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.
Corrections
In the July 2005 issue, Acupuncture Today reported that a study on green and black tea and diabetes had appeared in an issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Research. The study actually appeared in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
Also in the July 2005 issue, we reported that five acupuncture colleges in the U.S. offer doctoral programs in acupuncture and Oriental medicine. In fact, as of this writing, seven schools have been approved to offer doctoral programs from either the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine or the National Oriental Medicine Accreditation Agency - the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Bastyr University, Emperor's College of Traditional Oriental Medicine, Five Branches Institute, Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, and South Baylo University.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our readers.