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.
Northwestern Raises Funds for Hurricane Victims
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. - Northwestern Health Sciences University, home to the Minnesota College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, recently held a fundraising drive for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. The drive, held Sep. 6-9, ended up raising more than $9,000, which will be donated to the American Red Cross.
"I'm very impressed with the students, faculty, and staff of Northwestern," said Jeff King, Northwestern's recruiter and chair of the university's community services committee, which was responsible for collecting funds during the event.
Students, faculty and staff from Northwestern all participated in the fundraiser, which generated a total of $4,624.09 in donations. The funds were then matched by Foot Levelers, Inc., a Virginia-based orthotics supplier, bringing the total raised to $9,248.18.
According to a Northwestern press release, the $4,600 in funds is the most the university has ever raised for a single cause. Previously, faculty, staff and students contributed $987 plus more than 800 hours of paid time off to the family of Marlene Nassen, the university's custodial services manager, following her death in February 2005.