One of the longest nerves in the body is known as the vagus nerve (VN). The VN is the 10th pair of cranial nerves that originates at the brain stem in the medulla oblongata. This nerve is part of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is a part of the ANS. Research suggests ear acupuncture can activate the VN.
Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act Gains Two More Co-Sponsors
Two more members of Congress have joined as co-sponsors of HR 818, the Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act of 2005, bringing the total number of co-sponsors to 38. The newest co-sponsors are:
- Rep. Donna M. Christensen (D-Virgin Islands)
- Rep. Linda T. Sanchez (D-CA, 39 th district)
Ms. Sanchez is the 10 th representative from California to co-sponsor HR 818, and the eighth member of the House Government Reform Committee to co-sponsor the legislation. The House Government Reform Committee is one of three committees currently investigating the merits of the bill. All told, representatives from 17 states and two U.S. territories have signed on as co-sponsors of HR 818.
For more information on the status of the Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act, visit http://thomas.loc.gov, and enter "HR 818" in the "Search Bill Text" box.