Acupuncture Today

The article explores the potential of curcumin, a natural polyphenolic substance extracted from turmeric, to reduce Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) and support athletic recovery. DOMS is caused by microscopic muscle fiber tears and subsequent inflammation, involving the release of reactive oxygen species and inflammatory markers like COX-1 and COX-2. Curcumin demonstrates promising anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects by suppressing inflammatory markers, including NF-B, IL-6, TNF-ɑ, and specifically COX-2, thereby reducing muscle damage. Studies detailing optimal timing and dosage have varied, showing significant DOMS reduction when curcumin was ingested before and after exercise, with recommended dosages ranging from 150 mg to 1,500 mg d...

This article discusses the management of Lyme disease using modern herbal formulas that effectively target the pathogen (Borrelia burgdorferi) while restoring constitutional balance. Because historical TCM classics lack direct instruction on Lyme, practitioners must utilize "borrowed knowledge" by applying insights from similar spirochete-caused disorders, such as syphilis and leptospirosis. Herbs effective against those ailments—including jinyinhua, banlangen, huangqin, and tufuling—have proven useful for Lyme disease. Additionally, the author integrated the Native American botanical desert parsley (Lomatium dissectum), which acts to "outthrust" deeply embedded pathogens, mirroring the TCM concept of "releasing the exterior". Clinical use of Lomatium often provoked a de...

This article summarizes a study evaluating Electroacupuncture (EA) as a synergistic adjunct therapy for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), particularly addressing complications arising from chemotherapy, such as resistance, bone marrow suppression, and immunosuppression. The research, conducted using an NSCLC mouse model, combined EA applied at Zusanli (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) with the chemotherapy drug cisplatin. The findings were robust: EA combined with low-dose cisplatin significantly reduced tumor volume by 76%, marking superior tumor suppression compared to cisplatin alone (45% reduction). Mechanistically, EA enhanced the anti-tumor immune response by upregulating immune-related genes and increasing the infiltration of anti-tumor immune cells, including CD8+ T...

Dry needling is rapidly becoming a mainstream treatment for musculoskeletal pain, but the acupuncture profession faces a crisis as physical therapists (PTs) increasingly adopt this technique. With PTs significantly outnumbering acupuncturists and only requiring minimal training (as little as 20-80 hours), acupuncturists risk becoming irrelevant in this fastest-growing area of pain relief. The article asserts that licensed acupuncturists are the most qualified providers, possessing thousands of hours of training in needle techniques, anatomy, and safety—far surpassing the limited coursework of other professionals. Historically, the profession missed opportunities to claim this trigger-point needling space, allowing others to step in. Th...

This article highlights the critical, often overlooked, role of the Seven Affects (anger, joy, worry, sorrow, thought, fear, and fright) as instigators of chronic disease, or "long disease," a concept typically centered on external factors like the Six Excesses. Emotional states, when sustained at an abnormal intensity and duration, cause internal damage by directly damaging internal organs and disrupting the flow of qi, blood, yin, and yang. Specific connections are detailed, such as anger damaging the liver, worry/sorrow harming the lungs, and fear damaging the kidneys. The impact of this emotional imbalance is pervasive; for instance, chronic fear...

The article provides essential guidance for acupuncturists navigating the complex landscape of insurance billing, dispelling the common myth that licensing requires credentialing to bill insurance. Many insurance plans cover acupuncture out-of-network, meaning providers can bill without enrollment, with true HMO-style plans being the primary exception. The fundamental decision is strategic: does network participation enhance value or merely limit income, considering that no insurance plan pays in-network providers more? In-Network participation offers significant benefits, including increased patient volume due to lower out-of-pocket costs, predictable reimbursement, and free marketing via insurer directories. However, these benefits come with pitfalls, such as lower...

The article highlights the critical, often overlooked, need for continued care for oncology patients after they achieve "NED" (No Evidence of Disease) and complete their acute treatment. Upon entering remission and ringing the ceremonial bell, many patients feel a pervasive sense of anxiety and depression as the consistent support from their primary oncology team sharply decreases. Cancer is recognized as deeply traumatic, and patients subsequently face ongoing physical challenges like lymphedema and brain fog, coupled with psychological implications, including chronic dread and fear of recurrence. The author argues that acupuncturists are uniquely positioned to serve as the bridge for...

