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Teen Program Information
We offer group programs and individual sessions based on Oriental Medicine for young people in distress, either in a juvenile detention setting, in rehab centers, or in cooperation with parents and schools. The program's main objectives are to rehabilitate and to affect drug use, academic performance, and dropout/truancy rates. 
From July 2003 until May 2007 we developed and conducted a very successful Oriental Medicine Program at Spring Creek Lodge Academy in Montana, a specialty boarding school for adolescents and young adults, ages 15 to 24.
The program participants were suffering from high stress levels, addictions, anger, depression, and many other emotional imbalances. The challenge to make a significant difference in their lives proved to be enormous.
Continuous experimentation and refinement in more than 1000 group sessions with 6 to 18 participants per session evolved into a solid and proven group healing modality. During the sessions we integrated Acupuncture, Accupressure, Hatha Yoga, MindYoga (a guided and interactive form of meditation), BrainwaveEntrainment, NLP, Aromatherapy, Herbalism, and Homeopathy.
Participation was voluntary; therefore, the sessions had to be not only effective, but also fun, pleasant, and painless for our demanding and critical clientele.
The article below describes our initial controlled trial. It was published in several journals of Oriental Medicine.
Please click on highlighted and underlined links for more detailed information
There is an extensive program-specific testimonial section at the end of the article.
For related studies and articles about Acupuncture and Criminal Justice Programs please click here.
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"TROUBLED TEENS ARE GETTING HELP FROM ORIENTAL MEDICINE"
Spring Creek Lodge Academy is a specialty boarding school for teenagers and young adults who are struggling in their home, school, or community. Most of the about 500 students are here because of problems with drugs, alcohol, negative peers, low self-esteem, poor academics, and low motivation. Beside the academic program, students are participating in a variety of growth and development programs, and recently, innovative directors Cameron and Chaffin Pullan enlisted the help of Oriental Medicine.
From September to December 2003, Miami based OM Programs, founded and operated by Acupuncture Physicians Carmela and Felix Wolf conducted a four month controlled trial program to research the effects of Oriental Medicine on the emotional development of a group of Spring Creek students. The program consisted of a total of twenty acupuncture treatments, Yoga, Qigong therapy, acupressure instruction, aromatherapy, and daily herbal therapy.
The treatment protocols targeted anxiety, irritability, substance abuse, and general emotional imbalances. Stress and anger management training was also provided. The students participated in daily sessions for one week every month. Every session started with approximately 30 minutes of Five Element Qigong and was followed by acupuncture, utilizing combined auricular and classical body point protocols. During acupuncture, meditation grade Japanese Aloeswood Incense was burned to enhance relaxation. An herbal formula, Bupleurum Dragonbone, was given twice daily for the whole four months in a conservative dosage. Progress was monitored through questionnaire feedback by faculty, participating students, and a control group.
The questionnaire asked participating students and the students in the control group if they felt stressed, tired, frustrated, unmotivated, irritated, unhappy, confused, misunderstood, unfocussed, anxious, angry, depressed, worried, or uninterested. Students could answer with never, rarely, sometimes, often, very often, or always, to each of the questions.
The same questionnaire was given to the family representative of each of the students. The family representative is the faculty member with the most regular and comprehensive contact to the individual student. The question here was if the respective student generally feels stressed, tired, etc. and the possible answers were identical to the student questionnaire: never, rarely, etc.
Each answer was given a numerical value: 0 for 'never', 1 for 'rarely', 2 for 'sometimes' 3 for 'often', 4 for 'very often', and 5 for 'always'. There were 14 questions total, so the highest possible number per questionnaire was 14 x 5 = 70. A numerical value between 10 and 30 would be considered desirable, indicating a generally happy and balanced emotional state.
The questionnaires were administered at the beginning (09/03) and end of the program (12/03)
to 34 continuously participating students and 30 students in the control group. No explanations or rationale for the questionnaire was given to either group.
