In recent years, between the reduction of insurance reimbursement rates coupled with the act signed by Governor Murphy in 2022 which permits physical therapists to perform dry needling, acupuncture as a profession has been negatively affected in the state of New Jersey. Therefore, current conditions demand we evaluate areas where we can expand our scope of practice to experience meaningful growth for the profession.
The Acupuncture Coalition of New Jersey is a nonprofit corporation and new association led by a group of acupuncturists dedicated to growing the profession by expanding the scope of practice for licensed acupuncturists in New Jersey. While ACNJ is a separate association from the New Jersey Acupuncture Society, we are in agreement that scope expansion is in the best interest of our profession.
The mission of NJAS is to protect the profession, and it did its best to block the act that allowed physical therapists to perform dry needling. It will continue those efforts if other professions try to do the same. The mission of ACNJ is specifically focused on expanding our scope of practice. We are aiming to enhance patient care while boosting practitioner revenue. Our innovative initiatives include the integration of acupuncture injection therapy (AIT), IV vitamin therapy, ordering imaging and bloodwork, veterinary acupuncture, and the introduction of acupuncture assistants.
The inclusion of AIT is a game-changer for the profession. In the arenas of pain management, reducing anxiety and depression and enhancing immunity. AIT allows acupuncturists to inject homeopathic formulations, herbs and vitamins directly into acupuncture points to provide more targeted relief. It combines the ancient wisdom of acupuncture with modern therapeutic methods. This not only enhances treatment efficacy, but also empowers patients by giving them a wider array of options for managing their health.
Moreover, the proposed inclusion of IV vitamin therapy represents another pillar of Eastern medicine's training, utilizing not only our advanced skills with regard to needle insertion, but also our understanding of the importance of nutrition in wellness. By enabling acupuncturists to administer these therapies, patients can safely experience the greater benefits of reduced pain, improved energy levels and overall vitality from an Eastern medicine standpoint. These methods do not compete with Western medical practices, but instead compliment them while offering natural safe alternatives where needed.
The ability to order imaging and bloodwork further enhances diagnostic capabilities, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care tailored to their unique needs. This represents a significant leap toward a more integrated health care system, allowing acupuncturists to collaborate seamlessly with other providers.
The coalition is also advocating for veterinary acupuncture, recognizing that holistic practices can benefit our animal companions. By extending acupuncture services to pets, practitioners can contribute to pet health and well-being, fostering a deeper connection between humans and animals through shared healing experiences.
Another component of this expansion is the introduction of acupuncture assistants. These trained professionals will assist licensed acupuncturists by performing adjunctive therapies and removing needles, thereby allowing practitioners to focus more on patient assessment and holistic treatment planning. This collaborative approach not only enhances efficiency, but also enriches the patient’s experience.
The Acupuncture Coalition of New Jersey's efforts are not just about expanding our practice; we are joining other states in the reimagining of acupuncturists in the realm of health care. States like Florida, New Mexico, Arizona and Maryland have already successfully implemented many of these therapies into their scopes of practice, giving New Jersey inspiration to follow suit.
In addition, NCCAOM is creating an Acupuncture Injection Therapy Certificate of Qualification – a nationally recognized, competency-based assessment designed to demonstrate practitioners meet the highest standards of excellence in their practice of AIT. This will further pave the way by creating a standard of eligibility requirements.
By advocating for these changes, we are positioning acupuncturists as vital players in the holistic health care landscape.
The road ahead is clear and the coalition’s commitment to expanding the scope of acupuncture practice in New Jersey speaks for our dedication to both practitioners and patients alike. As we work to bring these initiatives to fruition, we inspire a vision of a healthier, more inclusive future – one in which acupuncture’s benefits are recognized by all, and where the synergy of various healing practices can flourish.
The Acupuncture Coalition of New Jersey is fully confident in this transformative journey. We believe it is not a matter of "if" this will happen, but "when."
Financial support is needed to continue to fund the legislative and advocacy efforts necessary to get these bills passed. We encourage practitioners in New Jersey to join our new association and to support this beneficial initiative. We also welcome support from practitioners in other states.
If practitioners in other states want to expand their scope, we would be happy to share our experience and offer guidance. Together, we can achieve this goal and create a brighter future for our profession through our efforts toward ongoing growth and expansion.
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.
In prior issues, Neil discussed the Gallbladder Official as a whole (March 20 including points 17 and 24); points 37-41 (June 2013); points 1, 16, and 20 (May 2021); and points 2-3, 8-9, and 12-13 (April 2024). This article focuses on GB points 7, 10, 14-15, 18-19, 21, and 23.
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