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The #1 target area in the hips is the gluteal complex. I include the gluteus maximus, medius, minimus, piriformis, and tensor fasciae latae. These are all the deep rotators of the hip. When needling these muscles, you will help improve mobility and help initiate activation for the purpose of restoring…

The vagus nerve is a crucial, bidirectional neural pathway between the body and brain that relays an array of sensory information from visceral tissues to the brain, also called afferent pathways; as well as from the brain to the viscera, or efferent pathways. These information pathways are integral for the…

When reflecting on the question of if I could treat “long COVID,” my initial thoughts were that absolutely, because in Chinese medicine we treat “long everything.” Many assumed I was being glib; I was not. I often have to remind practitioners of the rich history of nuanced diagnostics found in…

Nicole

The acupuncture profession is hoping to capitalize on the Google doodle’s prominent web positioning and astronomical reach to raise awareness of the power of acupuncture. An acupuncture-themed Google doodle on World Acupuncture Awareness Day (Nov. 16, 2023) would be an unprecedented step in promoting this year’s message, “Acupuncture Changes Lives.”

Due to the unique relationship between our facial skin and facial muscles, healthy movement of facial fascia is imperative to the nervous, muscular and circulatory functions of our face. Chinese medicine is uniquely suited to treat the fascial layers of the face to improve both appearance and function.

The chronosystem, within which the macrosystem is nested, includes the history of the acupuncture profession in the U.S. and reflects the change over time of the environment surrounding acupuncture. The macrosystem, within which the exosystem is nested, includes broad cultural influences or ideologies that have long-ranging consequences for the focal…

The information that the West has been given regarding the organ pairs of the fire element and assigned yin and yang polarities has never resonated with me through years of study of the human body. I have reasoned certain truths that have proven to be fact through research of anatomy…

Have you noticed that qigong , a fundamental pillar of Chinese medicine, is gaining much wider recognition by the public? In fact, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) recently updated the Health Information section of its website to include a section titled ” Qigong : What You…

The NCCAOM submitted the following Q&A with Janet Zand, OMD, Dipl. Ac., CH, OM, LAc, CCN, new board chair, in response to a request from Acupuncture Today . Let’s hear Dr. Zand’s thoughts on where the profession stands, what she hopes to accomplish and why practitioner involvement is critical to…

Endometriosis is an often-painful disorder in which tissue similar to the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus – the endometrium – grows outside the uterus. Endometriosis most commonly involves the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining the pelvis. It can cause pain – sometimes severe, especially…

Working with chronically ill patients entails acknowledging the reality that not all patients will survive their diagnosis. Chinese medicine and acupuncture play a crucial role in palliative and end-of-life care, addressing medication and disease side effects, alleviating pain associated with death, reducing anxiety and stress, and helping patients find peace…

In the search for effective treatments for COVID-19, there has been growing interest in the fields of phytopharmacology and nutrition regarding the potential of natural compounds and traditional foods as sources of antiviral agents. One such food that has been attracting researchers’ attention is natto , a traditional Japanese dish…

As sepsis is a serious condition with high morbidity and is connected to a wide array of medical issues, a successful treatment option is highly exciting. After examining the herbs that constitute the injectable herbal formula Xuebijin g, I was not surprised at its efficacy, as its main therapeutic vector…

The recession conversation is ongoing, but no one can deny that costs are increasing. No practitioner wants an existing or new patient to delay booking an appointment due to concerns over cost. Follow these three C’s to keep your practice thriving during these challenging times.

Mainstreaming the acupuncture profession is a complex endeavor. A myriad of factors, directly and indirectly, influence acupuncture’s integration into mainstream medicine in the United States. In subsequent parts of this article, each of the influences will be introduced using Neal and Neal’s networked model approach, starting with the chronosystem.

Judyth

Herbal medicine has been the medicine of necessity and choice from the beginning of history. About 80% of our planet’s population still actively uses herbal medicine as its foremost source of health care. With the amazing abilities of herbal medicines to nourish yin and increase qi, why aren’t more acupuncturists…

MG