Acupuncture is an ancient therapy characterized by a rapidly expanding scientific basis, increasingly integrated into U.S. healthcare systems despite persistent barriers in reimbursement and professional recognition. This segment details the robust research evidence concerning acupuncture’s mechanisms of action, particularly in pain management. At the local level, needle insertion generates immediate tissue effects by engaging connective tissue mechanotransduction; fibroblasts respond to mechanical signaling, altering inflammation and blood flow. Centrally, acupuncture is widely recognized for its influence on endogenous opioids (ß-endorphins, enkephalins), which correlates directly with rapid and sustained analgesia. Functional neuroimaging studies confirm that authentic needling not only act...

This intriguing article proposes that the biting patterns of female mosquitoes may not be random but could, in fact, provide an observable biological demonstration of the subtle energy maps, or meridians, long recorded in East Asian medicine. The author suggests that mosquitoes, driven by evolutionary precision, seek not only blood but also qi—the vital energy of the body. Mosquitoes are known to be attracted to biochemical markers of energy and metabolism, specifically relying on ATP (adenosine triphosphate) as a phagostimulant to initiate feeding. This concept is linked to modern research showing physiological correlates for meridians and acupoints. Studies in...

This article explores the valuable role of acupuncture as a supportive therapy during In vitro fertilization with embryo transfer (IVF-ET), demonstrating its ability to enhance success rates and increase the chances of pregnancy. From a modern biomedical perspective, acupuncture administered before and during the IVF cycle helps regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, promote hormonal balance, improve blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, and reduce psychological stress by inhibiting sympathetic activity. Frequently used acupoints in IVF support, typically located in the lower abdomen and middle to lower back, correspond anatomically with the innervation of the reproductive organs (T11–L2 and S2...

The article focuses on the significance of the BackInAction randomized clinical trial, published in JAMA Network Open, which evaluated the use of acupuncture for Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) in adults aged 65 and older. This trial was a direct response to a call by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to inform coverage decisions regarding acupuncture reimbursement for older adults. The study enrolled 800 seniors with CLBP, assigning them to one of three groups: usual medical care only, standard acupuncture, or enhanced acupuncture (which included maintenance sessions). The acupuncture protocols balanced scientific rigor with real-world practice flexibility, utilizing core points...

This article challenges the problematic educational trend of encouraging acupuncture students to prolong board exam preparation over 12 to 20 months, arguing that this delays licensure and fosters burnout and financial pressure. The core thesis is that momentum is the most powerful tool for students. The author advocates for an accelerated, structured study approach, citing models where students complete all four national exams (and the California exam, if needed) within four months, or sometimes as quickly as three weeks after an intensive 12-week course. The strategy is to study smarter, faster, and with purpose. Recommended smart strategies include using official board...

This installment in the "Spirits of the Points" series delves into the spiritual and emotional uses of Stomach meridian points ST 36 through ST 40, specifically addressing imbalances in the earth element. ST 36 (Leg Three Miles) is a powerful point for instilling energy, endurance, and the spiritual will needed to endure an arduous situation, particularly when a patient is close to giving up. ST 37 (Upper Great Void) and ST 39 (Lower Great Void) both treat emptiness and weakness, with ST 37 targeting upper-body deficiency, mental frailty, and an inability to receive inspiration. ST 39 focuses on the lower body, digestive functions, and lack of...

This research highlight offers compelling scientific support for using fire needling (FN) acupuncture as a treatment for knee osteoarthritis (OA), focusing on both pain relief and crucial cartilage protection. A study conducted on rats with induced OA (MIA model) found that the FN group, treated at common knee acupoints like Xuehai (SP 10) and Zusanli (ST 36), demonstrated significant post-treatment improvements. Assessments using micro-CT and histology confirmed improved bone structure and density. Critically, the treatment inhibited cartilage degeneration, supported by enhanced OARSI scores. Mechanistically, FN acupuncture reduced key pro-inflammatory proteins (MMP9 and MMP13) while increasing beneficial Type II collagen (COL2). Furthermore...

The American Society of Acupuncturists (ASA) has appointed Paul Magee as its new chair, effective September 1, 2025, succeeding Dr. Olivia Hsu Friedman. Magee is noted for bringing extensive experience and steady leadership to the ASA's governance. From 2018 to 2023, he held the inaugural position of Lead Acupuncturist for Allina Health’s expansive integrative health program, operating under the Penny George Institute for Health and Healing. In this role, Magee oversaw 36 licensed acupuncturists across more than 20 Minnesota locations. He was pivotal in developing a five-year strategic plan and leading efforts to align acupuncture services with the broader healthcare system. This integration effort in...

