Dr. Vincent Shu leads his team of practitioners as a board-certified Internist/Geriatrician/Cardiologist trained in both eastern and western medicine and has successfully treated hundreds of patients on Orcas Island and San Juan Island. Our services and some of the most frequent conditions treated at OCIMC are listed below.

SERVICES

  • PRIMARY CARE

    Dr. Shu is a board-certified internal medicine physician. He and his team of providers offer comprehensive primary care for islanders of all ages. Dr. Shu also holds certification and specialty interest in geriatrics, acupuncture and cardiovascular diseases. At OCIMC, we believe everyone is entitled to the best health care available, and that each patient should be approached on an individual basis, with the best science-based and science-evidenced treatments available.

  • CARDIOVASCULAR TREATMENT

    We provide consultation and management of cardiovascular conditions. Some of the conditions we treat include: Coronary artery disease, Congestive heart failure, Hypertensive heart disease, Peripheral vascular disease, Valvular heart disease, Rhythm disorders. The clinic is also raising funds for an Echocardiography machine to perform ultrasound tests to detect abnormalities of one’s heart’s valves and chambers, and much more.

  • ACUPUNCTURE

    A system of integrative medicine that involves pricking the skin or tissue with needles, used to alleviate pain and to treat various physical, mental, and emotional conditions. Originating in ancient China, acupuncture is now widely practiced in the West and recognized by the American Medical Association, Harvard Medicine, and John Hopkins amongst other leading medical institutions. Dr. Shu accepts patients on a sliding scale to make treatment accessible to all.

  • EVIDENCED BASED HERBS/SUPPLEMENTS

    The herbal tradition in Chinese Medicine is valued both scientifically and for its long traditional use, which dates back thousands of years. Dr. Shu may diagnose herbs or supplements by themselves or in conjunction with acupuncture and other therapies.

  • NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING (FOODS AS MEDICINES)

    As a skilled practitioner in western and eastern medicine and nutrition, Dr. Shu diagnoses imbalances in the body and then recommends specific foods a person should eat in abundance, which foods to moderate, and which foods to avoid to provide therapeutic healing effects.

  • Integrative Medicine

    Western and Eastern medicine both offer unique perspectives fundamental to healthcare today. W.I.N.S. is founded upon an unwavering commitment to excellence, compassion and truthfulness. It is a place where east meets west. Founded by Dr. Vincent Shu, a board-certified Internist/Geriatrician/Cardiologist who is also trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). including acupuncture and Chinese herbs.

treatments + diagnoses

Dr. Shu has been a primary care doctor and a specialist for many patients, as well as an acupuncturist. He has experience helping people struggling with heart issues, chemotherapy side effects, influenza, strep throat, pneumonia, otitis media, cellulitis, urinary tract infection, prostate hypertrophy, cancers, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, anemia, esophageal reflex disorders, headaches, Parkinson Disease, stroke, muscular weakness, metabolic syndrome/diabetes, hyperlipidemia, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression/anxiety, insomnia, chest pain, CHF (weakening heart), atrial fibrillation, cardiac arrhythmia, heart valvular diseases, sleep apnea, hypertension, shoulder/elbow/knee pain, and sciatica. Below are frequently reported conditions treated at our clinic.

  • heart disease

    Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, resulting in approximately 1 in 4 deaths. Dr. Shu has held multiple fellowships in cardiology and has treated patients with heart-related issues. In addition to western approaches in medicine, UCLA researchers found that acupuncture treatment significantly lowers stress and improves heart function. Acupuncture is also effective in treating cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, and chronic heart failure.

  • Sleep Disorders & Insomnia

    As a primary care physician and certified cardiologist, Dr. Shu examines sleep disorders from many perspectives and applies diverse treatment modalities. For one, acupuncture has been successfully used to treat sleep disorders. Studies conclude that acupuncture can be an alternative treatment to taking sedatives used for insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea. When certain points are focused on during an acupuncture session, sleeping quality can improve.

  • Gastrointestinal Disorders

    If you suffer from digestive issues, nutritional therapies, and acupuncture offer proven effective treatment for digestive ailments. Studies have shown that acupuncture is effective in a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders including nausea, vomiting, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, peptic ulcer disease, Crohn's disease, and even gallstone disease.

  • Stress & anxiety

    Feeling ungrounded? Herbal supplements and acupuncture can benefit individuals coping with high levels of stress and anxiety. The stress-relieving components of acupuncture also help improve emotional regulation, mood, and boost feelings of wellbeing. Overall, as research-based evidence reveals, acupuncture is a safe and effective means of treating anxiety and stress.

  • diabetes

    If you have diabetes, you know that the condition stems from your endocrine system and the hormones that trigger your organs to control your sugar levels. Studies indicate that acupuncture can help regulate your pancreas function and insulin levels. Studies also suggest that acupuncture relieves the symptoms of neuropathy — a complication of diabetes.

  • cancers

    Recent medical research in the US has shown that acupuncture is a safe and effective supplemental treatment for people who experience certain symptoms of cancer. It can also help manage some side effects of cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy.

  • addiction

    Overcoming addiction is a difficult journey that requires a variety of methods in order to be successful. However, an increasing number of studies show that acupuncture is an effective tool in treating addiction and aiding the detoxification process. Acupuncture helps patients find relief from their cravings and be more successful in sustaining a life of sobriety.

  • CARDIOVASCULAR-RELATED DIAGNOSES

    An electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the simplest and fastest tests used to evaluate the heart. Electrodes (small, plastic patches that stick to the skin) are placed at certain spots on the chest, arms, and legs. The electrodes are connected to an ECG machine by lead wires. Our clinic is in the process of procuring an ECG to be the first medical establishment on Orcas to have one.

  • parkinson's disease

    Acupuncture treatments lead to significant improvements in the symptoms of patients afflicted with Parkinson's Disease and significant neuroprotective effects have been demonstrated in animal models of PD. Evidence for the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating patients with PD is increasing.

  • Headache & Migraine

    Acupuncture reduces the frequency of headaches in individuals suffering from migraines. The needle stimulates the nerves to release hormones, such as endorphins. This immune and circulation system stimulation is what relieves most migraines and tension headaches.

  • Pain management

    Harvard Health Publishing reported that acupuncture is effective for a number of chronic pain conditions. Acupuncture relieves pain by releasing endorphins—the body's natural pain-killing chemicals—as well as affecting the part of the brain that governs serotonin, a brain chemical involved with mood.

  • CHEMOTHERAPY SUPPORT

    Using western and eastern integrative medicine, the clinic has helped islanders coping with the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.

“Acupuncture is used to treat many conditions including pain management, migraines, nausea, allergies, fertility support, anxiety, and GI disorders. It promotes overall wellness. Acupuncture is also a powerful preventative medicine. It helps strengthen immunity and reduce inflammation.”

—Harvard University Health Services