Noel received his Master's Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2003 from Emperor's College, a four year program, in Santa Monica, California. His training there included acupuncture, Chinese Internal Medicine, Chinese Herbology, Qi Gong Therapy, Eastern Nutrition (the study of the nutritional properties of food), conventional Western Nutrition, and commonly known Western Medical Education (the traditional Pre-Med curriculum that aspiring Doctors study). After graduating Magna Cum Laude from Emperors, Noel enrolled in The American University of Complimentary Medicine where he is currently working on his Doctorate dissertation in Classical Chinese Medicine.
Noels intensive study has given him a unique perspective and understanding of the classical and ancient medicines of the East. His focused approach culminates from his inspiration of the traditions of China, Tibet, Vietnam and Japan. Yet it is his practice of Tibetan Buddhism that led him on this healing path.
Noel attended a Buddhist temple on such a special occasion when a visit by His Holiness,the Dalai Lama was sponsored. He received the great benefit of volunteering for the event, where he also studied His Holiness' special teachings, while receiving an individual greeting and blessing by this Buddhist legend. Noel recounts,"He reached out to touch my head and I could tell he perceived me as a student. He then asked, What will you be studying? I answered reluctantly, all the while knowing the grand differences and political disputes between China and Tibet, I think I am going to be studying Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)." His Holiness, the Dalai Lama laughed jovially and said,"Tibetan medicine better." It was with enormous approval and this special blessing that Noel committed to his path of studying Classical Oriental Medicine. The next day, he enrolled in Emperors College.
Noels good fortune continued. After he graduated from the program, he was invited to attend his Mentor, His Holiness, the Dalai Lamas Medical Institute in Ladakh, India. It was there where he experienced firsthand Tibetan medical and healing techniques, on which many of his treatments are based. Astoundingly, Noel was one of a select few who was initiated into the practice of the Medicine Buddha. Thus, during every treatment he gives, Noel uses a mantra, or a prayer, which through silent meditation, he offers to his patients for their health and longevity.
Truly it is the consolidation of all of these Eastern traditions that form the basis of what Noel considers Classical Oriental Medicine (COM). He believes that integrating COM with modern allopathic medicine ultimately provides the most effective and holistic care for his patients. His intention is always to support his patients in raising awareness about their health, while teaching them how their body is functioning. Noel follows a path of compassion and empathy. His healing work is in the re-alignment of the bodys energy so that his patients can lead more healthy, vibrant, and balanced lives.
How many acupuncturists practice in this tradition? The answer is not many. Noel is one in a million! What sets him apart from the others? The answer is he cultivates the energy of spirit. One consultation and treatment and you will see...