I began my study of Chinese medicine in the late 1980's. I was first drawn to the vast richness and depth of Chinese medicine through my practice of classical martial arts. Over the decades, I learned various methods of hands-on therapies for the treatment of injuries that would occur during training. I also learned how herbal medicine has been safely and effectively used for millenia to support athletic training. After completing my undergraduate degree and working for a few years as a translator I realized my true calling was in the study and practice of Chinese Medicine.


I received my Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in 2001 and completed a sports medicine and orthopedics internship treating collegiate athletes at the University of California, San Diego. After obtaining my California State Acupuncture license in 2002, I began to actively study Classical Chinese Medicine under Dr. Jeffrey Yuen, an 88th generation Daoist physician and priest. I continue to study with Dr. Yuen to this day with the belief that it is my responsibility to keep growing as a physician for the sake of my patients. The rich tradition that Dr. Yuen teaches has allowed me to successfully help many patients with difficult neurological complaints, autoimmune disorders and a wide range of functional diseases.

I have personally experienced the shortcomings of the conventional medical system which primarily focuses on the suppression of symptoms and the disempowerment of patients. This motivated me to devote my practice to empowering my patients to take back control of their health and break free from their dependency on medications.

I use a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutraceuticals, tui na, qi gong, and dietary therapy integrated with functional medicine (customized lab work) to decipher the mystery of each unique patient. Although it is a challenging path, I find it immensely rewarding and cannot imagine doing anything else.


I have practiced and taught classical Chinese martial arts and health practices in the US and internationally for decades. A student at heart, I spend much of my free time reading or thinking about how to be a better physician for my patients. My goal is ultimately to help unlock the miraculous healing capacity that is contained in every individual.


Since beginning my practice in 2002 I've worked closely with many primary care doctors, orthopedic surgeons, neurologists and gasteroenterologists to provide heart-felt care to thousands of patients.

We are a professional team of qualified Acupuncturists to assist with your health care needs using proven natural techniques. We specialise in anxiety, stress, infertility, digestive complaints and cosmetic acupuncture for ageing.

John Howard completed his degree in acupuncture from the Maryland Institute of Traditional Medicine in Bethesda, Maryland. John holds two professorships; one in Traditional Chinese Medicine and the other in Western Medicine from George Washington University (GWU). Professor (Prof) Howard lectured on suturing and minor trauma management.

Upon completion of his degree Prof Howard entered into a five-year fellowship with the US military under the direction of Dr. Richard Niemtzow, MD, PHD. Prof Howard is both a clinician and an Academician. As an academician, he provides national and international lectures in acupuncture and auriculotherapy. He has authored five books and 21 articles on these two fields. He is also dedicated to the promotion of knowledge and has been awarded the dissemination of seminal works of Dr. Raphael Nogier (The RAFT (Radial Artery Food Test) and of Dr. René Bourdiol (Elements of Auriculotherapy).

In 2014 Prof Howard served as the vice president of the 8th International Symposium of Auriculotherapy in the United States. In 2016 Prof Howard became a consultant for ZeroMed (a holistic medical goods company) to design auriculotherapy protocols. Currently he is the President of the United States branch of the Raphael Nogier School of Auriculotherapy.



Research

John is currently conducting studies on the use of Auriculotherapy in distance runners to enhance performance. Some of men on team USA who won the world 100k gold medal in the Nederland’s in 2011 used his protocol.

Hilton Acupuncture Ltd Co is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinic located in Mount Pleasant, SC offering acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, Chinese herbal medicine, and TCM nutrition to address your healthcare needs. Traditional Chinese Medicine is a great investment in your quality of health and overall well-being and at Hilton Acupuncture we are committed to meeting your healthcare needs through education, holistic treatment, and guidance.

Hilton Acupuncture is owned by Licensed Acupuncturist and Mount Pleasant native Dr. Monica L. Hilton, DACM, Dipl. O.M., L.Ac. Dr. Monica has over ten years of experience as a Licensed Acupuncturist. She is a nationally certified Diplomate of Oriental Medicine by the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and is licensed to practice in the states of South Carolina and Georgia.

Dr. Monica provides treatment for various conditions including but not limited to acute and chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, night sweats, hot flashes, digestive issues, and vision disorders. She has a special interest in fibromyalgia, stress management, and autoimmune disorders.

​Contact us today to learn how Hilton Acupuncture can help you on your journey to optimal health! 🙂

Miami Acupuncture & Classical Herbs was established by Dr. Carolyn Cook in 1994. She has been a Doctor of Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture Physician, and a Licensed Massage Therapist for more than 20 years of practice. Dr. Carolyn Cook offers an integrative approach to health based on the ancient tenants of Classical Chinese medicine.