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RESULTS:
Beginning of program (09/03):
The control group had an average numerical value of 34.85 (36.1 self-assessed and 33.6 by faculty)
The treatment group had an average numerical value of 38.7 (39.4 self-assessed and 38.0 by faculty)
End of program (12/03):
The control group had an average numerical value of 39.58 (40.86 self-assessed and 38.3 by faculty)
The treatment group had an average numerical value of 25.0 (24.3 self-assessed and 25.7 by faculty)
ANALYSIS:
As expected, both groups had a fairly high initial value, documenting emotional distress. The treatment group felt even worse reflecting the fact that particularly troubled students were selected for the program, either by their parents or by faculty.
The emotional distress worsened in the control group from September to December by 4.73 points or 13.6% which may have been due to the approaching winter, holiday season away from family, etc.
The treatment group, however, improved by a very impressive 13.7 points or 35.4% from September to December.
It is important to note that even the faculty assessment of the treatment group improved by 32.4% (Student's self assessment improved 38.2%)
CONCLUSION:
A 13.6% worsening of emotional distress in the control group versus a 35.4% improvement in the treatment group represents a very dramatic difference and speaks for itself.
The researchers took great care, not to influence or otherwise contaminate the evaluations by students and staff and feel therefore that the results are solid and replicable.
PARENT AND STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
Dear Carmela and Felix,
I just wanted to write a personal THANK YOU BOTH for being such a light in my son's life. What you have given him he will carry with him for the rest of his life. Please call us if you are ever in town, even if it is many years from now.
Love and Blessings
Nia Peeples
Dear Felix and Carmela,
Thank you so much for the knowledge and love that you have shared with Danny. His letters are filled with praises and excitement about your program and both of you. The gifts that you bring to the young men there have such a positive influence on them and they will carry this into the rest of their lives. We are so grateful that you are there for him and for the other young men and women. God bless and keep both of you, and may the knowlwdge, love and healing of God continue to shine through the both of you. You both have given Danny something that I am unable to give him at a time in his life when he has needed it he most.
With Love and Gratitude,
Maia and Keith Rey
Dear Carmela and Felix,
A short note to let you know that Annie experienced tremendous help from the acupuncture program and that she is continuing weekly acupuncture sessions while here at home.
She is doing very well actually.
Annie speaks HIGHLY of you in every regard. You really impacted my daughter in ways that will last her a lifetime . I can never thank you enough for all you did and all you continue to do!!!!
Sincerely,
With deep appreciation,
Cindy Hays
Dear Carmela,
I want to thank you and your husband for the excellent care you provided Justin. He speaks highly of both of you.
You were a blessing in Justin's life. He has already requested your email address so he can keep in touch!
I think that out of all the staff that Justin came in contact with at SCL, you and Felix had the greatest impact on him. Thank you for your kindness.
Best wishes to you.
Kim Rea (Justin's mom)
Hi Carmela and Felix,
I just wanted you to know that Krystal is doing extremely well. She left the program in December of 2005 to attend San Jose City College. I am happy to say that Krystal graduated in December of 2006 with her Associate in Science and Cosmetology Degree. She went to school from 8am to 5pm, Monday thru Friday and sometimes on Saturdays. She also managed to work 25 to 30 hours a week. She is currently studying for her Cosmetology State Board test to obtain her license to work out of a salon. Afterwards, she will be attending San Jose State University to obtain her Bachelors of Science in Business, so that hopefully one day she will open up her own salon.
I would like to thank you for all your help, support, and the wonderful treatments that you provided to help Krystal mentally, emotionally, and physically. Thank you as well for the referral to a wonderful acupuncturist here in San Jose.
A big Thank You Again! I truly hope that more parents use your treatments & assistance as an alternative to the conventional way that is so harmful and full of side effects. Krystal felt suicidal on the conventional medications. When she started your program she immediately started to feel healthy physically and mentally. She lost weight and detoxed her body and mind. No side effects whatsoever!
