Vincent Shu, MD, FCCP will give a presentation entitled “How Acupuncture Can Ameliorate Drug-related Chemical Dependency” at the Orcas Island Community Church on Sunday, Oct. 8 at 1 p.m. The presentation is sponsored by Orcas Island Public Library.

“Pain is the most common reason patients are seen in primary care clinics,” says Shu. “An estimated 5 to 8 million Americans use opioids for long term management of chronic pain with resultant chemical dependency, which negatively impacts their ability to lead a productive life. To stop the opioid epidemic, it is imperative for early integration of non-pharmacologic approaches.”

After this presentation, participants should learn what leads to opioid addiction at the bio-molecular level from which a rationale solution with acupuncture for this problem would be discussed. As marijuana has been legalized in the state of Washington this has resulted in widespread usage of cannabis for a variety of reasons. Shu will also discuss the issue of cannabis addiction related to its chronic use with solutions suggested. Shu received his medical degree in Taiwan, where he had training in western and eastern medicines. He completed his residency and fellowship trainings in UC Irvine, University Of Southern California, UC Davis and UCSF HealthCare Systems. He is board certified in internal medicine, geriatrics and cardiovascular diseases. He was a former Associate Clinical Professor, UC Irvine College of Medicine, Department of Medicine.