Past Mentorships
Barbara Martello, L.Ac - Albany, California - see her website
Liana Russo studied and mentored under Japanese Meridian Therapist, Barbara Martello,L.Ac from April 2014 to December 2016. Barbara Martello is an accomplished practitioner of Eastern Medicine and herbal therapies specializing in Reproductive Health and fertility support, chronic disease management, and orthopedic acupuncture. Barbara is also the beloved instructor of Japanese Meridian Therapy at the Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College, Berkeley. With her brilliant mind, deft skill, and witty warmth she has helped many new acupuncturists begin their practices.
Internships & Experience
UCSF Benioff Childrens Hospital (Sept. - Dec. 2016) San Francisco, CA
Liana participated in the off-site clinic externship offered by the Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College (AIMC Berkeley). It is a new program at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital at Mission Bay; a "Care for the Caregiver," community-style acupuncture program where students of AIMC Berkeley offer acupuncture treatments to the medical and administrative staff of the hospital. Liana was selected to be a part of the 4-person team of students chosen to pioneer the program in 2014 at USCF Benioff Children's Hospital. The program has been a wonderful success and has continued to flourish into 2017.
Robyn Adcock, a former AIMC Berkeley student, colleague, and friend of Liana's describes the USCF Benioff Children's Hospital - AIMC Berkeley internship program.
Creating the Future of Integrative Medicine, One Needle at a Time - An article written about the program
AIMC Berkeley Clinic - Acupuncture Intern (Sept. 2013-Dec. 2015) Berkeley, CA
Liana studied and practiced acupuncture for 2.5 years as an intern in the Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College, Berkeley Student Clinic, under supervision of licensed acupuncturists.
AIMC Berkeley Clinic Herbal Dispensary - Herbalist (Jan. - Sept. 2015) Berkeley, CA
The Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College, Berkeley's Acupuncture Clinic has a full herbal apothecary and dispensary supplied with over 300 different Chinese medicinal herbs. Liana participated in a work-study program for 9 months in the Herbal Dispensary learning to properly prepare, mix, and package herbal formulas for the patients in the clinic.
Shikoku Medical College - (April 2014) Shikoku, Japan
10 day intensive seminar and advanced clinical training at the Shikoku Medical College in Utazu, Kagawa, on the island of Shikoku in Japan. Liana successfully completed certification in Japanese Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture therapy and Japanese Moxibustion, and received advanced training in Shonishin Pediatric Acupuncture.
Ikeda Masakazu Sensei - Student (2014, 2015) San Francisco, CA
Liana has studied with master Japanese Meridian Therapist, Ikeda Masakazu Sensei at his 3-day North American seminar beginning in 2014.
Here is a photo Liana took at the 2014 seminar of Ikeda Sensei demonstrating how to treat a 6 month old with digestive problems by using the Shonishin technique - softer, more blunt metal instruments and special techniques suitable for baby human bodies.
This is an excerpt from a reflection Liana wrote after completing her first seminar with Ikeda Sensei in 2014:
Hey friends:
This weekend I experienced something incredibly valuable and powerful. I attended a 20 hour seminar and was taught by Ikeda Masakazu Sensei, a Japanese man who has been practicing acupuncture, teaching, and authoring many text books for over 45 years. He is a world renowned teacher, and it was truly a gift to my study and practice. I was taught how to rapidly clear Bell's palsy, severe eczema, postherpetic neuralgia and shingles. I learned how to effectively treat mastitis, difficulty breast feeding, secondary amenorrhea, impotence and infertility, acute and chronic low back pain, and sciatica. I learned the ways to work with MDs in management of type 1 and 2 Diabetes in children and adults, chronic pancreatitis, COPD, and various kinds of cancers. And I think, possibly most importantly, I learned how to help terminally ill patients live out the remainder of their life feeling alive, energetic, and with vitality. In not too long I will be coming to the Philly area to work as an acupuncturist and herbalist. I plan on working with my community to provide affordable, complementary healthcare. If you suffer from any of these conditions, or if you have patients that could use support with complementary treatments, please consider the benefits of oriental medicine.