Mission

Our mission is to advance the reach of Eastern medicine modalities to address idiopathic conditions experienced by our U.S. Military Service Members.  Please help us further this remarkable research by donating directly to our cause. We support our brave soldiers as they embark on a new journey here at home. We appreciate the sacrifices they have made for our freedom, always and forever.

Current Focus

The White Aspen Research team will investigate the use of Neuro-Acupuncture for phantom limb pain in amputees. Other conditions treated with this specialized type of acupuncture include anxiety, depression, stroke, paralysis, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Parkinson’s Disease, and migraine headaches.  

What is Phantom Limb Pain??

 Globally, more than one million limb amputations take place every year, with more than 80% of amputees experiencing phantom limb pain. Phantom limb pain (PLP) is the pain perceived by a region of the body that is no longer physically present. This pain has been described by sufferers as shooting, stabbing, boring, squeezing, throbbing, burning, twisting, or can feel like the phantom limb is being forced into an uncomfortable position. The pain is unique to each patient, can be continuous, and can be triggered by internal and external factors. The mechanisms of PLP have been categorized as psychogenic, or having a psychological cause rather than a physical one,  pertaining to symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) post-amputation, peripheral in relating to the stump and neuroma hyperactivity,  related to the central nervous system with desensitization of the dorsal horn, and neurological accompanies by reorganization of the sensory and motor cortices, leading to maladaptive plasticity, the latter being the most cited theory to date.

Patients with both planned and traumatic amputations have reported instances of Phantom Limb Pain along with those having congenitally missing limbs. An estimated 2 million people are living with limb loss in the United States, and it is projected that this number will more than double by the year 2050.²

Currently, there is no recognized primary treatment protocol for Phantom Limb Pain, so a process of trial and error dictates the course of treatment. A review of 38 therapies concluded no decisions could be made for the first-line management of PLP.³  Phantom Limb Pain treatment failure rates have been recorded as high as 92% among amputees for up to 40 years after amputation.⁴ In a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, amputees with post-amputation pain reported a decrease in the intensity of post-amputation pain with the use of oral morphine, but was associated with a higher rate of side effects and relief only while using the medication.⁵ In addition, no improvements in self-reported levels of overall functional activity and pain-related interference in daily activities were reported.

What is Neuro-Acupuncture??

 Neuro-Acupuncture is a modern acupuncture technique integrating traditional Eastern needling technique with Western medicine neuroscience and neuroanatomy.

Neuro-Acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Needle locations are coupled with the motor and sensory lines that correlate with anatomical structures of the body, i.e. missing limbs. One neuron is like an entire brain, and one neuron has the ability to be stimulated in such a way that it can regulate itself and create new neural pathways throughout the body system. One neuron also has the capability to regulate an entire cohort of neurons in the same manner; some excite, some inhibit. Acupuncture has the ability to excite places that are dormant and to sedate places that are overactive, which leads to relaxation of the nervous system. This relaxation allows for the nervous system to reinterpret a lossed function, such as the pain processing pathways of the brain due to limb loss. This reinterpretation, or neuroplasticity, awakens neurons and enables them to reconnect in an alternate pattern. These neurons have a harmonious relationship, or homeostasis, when all systems are balanced and running smoothly. Acupuncture has the ability to stabilize this condition with long-lasting results.

Giving Back

The White Aspen Research Foundation provides gratis treatments to first-responders, U.S. Military personnel, and those recovering from addiction. Our partnerships allow us to reach those whom need us most. Your donation will go to funding our research and strengthening our ability to heal the world.

This foundation also will be providing a mentorship for students attending Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine in Santa Monica, California. Students enrolled in the Doctorate of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM) and Master of Traditional Oriental Medicine (MTOM) programs at the college will earn preceptorship hours towards their degrees while assisting with our research. Mentorships provide opportunities to gain a depth of knowledge or experience in areas of particular interest and can include clinical practice, research or teaching. 

Donate

Please help us further this remarkable research by donating to our foundation.  Our current focus, phantom limb pain, is experienced by over 80% of amputees worldwide. This debilitating condition can last a lifetime if not property treated. The White Aspen Research team thanks you for your continued support of this remarkable research.

Who We Are

PRESIDENT, FOUNDER

Dr. Danielle Burke, DAOM, MTOM, Dipl. OM, LAc

DAOM – Doctor of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine, Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine, 2020
MTOM – Master of Traditional Oriental Medicine, Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine, 2017
Dipl. OM – Diplomate of Oriental Medicine, National Certification (NCCAOM), 2018
LAc – Board Certified Licensed Acupuncturist, California & Colorado, 2018                                                                    BBA – Bachelor of Business Administration, International Business & Trade, Florida Atlantic University, 2007        Neuro-Acupuncture Certification, Neuro-Acupuncture Institute, 2022

Dr. Burke is a nationally Board Certified Doctor of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine and has received her Doctorate and Master’s degrees from Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine in Santa Monica, California. She is currently pursuing an Accelerated 1-Year Master of Public Health, Health Services Organization Research, Post-Doctoral Degree for Clinical Doctors from UCLA in order to make change in public healthcare policy at the highest of levels. Dr. Burke’s Neuro-Acupuncture research has become her passion, and she intends to bring this to the forefront of Western medical care. Her externship at the UCLA Health Simms/Mann Health & Wellness Venice Family Clinic allowed her to heal underserved patients while working with Western medical doctors in a purely integrative setting. This experience inspired her to become a patient advocate and to seek effective, sustainable, and accessible ways to enhance the status quo of the U.S. healthcare system.

