Tech Corner

Aram Akopyan, MD, LAc

Dr. Aram A. Akopyan, a licensed acupuncturist in California, holds advanced degrees in computer science, information technology and TCM. He completed his clinical residency at the Sichuan Academy of TCM in China and subsequently earned his qualifications for medical doctor (MD), specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation. He serves as the clinical director for Nepal Pain Relief; and is the director of communications for the European Traditional Chinese Medicine Association (ETCMA). As chair of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task Force for the NCCAOM, Dr. Akopyan spearheads initiatives to incorporate artificial intelligence into acupuncture for enhanced patient care.

Previous Articles

Embracing Evolution: Merging Innovation With the Ancient Wisdom of TCM
August 1, 2025 (Vol. 26, Issue 8)
Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics in Acupuncture
May 1, 2025 (Vol. 26, Issue 5)
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Diagnosis
That Nagging Qi Stagnation Between the Shoulder Blades (Pt. 2)
That Nagging Qi Stagnation Between the Shoulder Blades

After a thorough examination to rule out the cervical and thoracic spine, what you have left is sharp, localized qi stagnation of the soft tissues causing the “rhomboid pain.” If it’s not the C or T spine causing the problem, then what could be causing this tissue issue? It can be a bunch of different reasons such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, poor posture, muscle imbalances, trauma, deconditioning, overuse, etc.

Christopher Chapleau, DAc, LAc, Dipl. Ac., AIT, IMT, MSHP, CES, HMS
Herbal Medicine
TCM for GERD, Gluten Intolerance
TCM for GERD, Gluten Intolerance

The patterns expressed under the umbrella of a GERD diagnosis typically include various combinations of liver qi stagnation (potentially with depressive heat), spleen qi deficiency, rebellious stomach qi, stomach fire, food stagnation, and stomach yin deficiency. In long-term cases of GERD, it is not uncommon for three to four patterns to overlap at the same time.

Craig Williams, LAc, AHG
Your Practice / Business
The Benefits of Building a Referral Culture in Acupuncture
The Benefits of Building a Referral Culture in Acupuncture

As licensed acupuncturists with the ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat using a variety of modalities, including herbal medicine, we are entrusted with a high level of clinical responsibility. Yet in an age of professional forums, online groups and social media communities, there is a growing trend of practitioners asking for case-specific treatment advice instead of referring the patient in question to a trusted colleague.

Shabnam Pourhassani, LAc, QME, DACM