My name is Jake Paul Fratkin and I am a Doctor of Oriental Medicine. This is my 40th year in clinical practice, specializing in Japanese meridian-balance acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. I am considered an expert in both fields, having spent much of my career teaching in the USA and Europe, and writing books and articles. My training included one year studying in Chinese hospitals. I also follow evidence-based Functional Medicine, with its emphasis on physiology, biochemistry, and the use of nutritional medicine. In all respects, I am a practitioner of natural and alternative medicine. Because natural medicine promotes healing rather than control or suppression of symptoms, and using Chinese herbs, my success rate for many conditions is 85% or higher.
My work overlaps with Functional Medicine as practiced by naturopaths and holistic medical doctors. However, I concentrate on using Chinese herbal formulas, which are much more powerful than nutrients alone. I try not to use expensive lab tests if possible, and I try to keep total medicines (herbal and nutritional) below five products, which helps compliance and the pocketbook.
My acupuncture approach utilizes the 3-Level Acupuncture Protocol, a system that I developed, integrating the work of Yoshio Manaka, Miki Shima, and Denmai Shudo. The system relies on the AcuGraph computer-diagnosis system, which I use in every acupuncture treatment. The 3-Level Acupuncture Protocol is a profoundly deep acupuncture balance, simultaneously working on three acupuncture network-systems: primary channels to regulate qi and blood; the eight extraordinary channels, to regulate the musculoskeletal body; and the divergent channels to regulate and balance internal organs. This approach accelerates self-healing, enhances the immune system, and provides a deep relaxation. I use Japanese needling technique, which is absolutely painless, especially when compared to Chinese style, or worse, “dry-needling”. We often combine this with laser treatments on the ear, providing symptomatic relief of the patient’s complaint.
I specialize in internal disorders, acute and chronic infections, and pediatrics. I also treat stubborn and chronic skin conditions. For patients with pain and musculoskeletal issues, I refer to other acupuncture specialists that I know.
The internal disorders that I treat most often include acute infections such as cold, flu and cough, and chronic infections, including Lyme’s, EBV, West Nile, etc. I specialize in respiratory and gastrointestinal ailments, stubborn skin conditions, allergies, fatigue and low immune function. I treat cancer patients for the side effects of medical therapy, and to enhance immune function and vitality. We also have detox protocols for accumulations of environmental toxins and heavy metals. Also, we can accelerate healing in wounds, burns, and post-surgery.
I treat gynecological complaints including menstrual, menopausal and post-partum disorders, and problems of pregnancy such as morning sickness, failure of the baby to drop, and starting labor. My success rate for infertility due to hormone imbalance is above 85% in women below age 39, without concurrent In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF). However, we also provide herbal and acupuncture support before, during and after IVF procedures. This can double the efficacy rate for IVF.
For pediatrics, which comprises 25% of my practice, I treat common cold, cough, ear infections, diarrhea, constipation, allergies, eczema and asthma. We use Chinese herbal formulas in liquid or pill form, which provides an effective and safe alternative to antibiotics and steroids. For children (and squeamish adults!) we use acupuncture laser therapy instead of needles. For infants, I use Japanese shoneishin therapy (see picture, above).
Infectious disorders that I successfully treat include common cold and cough, influenza (flu), shingles, hepatitis, West Nile Virus, and infections of the skin, gums, ear, throat, lungs, heart and urinary tract. I have been successful treating Lyme’s disease using Dr. Zev Meyerowitz’s combined approach of Chinese herbs and Desbio graduated homeopathics.
I cannot offer any real recovery for neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, seizure disorders, senility, paralysis, or muscle-wasting diseases. I cannot treat rare genetic disorders such as Tay-Sachs, Ichthyosis, Netherton’s syndrome, etc. For patients with any of these conditions, however, my treatments can help improve organ function and provide symptom relief.
For a complete list, see “Conditions That I Treat”.