Dr. Burke’s personal practice views the human system as a whole -promoting wellness of the mind, body & spirit. She utilizes modalities of acupuncture, cupping, herbals, gemstones, and sound therapy to effectively heal the physical body as well as the subtle bodies of the human form.

Dr. Burke is originally from the east coast, but has spent the last 15 years enjoying California sunsets. When not doing acupuncture, she enjoys paddle boarding, tennis, skiing, hiking, cooking organic meals, and playing chess.

VICE PRESIDENT

Dr. Jessica Sharratt, DAOM, MTOM, Dipl. OM, LAc

DAOM – Doctor of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine, Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine, 2019
MTOM – Master of Traditional Oriental Medicine, Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine, 2017
Dipl. OM – Diplomate of Oriental Medicine, National Certification (NCCAOM), 2017
LAc – Board Certified Licensed Acupuncturist, California, 2017
BS – Bachelor of Science, Human Biology, Nutritional Sciences

Based out of Manhattan Beach, California, Dr. Sharratt is also an alum of Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine in Santa Monica, California where she received her Doctorate of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and her Masters in Traditional Oriental Medicine.

As a California Board Certified licensed acupuncturist, with passion about supporting the underserved, Dr. Sharratt completed her residency at the UCLA Health Simms/Mann Health & Wellness Venice Family Clinic, donated her time to organizations supporting Veterans and provides need-based acupuncture to physical and emotional trauma survivors.

The success of her private practice is driven by her enthusiasm to work alongside other practitioners to provide relief for idiopathic conditions.

As a Doctor of Acupuncture, herbalist and nutritionist, she utilizes a large variety of ancient (acupuncture, neuro-acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, herbal medicine) and modern modalities (myofascial manipulation, functional medicine, nutritional counseling) to support her patients’ best health while providing truly holistic primary and adjunct specialty care. Her primary area of focus is women’s health, with an emphasis on preconception planning, fertility, hormonal health and chronic pelvic pain disorders. Her additional specialties include digestive health, pain syndromes and trauma resolution. Dr. Jessica’s passion for community and truly holistic healthcare burns bright and she is thrilled to have the opportunity to bring that passion to White Aspen Research.

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Dr. Arno Kroner, DAOM, MTOM, Dipl. OM, LAc, MBA

DAOM – Doctor of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine, Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine, 2019
MTOM – Master of Traditional Oriental Medicine, Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine, 2017
Dipl. OM – Diplomate of Oriental Medicine, National Certification (NCCAOM), 2017
LAc – Licensed Acupuncturist, California, 2017
MBA – Master in Business Administration, France and USA

Dr. Arno Kroner is a Board Certified California Licensed acupuncturist, herbalist and integrative medicine doctor. Arno graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Doctorate & Master in Traditional Oriental Medicine from Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine in Santa Monica, CA. In addition to academic studies, he completed residency training at The Roy and Edna Disney Family Cancer Center in Burbank as well as at the Being Alive Community Clinic in West Hollywood, CA. Finally, he received two years of functional medicine training through Apex Energetics. In conjunction with Chinese medical training, this provided him with cutting-edge blood-based diagnostic tools for functional medicine. Finally, as Medical Reviewer and a member of the Medical Advisory Board at Very Well Health, Dr. Kroner also works as consultant for a portfolio of entities in the area of sustainable medical design and financial health.

Dr. Kroner believes that a balanced, mindful and compassionate lifestyle is the key to health and happiness. His drive for supporting patients to reach their full wellness potential in life and in sports stems from his passion for nature, endurance & extreme environments. In this context, he has competed in prestigious races such as the Boston Marathon, Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, Pikes Peak Marathon, Miwok 100. Additionally, Arno was on the Disney Triathlon Team earning medals at the Malibu Triathlon and at Escape from Alcatraz. Finally, Arno is also an avid backcountry skier who loves the Sierra Nevada & the French Alps. Dr. Kroner sees each patient as unique and he embraces & recognizes the profound power of their mind, body, & spirit on their health & wellness journey. As he has lived in a multitude of countries, in Europe, America and Asia, Dr. Kroner also speaks 4 languages & is culturally competent. Read more here at drkroner.com

Dr. James Orr, DAOM, LAc, Neuro-Acupuncture Certified – NAI

Dr. Zita Sas, DPT

Dr. David Tang, DACM, LAc

Dr. Amir Khonsari, PhD

partnerships

Contact

References

1. Wilson N, Kariisa M, Seth P, Smith H 4th, Davis NL. Drug and Opioid-Involved Overdose Deaths – United States, 2017-2018. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2020;69(11):290-297. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm6911a4
2. Ziegler-Graham K, MacKenzie EJ, Ephraim PL, Travison TG, Brookmeyer R. Estimating the prevalence of limb loss in the United States: 2005 to 2050. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2008;89(3):422-429. doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2007.11.005
3. Richardson C, Kulkarni J. A review of the management of phantom limb pain: challenges and solutions. J Pain Res. 2017;10:1861-1870. doi:10.2147/JPR.S124664
4. Aldington D, Small C, Edwards D, et al. A survey of post-amputation pains in serving military personnel. J R Army Med Corps. 2014;160(1):38-41. doi:10.1136/jramc-2013-000069
5. Wu CL, Agarwal S, Tella PK, et al. Morphine versus mexiletine for treatment of postamputation pain: a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Anesthesiology. 2008;109(2):289-296. doi:10.1097/ALN.0b013e31817f4523