Benjamin Hawes, DAcCHM, LAc, Dipl. OM

Dr. Benjamin Hawes focuses his practice on aligning the body, soul, and mind to be greater than the sum of their parts through transformative work in multiple modalities including acupuncture, herbal medicine, craniosacral therapy, shamanism, and Zen meditation. He is the developer of the Backupuncture system of distal acupuncture spinal realignment, which he has taught to other acupuncturists as an NCCAOM continuing-education provider.

Prior to studying traditional East Asian medicine, Dr. Hawes graduated magna cum laude from Brown University with a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies with honors. He completed his master's degree at the New England School of Acupuncture and his Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine degree from the Pacific College of Health Sciences. 

Previous Articles

Acupuncture and Neuroplasticity: A Promising Treatment for PTSD
May 1, 2025 (Vol. 26, Issue 5)
Trending
Billing / Fees / Insurance
The State of 21st Century Acupuncture in the U.S. (Pt. 3)
The State of 21st Century Acupuncture in the U.S.

Whether you accept it, avoid it or live somewhere in between, insurance coverage has become a defining issue for our profession. Patients increasingly expect to use their benefits, practitioners want to be compensated fairly for their time and expertise, and the system itself remains – at best – fragmented. The encouraging news is that coverage has expanded in meaningful ways. The challenging news is that reimbursement, across the board, remains inadequate.

Clasina (Sina) Leslie Smith, MS, MA, LAc, MD, Dipl. Ac., FAAMA
Chinese & Asian Medicine
Vesicle Formation After Cupping: Clinical Insights & Management Considerations
Vesicle Formation After Cupping: Clinical Insights & Management Considerations

While the formation of erythema and ecchymosis is an anticipated skin response to cupping therapy, the appearance of post-treatment vesicles remains less discussed in clinical literature. This article presents a case study of vesicle formation following cupping therapy, explores underlying pathophysiology, and offers management guidelines to support practitioners in addressing this phenomenon safely and effectively.

Roman Slavinskiy, LAc
Acupuncture Techniques
Understanding Facial Spasms and Tics
Understanding Facial Spasms and Tics

Facial movements are essential for communication, expression and function. But when these movements become involuntary, they can lead to conditions that are not only physically uncomfortable, but also socially and emotionally distressing. Today, we’re taking a closer look at three common facial motor disorders – blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm and facial tics – and how both Western medicine and TCM view and treat them.

Michelle Gellis, AP, Dipl. Ac.