370 Stroke, Parkinson’s and Brain Longevity • Clayton Shiu

For sure, the health of the brain is absolutely essential to health and wellbeing. As we age, just like with other organs, there is a lot that can go wrong with that curious Sea of Marrow.

In this conversation with Clayton Shu we discuss how he went from a focus on orthopedic issues to being concerned with neurology and brain health. Clayton doesn’t really do things in halfway measures, so when he goes at something, he goes at it full tilt.

Listen into this discussion that connects ancient Eastern with modern Western perspectives on neurology, yang sheng, gut health, and acupuncture  in the promotion of brain health and a well functioning neurological system. 

In This Conversation We Discuss:

• Persistence and gong fu
• All men are not created equal
• The principle of Awakening the Spirit and Opening the Orifices can be broadly applied
• Treating Stroke and Neurological Conditions
• Gut-Brain Axis: Connection between gut and brain health
• How Clayton began noticing changes in patient’s memory
• Engaging with patients and “Hooking the Shen”
• Developing the capacity to gently observe yourself
• Simple acupuncture points and herbal formulas for complex conditions
• Integrating modern technology with Traditional Chinese Medicine
• The curious effect of gamma waves as light or sound on plaques in the brain
• Challenges of treating Parkinson's Disease with acupuncture
• Importance of necessary suffering in personal development
• Skull palpation as a diagnostic technique
• Humor and connection in clinical settings
• “Welcoming” and matching energy with patients

I highly recommend learning to differentiate treating the central nervous system disorders vs. orthopedic conditions. It adds a lot of clarity to the session in terms of treatment plans, where to focus both needling and herbal approaches.  And whatever the approach, I recommend 10 sessions because it takes time to train neurological tissue to behave optimally.​

Clayton Shiu, L.Ac, Ph.D

I have focused my career on integrating acupuncture with neurological science to achieve optimal patient outcomes. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology from Boston University and a Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine from Pacific College of Health Sciences. After founding a successful sports and orthopedic clinic in New York City, I received a scholarship from the Chinese government to advance my studies. I earned a Ph.D. in Acupuncture and Moxibustion from Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, specializing in stroke rehabilitation under the tutelage of Dr. Shi Xue Min, the “Godfather of Modern Acupuncture.”

My research on cerebral, neurological, and speech disorders led to the development of “Nanopuncture®,” a certification system that combines neuroscience and functional neurology with acupuncture in clinical practice.
Returning to New York, I founded The Shiu Clinic, where I refined Nanopuncture® to treat Parkinson’s, concussion, and Alzheimer’s dementia.

Currently, I am developing a palpation method for efficiently treating neurological conditions. As a lineage disciple in Wu style Taiji, this practice has guided my career. My work has been featured in Creative Success Now, Fix My Face, Concussion Discussions 2, and Brain Health Magazine.

Links and Resources

Visit Clayton on his clinic website or personal website. You can also learn more about Nanopuncture. 

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