045: Acupuncture, 5 Element Theory, and Trauma with Alaine Duncan
The Uncommon Couch
045: Acupuncture, 5 Element Theory, and Trauma with Alaine Duncan
In this episode, I was joined by Alaine Duncan, a Licensed Acupuncturist and certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. Alaine gives us insight into her career and the work she does around trauma, healing, 5 element theory, and acupuncture. She talks about what brought her to this unique line of work and why she became so passionate about trauma treatment.
She dives deep into the neurobiology behind trauma and how epigenetics play a role in generational trauma through adverse childhood experiences.
What you’ll find in this episode:
A description of the work Alaine offers around trauma and acupuncture
Why she left the VA to write her book
The relationship with the 5 element theory and the response in neurobiology
The process of 5 element theory
Adverse childhood experiences and epigenetics
How you can have a positive impact on a child’s life
About Alaine:
Alaine is a Licensed Acupuncturist and certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. She graduated from the Maryland University of Integrative Health (formerly TAI Sophia Institute) with a Master’s Degree in Acupuncture in 1990 and completed Somatic Experiencing Practitioner training in 2007. She completed certification in the use of touch to build capacity for self-regulation in trauma survivors in 2012; and Somatic Resilience and Regulation Training in body-centered approaches to ameliorate the impact of pre-and peri-natal trauma in 2015.
Her research background includes serving on studies assessing the impact of integrative medicine on compassion fatigue in military caregivers; the use of acupuncture for the treatment of combat-related traumatic stress, the treatment of chronic headaches in current conflict Veterans with traumatic brain injuries and for Gulf War Veterans Illness.
She was a Founding Director of Crossings Healing & Wellness in Silver Spring, MD. She is also a charter member of the Integrative Health & Wellness program at the DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center, serving as a contractor there since 2007.
She founded Integrative Healing, LLC in 2012 with a goal to integrate the wisdom of Chinese Medicine with the study of neurobiology and traumatic stress in both the classroom and the treatment room.
She is an adjunct faculty member at Maryland University of Integrative Health and teaches continuing education classes for acupuncturists on best practices for the treatment of traumatic stress.
Connect with Alaine:
Links mentioned:
The Tao of Trauma: A Practitioner's Guide for Integrating Five Element Theory and Trauma Treatment
The Tao of Trauma 2021: Integrating Five Element Theory and Trauma Healing
Revolutionize Healing from Traumatic Stress
Learn more:
The Uncommon Couch is the place for therapists, coaches, and wellness entrepreneurs who want to take their practice on the road less traveled. If you enjoyed this show, make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you’ll never miss an episode. Want to get to know me more? Find out more about me by following along on Instagram!
Quotes:
“It is not enough to just be a seasoned clinician, there are some specialty things to learn, understand and ways to approach and restore regulation.” - Alaine
“We experience the threat of our ancestors.” - Alaine
“Our job as a world community is to create safety for children.” - Alaine