On April 1, 2026, China implemented a landmark national standard: Classification and Determination of TCM Constitution. Although designated as a recommended rather than mandatory standard, it represents a major step in modernizing traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) by converting traditional constitution theory into a clear, measurable and clinically practical framework. By clarifying the relationship between constitution, disease, and pattern differentiation, the standard strengthens professional credibility, supports research, and enhances patient-centered treatment.
Acupuncture Poll
The Acupuncture Poll question for December 2004 was:
What percentage of your patients are referred to you from medical doctors or chiropractors?
Results:
These results are based upon 283 responses. As this is a voluntary, non-scientific survey, caution should be used in generalizing the results. Here is a sample of the comments made by those who took the survey and how they voted. Some comments have been edited for brevity.
0%-25%: In New Jersey, patients need a diagnosis or referral ... while all of my patients have a diagnosis, very, very few come to my office with a referral.
26%-50%: The percentage increases every year.
26%-50%: I find MDs and DCs are accepting of acupuncture, especially when allopathy has failed the patient.
To vote in the current Acupuncture Poll, or to review comments and responses to previous poll questions, visit acupuncturetoday.com/acupuncturepoll.