You are truly a blessing to have been in our lives!
Yours truly,
Sheila Zych
Dear Felix and Carmela
Thank you for the picture of Sam doing Yoga/Qi Gong movements. He showed me a series of movements when he was home. I was very impressed with how beautifully he flowed through the movements. It was pure poetry to watch him. Sam enjoys his sessions with you. He is always telling me little things that he has learned in the sessions and speaks about the two you with the deepest respect. You two have made a big difference in his life. It wasn't until he started these sessions that he stopped resisting the program and began to see that there were good choices and an alternative way of being.
Thank you so much for taking such loving care of my son.
Mary M. Reynaud
Dear Felix Wolf,
I just wanted to drop you a line to tell you how much I appreciate your program. James told me how much he enjoyed the acupuncture and martial arts classes. He said the acupuncture was helping him deal with his drug cravings and along with his martial arts classes he was calmer and able to control his anger better. I am thrilled that this opportunity is available to the students. It has been my experience with regards to acupuncture , yoga, kung fu and meditation that these disciplines all aid in wellness and peace within the spirit. I hope that this will continued to be offered to the students as I believe it helps in aiding our young people to balance their energies thoughts and emotions in a positive healthy manner
Sincerely yours,
Jennifer A McClendon
Dear Carmela and Felix
Thanks so much for all you did for Katie during her year at SCL. She received a great deal from your program, especially learning how to relax and work on tension etc (without the aid of drugs). I also think the extra TLC she received from you both was very meaningful.
She will be coming home this Friday and I hope she will continue some yoga and the stretching exercises that she has found helpful for her neck and back pain. She will at least know what Oriental Medicine can offer her in the future.
You do great work!!!
Sincerely,
Jan Leigh
Dear Felix and Carmela
This will be Gemma's last month at Spring Creek as she will be attending PC 3 at the end of June and coming home.
This has really been a watershed event for Gemma and OM Programs has had a big part in her growth. Gemma has expressed many times how much she has enjoyed knowing and learning from you both.
Frank Balbo
Dear Felix and Carmela,
I just wanted to tell you that Jessica benefited so much from your Acupunture program.
She was really stressed and enjoyed the relaxation process the program offered, and she really liked going there.
I appreciate all of the wonderful work you've done for my daughter.
Thanks,
Heidi,
Jessica Liu's mom
Hi Carmela and Felix,
I would love to share my experience with your Acupuncture Program at Spring Creek . I observed a significant beneficial change after Reisha began treatments with you. She reported that her anxiety was reduced significantly and she was able to discriminate what was a big deal and what was not. I noticed calmness from her and a sense of wellbeing. She thoroughly enjoyed the treatments and eagerly practiced the Tai Chi between treatments.
I do believe that you have made a significantly beneficial influence on her ability to handle the daily stresses that she struggled with in the past.
Zoe Beck
Dear Carmela Wolf,
Thanks for the photos of Daniel. Also, thanks for being there and helping those kids. I am glad that the program will continue indefinitely. After the first acupuncture session Daniel wrote us and told us that it was the first time since being at SC that he has felt good. I am just glad that SC has this program.
Sincerely,
David Heard
Dear Felix and Carmela
It feels terrible to have taken so long to write you, because I look at you two as my family, my friends, my teachers, and masters in what you do. I can not emphasize enough how thankful I am to have met you both. The work you two do, and have done to me, is a phenomenal life changing experience. Felix and Carmela, you both are here, helping me with my day to day life. Something always comes up, and I think back to what you have said; being, breathing, seeing the NOW in a new light, being aware. These are all things I practice and share with others, every single day. It is as if you, Felix, are an absolutely brilliant ancient monk, following your flow, enlightening the lost souls you come across. And Carmela, you are the most beautiful soul I have ever met. You truly define the sheer beauty of a woman, and who you are is contagious, you are so much fun to be around!
