Today we’d like to introduce you to Phillip Ward.
Phillip, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
At age 9, in a North Carolina bookstore, my mother encouraged me to go pick out a book. To her surprise I came back with the Tao Te Ching, a 2,500 year old book on the Tao. From that point forward I became the odd kid that was fascinated with Taoist philosophy, martial arts, meditation, and natural healing. The more I learned the more I wanted to know so in 1995, I began studying tai chi, qi gong, and the art of harmonious living with a master that without a doubt changed my life. That same year I graduated from the Body Therapy Institute and opened a bodywork and energy healing practice in Greensboro, North Carolina. From there, in 1998, I co-founded the Golden Flower Tai Chi School of Greensboro, and began teaching bodywork and energy healing at a school for massage therapy. Several years later I attended Yo San University’s School of Traditional Chinese Medicine and moved my practice to Studio City.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
When I decided to move my practice to Studio City, I rejoined my dear friend Dr. Greg Vanvakaris at The Health Spot. Greg and I worked together for several years in the late 1990s, and I had always hoped that we could work together again. Fortunately, everything aligned and now Dr. Greg and I, along with Dr. Douglas Cole and Dr. Dean Grillo are having a blast working with a phenomenal group of patients.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Acupuncture is amazing for all types of pain relief regardless of the cause-headaches, athletic injury, auto accident, etc. But I also see loads of patients for all sorts of things such as anxiety/panic disorder, IBS, and even those just interested in health maintenance and preventative medicine. As an acupuncturist, herbalist, tai chi instructor, and nutritional counselor there are numerous options that we can explore when treating an issue. A treatment could include anything from an ancient esoteric meditation to acupuncture, cupping, and herbal medicine. Whatever is needed to get the best results, we will leave no leaf unturned. For example, although not required, I strongly suggest that all of my patients get an extensive blood panel in order to help identify any underlying core issues. I walk through the results with them explaining what each of the markers mean and what they can do to correct any issues. This is not a common practice in the States for most practitioners of Chinese Medicine. But in this day and age there is no reason to guess about possible deficiencies that could be causing health issues when a blood test can show exactly what is missing or is in overabundance. This also prevents the patient from taking costly supplements that are unnecessary. Whether it be through classic tongue and pulse diagnosis or an actual blood test we explore every possible cause of an illness until it is properly addressed.
One of things I absolutely love about Chinese Medicine is the amount of focus geared toward keeping you healthy. It is much easier dealing with issues in the early stages before they develop into a serious illness. Traditionally, acupuncture and herbs were used on a regular basis to keep folks in the community healthy and highly functional. If you followed the doctor’s advice and still got sick payment for your treatment was waived until you felt better. Patients only paid the doctor when they were healthy. It was his job to prevent them from getting sick. How’s that for a healthcare system? Ha!
What were you like growing up?
I grew up on a farm in North Carolina. We raised hogs and tobacco to pay the bills but we also grew a lot of our own food sustaining our family throughout the year. It was tough because the work never ended but what a blessing it turned out to be. Little did I know that this early farm life was positioning me into absolute alignment with my future trade. All of the legendary founders of natural medicine were well versed in farming. Everything from mapping the intricacies of the seasons, the dirt, the sun, the moon, to how all of these elements affect, not only plants but also, animals and humans. For thousands of years traditional doctors have used this knowledge to help heal their patients. Growing up on a farm and watching my folks excel at their craft undoubtedly taught me that everything is truly connected and must be considered when raising animals, growing crops, or treating a disease. I am beyond grateful for that experience.
When I wasn’t working on the farm I was in a karate class, on the football field, wrestling, or fishing with my grandfather.
Contact Info:
- Address: 12153 Ventura Blvd #104
Studio City, CA 91604 - Website: PhillipWardWellness.com
- Phone: (818) 515-4496
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: PhillipWard33
- Facebook: Phillip Ward L.Ac. Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
- Yelp: Phillip Ward L.Ac. Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
- Other: Phillip Ward Acupuncture and Herbs
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Sharon Berry
June 7, 2017 at 00:09
Hi Phillip, do you think that herbs really help. I have been going to an acupuncturist in Wilmington for sinus and neck problems. I am not a good pill taker and wonder if they are worth it. I have been taking Flashback for hot flashes, Farklempt Noich, magnolia clear sinus and Quercetin. I feel a little overwhelmed with all of these. What is your opinion.