese Medical Institute before coming to the US in 1985, when she became a visiting professor at the University of California, San Francisco. With over 40 years experience practicing internal medicine with both Chinese and Western medical backgrounds, Dr. Zhu has contributed to scholarly publications for nearly 30 years. She has been honored by the Ministry of Health in China her for her achievement in Chinese Medicine.

Dr. Hideko Pelzer, DAIM, LAc.

A Second Degree Black Belt in the Japanese martial art of Aikido, Professor Pelzer graduated from Tsukuba University in Japan and later earned her Master of Science in Oriental Medicine from Meiji College of Oriental Medicine (now AIMC Berkeley). Dr. Pelzer was in the first graduating class of Doctorate students at AIMC Berkeley. She is a didactic instructor & clinic supervisor at AIMC Berkeley, and she teaches acupuncture to Medical Doctors at the Academy of Pain Research. An expert in Japanese needling technique, she practices privately in Suisun City and at LifeLong West Berkeley.

Zhi-Bin “Benny” Zhang, MS (China), LAc.

Professor Zhang has been practicing acupuncture for over 45 years and has published numerous books and articles on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in his native China. He earned his master’s degree from Guang Zhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and went on to teach, practice, and conduct research in TCM at the Traditional Chinese Medicine University and Chinese Medical Hospital of Guang Dong Province for 18 years before coming to the US. Professor Zhang has been teaching at AIMC since 1997 and currently maintains a private practice in San Francisco.

Dr. Thomas Siemann, DAOM, LAc.

Thomas has been interested medicine since very early on. He worked as an assistant nurse at a public hospital while studying in Berlin, and gained an in-depth knowledge of anatomy, physio- logy and pathology through medical studies in Italy. While in Italy, he also worked as a private school teacher, and was the director of a school in Padova before relocating to the US.

​Thomas graduated from the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Science with a Master’s Degree of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine (MSTCM) and from the University of East West Medicine with a Doctoral Degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM). He is licensed to practice in the state of California and undertook studies to complete his national certification as a Diplomat of Acupuncture. In 2011 Thomas co-founded Getting the Point Acupuncture while also serving as the Dean of Academic Affairs at the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences for five years.

Dr. Lynda Vigil, DAOM, LAc.

Lynda Vigil has over 20 years experience helping individuals achieve optimal health. She received her Doctorate of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the Academy of Chinese Cultural Health and Science (A.C.C.H.S.), with concentrations in Classical Chinese Medicine, Integrated Orthopedics and Pain Management. She also earned a Masters of Science degree in Oriental Medicine from A.C.C.H.S., and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts, Boston.

“I have been living and practicing in Berkeley for over a decade. I understand life can be challenging, and our body, mind and soul do their best to navigate difficult and demanding terrain. Whether dealing with sports injuries, stress, gastrointestinal disorders, or emotional imbalances, I treat the body as an interconnected system. Together we discuss your concerns and find solutions. I provide additional support through therapeutic exercises, herbal therapy, and guidance in dietary and lifestyle choices. My approach is compassionate, non-judgmental and direct.”

Dr. Jody James, DAIM, LAc.

Jody discovered the healing powers of acupuncture and energetic medicine during her recovery from a life-altering injury in 2001. Her doctorate and masters studies were both completed at AIMC-Berkeley and she has practiced in Sonoma County since 2007.  A majority of Jody’s work has been in orthopedics/pain management, drug and alcohol recovery, chronic diseases, women’s (reproductive) health; and, to a lesser degree, facial rejuvenation acupuncture, transgender/gay/lesbian health, and immigrant health.  Jody strives to empower people in their healing process through education, intuition and compassion.  Besides really appreciating acupuncture, she has had fun as a vocalist, dancer, designer/builder and writer.

Dr. Erin Reilly, DAIM, LAc., DiplOM.