I feel as if I was a fresh onion, with a dark and crusty outer peel, and after learning more and practicing what I got from your teachings, I shed. I shed the old drowned out layer, to expose myself to a new world. A new way of thinking and being. I just love you both, so much!! You rock!
From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU BOTH!
Well, I am glad to have finally got the chance to tell you everything. I hope your week is easy, and just the way you like it! Sending all the love and good vibes your way from sunny San Diego!!
~Marisa
Dear Carmela and Felix,
Out of all the people I have met since I transferred to Spring Creek, I can honestly say that you have been the two who have been the greatest help to me. The trust and admiration that you inspire is almost an inate reaction to the the sincere concern, caring, and want to be of help, which you openly show to myself and to all of the people I have met who have come to know you. Your assisting me to gain more control and understanding of myself has been the most influential and appreciated part of my program. The sense of calm that you have helped me to find is very valuable to me.
Thank you for everything.
Sincerely,
Jamie
dear felix and carmela,
hi, it's debjit. i've been home for a few weeks now. i've been continuing acupunture, but it's not as good as it was with you guys. but i just wanted to tell you guys that i've been doing great since i've come home. i've been able to deal with things so much better with the things that i have learned in the seminars and with you. the other day, i was able to turn down drugs without feeling tempted for the first time in 5 years. i feel so much more powerful now. i have also been training in hapkido and jiujitsu and the breathing techniques and microcosmic breathing has helped me alot in these martial arts. i have already been accepted to oregon state university and am still waiting for a reply from texas a&m university. hopefully i get accepted there as well. how are you guys doing how are the guys at the ranch tell them i said hi and that i'm doing well. thanks again for everything you have done for me, it made all the difference.
sincerely
debjit
Dear Felix and Carmela,
How's it going! sorry i haven't contacted you sooner, i've been pretty busy here with work and everything. Since i got home at the end of February, i've far exceeded my own expectations. i haven't had any slip-ups with drugs or alcohol. i went to Master Chunyi Lin's Spring Forest QI Gong course about a month ago and it really enlightened me to the magic of Qi Gong and furthered my interest in oriental medicine in general. i plan on taking Level 2 this summer. i am not in school yet, but i plan to attend a local community college this fall and work my way into the social service field. i plan to come back to Camas Ranch to visit for a week or so. hopefully i will see you guys there and we can hit Quinn' Hot springs again, just like good-old times.
Again i would like to say thank you for all of your attention to me and all of the life-long lessons that i have learned from both of you. i truly believe that you two have directly contributed to my success. i see life and the navigation of the universe completely different, and certainly better, today. i hope to hear from you really soon.
Your Friend,
Ryan
Dear Felix and Carmela
Thank you so much for everything you have done for me. You have truly been a blessing for me and impacted my life in a huge way. I will never forget what you have taught me. Thank you again.
Your friend
Justin Hagerty
Dear Felix and Carmela
I am doing well here in Orange County. I am finishing up high school. I should be finished before the end of this year. I ride my bike everywhere and I'm now vegan and have been for almost a year. I'm doing very well, I dont drink or do drugs or anything. I think that choice has helped me become a better person. I think about your sessions and your talks very often. I know that they helped me more than anything. I am very happy with my life and I do my best to keep things that way.
Jessee Marshall
Dear Felix and Carmela
I've been in the Acupuncture Program at Spring Creek for a couple of months, and it has been extremely valuable for me. I don't know how I would get along at this place without it. I think that acupuncture was the most valuable thing I did at Spring Creek. I learned so much from Felix and Carmela, and I feel that the people who don't know them are missing out on learning about a great way of life. I owe Felix and Carmela a lot for guiding me and teaching me. I will take what I have learned from them out into the world and hopefully pay it forward to others.
Brad Russo
Hey Felix! How are you?
