My interest in traditional East Asian medicine grew out of a background in ecology and conservation biology, as well as a long-standing curiosity about health and wellness that led me to my first acupuncture experience in my early 20s. I am continually inspired by the philosophies of traditional medicines, which are grounded in our connection to the natural world and the importance of living in harmony with our environment.
I completed my four-year degree at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in Portland, OR in 2013 and became a national board-certified Diplomate of Oriental Medicine later that year. During and after school, I studied the Shen-Hammer system of Contemporary Chinese Pulse Diagnosis, primarily under Gwen Lovetere and Brian LaForgia, which has become an important foundation for my clinical practice. My post-graduate acupuncture studies have focused on myofascial release acupuncture and Sa'am acupuncture, I also completed Dr. Heiner Fruehauf's Master Herbal Certificate Program, which has allowed me to deepen my understanding of a school of herbalism I have practiced for the last 10+ years. I am passionate about a simple, balanced approach to diet and nutrition as an essential element of good health, and as a life long cook and food-enthusiast, I am always excited to talk about how to create a delicious and nutrient-dense meal! As a student of yoga and meditation for over 20 years, I often draw on yogic philosophies and practices when offering home exercises and incorporate mindfulness techniques into my work with patients whenever possible. I believe that cultivation of inner listening is fundamental to health and wellness, and love to support each individual in learning to trust his or her own intuition and innate healing capacity.
I'm happy to be back in Boise, serving the community I grew up in, and enjoying the great quality of life that Idaho has to offer!
Ben Marx, MAcOM, Dipl. O.M., L.Ac
* Please Note: At this time, Ben is only seeing patients at St. Luke's Cancer Institute I trace my interest in acupuncture back to the study of martial arts as a teenager, where I was first introduced to East Asian philosophies of health. My first course of acupuncture treatment in my early twenties was a powerful experience, and deepened my commitment to seeking and treating the root of disease. I was ultimately inspired to pursue Traditional East Asian Medicine as a career, and graduated from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM) in 2008 with a Masters in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
I have maintained a clinical practice for the last 15 years, specializing in the treatment of athletic injuries, pain, orthopedic rehabilitation, and cancer. I am excited to bring the unique tools of Traditional East Asian Medicine to these areas of care. I’m a strong advocate for integrative medicine, where the best of multiple modalities are combined to optimize care, and I enjoy working closely with patients’ other providers to deliver well-rounded, comprehensive health care.
In addition to clinical practice, I have a strong interest in acupuncture research. I served as a Research Associate and then the Director of Research at OCOM, where I taught and conducted research on acupuncture for over 10 years. In 2017 I received a grant funded by the Knight Cancer Institute to investigate whole-systems East Asian medicine to address unmet needs of breast cancer survivors in Oregon. I also completed a Certificate in Clinical Research through the Human Investigation Program in the OHSU School of Medicine. I am currently engaged in research at St. Luke's Hospital regarding clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of oncology patients receiving acupuncture. Peer-reviewed Publications: Marx, BL., Hullender Rubin, L., Milley, R., Hammerschlag, R., Ackerman, D. A Prospective Patient-Centered Data Collection Program at an Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Teaching Clinic. J Altern Complement Med. 2012 Dec 16.
Marx, BL., Milley, R., Cantor, D., Ackerman, D., Hammerschlag, R. AcuTrials ® : An Online Database of Randomized Controlled Trials and Systematic Reviews of Acupuncture. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2013 Jul 19;13:181.
Hammerschlag R, Marx BL, Aickin M. Nontouch biofield therapy: a systematic review of human randomized controlled trials reporting use of only nonphysical contact treatment. J Altern Complement Med. 2014 Dec;20(12):881-92.
Cooper, F., Marx BL., Lee, T., Espesete, D. Super-users at an Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Teaching Clinic: Demographics and Unique Clinical Characteristics. J Altern Complement Med. 2017; 23(3):222-226
Lu, Z., Moody, J., Marx, BL., Hammerstrom, T. Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Integrative Oncology: A Survey of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Practitioners. J Altern Complement Med. 2017; 23(12):964-970
Hullender Rubin, L., Marx, BL. Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Clomid, and Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Case Study. Med Acupt. 2012. 24(4).
Hullender Rubin L, Cantor D, Marx BL. Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Med Acupunct. 2013 Jun;25(3):232-237.
Lee, T, Marx BL. Non-Invasive, Multi-Modality Approach to Treating Plantar Fasciitis: A Case Study. JAMS. 2017. In Press.