4th International Oncology Acupuncture Symposium

Dr. Libin Jia is a former Scientific Program Director at the Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine (OCCAM), Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH) of the USA.  In this position, he worked on establishing research projects and collaborations, most recently in the area of anti-cancer compounds and natural products, integrative oncology, integrative medicine on COVID-19 care, and served as a liaison between the collaborative parties (intramural, extramural and international) and OCCAM/NCI. 

Previously, Dr. Libin Jia was a Scientific Project Director in the NCI’s Office of Cancer Genomics.  He participated in the Cancer Genome Anatomy Project, Mammalian Gene Collection, and the H-Invitational, which is an international human genome annotation project.  He also joined the project officer team for the Molecular Library Screening Centers Networks of the National Institutes of Health’s Road Map, managing multiple compounds screening projects.

In this talk we will dive into one of the most interesting passages of the Ling Shu, which fascinatingly describes one of the possibilities in which metastatic cancer develops. We will delve into each of the stages and understand what the is pattern that characterizes it, and what we can do in practice to support our patients and influence the course of the disease.

Ofir Michaelis brings 18 years of experience as a TCM practitioner, specializing in Integrative Oncology and Hemato-oncology. As the Complementary Medicine coordinator at Ha’emek Medical Center’s oncology unit since 2020, he has been instrumental in integrating acupuncture into conventional cancer care.

An experienced acupuncturist, herbalist, and shiatsu practitioner, Ofir maintains a thriving private practice treating patients across all age groups, from infants to adults. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge as a lecturer and teacher, while remaining an devoted student of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

His unique combination of hospital-based oncology experience and extensive clinical practice provides him with valuable insights into supporting cancer patients throughout their treatment and recovery journey.

In this lecture, Dr. Beverley de Valois presents the first international, multidisciplinary recommendations for the safe practice of acupuncture in integrative oncology. Developed by an expert panel, these guidelines outline standards of care, including contraindications, cautions, and risks, to support practitioners treating people with cancer. Key recommendations highlight when acupuncture may be contraindicated, require adaptations, or need medical referral. By providing clear, accessible guidance, this work aims to promote safe, informed, and confident acupuncture practice in oncology settings.

Beverley de Valois, PhD LicAc FBAcC MBLS For nearly 25 years, I have been a practicing acupuncturist in the UK and a Researcher in Integrative Medicine at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre. Within the Supportive Oncology Research Team, I have conducted several pioneering studies into using acupuncture to manage the consequences of cancer treatments. I am an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Bristol and was Chair of the British Lymphology Society (BLS) Scientific Committee from 2017-2020. In addition to many publications in scientific journals, I am the author of “Acupuncture and Cancer Survivorship: Recovery, Renewal and Transformation” published by Singing Dragon. 

Dr. Julia Hartung presents practical self-care strategies that acupuncturists can share with oncology patients and their caregivers. The talk includes exercise recommendations, acupressure, moxibustion and essential oils for symptom relief and emotional support, and tapping techniques to reduce stress. These tools aim to enhance well-being and foster resilience throughout the cancer journey.

Dr. Julia Hartung, MD Internal medicine specialist.

Dr. Julia Hartung MD specializes in hematology and internal oncology. With her further education in Chinese Medicine she is bridging, in her own clinic, conventional and complementary medical therapies. Dr Hartung is the TCM Academy’s Oncology Acupuncture Program Medical Director and a senior teacher in the program.

This talk explores how the EnergyPoints App blends traditional acupressure with modern digital health technology to support symptom relief in oncology care. Drawing from an upcoming NIH-funded trial, Ryan J. Smith shares how the app empowers patients through structured, research-backed protocols designed to address fatigue, sleep disturbances, and emotional distress. The session will include a live demonstration and offer practical insights into how clinicians can support self-care between visits, expanding access for underserved populations.

Ryan J. Smith, M.S., L.Ac. is the Chief Visionary Officer of 5 Point App, the company behind the NIH-funded EnergyPoints App—an mHealth solution designed to expand access to oncology acupressure. Ryan provides strategy and vision for EnergyPoints, including its decentralized clinical trial evaluating the app’s effectiveness for cancer-related fatigue and sleep disturbances.

A longtime integrative medicine leader, Ryan serves as Clinical Program Manager at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He previously built and led a thriving private practice, 5 Point Acupuncture, in New York City for over 16 years. This fall, he will begin an Online MBA at Boston University to further strengthen his expertise at the intersection of integrative care, digital health, and entrepreneurship.

Ryan’s work blends ancient medicine, digital innovation, and research-informed design to make self-care accessible—especially for underserved communities. He is passionate about empowering patients, practitioners, and health systems through scalable, evidence-based tools.

Cancer-related insomnia is common and challenging, affecting up to 60% of patients. Acupuncture offers a safe, effective approach rooted in regulating the Shen and restoring internal balance. This presentation blends classical pattern differentiation with clinical research, highlighting key diagnostic types and point strategies. Evidence from recent trials supports acupuncture’s role in improving sleep quality, reducing anxiety, and enhancing overall well-being during oncology care.

Mandy Brass, MSc MBAcC

Mandy Brass is the lead acupuncturist at Dimbleby Cancer Care, a supportive cancer care department within Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. She has been practicing acupuncture for over 20 years, specialising in supporting cancer patients through all stages of their journey, from diagnosis and treatment to survivorship or palliative care. More recently, Mandy completed her MSc in research from the Northern College of Acupuncture and now divides her time between being an acupuncturist and a researcher.

Cancer-related insomnia is common and challenging, affecting up to 60% of patients. Acupuncture offers a safe, effective approach rooted in regulating the Shen and restoring internal balance. This presentation blends classical pattern differentiation with clinical research, highlighting key diagnostic types and point strategies. Evidence from recent trials supports acupuncture’s role in improving sleep quality, reducing anxiety, and enhancing overall well-being during oncology care.

Dr Yair Maimon, PhD, OMD, is an internationally renowned figure in Integrative and Chinese Medicine with over 30 years of clinical, academic, and research experience in the United States, Europe, and Israel.

Dr Maimon is the president of the ETCMA-European TCM Association. Director of Marpe integrative medical center. He is the Dean of TCM Academy of integrative medicine. Founder and former director of the integrative oncology research center at Sheba medical center.