Things are going well for me here in California. I recently found out that my parents are going to send me to college. I have just recently applied to Humboldt State University. I picked this place because it seems like the tranquil environment that I want. When it came time to pick my major a couple weeks ago I had no idea what direction I wanted to go in, after thinking very hard I decided that I want to be a teacher, so I will major in History/Psychology and get credentials to teach High School. The reason that I wanted to be a teacher is because I feel like I will be able to relate with teenagers a lot and I feel like it would be a rewarding career. The only teacher in my life that I ever seriously looked up to and respected a great deal was you. I feel that a big part of the reason that I want to teach is because of what you have taught me and introduced to me. Thanks a lot and get back to me when you have some time.
Brad Russo
The acupuncture/yoga program has really changed my life. Both, Felix and Carmela have been invaluable teachers, good friends and mentors. Their lessons in silencing the mind, Yoga, and Qi Gong, helped me to get in touch with the true essence of my very being. Every minute of talk and teaching is priceless and my eyes have been opened to the truth. Without OM programs I wouldn't be the same person I am today.
Andre Lynch,
I love the acupuncture program. Carmela and Felix are amazing people, they have helped me a lot in the seven months I've been in their program. What they taught me is not only helping me now, but I know it will help me throughout my life. I'm glad I had Carmela and Felix for acupuncture. I would not have anyone else. From them moment I stepped into the room I felt they understood and accepted. I can honestly say I've never met anyone else like Carmela and Felix, and I'm damn glad I met them.
Mason Stebner
Acupuncture has been really great for me. Felix and Carmela talked a lot about the power of stopping compulsive thinking, which has helped me tremendously. I have been able to deal with things differently.
Matt Bernard Stevens
Felix, I love you man. You have helped me out so much over the past months. I don't know how I could thank you enough for your skills and your words of wisdom.
Carmela, I'm really so excited for your future and I will always remember you and your intense yoga moves and gentle hands. and your hip music knowledge. You're my homie and I will visit you on the island, and we will charge it.
Love, Tyler
The Acupuncture and Yoga program with Felix and Carmela has really helped me with my addictions and it has shown me how to live consciously. It is the highlight of my week!
Patrick Butterly
Acupuncture has helped me with my stress and also helped me stay balanced. Felix and Carmela a really great people and their words and experiences have helped me with my life.
Love, Steve Jaco
Acupuncture is one of the most relaxing experiences I've ever had. I always look forward to the next session with Carmela and Felix.
Kyle Bryant
Felix and Carmelas acupuncture was the best thing here. I look forward to every week for it. It was so relaxing, and it was a getaway from the everyday routine. Felix talks helped me so much and made a lot of sense. I am so glad I did this. It helps with my anxiety, anger, and depression. I love it. I am really interested in acupuncture now and might continue with it as a career.
John Kim
Since I have been in acupuncture, I have had a blast. I've learned that there is more to life than just the material things that we see in front of us every day. I also met Felix and Carmela who are both amazing people. Overall, I've had a great experience these past five months. I love it!
Jake Shaw
Felix and Carmela are great people and friends. Every day with them has been a journey. It is amazing. They are so well educated and have made an amazing change in my outlook on life. I can't wait to go visit them in Hawaii soon. They have made me stronger, physically and definitely mentally. I love them a lot.
Joel Manganero
The Acupuncture group sessions really helped me to become stress-free. It also helped me to feel better, mentally and emotionally. Felix and Carmela are amazing people, and they truly have changed my life.
Alyssa Latona
This fabulous acupuncture program has helped me to relax and look at life in a much more positive way by making me more conscious. It not only helps with the physical but also all the emotional aspects of life.
Diana Dabcevich,Student, Spring Creek Lodge Academy
Acupuncture has helped me a lot. I have calmed down a lot on stress and anger. The acupuncture and yoga sessions helped me forget about my addiction and with what I might want to do in the future for a career.
Katrina Nicole Cisco
Acupuncture was amazing for me! I never felt so much relaxation in my life. It really helped me deal with my anger and stress.
