The Business of Acupuncture

Nell Smircina, MBA, DAOM, LAc, Dipl. OM

Dr. Nell Smircina is a practitioner, advocate and investor with a passion for helping others become more proficient with the business of acupuncture. She draws from her experience as the founder of COGENT Acupuncture (formerly PIQUE Health), as well as a past president of CSOMA and former vice chair of public policy for the American Society of Acupuncturists. Dr. Nell is constantly looking for ways to strengthen the industry of acupuncture: she is currently partnering with an investment firm to acquire a business in the integrative health space and help the company toward its next stage of growth. Learn more at drnell.com.

Previous Articles

Profession at a Crossroads: What Must Change
Co-Author: Shabnam Pourhassani, LAc, QME, DACM
May 1, 2026 (Vol. 27, Issue 5)
The Acupuncture Industry’s Hidden Value
October 1, 2024 (Vol. 25, Issue 10)
Redefining Your Practice as a Career (Pt. 2)
July 1, 2024 (Vol. 25, Issue 7)
Redefining Your Practice as a Career (Pt. 1)
April 2024 (Vol. 25, Issue 4)
Three Steps to Getting Past Your Issues With Money
December 2023 (Vol. 24, Issue 12)
Think Beyond Your Clinic: The Advantages of Industry Involvement for Acupuncturists
September 2023 (Vol. 24, Issue 09)
You Need a Business Plan! (Pt. 2)
June 2023 (Vol. 24, Issue 06)
You Need a Business Plan! (Pt. 1)
April 2023 (Vol. 24, Issue 04)
Get Creative Building Your Practice
February 2023 (Vol. 24, Issue 02)
It's Time to Remove the Fear of Discussing Informed Consent
December 2022 (Vol. 23, Issue 12)
Get the Most Out of Your Industry Pitch
October 2022 (Vol. 23, Issue 10)
Master the Art of Storytelling: How to Articulate Why You Do What You Do
August 2022 (Vol. 23, Issue 08)
Three Key Elements to an Introduction That Makes People Want to Hear More
June 2022 (Vol. 23, Issue 06)
Ready to Make a Connection? Five Steps to Effective Networking
April 2022 (Vol. 23, Issue 04)
Top 5 Essential Elements for Exponential Practice Growth in 2022
February 2022 (Vol. 23, Issue 02)
Trending
Women's Health
A Harmonious Point Combination to Treat Constipation During Pregnancy
A Harmonious Point Combination to Treat Constipation During Pregnancy

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.

Jacky Zhu, MAOM, LAc
Acupuncture Techniques
Acupuncture’s Role in Stimulating the Vagus Nerve
Acupuncture’s Role in Stimulating the Vagus Nerve

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.

Amanda Archuleta, DAOM, LAc
Your Practice / Business
Putting Mitochondrial Health at the Center of Clinical Care
Putting Mitochondrial Health at the Center of Clinical Care

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.

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Phil Harrington, DC, CMLSO, FASLMS