Dadali Ziai- I come from a long line of doctors from the North-Eastern region of Iran. My grandfather was a Western physician and founder of the Mashad Medical School. Seven generations before him were traditional doctors and herbalists. I am the first person in my family to study Acupuncture and the first to integrate Eastern and Western medicine. I studied Biology at UC Berkeley and UC Santa Cruz and received my Masters in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches Institute in 2001. I feel honored to have inherited the practice at Meridian Acupuncture from two such fine practitioners as Drs. Carolyn Atkinson and Catherin Li, and to continue our service to the community. - Dadali Ziai, L.Ac

What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of five branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a holistic medical system that has been practiced for over 2000 years. Today, a massive body of medical research and clinical data exist as proof of TCM's efficacy, and more and more doctors of Western medicine are using or recommending this gentle, effective practice to their patients.

An acupuncturist uses fine needles to stimulate a variety of specific points on the body in order to treat disease and restore health. TCM theory is used separately or in parallel with Western techniques to diagnose a patient's illness and to select the appropriate treatment.

What can I expect?
Acupuncture treatments range from 20 to 40 minutes. Other therapies such as moxibustion, cupping, massage and deep heat may also be used. Most patients experience reduced pain and feel more upbeat and relaxed after a treatment. In some chronic cases, four or five treatments may be needed to achieve results. Frequently, herbs will be prescribed to aid in the treatment.

Downtown Santa Cruz in the Galleria, 740 Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA. 95060

www.meridiansantacruz.com