This article provides crucial clinical insights regarding the formation and management of vesicles (fluid-filled blisters) following cupping therapy, a skin response less common than ecchymosis but requiring proper clinical discernment. A case study involved a patient who developed multiple small, clear vesicles within 24 hours after moderate-to-strong stationary silicone cupping along the Bladder Meridian, which resolved spontaneously. Biomedically, vesicles are caused by excessive negative pressure that mechanically separates the epidermal and dermal layers, leading to the accumulation of plasma and lymphatic fluid. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) viewpoint, this phenomenon might signify the successful externalization of dampness or toxic...

This article provides an in-depth look at three involuntary facial motor disorders: blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm, and facial tics. Blepharospasm involves bilateral, forceful closure of the eyelids (orbicularis oculi muscles), often triggered by stress, and usually stops during sleep. Hemifacial spasm is unilateral twitching, commonly caused by vascular compression of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII), which uniquely, can persist during sleep. Facial tics are sudden, repetitive, non-rhythmic movements linked to stress or anxiety, and typically disappear during sleep. Western medical treatments include botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, muscle relaxants, or microvascular decompression surgery for persistent hemifacial spasm. From a Traditional...

This article addresses the systemic issues of fragmented insurance coverage and inadequate reimbursement defining the acupuncture profession in the U.S., arguing that this problem is shared by all frontline providers whose cognitive and relational services are undervalued. Currently, Medicare coverage is limited strictly to chronic low back pain, and Licensed Acupuncturists (L.Acs) lack recognition as independent providers. The proposed Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act aims to correct this structural inequity by granting L.Acs provider status under Medicare, which is crucial because CMS sets the policy tone for commercial carriers and Medicaid. The bill creates a choice...

This article explores the complexities faced by herbalists in applying foundational Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles to intricate modern illnesses like Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. Lyme often progresses to debilitating chronic or post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS), affecting the neurological, digestive, and joint systems. While Western antibiotics are effective early on, chronic cases often respond poorly or require additional support due to digestive sensitivity. A skillfully crafted TCM formula must utilize Emperor, Deputy, Assistant, and Envoy herbs to simultaneously target the pathogen and holistically support the body by modulating immunity and improving detoxification. TCM diagnosis often reveals...

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is making a significant stride toward improving U.S. veterans' access to integrative care, including acupuncture, through the rollout of external provider scheduling (EPS). This new cloud-based tool modernizes VA scheduling and drastically simplifies community care coordination. EPS allows VA schedulers to book approved appointments directly into a community provider's system in real time, which includes referral numbers. This streamlined process reduces the administrative burden on practitioners by eliminating delays from phone calls and faxes. The service is provided at no cost to the provider, integrates with over 150 electronic health record (EHR) systems...

This article shines a light on the alarming ocular complication associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists (such as semaglutide and liraglutide): Non-arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION). NAION is a serious condition causing sudden vision loss due to reduced blood flow and optic nerve damage. Troubling research indicates that semaglutide may approximately double the risk of NAION. Given the massive projected use of these weight loss drugs, the article warns that thousands of individuals could face NAION-related blindness. The underlying cause involves vascular dysregulation and optic nerve ischemia. Acupuncturists are urged to remain vigilant and counsel patients, particularly those with...

The modern healthcare landscape is driving acupuncturists away from the traditional fee-for-service model toward appealing alternatives like concierge and direct-pay care. These models offer stability and reduce the administrative burden associated with insurance processing, facilitating more individualized patient care. Key differences exist: direct-pay uses an all-inclusive membership fee, while concierge uses a membership fee but often continues to bill insurance. Adopting a mixed model structure, particularly concierge, introduces complexity regarding compliance with state and federal laws. A major point of confusion is HIPAA compliance. HIPAA applies only to "covered entities" who electronically transmit health information during standard transactions with...

This article serves as an essential guide for acupuncturists venturing into home visits, a crucial service for patients who are homebound due to injury, illness, or incapacitation. Providing safe and effective care outside the clinic demands meticulous preparation. Before the visit, practitioners must handle logistics, asking about crucial in-home factors like parking, pets, firearms, or smoking. All required paperwork, including consent to treat forms, must be completed beforehand. For both personal and vehicle safety, general emergency gear must be carried, and HIPAA compliance is non-negotiable; charts must be secured in a closed or locked container or on a password-protected...

This article offers a compelling look at the evolving state of acupuncture in the U.S. in the 21st century, highlighting its increasing clinical utilization and growing integration into mainstream healthcare. Twenty-eight years after WHO and NIH recommendations for acupuncture's widespread use, patient utilization has doubled, with a significant rise in pain management applications, moving from 1% to 2.2% of the population, impacting 7.3 million people.

