A few weeks ago, we reported on the introduction of California Assembly Bill (A.B.) 918, legislation that, if passed into law, would replace the state's current acupuncture licensing examination with one or more of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) exams. There are now signs the bill may be amended in a single, significant way: by allowing applicants the option of taking either the state acupuncture examination (CALE) or the NCCAOM examination(s) as a requisite for licensure.
According to sources, the amendment remains under discussion, although highlights of a March 16 town hall meeting on the California State Oriental Medical Association website (posted March 17) note that taking the board exam is an option. The bill text does not reflect any such amendment yet.
A fundamental difference between the two exams (and by all accounts, the primary impetus for A.B. 918 being introduced) is that NCCAOM certification is increasingly recognized by other states. Thus, a practitioner deciding to move from California to another state with only the state licensing exam (CALE) in tow might face hurdles practicing in their new state – certainly without at least taking the "new" state's examination. On the other hand, a California emigrant armed with NCCAOM certification would have a smoother transition to practice in their new state of residency, particularly if that state recognizes NCCAOM certification.
As we noted in our first article, A.B. 918 is endorsed by CSOMA, which provides an education packet including a comprehensive FAQ and additional resources for acupuncturists on its website. For background on the bill and to track its progress through the California legislature, click here. To access CSOMA's A.B. 918 education packet, click here.
Acupuncture can provide constipation relief while maintaining a healthy pregnancy. A combination of San Jiao 6 (Zhi Gou) and Stomach 36 (Zu San Li) is excellent for treating constipation during pregnancy. San Jiao 6 is the shu-stream and fire point of the San Jiao channel. It can regulate the qi of the three jiaos, unblock the qi of the fu organs, descend counterflow fire, open the orifices, activate the collaterals to disperse stagnation, and eliminate distention to stop pain.
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.
Mitochondria, the cell’s “powerhouses,” generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), regulate oxidative stress, and coordinate vital cellular functions. When mitochondrial health declines, patients may experience widespread effects, from impaired muscle recovery to cognitive decline. The mitochondrial theory of aging even suggests progressive mitochondrial deterioration is a central mechanism in chronic disease and systemic frailty. Photobiomodulation (PBM), the therapeutic use of red and near-infrared light, directly targets mitochondria to restore energy metabolism.
