IEP was established in Portland, Oregon in 1992 as a division of the Institute for Traditional Medicine (ITM). We offer low-cost, traditional-style medical services including acupuncture, moxibustion, shiatsu (Japanese massage), herbal formulas, nutritional supplements, and naturopathic consultations. Treatments at IEP are intended to be an adjunct to standard medical care that is received elsewhere. Our efforts are an aid to pursuing personal health practices—exercise, diet, stress-reduction, and other good habits—to help alleviate symptoms and improve emotional and mental health. The clinic presents a format for treatments that is different from most private practices, as outlined below.
IEP is a medical specialty clinic, where patients apply for participation and may be accepted on the basis of whether the nature of the conditions to be treated and the ability of the prospective patient to undertake the important health practices are consistent with the IEP program. Among the areas of concern addressed by our clinical approach are adjunct to standard cancer treatment, autoimmune disorders, chronic pain, and diabetes. Courses of treatment are typically three to six months. Please be aware that:
The clinic is a group practice, in which patients receive treatments from several of the practitioners. Although you will be assigned a lead practitioner to oversee your case, during individual visits to the clinic you are likely to consult with the other practitioners as well. There are three private treatment rooms available and a group of three treatment tables in a common area, modeled after the typical Chinese clinical setting.
The treatment costs are partly or fully subsidized by ITM, allowing you to obtain the level of treatments you need at a modest cost or, for qualifying patients, with no cost. Services are usually offered on the basis of a monthly fee that includes all prescribed treatments and supplements (additional supplements may be obtained by separate purchase).
Through this clinic structure, patients are able to come to the clinic frequently and are able to receive the range of prescribed herbs and nutritional supplements suited to their particular needs. Chinese herbal preparations and nutritional supplements, most of them in tablet form designed specifically for ITM, are provided to the majority of patients; there may be reasons to avoid or delay starting use of these herbs and supplements. It is common to receive two Chinese herbal formulas: one that is specific for the disease condition being treated and one that is specific for the individual symptoms or underlying pattern of imbalances. Clients will also often receive two nutritional supplements: one providing a broad spectrum of nutrients and one specific for the disorder being treated.
To enroll as a patient at IEP, first consider whether the offering is suited to your needs. Generally, you should:
Be willing and able to come for treatments on a regular basis, usually twice per week.
Be willing to take the supplements if prescribed.
Stop by the clinic to make sure the facility meets your requirements.
Usual Clinic Hours
Monday 1:30-5:00
Tuesday 9:00–5:45
Wednesday 9:30–5:00
Thursday 9:00–4:30
Friday 9:30–1:00
If you have questions or concerns about IEP and your participation here, please contact the Director by email [email protected]. If you do not have email, leave a written message with your phone number.
IEP stands for Immune Enhancement Project. While the range of conditions treated goes beyond the realm of immune system disorders, including pain, paralysis, post-surgical recovery, and diabetes, the basic techniques of treatment are similar. The aim of this project, aside from providing excellent health care services to participating patients, is to determine the effects of acupuncture and other therapies so as to better inform practitioners around the country about the strategies for intervention, the duration of treatment to attain responses, and likely outcomes from a course of therapy lasting several weeks.