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Natural Awakenings Dallas -Fort Worth Metroplex Edition

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Local Acupuncturist Trains with the Renowned Dr. Shin

Jan 02, 2016 08:49AM ● By Julie Thibodeaux

Dr. Carlos Chapa LAc, PhD, a holistic physician and owner of Valley Ranch Acupuncture and Integrative Medical Center, in Irving, was invited by Dr. Joon-Shik Shin, founder of Jaseng Hospital and one of the world’s foremost doctors of Eastern medicine, to train with him personally in South Korea. It was the first time a Westerner had been invited to train in the many techniques Jaseng is famous for. “It took me five years to get him to say yes. I think he appreciated my volunteer work and my persistency,” says Chapa, who volunteers in Mexico twice a year for the Global Acupuncture Project.

According to Chapa, Shin, is one of the most sought-after doctors in the world, treating such high-profile athletes as pro golfer K.J. Choi, Olympic figure skater Kim Yuna and Texas Rangers outfielder Shin-Soo Choo. “He is like the Dr. Oz of South Korea,” says Chapa. “People from all over the world go to his clinic.”

In 2014 and 2015, Chapa traveled to Korea to receive one-on-one training in an intensive program where he learned techniques Shin has perfected over the years. “We crammed three weeks of training into one week,” says Chapa. “Dr. Shin’s techniques are modified acupuncture treatments which incorporate Eastern/Western anatomy and approach, including his famous motion-style acupuncture.”

Having studied under Shin, who specializes in treating spine and joint issues, Chapa said he’s been able to help patients that do not respond to typical treatment. “As soon as the patient is done with treatment, many have better range of motion and less pain.” The mentorship with Shin is ongoing, and Chapa says, “I plan to go back there two or three times a year.

After high school, Chapa joined the U.S. Navy, where he served as a Marine medic for five years. Later, he worked as a paramedic while studying premed, philosophy and Chinese language. Then one day when he was backpacking in China, out of curiosity he tried acupuncture to treat some minor ailments. “I thought, ‘How can putting a few needles in my body relieve my symptoms?’” he says. “But it worked. That’s what really made me change my attitude toward acupuncture.”

After that, he committed himself to studying Oriental medicine and enrolled at the Dallas College of Oriental Medicine, then Dongguk University of Oriental Medicine, where he received his Master of Science Degree in Oriental Medicine. He continued his studies for the next six years and received a Ph.D. in Oriental medicine.

“Even though many doctors, including medical doctors and chiropractors, practice with as little training as 50 to 100 hours to become a CERTIFIED acupuncturist, one must complete a four-year postgraduate degree program and several board exams to become a LICENSED Acupuncturist,” says Chapa. Over the years, he has continued to learn, completing several hospital externships and residency programs in South Korea.

Dr. Chapa has two locations in the DFW area (Irving & Mesquite). The main clinic center is: Valley Ranch Acupuncture and Integrative Medical Center, located at 9901 Valley Ranch Pkwy. E., in Irving. and 18601 LBJ in Mesquite. For more information, call 972-444-0660 or visit www.aimc-dfw.com.