What is Cameron Bishop's history?
After graduating Seattle Pacific University with a degree in Psychology and Anthropology, Cameron lived, worked and studied in Japan for four years learning both healing and martial arts. Upon his return he furthered his studies at NIAOM graduating with an accredited Masters in Acupuncture. He also received Japanese Acupuncture Certificate and three year Daoist Qi Gong certificate from NIAOM. He has studied intensively with Japanese Masters in Japan. Cameron is a Diplomate of the NCCAOM and Licensed in the State of the Florida.
He has been in practice since 1996 and spent over five years working in a Western Medical Family Practice Office before venturing on his own. His current office is a quiet oasis within a former house now zoned professional on Federal Highway near the intercoastal.
Cameron is the Professor of Japanese Acupuncture at Atlantic College of Oriental Medicine and is a certified Instructor in Toyohari Acupuncture for the Toyohari Association on Japan. He is a President of the Florida Branch of the Toyohari Association and former Vice President of both the Toyohari Association of North America and Florida State Oriental Medical Association. He is a founding member of both the Florida and Seattle Branches of the Toyohari Association.
Cameron's style of acupuncture combines the experience, intuitions, and grounded education in American, Chinese and Japanese traditions of acupuncture. He has trained in the US and Japan in Five Phase and Five Element acupuncture, meditation and QiGong.
Cameron currently teaches Miyamoto Musashi's sword style that he learned in Japan. He also earned a second degree black belt in Aikido (Seidoryu Shobukan) and licensed to teach (Menkyo- Shidoin). He returns frequently to study both healing and meditative arts.
Is Cameron a "DOM"?
Any Acupuncturist licensed under Florida State law can use various titles,such as, DOM, AP, and others. Cameron is state licensed (AP762) and board Certified (NCCAOM). His degree in Acupuncture is from an Accredited school.
Do you take Insurance?
We take insurance but it does not always take us. Some out of state plans; some PPO plans may cover Acupuncture services. Florida is notorius for poor insurance reimbursement with alternative medicine. However, Auto Insurance (PIP) usually covers Acupuncture. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover Acupuncture (some secondary insurance might). Call us and we will explain the ins and outs.
We are happy to check your insurance. Please note that payment is usually expected at the time of the visit. We are not part of any insurance discount networks. We believe they are not good for the profession and our prices generally are competitive to the market. We are happy to provide you with a receipt suitable to your insurance company.
To save time for all of us it is easiest to check your insurance book to see if Acupuncture is "excluded".
YOU GET ONE BODY IN LIFE. INVEST IN IT.
HAVING QUALITY ACUPUNCTURE WORK DONE EXTENDS YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE.
Does Acupuncture hurt?
Cameron Bishop trained in Japan and has studied a gentle process of inserting needles. His treatments are remarkably gentle. Acupuncture Needles are hair thin and not hollow; in the hands of skilled Acupuncturist any discomfort should be minimal to none. Most of his patients never realize they are being put in. Acupuncture is a relaxing process.
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient method of healing, having been used effectively to treat people world-wide for 5,000 years. It works to achieve balance throughout the whole body. It encourages the body to regulate its own systems and promotes it own mechanisms of healing. Acupuncture can help the body relieve many symptoms, but also can help bring the body into a healthier state of emotional and physical being. However, it is up to the individual to change factors like diet, work and sleep patterns which have contributed to the illness. Long -term health can only be achieved through a team effort involving the Acupuncturist and the patient. Both must be committed to bringing about a healthful change.
Oriental Medicine is a non-mechanical model. Rather than seeing the person as "car that needs to be fixed", it views the body as holistic natural environment that needs cultivation toward optimal health and well being.
More and more western medicine is catching on to this idea. The idea of Acupuncture being "alternative medicine" is losing ground to the wisdom that medicine is integrative. It is not an either/or approach but rather what combination works best for the whole being.
Who can practice Acupuncture?
In the State of Florida a License Acupuncturist is designated with the initials "AP". Generally, to be granted this designation one must graduate both college and then graduate school in Acupuncture sciences. However, some health professions in the State of Florida are allowed to practice a form of "Acupuncture Therapy" under their licenses with little or no training (200-600 hours). Always ask for their amount of training. Some health providers unfairly advertise themselves as "Licensed Acupuncturists", but have minimal to no training.
You can check the discipline record and license qualifications of a health provider's license in Florida by cutting and pasting the following:
http://ww2.doh.state.fl.us/irm00praes/praslist.asp
What can I expect during a treatment?
Upon intake many questions will be asked and your story heard. An Oriental Medical diagnosis, prognosis and other recommendations will be discussed. Many of the cases we see are of the difficult nature. In those instances prognosis is difficult. Usually a good idea of how long it will take to get results can be given.
Diagnosis is based on observation of pulse, abdomen and tongue, questioning, and palpation. Patients generally wear loose pants or shorts, remove their shoes and socks, and are kept warm and comfortable.
What should I expect after the treatment?
Generally, one feels improvement after the first treatment. Sometimes chronic conditions, medications and age slow down the body’s process of healing and a therapeutic result is seen in 3-4 treatments. In severe cases the process could be slow. However, in most cases people are much improved within 8-10 treatments. Cameron will gladly discuss your prognosis.
Most studies done on Acupuncture are two or more treatments a week for fourteen or more weeks. In the case of chronic pain in an elderly patient, it may be realistic to expect appreciable results after ten or more treatments.
What is the difference between Chinese and Japanese Acupuncture?
Japanese and Chinese Acupuncture have the same roots and theories. Over the centuries some Japanese styles have developed to emphasize pragmatic application over theory.
Some Japanese styles are considered more the art of Acupuncture. Overall, they seek better treatments, point location and painless insertion rather than the idea of "No pain, no gain" Chinese practice. The Japanese school of acupuncture also focuses on the regulation of ki and pulse feedback, rather than Chinese shotgun prescription acupuncture.
Although a few acupuncturists may take a weekend class in Japanese Acupuncture, Cameron has trained for many years not only in the styles of Japan, but also in the styles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Thus, when seeing a client, Cameron can ascertain and combine the best applicable and gentle points from both “schools”.
