Holly Guzman

In 1972, age 13, Holly studied acupuncture with help from the Chinese Embassy in Afghanistan where she lived. There, she was given a booklet on curing deaf mutes. A few years later, Holly traveled to the Guang Zhou School for the Deaf Mute in China to see the successful acupuncture protocol in action. She also witnessed acupuncture anesthesia in major surgery, and national health care programs utilizing Chinese herbs.

In 1979, Holly attended NESA, and a year later assisted Ted Kaptchuk to open an acupuncture program at a state hospital, a first in 1980. In 1983, Holly joined the first graduating class of ACTCM. Concurrently, she assisted Miriam Lee, (who treated 10 patients an hour, 8 hours a day) and studied with Yat Ki Lai, expert on herbal safety, from Lai’s lineage treating royalty. Lois Johnson M.D., an oncologist, is Holly’s mentor for advanced western herb studies, and Daoist Jeffrey Yuen inspires her applications of Chinese spiritual aspects in health. She has been greatly influenced by Kiiko Matsumoto, known for unsurpassed acupuncture results, with whom Holly continues studies www.KiikoMatsumoto.com.

In 1985, Holly became one of the first faculty members of Five Branches University. She returned to the Orient for 7 months in 1987, to continue her training in Chinese medicine including doctorate studies at the Hefei TCM Hospital #1, Beijing TCM Hospital, and, with Kiiko, Manaka Hospital in Japan.

Holly regularly lectures at major Chinese Medicine symposiums, one of the very few unpublished speakers with this honor. She is a contributing author in Acupuncture in Practice, The Natural Health First Aid Guide, and Breast Cancer/Breast Health. Holly has practiced in Santa Cruz, CA since 1983, specializing in women’s health, pediatrics, immune issues, cancer, and epilepsy. She currently teaches for the Masters, Doctorate, and Extension programs at Five Branches and offers students clinical training externships at her private practice. Her hobbies include growing Chinese and Western herbs, surfing and beekeeping. Holly Guzman teaches in the Department of TCM Acupuncture.