Dr. Erin Reilly is a California-licensed acupuncturist and herbalist, and a diplomate of the NCCAOM. Erin holds a Doctor of Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine from AIMC, and earned a Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine from ACTCM in San Francisco. She is a clinical supervisor at AIMC and ACTCM, teaching acupuncture techniques at the latter. Dr. Reilly was part of a team to establish AIMC’s doctoral externship at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, where she treated staff and patients in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, and earned a certificate in Basic Biomedical Research there. Erin has treated patients at the Charlotte Maxwell Clinic for Integrative Cancer Care, the SF AIDS Foundation, and Sutter Health CPMC Davies Stroke and Neurovascular Care Center, among other clinical settings. She has treated substance use in both traditional and harm reduction programs, with a focus on emotional well-being. Erin began her practitioner journey twenty years ago studying qigong and taiji, and enjoys sharing self-massage techniques in her practice.

Dr. Mary Arnold, DAOM, LAc.

Dr. Mary Arnold earned her Masters’s degree and recently completed her Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DAOM) from the Academy of Chinese Culture & Health Sciences (ACCHS). For the past twenty years, she’s led a private practice using acupuncture, herbs, and other TCM techniques to target the root of a patient’s pain to get them back on their feet as soon as possible. She treats patients of all ages with ailments ranging from seasonal allergies and sports injuries to insomnia and digestive issues. Dr. Mary balances her hands-on experience with teaching in Masters and Doctoral programs. Currently, Dr. Mary is studying the Jing Fang lineage with Dr. Suzanne Robidoux.

Dr. Henriette "Jet" Lenssen, DAOM, LAc.

Henriette Lenssen received her Master of Science in Oriental Medicine from the Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College in Berkeley. She also holds a Master of Science in Biology from the University of Utrecht, the Netherlands. She pursued a Doctorate degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences in Oakland. Henriette treats many different syndromes and illnesses within the broader scope of family practice but she has a special interest in women’s health and the support of patients undergoing cancer treatment.

Dr. Phil Suger, PhD (PRC), LAc.

During his undergraduate education at Penn State, Suger was introduced to classical Chinese philosophy and gained a great respect for its perspective. In his research, he stumbled upon Chinese medicine and right away knew he had found his passion. After graduating with a BS in Neuroscience and a minor in Mandarin Chinese, he went to study at the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. During these two years, he began his formal study of Chinese medicine and improved his Chinese language skills. He returned to the U.S. to attend the most prestigious Chinese medicine school in the country, the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine. In Portland, he earned his master’s degree and passed all national board exams. Wanting to reach the educational pinnacle of his field, he returned to China to pursue his doctoral degree at the Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine in internal Chinese medicine. During the 5-plus years he spent in China, he was fortunate to have studied extensively with some of the most highly acclaimed practitioners in the modern era. He has experience working in both small clinics and some of the largest Chinese medicine hospitals in the world.

Dr. Nicole Yezman, ND, LAc.

Dr. Nicole Yezman is board certified and has been in practice since 2011. She is committed to assisting others on their journey to wellness. Dr. Nicole completed six years of medical training and graduated in 2010 with a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and a Master’s in Acupuncture and Classical Chinese Medicine from the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon.

Dr. Nicole helps people identify the root causes of their health issues, and always wants to figure out WHY a person’s current health picture is the way it is. She uses resources such as homeopathy, botanical medicine, vitamins and minerals, hydrotherapy, nutrition, Chinese medicine and acupuncture; and works in multiple realms including physical, mental-emotional and energetic. Her specialties include gastrointestinal health, autoimmune illness, mold and mycotoxin exposure and allergies.

Her goal is always to trace the symptom back to its original source, so that the environment or factor can be navigated and true change and healing can occur. Dr. Nicole’s mission is to provide science based, wellness skills to every day living.

Dr. Christian Hoffert, DAOM, LAc.

Christian earned his Doctorate and Master of Science Degrees at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco, where he completed advanced training in Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, as well as concepts of functional medicine. He enjoys collaborating with his clients on their health goals and helping them live healthier and happier lives. 

Christian is a licensed acupuncturist and primary care provider in California (AC15943).