Chronic Pain Institute

Researchers Background

Paula Spaight, B.S., RDH, L. Ac.

Registered Dental Hygienist, Licensed Acupuncturist in Marin County California

Paula comes to the Chronic Pain Institute with a strong background in dentistry and current experience with a state of the art dental practice. Her education and practice include knowledge of head and neck anatomy and delivery of local anesthesia for dental procedures. She received her dental degree and training in San Antonio at the University of Texas Health Science Center. She completed her B.S. degree at San Francisco State in Health Science. Paula wanted to expand her experience in health care and turned to the study of acupuncture. In the mid 80’s when she began her investigation, acupuncture was just being introduced to the West. Intrigued by eastern philosophy and enchanted by the holistic nature of acupuncture, Paula hoped she could somehow merge her dental background and her new found skills in Oriental Medicine. In her practice of acupuncture, she has realized Chinese Medicine is truly a complete medical system. It deals with body energy that simply does not fit any western medical paradigm. She has seen acupuncture remedy ailments, particularly pain and she has used it to alter emotional states of mind. Chinese medicine can also enhance recuperative power and ease most post-operative discomfort. She feels Acupuncture has been shown to be as good or better than most pain relieving drugs and is clearly non-addictive.

She holds a faculty position at the University of the Pacific Dental School and has taught dental assistants, dental hygienists and dental students in a variety of settings since 1978. Currently, Paula is thrilled to be initiating a study involving auriculoacupuncture (ear acupuncture), it’s potential for clinical diagnostics and the treatment of orofacial pain.

Paula attended The San Francisco College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. She graduated in 1984. She completed her internship at numerous acupuncture clinics in San Francisco and received her acupuncture license in 1986. She specializes in auriculoacupuncture, and uses acupuncture for the treatment of addiction and pain management. This past summer, Paula worked as the staff acupuncturist at CenterPoint Drug Rehabilitation Center in San Rafael. She had very promising results using auricularacupuncture for drug detoxification and relapse prevention. She is a member of the California Association of Acupuncturists. She maintains a small private practice in Mill Valley, CA.

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