Love, Brittany R.
I really enjoyed my time with you. You helped me with stress and depression. It helped me to look forward to something every day! Thank you so much.
Analisa Andriacchi
Acupuncture, wow! Coming into acupuncture as a very resistant person to becoming an open free spirit. I struggle mainly with depression and my drug addiction. I've learned a lot, especially about consciousness. I was a very unconscious soul before acupuncture and Felix and Carmela have taught me a lot about so many different things. It's amazing how much I've changed as a person from the beginning to the end. They made me want to open my mind and realize the good in life and the good in sobriety. I love the acupuncture and probably wouldn't have been as open if it wasn't for Felix and Carmela. I love the acupuncture.
Haley
Matt:
This has actually been one of the most amazing things I've been through. It has really stabilized my state of being and brought me to a strange sense of inner peace and joy. I feel cured in many aspects, both, mentally and physically.
Patrick:
The acupuncture program here has helped me with my anger issues and how I react to things. It has also helped me to become more centered with myself and it improved my lower back pain.
Matt:
The acupuncture program has been a very good thing for me. I feel less stress and I feel calm and focused. This program has given me a positive thing to go home and get involved in. My craving for drugs has decreased and the focus in my life has increased. I look forward to the acupuncture every night.
Christopher:
This acupuncture therapy has been amazing! Over the last couple of months my anger problem and my mental obsessions over drugs and alcohol have decreased. I have been sleeping much better and I have been a lot calmer and less jumpy. I am very grateful for having been enrolled in it. Thanks a lot Felix and Carmela!!!
Sean:
I wasn't expecting it to work so well and to be so painless. I am not too sure how it works but it just works perfectly. I feel in control no matter how miserable the days are. It's just perfect and that's really all that needs to be said.
Ashid:
Acupuncture is making me stay more focused. It is helping me to stay in a good mood and to be stress free. Acupuncture is also helping me to deal with the problems I face every day in a different attitude and mindset.
Dane:
I think this program has done me a lot of good. It has helped me with some of my drug habits and the sleeping problems I had. Acupuncture has done me a lot of good in my life, I like it a lot.
Ross:
Acupuncture is helping me to stay energized, happy, upbeat, and calm. Qi Gong is helping me to let go of my daily aggressive emotions and doubts.
Brooke:
Wow! I love it! It has done wonders for my body and soul. Sometimes I come very upset and uptight and I leave relaxed and peaceful. It is very powerful and I am really glad to have this experience.
Cassie:
I look forward to this every month because it helps me a lot with my stress. It really helps me to get through some rough times and I absolutely love the acupuncturists. They are good friends and teachers.
Marsha:
The acupuncture has been helping me to stay positive and calm. It has also helped stabilize my moods. Acupuncture is something I look forward to all the time.
Shannon:
Since I have started, I have noticed that I am not as angry or irritable!!!
Amanda:
Emotionally I feel that the acupuncture has expanded me spiritually and showed me internal peace. I feel enlightened after each session and it feels wonderful to see the world in a true light. It is wonderful to experience happiness and self-love. Physically it renders many of my handicaps as no longer quite so painful. My body can flow with ease and I find myself less tense and filled with exuberance!
Overall, with acupuncture I have experienced a huge change in the most positive direction!
Lindsay:
I look forward to acupuncture. I love how I feel during and afterwards. It has assisted me in my stability and health.
Randi:
I felt it has helped me with my depression and made me happier than have been in a while.
Kristen:
I felt it has really helped me relax more, and after every session I feel so energized. I love coming and learning something new about the body and the exercises.
Amber:
This treatment has been so helpful with my depression. The pain in my back has definitively decreased. I can now function. I am a lot less stressed overall. I feel so much more relaxed and at peace.
Joci:
I think that the acupuncture has really helped out with stress. I look forward to the class a lot! I am really glad that acupuncture is offered here.
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