UCLA Center for East-West Medicine
Established in 1993, the UCLA Center for East-West Medicine has become an international leader in the integration of western and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The clinical staff includes three general internists, one family practitioner, one Ph.D. researcher, and a large support staff. The Center has a dynamic clinical program that exceeds 5,000 patient visits per year. The mission of the Center is to improve patients’ quality of life through the blending of TCM with western medicine. At the Center, medical doctors and acupuncturists, trained in the principles and techniques of both western biomedicine and TCM, work in unison to treat patients. The team incorporates TCM therapies, such as acupuncture or therapeutic massage, with western techniques, such as trigger point injections and prescription drugs. Patients at the Center have a wide variety of conditions including IBS, fibromyalgia, cancer pain, degenerative arthritis, sports injuries, overuse injuries, intolerance to medications or surgery, and chronic pain in the neck, back, shoulder, hip, and knee. Patients may be referred by their primary physician or they may self-refer; the majority of patients are referred by UCLA physicians. Emphasis is placed upon the continuum of health promotion, disease prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
UCLA Anxiety Disorders Program and Clinic
The UCLA Anxiety Disorders Program and Clinic offers an extensive evaluation and treatment program and provides training in mindfulness meditation, behavioral therapy, and medication management to patients with anxiety disorders. The program unites basic, clinical, and health services researchers who combine their efforts in studying different anxiety disorders including obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social phobia, and post traumatic stress disorder. The Program unites researchers from the departments of Psychology and Psychiatry, who also collaborate with the Trauma Research Program. Currently, more than ten scientists participate in more than 20 research projects. Approximately 300-400 patients attend the Clinic every year for both clinical and research activities.
Pediatric Pain Program
The Pediatric Pain Program is a specialized program for the treatment of acute, chronic, and debilitating pain in children. Children seen at the Pediatric Pain Program often are considered medically complicated or difficult to treat, mainly because pediatricians or subspecialists have been unsuccessful in their treatment efforts. Patients in the Program initially present a variety of symptoms, including headaches, recurrent abdominal pain, chest pain, back pain, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, nausea, limb pain, regional sympathetic dystrophy, and other physical symptoms. Pain is understood by the Pediatric Pain team to always be biological/physical in nature. Pain also is understood to always be influenced by the thoughts, emotions, behaviors, skills, and cognitive processing of the patient. Each patient is treated using an integrated Mind/Body approach. The Pain Program staff approach each case as a team, integrating different disciplines and techniques to improve the health and functioning of the patient. The Pediatric Pain Program is led by a medical doctor and a medical psychologist, which reflects the importance of an integrative approach. In addition to the disciplines of medicine and psychology, the team also integrates a variety of other healing disciplines, including: acupuncture, biofeedback, hypnotherapy, yoga, art therapy, massage therapy, movement therapy, and physical therapy.
Chronic Pelvic Pain Program
The Pelvic Pain Disorder Program is a specialized clinic associated with the UCLA Center for Health Sciences Iris Cantor Women’s Health Clinic. It evaluates and treats women with chronic pelvic pain. The Clinic includes professionals from the areas of psychology, anesthesiology, and physical therapy. In addition, the Clinic provides patient care, resident medical student education, and a fruitful environment for clinical research.