About Robert

Western versus Eastern
Robert's story is a lesson in following one's heart and listening to one's intuition. After high school, Robert, a strong student, followed in his father's footsteps and enlisted in the US Navy. Trained as a ballistic computer specialist, Robert served in Vietnam where his specialized knowledge of electronics required him to travel throughout Japan, China and other parts of Southeast Asia.

A natural 'student of life', Robert took full advantage of his time off to travel into the countryside and learn about the local cultures where he got his first introduction to Tai Chi (taijiquan), aikido, yoga and the healing arts. Robert immediately felt a strong connection to these practices and started learning everything he could about them. His studies took him around the world (China, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Great Britain), and he eventually found his mentor Earl Montague, the only Westerner to ever receive the title of Tai Chi Master from China. Montague was a third-generation student of the founder of Yang-style Tai Chi, Yang Lu-Chan.

Mind versus Heart
Although Robert's heart was in this Eastern world, his Western thinking still ruled major life decisions. After the military, Robert began a 14-year career at a Fortune 500 company in medical engineering; later he became a real estate investor. Although Robert lived a highly prized Western lifestyle (good salary, big house, etc.), he did not feel the happiness and fulfillment he experienced when practicing the ancient Chinese arts and Oriental Medicine. Additionally, Robert's teachers recognized that he had a special gift and they encouraged him to further develop his natural talent for Traditional Chinese Medicine. Against all reason, after three decades in the business world, Robert decided to listen to his teachers and his heart. He enrolled in a formal program and pursued his Master of Science degree in Oriental Medicine at Southwest Acupuncture College.

Student versus Teacher
Today, both Robert and his patients are certain that he has found his true calling. A Licensed Acupuncturist in the state of North Carolina and a Licensed Doctor of Acupuncture in Rhode Island, Robert is also a national board certified Diplomat in Acupuncture with NCCAOM (the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine). He is also a professional member of the North Carolina Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

Most importantly, Robert has found fulfillment and happiness from the journey he started 40 years ago when he first began learning about Traditional Chinese Medicine.

About Dr. Robert's Treatment Style:
Dr. Robert diagnoses and treats from within the time tested framework of Chinese and Oriental medicine. Other less knowledgeable acupuncturists often use a 'cookbook' style method of treatment, meaning that they make a diagnosis and follow a standard 'recipe' for treatment. Because Dr. Robert is well versed in many elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine, he can easily shift paradigms to design treatments that are as effective and as painless as possible. He incorporates a blend of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Japanese style acupuncture and pulse diagnosis into 5-element acupuncture.

Patients consistently praise Dr. Robert's thoughtful approach and his exceptional listening skills. In addition to tapping into his own highly developed intuition, Robert spends a lot of time getting to know his patients and developing a complete understanding of their conditions before making a diagnosis and determining a treatment plan. He says: "I call upon my knowledge as an acupuncturist, herbalist and healer to awaken the healing potential that lies dormant within each of us. Modern medicine is both powerful and useful, but it is failing us in the ways in which Chinese medicine is strongest.  True healing is ultimately an inner journey of self-discovery and awakening.  I believe Chinese medicine can provide a path through that inner journey of healing and I invite you to walk with me."

About Amanda

Hailing from Albemarle, NC, Amanda was voted the Funniest Girl in her high school class, a fact that might surprise you when you first encounter her shy and sweet demeanor! After graduating from East Carolina University, Amanda moved to Wilmington to gain experience in the healthcare field. Because she takes such joy in helping others, Amanda plans to return to graduate school to study nursing. Meanwhile, she enjoys working with patients at Acupuncture Associates. In her free time, Amanda likes to read, run The Loop at Wrightsville Beach, and spend time outdoors.

Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9am - 5pm by appointment only.
910.798.8181
info@happyacupuncture.com