About Me
Who I am:
Barbara Connor
Occupation:
Acupuncture, Craniosacral Acupuncture, Herbal and Nutritional Medicine
Certifications:
M.Ac. and L. Ac.
Conditions we treat:
Acute and chronic pain
Bone, muscle, joint, and nerve disorders
Cardiovascular disorders
Cravings and addictions
Emotional disorders
Gastrointestinal disorders
Gynecological disorders
Metabolic disorders
Neurological and memory disorders
Respiratory disorders
Urogenital disorders
I, Barbara Connor, am a licensed acupuncturist in the State of North Carolina. (Please note that John Connor has retired from the practice of acupuncture as of June 1, 2024.) My practice is located in Durham, NC. I received my Master of Acupuncture degree in 1996 from Northwest Institute of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Seattle, Washington where I was trained extensively in both Chinese and Japanese acupuncture. I spent an additional three years taking intensive workshops and studying closely on a post graduate level with Gail Ptacek, L.Ac., an experienced and highly skilled craniosacral acupuncturist who was trained by Dan Bensky, a well-known osteopath acupuncturist. I have completed over 100 hours of continuing education in craniosacral acupuncture. I have taken Upledger Institute’s CranioSacral Therapy I workshop as well as Upledger Institute’s Visceral Manipulation 1A, 1B and II workshops. I have been in practice for twenty four years.
In my last year of acupuncture school I was involved in a car accident. I was suffering from the pains of this accident which included some severe heel pain. I received extensive body work including acupuncture, chiropractic and various massage therapies trying to relieve the pains from this accident. Each of these modalities helped somewhat, but I was still plagued by severe heel pain and other lesser, but nagging pains. It was suggested that I go to a craniosacral acupuncturist in Seattle who was a protégé of a famous osteopath acupuncturist. I was amazed to discover that through feeling the craniosacral system this particular acupuncturist could feel the restrictions of my body and found that the accident had caused a right kidney restriction. Through the combination of craniosacral work and acupuncture she was able to completely get rid of my heel pain within three or four sessions. This, of course, sparked John’s and my interest in integrating these two modalities.
Since then I have added a third healing modality into my work – hara visceral work – which combines the healing power of Japanese hara diagnosis and treatment with visceral manipulation. Hara visceral work, which integrates the gentle techniques of organ-specific fascial mobilization, is a wonderful complement to the acupuncture fascial energetics work of craniosacral acupuncture. I have taken the Upledger Institute’s Visceral Manipulation IA, IB and II workshops to enhance my palpatory skills in this area.
Through the unique combination of these three healing modalities restrictions anywhere in the body from the energetic and fascial layers to the organ level can be detected and removed. Removing these blockages helps the body to move as optimally as possible thereby affecting total health in a positive way — not only physically — but mentally and emotionally as well.
I also employ and continue to study evidence-based herbal and nutritional medicine; and I find that by integrating botanicals and nutrients with the other three modalities above I am able to reinforce, support and enhance the process whereby the individual achieves optimal health.
I am a practitioner of Donald Yance’s Eclectic Triphasic Medical System (ETMS). In the words of Donald Yance: “To enhance response rather than dictate functionality is a fundamental core concept of the Eclectic Triphasic Medical System. The ETMS emphasizes the practice of “healthy medicine”, which is aimed at the root source of ill-health, with the primary focus being to bring about harmony and balance throughout the body. When approaching a disease. . . it is important to formulate a balanced protocol that addresses both the characteristics of the disease as well as the energetic weaknesses of the individual.”
I have been working closely with Donald Yance since June of 2005. I completed the Level One Professional Clinical Training program from April 26 – May 1, 2010 and the Level Two Advanced Clinical Applications of the Eclectic Triphasic System from September 27 – October 2, 2010 with Donnie in Ashland, Oregon.
I love to cook— and I have a very healthy and nutritionally based approach to food. I enjoy researching, writing articles and giving talks on health and healing. I enjoy exercising at the gym and walking. I am a licensed acupuncturist and have been in practice for twenty eight years.
I am located at 4501 Valley Forge Rd., Durham, NC 27705. You may email me at compassionateacu@gmail.com or phone me at (919) 475-1005 if you have any questions or would like to make an appointment.
