Philip Ricker, L.Ac.
Philip Ricker established The Acupuncture Center of Asheville in 1988 and retired in October 2021. Phil is a graduate of The American College of Chinese Medicine in Santa Fe, NM and a Diplomat of the China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Bei Jing, China and the Hei Long Jiang College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Harbin, China. Among his numerous teachers are the world renowned herbalist Dr. Huang Bing Shan and the internationally recognized expert on head trauma and spinal cord injuries, biomedical research engineer Dr. Y. King Liu. He received his Oriental Medical degree from the International Institute of Chinese Medicine where he studied with Drs. Michael and Nancy Zeng. He has been a long time student of the healing art known as Qi Gong. Phil has studied extensively in China and the United States for the past 27 years and is currently a student of fifth generation Qi Gong master, Dr. T. K. Shih.
He has taught Qi Gong for the past 20 years and is a qualified Qi Gong therapist. He maintains a daily practice of Tai Qi Quan and Qi Gong. Phil is the second licensee in North Carolina. He is a past president of the Acupuncture Association of North Carolina and was a charter member of the North Carolina Acupuncture Licensing Board. He was a member of the small group of acupuncturists who worked to gain the legal status of acupuncture in the state. He was first licensed in New Mexico in 1985. In his 32 years of practice he has performed over 50,000 acupuncture treatments on all types of people with almost every conceivable complaint of all ages from infants to centenarians. A Message from Phil Ricker - October, 2021: Dear Friends, Many of you will know by now that I had a bit of an eye trauma. I am healing and hopeful for the recovery of my eyesight. I am so grateful for the many of you who have sent me well wishes and support. I have had, during my recovery, a lot of time to ponder my future. I believe the universe gives us opportunities for growth and opens doors that we might otherwise be unaware. This trauma has made it very clear that this is my time to make a life change. Very simply I am retiring and handing over The Acupuncture Center to Sara Mills effective immediately. She will be able to work you into her schedule. She is an incredibly skilled practitioner. It has been so wonderful to have been able to share my practice with her. All of you who know her know what I mean. She is a very special person. And to all of my patients and friends thank you so much. I have learned so many things because you walked into my door. The immeasurable kindness and generosity that I have received from you all humbles me. I will miss seeing you in my practice. My best wishes for all. In peace, Phil A note from Sara: It is a true honor to continue the legacy that Phil created which is the Acupuncture Center of Asheville. It has been a joy working alongside Phil for the last six years. Phil is such a kind-hearted person, and I wish him a healthful and vibrant retirement. If I am not already working with you, I look forward to the opportunity. I truly believe that healthy people create a healthy community and I look forward to continuing to serve ours through acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Best wishes, Sara Mills |