Ed Weiss, M.D., has been a pioneering practitioner of acupuncture in Palo Alto for more than 35 years.

After studying psychology and chemistry at Yale, he enrolled at Stanford Medical School. Following his internal-medicine residency, he set off for London for a vacation and ended up creating a self-styled fellowship in acupuncture.

At the time, the British thought the field was "too ridiculous to regulate." The U.S. thought it "too ridiculous to allow it," he said.

The experience turned out to be the perfect launching pad for Weiss's lifelong career of healing through needlework.

Lisa Van Dusen explores Dr. Weiss' version of a general medical practice -- from allergies to back pain. He shares how magic, mystery, miracles -- and playful humor -- have filled his days as an acupuncture practitioner.

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Interview by Lisa Van Dusen. Video by Rachel Hatch.