Shabnam Pourhassani, LAc, QME, DACM

Dr. Shabnam Pourhassani attained a bachelor's degree in holistic science (2006) and master's degree in acupuncture and Oriental medicine (2008) from South Baylo University; and her doctorate in acupuncture and Chinese medicine (DACM) from Pacific College of Health Sciences in 2021. She practices in Newport Beach, Calif., and is an inpatient staff member of Cedars Sinai Medical Center and the California Rehabilitation Institute [a Cedars Sinai / University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Health partnership].

Previous Articles

Navigating the Complexities of Chronic Pain Care Under PPO Plans
October 1, 2025 (Vol. 26, Issue 10)
The Benefits of Building a Referral Culture in Acupuncture
August 1, 2025 (Vol. 26, Issue 8)
Acupuncture Employment Negotiation in the Time of Specialization
November 2023 (Vol. 24, Issue 11)
Ethical Considerations for Acupuncturists: Egg Freezing
January 2023 (Vol. 24, Issue 01)
Infertility Is Not a Disease
November 2022 (Vol. 23, Issue 11)
Caffeine, Acupuncture and Pain
June 2022 (Vol. 23, Issue 06)
Venous Thromboembolism (VTE): Can Acupuncture Help Save Lives?
April 2022 (Vol. 23, Issue 04)
Acupuncture Fees Don't Make Sense
February 2022 (Vol. 23, Issue 02)
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.