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

Evidence-Based Practice: A Practical Tech Guide for TCM Practitioners and Students
May 1, 2026 (Vol. 27, Issue 5)
Acupuncture Isn’t the Whole of TCM: Why Titles and Training Matter
February 1, 2026 (Vol 27, Issue 2)
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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News / Profession
Classification and Determination of TCM Constitution: China’s New National Standard
Classification and Determination of TCM Constitution

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.

Ann Y Wang, CMD (China), LAc
News / Profession
Profession at a Crossroads: What Must Change
Profession at a Crossroads: What Must Change

The field of acupuncture in the U.S. continues to grow in visibility, patient demand and clinical effectiveness. Yet behind the curtain, many acupuncturists are quietly struggling to keep their doors open. While the profession is rooted in centuries of healing tradition, modern economic pressures – particularly those driven by insurance limitations, low reimbursement rates and job-market saturation – are making it increasingly difficult for licensed acupuncturists to thrive.

Shabnam Pourhassani, LAc, QME, DACM
Acupuncture & Acupressure
It’s Time to Stop Prescribing Points
It's Time to Stop Prescribing Points

A student stands over a patient, needle poised. They have a “perfect” prescription: a textbook combination of points harvested from a lecture slide on chronic lower back pain. But as the needle meets the skin, the student hesitates - the symptom of a quiet habit that has taken hold of our profession. We routinely say we “prescribe” points. It sounds efficient. It echoes the authority of biomedical culture and fits neatly into the insurance field. But vocabulary is never neutral; repeated long enough, it dictates behavior.

Bruce W. Park, DACM