CIAM Founder: Muriel Agnes
Muriel Agnes, PhD, MAEd
Muriel Agnes is the former director of the Vital Principle Institute — now known as the Canadian Institute of Auricular Medicine (CIAM). Muriel began in this field by studying other schools of auricular acupuncture in 1999. Her doctorate work focused on the assessment accuracy of Vascular Autonomic Signal (VAS) pulse palpation.
Founder & Instructor Emeritus
Prior to founding the Vital Principle Institute — now known as the Canadian Institute of Auricular Medicine (CIAM) — Muriel thoroughly studied other auricular acupuncture programs and had the privilege of being mentored in the German system of Auricular Medicine by Dr. Beate Strittmatter and Dr. Peter Gross. She completed a PhD in Energy Medicine under the supervision of Dr. Norm Shealy with doctorate work focused on the assessment accuracy of Vascular Autonomic Signal (VAS) pulse palpation (also known as the Reflex-Auriculo Cardiac) discovered by Dr. Paul Nogier.
Muriel went on to invite Dr. Strittmatter to Canada in 2003 to teach health professionals. This became the basis for Muriel’s development of curricula, rooted in her pedagogical training, to build the institution for which CIAM is now recognized by students from around the world for continuing education in the field of auricular acupuncture/auricular medicine. She is the author of Auricular Medicine: A Window to the Brain, an informative companion text providing context, tools, methods, and clinical applications of Auricular Medicine. Muriel also authored a clinical pain study using the Vascular Autonomic Signal (VAS) palpation as a guide for directing acupuncture needles to points for the relief of chronic pain.
Muriel went on to invite Dr. Strittmatter to Canada in 2003 to teach health professionals. This became the basis for Muriel’s development of curricula, rooted in her pedagogical training, to build the institution for which CIAM is now recognized by students from around the world for continuing education in the field of auricular acupuncture/auricular medicine. She is the author of Auricular Medicine: A Window to the Brain, an informative companion text providing context, tools, methods, and clinical applications of Auricular Medicine. Muriel also authored a clinical pain study using the Vascular Autonomic Signal (VAS) palpation as a guide for directing acupuncture needles to points for the relief of chronic pain.
Window to
the Brain
In her book, Auricular Medicine: Window to the Brain, Dr. Agnes presents a quick and approachable overview of methods, tools and clinical applications that offer context and introduction to the medicine — and its application for insight into the neurological state of a patient.
VAS
Effectiveness
Applying VAS-directed acupuncture, Dr. Agnes demonstrated the effectiveness of using Vascular Autonomic Signal palpation as a guide for directing acupuncture needles to points for the relief of chronic pain. An abstract and dissertation link can be found in CIAM’s body of research database.
Benefits of Continuing Education with CIAM
From methods for reading neural insights mapped on the microsystem of the ear, to accessing points for neural modulation, to prioritizing treatment approaches for effective outcomes, continuing education with CIAM helps to future-proof your investment in ongoing training.
A Bridge
Between Modalities
For acupuncturists seeking methods of improving accuracy and precision in point location, psychologists looking to break barriers with patients, or manual therapists helping prime the nervous system for tissue release, Auricular Medicine is a bridge to improved outcomes in your practice.
Our Passion
Collaboration across modalities to support your growth, network, and practice.
Our students love us
Hands down the most exciting modality...”
Andrew Macfarlane, Acupuncturist
The connection between mind, body and spirit brought me to this medicine.”
Helene Pilon, Psychologist
Results have been nothing short of miraculous.”
Morris Senior, Physiotherapist