James Spears, MS

James Spears graduated from the International Institute of Chinese Medicine in 2001. He has studied in five university hospitals in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Hang-zhou; and studied and practiced in the U.S., Vietnam and Thailand. From 2008-2011, he was approved by the NCCAOM to lead educational tours to China for post-graduates. James has been practicing the Balance Method and Tung style acupuncture since 2004, and has written the book Meridian Circuit Systems. His current research is on Master Tung's points and how they relate to fascial plane anatomy. For more information or to contact him, visit www.ihsociety.com.

Previous Articles

Acupuncture and Fascial Planes: The Power of Non-Local Needling
December 2020 (Vol. 21, Issue 12)
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.