Sometimes clarity doesn’t come from adding more—it comes from taking away. Simplifying helps to see more clearly what’s already there. In medicine, that often means noticing the simple patterns hiding beneath complex presentations.
In this conversation with Fang Cai, we explore the meeting place between Saam acupuncture and dermatology. Fang brings years of clinical experience and study with Mazen Al-Khafaji, and she shares how integrating Saam principles with herbal dermatology has deepened both her diagnostic precision and her ability to communicate with patients in clear, everyday terms.
Listen into this discussion on using Saam acupuncture for troublesome skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, urticaria, rosacea, and acne. We’ll explore how the skin reveals patterns of physiology and imbalance, and why simplicity in treatment—done with discernment—can create profound change.
Fang’s reflections remind us that good medicine doesn’t always come from complexity. Sometimes it’s about listening closely, trusting what you see, and being the kind of practitioner you’d want to visit yourself.
Be the practitioner you want to have.
Fang Cai, L.Ac
I’ve been in practice since 2004. Along the way, I’ve diverged onto many paths—some were of no interest, while others profoundly affected my clinical practice and even my life outlook.
I use a mix of Jing Fang theory; herbal dermatology as taught by Mazin Al-Khafaji; functional medicine ideas; and Sa’am Acupuncture, all set on a strong base of abdominal and reflex area palpation. My current treatment interests are dermatology, immune regulation, and women’s health especially peri/menopause.
I work in a collaborative clinic with 8 Asian Medicine practitioners in Durham, North Carolina. Being part of a group that aims to practice with excellence makes the job so satisfying, and fun! It also grants each of us the space to get deeper and better at our own areas of interest, and in the process elevate the Asian Medicine profession as a whole.
Visit Fang on her website.
You can find a Saam practitioner at the Saam Benevolent Society, or a Mazin-trained Chinese medicine herbalist at TCM Dermatology.
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