A key takeaway is the crucial need for licensed acupuncturists to effectively communicate the value of their care to conventional providers, backed by robust safety profiles and current biomedical research. Acupuncture's ability to offer...

A significant evolution is on the horizon for the acupuncture profession! The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) has officially announced its name change to the National Certification Board for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (NCBAHM), effective January 2026. This pivotal decision, approved by the Board of Commissioners after extensive stakeholder input, marks a strategic step to align the organization's identity with the profession's evolving scope and values.

The new name, NCBAHM, is intended to better reflect the profession's cultural sensitivity and its growing presence in national healthcare conversations, encompassing acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and related...

Eleven years strong, Cleveland Clinic's Herbal Medicine Program stands as a beacon for integrating traditional healing with Western medical practice, demonstrating a profound shift towards holistic patient care. Founded by the visionary Dr. Tanya I. Edwards, the Center for Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine offers a diverse array of complementary therapies, from herbal medicine and acupuncture to yoga and reiki.

Established in 2014, the Chinese Herbal Therapy Clinic provides personalized herbal treatments for a spectrum of conditions, including chronic pain, digestive disorders, and infertility. What makes this program truly pioneering is its rigorous commitment to safety and quality, collaborating...

Exciting news for aspiring Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners! Yo San University in Los Angeles has forged a groundbreaking dual-degree partnership with Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (ZCMU) in Hangzhou, China. This unique collaboration offers an unparalleled opportunity for students to earn not one, but two degrees across continents, fostering a truly international and immersive educational experience.

Students can now pursue either a joint master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine or a joint PhD / Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM) program. These programs are meticulously designed to provide world-class instruction, hands-on clinical training at both prestigious un...

California recently marked a pivotal moment in healthcare history: the 50th anniversary of acupuncture's legalization in the state, signed into law by then-Governor Jerry Brown in 1975. This commemorative grand gala, co-hosted by the Asia Pacific American Public Affairs Association – Pacific Coast Chapter and the UCLA Center for East-West Medicine, celebrated five decades of progress where acupuncture evolved from facing prosecution to being recognized as "mainstream American medicine".

With over 20,000 acupuncture licenses issued and millions benefiting, California stands as a leader, hosting half of the nation's licensed acupuncturists. The event honored key figures like Congresswoman Judy Chu, dubbed th...

Empower your senior patients with the secrets to radiant, natural skin! This article highlights how holistic practitioners can offer an arsenal of natural treatments for seniors seeking aesthetic confidence as they age. With growing awareness of harmful chemicals in cosmetics—the U.S. bans only 11, compared to the EU's 2,400+—choosing healthy skincare is vital, especially for a vulnerable senior population.

The piece advocates for a multi-pronged approach: cosmetic acupuncture and microneedling to encourage the body's natural healing and improve texture, supported by food and herbal therapy for beauty from within. It strongly advises educating patients about toxic ingr...

The COVID-19 pandemic forced healthcare practitioners to master "the art of adapting," and this article showcases how the acupuncture and bodywork community creatively integrated new practices while reaffirming the value of in-person connection. Remote teaching of qi gong and shiatsu theory flourished, with instructors finding innovative ways to stimulate group qi and embody energetic principles through self-healing practices even on Zoom. Many continue to offer community qi gong classes and detox sessions, proving invaluable for seniors and those impacted by isolation.

While virtual consultations for herbal medicine proved useful, practitioners like Janet Cook quickly returned to in-person...

Unlocking a powerful new pathway to holistic health for individuals with Type 2 Diabetes, this article highlights a groundbreaking randomized, controlled trial. It reveals that combining acupuncture with an anti-inflammatory diet is significantly more effective than diet alone or standard care in managing T2DM, especially when compounded by depression and anxiety. Imagine a therapy that not only reduces mental health symptoms by approximately 20%, but also lowers HbA1C levels by 0.82 mmol/mol and decreases abdominal obesity by an average of 4.14 cm, all without serious adverse events.

The eight-week intervention involved specific acupuncture points traditionally known for regulating...

Unlock the "forbidden secrets" of ancient Chinese longevity for women! This insightful article, the third in a series, reveals how emotional health is intrinsically linked to reproductive health, hormonal balance, and the aging process in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It highlights the critical, yet often overlooked, heart-kidney connection (xin shen xiang jiao), asserting that excessive stress, heartbreak, or emotional suppression can deplete jing (essence) faster than physical exertion, leading to premature aging and chronic fatigue.

The article shares imperial palace secrets for jing preservation, including powerful emotional healing techniques. The "Moon Reflection Ritual", practiced during the full...

