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I’ve recently started using a new handheld thermography device that provides immediate thermal images and shows me (and my patient) particular areas of higher and lower temperatures. Musculoskeletal thermography (MT, also known as infrared thermography or thermal imaging), is a non-invasive tool that uses infrared cameras to detect and visualize…

Consequences for HIPAA violations can often be quite harsh. If someone has breached the HIPAA privacy regulations – even without any malicious intent, civil penalties are applicable: $100 per violation for unawareness, a minimum of $1,000 for reasonable cause, a minimum of $10,000 if willful neglect is present and then…

As an acupuncturist, you might not be billing insurance, but even for those who primarily operate on a cash basis, it is important to have a foundational knowledge of insurance because it can broaden the scope of accessibility to your services. Let’s examine the different ways that an acupuncture practice…

The current 24-hour cycle that has been regarded as fact in the teaching of traditional Chinese medical (TCM) theory is due a reconsideration. With the advancements of modern science, we are able to start a discussion regarding a different approach to a chronological time wheel from a number of different…

The luo vessels are important in the treatment of mental health issues. They are conduits of “ying qi”: blood and fluids. We believe that the shen is “housed” in the heart and circulated through the blood, making a channel system that “conducts” ying qi ideal for treatment of the mind…

Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang (DHJST), a Chinese herbal medicine documented in Important Formulas Worth a Thousand Gold Pieces, originated during the Tang Dynasty. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, this formula treats kidney and liver deficiency causing chronic pain in the low back and knees.

It is well-known in Chinese medical theory that nourishing yin and treating patterns of yin deficiency are notoriously challenging, particularly with acupuncture alone. Let’s discuss how practitioners can use acupuncture in unique ways to help support patients with yin deficiency patterns beyond the standard kidney meridian points.

In prior issues, Neil discussed the kidney official as a whole and specific points on the kidney meridian (points 1, 2, 3, 7, and 8; and points 24, 25, 26, and 27). This article focuses on the clinical applications of KI 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17.

Microneedling is a cosmetic treatment growing in popularity among acupuncturists. It involves using a pen-like tool to puncture the skin with tiny needles to stimulate collagen production and rejuvenate the skin. It’s a safe and effective procedure that can be performed using a variety of microneedling devices.

The thoracic spine, abdomen and rib cage are a common source of pain and dysfunction for many people. When the thoracic spine does not move properly it will influence the movement and postural dynamics of the body above and below. This area can have an impact on everything including the…

Niloo

Important new study findings published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) suggest the TCM medicine Tongxinluo, “which means ‘to open (tong) the network (luo) of the heart (xin),’” and is “composed of powders and extracts from multiple plant and insect products,” can improve clinical outcomes in ST-elevation…

This case study demonstrates not only a very successful traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment result for stress reaction and anxiety disorder, but also confirms the positive impact of TCM in stopping reliance on habit-forming sedative-hypnotic drugs such as Xanax. The diagnosis procedure and the treatments are based on the mental…

I have spent the past 48 years researching effective treatments for postviral and other causes of CFS and fibromyalgia. This has included eight studies on a variety of effective treatments and protocols. Long COVID is simply one more form of postviral chronic fatigue syndrome.

As I am sure many of you are aware, diagnosis coding updates occur every October 1st. In fact, although they are next-year changes (in this case, 2024), their effective date is Oct. 1 of the year prior. For 2024, there are 526 new codes, 22 revisions and 25 deleted codes.…

As 2023 winds down and 2024, the Year of the Wood Dragon, draws near, let’s revisit the acupuncture / traditional medicine profession’s year, as told through the pages of Acupuncture Today. We’ve selected one article per month to highlight (not including this month / issue), providing a quick summary and…

I recently had a wonderful teaching opportunity with a patient who experienced tremendous results using the patent medicine Gan Mao Ling for an acute cold / flu. Consequently, she asked, “Can I take this formula daily to prevent future issues?” This was a perfect opportunity to explain the important concept…

Did any of you ever get the feeling in school that it simply was not OK to speak about wanting to be successful? To get into the nitty gritty details of how to make money in practice? Maybe you were even someone like me who was directly told by someone…

There are many recommendations we practitioners give over the years – drink more water, eat more vegetables, cut out dairy, or stop having cold smoothies every day for breakfast. While I do make these types of suggestions on a case-by-case basis, I find I keep coming back to the same…

Every time the holiday season approaches, I invariably encounter questions about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle or receive requests for advice on preventing weight gain during this festive period. Here are the top strategies and practices I teach my patients to help them lean into intuitive eating and away…