Would you go to a blind acupuncturist?

My dear friend, Juliana Cumbo, made front page news this week in Austin because, though she has completed four years of intense study at the Academy of Oriental Medicine (AOMA), earned her masters degree, and passed her national board exams, the Texas state board that licenses acupunturists has denied her a license. The reason? She is blind. Nevermind that over 20% of acupuncturists in Japan are blind, and considered more capable due to their heightened sense of touch and perception of subtle energy. This is Texas, land of the closed-minded conservative.

I met Juliana back in 2002 when she came to me for private yoga sessions. Back then, she was just about to start acupuncture school. She put so much effort into her studies, ordering all her textbooks in Braille and spending long hours reading and memorizing detailed meridians, anatomy and therapeutic methods. I received acupuncture from her at the AOMA student clinic and felt completely safe and comfortable. She has worked on several hundred patients as an intern, none of whom complained or were injured as a result of her blindness.

She also practices Zen Shiatsu massage. If you would like to support her with a kind note, or inquire about her services, please contact Juliana at fourpillars@earthlink.net.