Are you getting the most out of your acupuncture treatments? This article challenges practitioners to move beyond "clinical autopilot" and "shotgun" point selections, advocating for a deeply focused and minimal use of acupuncture points (typically two to four) for more effective therapeutic outcomes. The author argues that a large, unfocused collection of points can lead to "fuzzy" or "cloudy" clinical results, while a precise, intentional approach yields powerful transformations.

The core of this nuanced simplicity lies in cultivating "yi" – clear, focused mind-awareness or intelligence – during the entire clinical encounter. This involves deeply listening to the patient's unique subj...

Uncover the sacred, subtle flame within: this article beautifully explores the compelling and symbiotic relationship between the "fire element" and the pelvic bowl in Chinese medicine. Far from being devoid of fire, the pelvis is home to a generative flame that sustains life, transformation, and essence. The discussion delves into concepts like the lower tan tien, often called the body's cauldron, where the fire of the heart-mind descends to transform jing (essence) into qi (vital energy).

The article also illuminates the lower san jiao, which optimizes elimination and enhances vitality, and the profound ** ming men (Life Gate...

In a healthcare landscape where MRI, the "gold standard" for diagnosing radiculopathies, often requires elusive preauthorization, this article shines a spotlight on re-emphasizing case history and observation as crucial diagnostic tools. It challenges the over-reliance on physical tests, which often have marginal reliability, advocating for clinicians to bring detailed patient history and astute observation to the forefront of radicular diagnostics.

The article outlines specific indicators that can significantly enhance a clinician's ability to diagnose radiculopathies. For instance, extremity pain being more severe than spinal pain is a strong indicator, as are patient facial expressions that escalate to...

Dive into the ancient wisdom that underpins modern acupuncture! This article explores the profound correlations between Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM) principles and the body's intrinsic ability to maintain homeostasis, especially in treating chronic pain and disease. Drawing from foundational texts like The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine (Huang Di Nei Jing), it emphasizes that harmony, achieved through the constant balance of yin and yang, is the ideal state for the human body.

Crucially, the article highlights how acupuncture achieves this balance by influencing the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which regulates vital functions like temperature, respiration, an...

Delve into the fascinating science behind acupuncture's impact on stroke recovery! This article, part two of a series, explores how functional MRI (fMRI) technology is revealing the objective brain changes induced by acupuncture treatment for stroke. Research highlights distinct patterns of brain activation immediately and long-term after acupuncture, particularly in regions like the left cuneus, precuneus, middle frontal gyrus, insula, hippocampus, angular gyrus, and superior parietal gyrus, underscoring their role as key regulatory areas.

The article details specific techniques, such as Jin’s three-needle technique combined with mirror therapy, which has been shown to activate more brain fu...

Acupuncturists face a critical, often unacknowledged role in today's fragmented healthcare system: navigating the complexities of chronic pain care for PPO patients. This article highlights a glaring gap: while acupuncture offers measurable relief, these patients frequently lack a functioning relationship with a primary care provider (PCP), leading to neglected basic screenings and undetected conditions. Acupuncturists, often the only providers offering hands-on, relational care, frequently become de facto "gatekeepers," noticing crucial symptoms or overdue screenings that other specialists miss.

This informal role creates an ethical and clinical dilemma: acupuncturists may be legally permitted to order diagnostic tests in...

This article explores using acupuncture's transverse Luo vessels to cultivate emotional processing capacity, particularly for patients struggling with difficult emotions. Author Nicholas Sieben emphasizes that understanding patients requires going beyond symptoms to "see their spirit, emotions, and mind," creating resonance rooted in spirit. Acupuncture channels are described as "roadways of life," with rebellious qi and emotional components indicating Luo vessel involvement.

The piece highlights a clinical case of a patient with extreme difficulty managing anxiety and suppressed emotions. The treatment strategy, rooted in the "emotional Luo" model, focused on "leaning into" emotions rather than avoiding them, a...

The Acupuncture Herbal Vendor Coalition (AHVC) is a newly formed alliance of companies supplying needles, herbs, and practice supplies to the East Asian medicine community. Shifting from rivalry to collaboration, the AHVC aims to advocate for the profession by pooling resources to foster growth, resilience, and continuity.

The coalition seeks to amplify support beyond individual company contributions, building bridges between commerce, education, and public understanding. Key initiatives include sharing market data with professional leadership, developing unified, non-company-specific educational opportunities, and leveraging extensive contact lists for broader consumer advocacy. The AHVC intends to present a distinct voice within...