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The stomach, known as “The Official of Rotting and Ripening Food and Drink,” with its paired official, the spleen, represents the earth element within us. I discussed the stomach official in detail in the June 2017 issue, including its manifestations at the physical, mental and spirit levels. This article covers…

On March 9, 2024, the Medicare conversion adjusted upward 1.69%. This increase means approximately $1.00-$4.00 per unit depending on manual or electroacupuncture. Reimbursements for therapies increased from 50 cents to $4.00, depending on the code, while rates for Evaluation and Management services increased $5-$15, approximately.

In recognition of the potential of AI to transform acupuncture practice, the NCCAOM has established an AI Taskforce. This taskforce aims to explore the responsible integration of AI into acupuncture practice, with a focus on ensuring patient safety, maintaining ethical standards, and promoting the highest quality of care.

California State “Governor’s Proposed 2024-25 May Revision” cuts acupuncture as Medi-Cal Benefit, starting January 2025. This cut will stop the existing acupuncture services for millions of much-needed Medi-Cal beneficiaries, and negatively impact the acupuncture profession in California. Due to the short window to make any change, the profession's immediate assistance…

The Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM) has announced it is closing after 41 years. Pending accreditor approval, OCOM will cease offering classes after September (fourth-year OCOM students graduate Aug. 26). All current / incoming OCOM students have the option of continuing their education at the National University of Natural…

At the cutting edge of integrative health care, four pioneering organizations have united to form the Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Coalition (The AHM Coalition). Officially launched at the American Society of Acupuncturists (ASA) Annual Conference on April 7, 2024, this landmark coalition heralds a new era for health care.

Xueling

Oral contraceptive pills (OCP) are the first-line therapy for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) patients. However, these medications can cause adverse effects such as nausea, headaches, and hypertension. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated efficacy in managing these side effects and improving the quality of life of affected patients.

Chronic pain afflicts over 20% of the adult population. Sadly, most MDs have essentially no education in treating pain, beyond offering a few toxic medications. Then they tend to steer people with pain away from those health practitioners who are trained. This puts the acupuncture community on the front lines…

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, occurs when the pressure in a person’s blood vessels is too high. At rest, a pressure cuff reading higher than 140 mmHg systolic or 90 mmHg diastolic two days in a row qualifies as hypertension. The consequences of leaving this condition untreated can…

It is interesting that in Chinese medicine, anxiety was not originally considered a disease category, but rather was added later. The disease categories that correlate to anxiety are jing ji – palpitations and fear; and zheng chong – panic throbbing. Both include a state of fear, but are also connected…

Beverley

The end of cancer treatment does not necessarily signal a return to good health. Cancer survivors report poorer health and well-being than people who have not had cancer; many suffer chronic consequences of cancer and its treatments. Some may also develop new symptoms many years after treatment has ended.

Once considered one of the top acupuncture schools in the U.S., AOMA closed its doors in April. At its peak, the school trained over 300 students annually to master’s and doctoral levels. Alas, like other acupuncture schools AOMA was hit by rising costs and low enrollments following COVID.

In the profitable world of modern health care and “polypharmacy,” certain medications, while potentially beneficial in treating various conditions, may harbor unforeseen dangers. Among these are anticholinergic drugs, which not only increase the risk of falls, but are also associated with the development dementia, particularly in older adults.

Stretching is simple, easy, and accessible with modifications. Some practitioners have asked me why I don’t teach qigong or tai chi. Most patients are just not active enough to even know how to coordinate breathing in while raising their arms up and breathing out while bringing their arms down.

My personal favorite formula to use to gently clear systemic stagnation before and during the summer months is a modified Yue Ju Wan (“Escape Restraint Formula”). Another potential formula that can be used is the classic Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang (“Blood Mansion Drive-Out Stasis Decoction”). The resolution of sleep…

People today want convenience, whether it be from their bank, credit card, favorite retail store, or restaurant. They demand it from the companies who hold their loyalty, including their health care providers (you). They don’t want to call and possibly be put on hold, and they want to use an…

Emailing your clients can educate them, but more surreptitiously, you can use it for marketing. It’s (mostly) free advertising that can help you grow your business, if that's something you're interested in doing. Here are my top three takeaways from years of sending weekly emails to my clients.

Melanie