I have an extensive background working in the area of pain, neuroimmune interactions and acupuncture. We have utilized several models of acute and persistent pain to understand both the peripheral and central mechanisms involved in the generation and maintenance of chronic pain states. In particular, we have focused our efforts in elucidating the mechanisms underlying inflammatory, ischemic and cancer pain. Finally, our lab also has extensive experience with utilizing both manual and electroacupuncture in rodent models of pain, inflammation and hypertension.