The Inside Scoop!

with Cory Culmer

Interview with Dr. Herb Kandel from the Acupuncture Center of Santa Maria

Cory Culmer: How did you discover Chinese Medicine?
Dr. Herb Kandel: I studied Cultural Anthropology at University of California at Santa Barbara. After I earned my degree I traveled abroad. I explored the wisdoms of other cultures and fell in love with Chinese Medicine.

Cory Culmer: How long have you been a doctor of Chinese Medicine?
Dr. Herb Kandel: I have been a doctor of Chinese Medicine since 1985. I opened up The Acupuncture Center of Santa Maria in 1986.

Cory Culmer: Have you ever been to China?
Dr. Herb Kandel: Yes I have! I was the first American to study at the Xiyuan Hospital in Beijing, a clinical and research center for Traditional Chinese Medicine in China. I actually just had a surprise visit here in Santa Maria from my teacher that mentored me in China!

Cory Culmer: How long have you had the Acupuncture Center of Santa Maria here on Mill Street?
Dr. Herb Kandel: 29 Years.This house was built in 1894 and is considered an historic site in Santa Maria. The house was built by the Miller Family, one of the four founding families of Santa Maria. My wife and I have enjoyed renovating the building and restoring its natural beauty. We believe the house is a comfortable place to receive treatment.

Cory Culmer: Dr. Kandel, would you tell me what Acupuncture is?
Dr. Herb Kandel: Acupuncture involves placing sterile needles in select sites of the body to bring about specific biological changes. Acupuncture helps the body, help itself. Acupuncture draws upon the body’s own healing resources without the use of medication thus treating without the risk of side effects. The results can be immediate or steady improvements, depending on the condition being treated.

Cory Culmer: How was acupuncture discovered?
Dr. Herb Kandel: Nobody knows for sure how acupuncture was discovered. Acupuncture originated in China thousands of years ago. We believe that Chinese monks first discovered acupuncture through meditation and body awareness. The first acupuncture needles were made out of stone! Throughout the centuries acupuncture has continued to be developed and refined. Now our needles are made of a small filament instead of stone.

Cory Culmer: Dr. Kandel, would you tell me what Acupuncture is?
Dr. Herb Kandel: Acupuncture involves placing sterile needles in select sites of the body to bring about specific biological changes. Acupuncture helps the body, help itself. Acupuncture draws upon the body’s own healing resources without the use of medication thus treating without the risk of side effects. The results can be immediate or steady improvements, depending on the condition being treated.

Cory Culmer: How was acupuncture discovered?
Dr. Herb Kandel: Nobody knows for sure how acupuncture was discovered. Acupuncture originated in China thousands of years ago. We believe that Chinese monks first discovered acupuncture through meditation and body awareness. The first acupuncture needles were made out of stone! Throughout the centuries acupuncture has continued to be developed and refined. Now our needles are made of a small filament instead of stone.

Cory Culmer: What kinds of health problems can Acupuncture help with?
Dr. Herb Kandel: Acupuncture can help in many areas. Some of the areas include: Supporting the Immune System, Musculoskeletal and Neurological Disorders, Arthritis, Back Pain, Bell’s Palsy, Bursitis, Headaches, Migraines, Muscle Spasms, Sprains, Stiff Neck, Stroke, Tendonitis, Overcoming Stress, Emotional Disorders, Addictions, Alcohol, Anxiety, Depression, Drug Dependency, Insomnia, Smoking Cessation, Stress and Weight Loss. This is just to name a few!

Cory Culmer: You also teach Qi Gong. Thank you for inviting me to your Qi Gong class today! What is Qi Gong and why is it good to do?
Dr. Herb Kandel: You are very welcome! Qi Gong (pronounced Chee Gung) is all about awareness and moving in a helpful way. “Qi” refers to the force which flows through all living things. “Gong” means a practiced skill; together they describe the mind/body ability to circulate one’s own energy to stimulate vitality. The art of Qi Gong consists of three aspects; gently movements, relaxed or regulated breathing, and focused awareness. Qi Gong promotes balance, energy, stress reduction, and much more.

Cory Culmer: You also teach Qi Gong. Thank you for inviting me to your Qi Gong class today! What is Qi Gong and why is it good to do?
Dr. Herb Kandel: You are very welcome! Qi Gong (pronounced Chee Gung) is all about awareness and moving in a helpful way. “Qi” refers to the force which flows through all living things. “Gong” means a practiced skill; together they describe the mind/body ability to circulate one’s own energy to stimulate vitality. The art of Qi Gong consists of three aspects; gently movements, relaxed or regulated breathing, and focused awareness. Qi Gong promotes balance, energy, stress reduction, and much more.

Cory Culmer: Who can learn Chi Gong?
Dr. Herb Kandel: Anybody, from someone who is recovering from surgery to a heavy weight lifter. The exercise can be adapted to any level. We offer a free Qi Gong class here at The Acupuncture Center of Santa Maria every Friday at 12:30pm. I encourage everyone to join us!

Cory Culmer: What is your most interesting story about China?
Dr. Herb Kandel: There are so many! One of my favorite stories was about the power that “Qi” can have. I was a walking in the Summer Palace in Bejing with a Master Practitioner of Martial Arts and Qi Gong. We noticed a small rodent under one of the bushes in the garden. My Master demonstrated the power Qi on the rodent and was able to effect its behavior and movements. It was incredible to see the Qi Gong techniques used on an animal!

Cory Culmer: Why did you pick our City of Santa Maria to be a doctor?
Dr. Herb Kandel: Santa Maria is full of hidden treasures. We have wonderful people, nearby outdoor adventure, and PCPA Theaterfest. Why would I pick anywhere else?

Cory Culmer: What is your favorite part of being a Doctor?
Dr. Herb Kandel: Being here with you! It is an honor to meet you Cory. I love meeting people in our community and introducing them to what we do here at The Acupuncture Center.