Joseph Wollen

Joe Wollen is currently working on his master's degree in TCM at the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Denver. He started in AOM by working in the school's library, eventually becoming the head librarian. He continued his studies of Chinese medicine outside of regular classes by sitting clinic with his instructors. He continues his training in the martial arts with Master Carpenter of the Wu-Tang martial arts systems of Tai Chi Chuan and Hsing I Chuan. He has studied the Tien Tao (Heaven's Way) healing and meditation systems, as well as Native American Shamanism.

Previous Articles

Experiencing Family
November 2008 (Vol. 09, Issue 11)
Gaining Confidence as a Student
August 2008 (Vol. 09, Issue 08)
The Left and Right Brain Frustrations of TCM School
May 2008 (Vol. 09, Issue 05)
The Importance of Finding/Remembering a Mentor
February 2008 (Vol. 09, Issue 02)
Trending
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