Unlocking Mind-Body Wellness: The Science of Acupuncture | John Rybak | TEDxUCDavis

Is chronic or acute pain a part of your daily life? Did you know that acupuncture has been shown to be effective and people report an improved quality of life with acupuncture care? Let’s demystify “Mind-Body Wellness” and take a practical, science based approach.

Join John Rybak on a journey of discovery as he delves into the science behind acupuncture and its transformative impact on pain management and overall wellness.

As a research biologist, John once lived in constant pain and was skeptical of alternative treatments. This is his personal story of relief and recovery that is rooted in over 25 years of scientific research, traveling the world to meet dozens of experts, and bringing this crucial medical message to a greater audience.

His purpose is to help more people and medical providers trust and use acupuncture by understanding how these tiny needles changed his life and have transformed the lives of thousands of his patients at his clinic in Portland, Oregon.

In this TEDx talk, you’ll learn about the bioelectric nature of our bodies, how acupuncture influences our physiological systems, and the substantial benefits it offers beyond pain relief. John’s insights are backed by scientific research and his extensive experience as a clinical acupuncturist and biologist.
John Rybak is a clinical acupuncturist, author, and speaker, specializing in the application of acupuncture as a scientific, evidence-based approach to pain management. With a background in academia and the private sector as a research biologist, John experienced a decade of chronic pain. In 1997, after exhausting standard medical interventions, he reluctantly tried acupuncture. Those acupuncture treatments not only relieved his pain but also improved his mood, sleep, and digestion. This experience sparked his scientific curiosity, leading him to dedicate over 25 years to traveling overseas to ‘meet the masters’, scouring scientific research journals, and providing nearly 20,000 treatments as an acupuncturist himself. John has tirelessly worked to understand and translate acupuncture into a modern, scientific, and evidence-based language for patients, medical providers, and policymakers.

[LOSA]

With a history over 2, 500 years, there is no doubt a powerful and effective method to treat pain successfully! Thank you for posting!

[saskiak]

Acupuncture changed my life. Healed facial nerve pain that no one else could help.

[NicRodeo]

Over this past 7 years, Acupuncture has been part of my pain management.specifically full knee replacement 6 years ago and most recently a full shoulder replacement. Combining non traditional with traditional medicine, Acupuncture made all the difference in pain management & healing.

[erinwaterman]

Happy to see the science of acupuncture reach the community in an engaging way! I was a skeptic, and have been thrilled with the positive impact acupuncture has had on my overall health. So glad I gave treatments a chance.

[johnrice]

Perhaps the best TedTalk I’ve watched. The gentleman is well prepared, well spoken. Very well done.

[MelindaRice-vb]

Since watching this provocative TED talk, I’ve brought it to the attention of several different friends with chronic conditions. I especially like the concept of “Yes - and . . . “

[BlakeUnderwood-ewyu]

Having consistent acupuncture helped me get through a time that I was suffering both mentally and physically. Very grateful for this healing tool and it's potential to heal.

[kanaa]

Amazing presentation John! Hope the way you explain acupuncture will open it up to folks who have not considered it in the past. It has helped SO many of my patients get through the chronic circle of pain and get them through rehab so much faster. Thank you for all you do!

[ChristyMiller-qo]

Incredibly said John! Acupuncture helped my body prepare me for the birth of my son. Forever thankful for this medicine! Thank you for your message

[sophiefriedenwald-fishman]

What a brilliant talk! I've always wanted to try acupuncture but didn't know the extent of its usefulness and benefits. I hope more and more people try it. Good job John!

[carlgrending]

Great job John! What a presentation!!!! I have always said that the way you communicate how acupuncture works is amazing. As a person who had never used acupuncture, John is the only person who opened up my eyes to acupuncture; I only use his clinic. He has helped so many people. Thanks for opening my eyes to acupuncture!!!

[davidkomeiji]

Dr. Rybak did a great job of making complex concepts accessible by integrating traditional Eastern medicine with practical applications for contemporary American life. This blend of approaches likely helped bridge cultural and medical practices, making his insights valuable to a broad audience.

[cathyrybak]

John, we are so proud of you and your presentation. This is very interesting and informative. Knowing we all have this alternative, gives hope for hopeless individuals. This should not be a last ditch idea, but should be tried at the onset of pain. Thank you.

[tyreljohnson]

So fascinating how physical work like acupuncture can make such a big impact. I hear this story over and over for people.

[scottmist]

John is a good storyteller and very humanist.

[arunagee]

I’m exceptionally grateful for the accupuncture I’ve received at John’s clinic. I’m fortunate that it is only a short drive from my home .

[axpisker]

This has got to be the best explanation of acupuncture I've ever heard! Thank you for making this ancient medicine accessible to the modern scientific mind. Also, love how the "side effects" of acupuncture are the unintentional healing of other issues!

[nathanwebb]

What a fantastic video! I really appreciate the way you presented this topic! THANK YOU!

[daveylives]

loved watching this, very engaging! Glad you are on the biggest of stages to get the message out on acupuncture.

[laxmanshakya]

I love Acupuncture. Now I know why I felt good after acupuncture. All the good chemicals released like melatonin, endorphins,serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin which is very important for mental health. My friend had acupuncture for polymyalgia rheumatica he felt very good his pain will gone after some time. I hope you will post more vedio in future. Thank you.