Hemifacial spasm (HFS) presents a unique challenge: a neuromuscular condition marked by involuntary, unilateral facial spasms that can begin subtly in the eyelid and progressively involve the entire side of the face, even during sleep. While Western medicine pinpoints vascular compression of the facial nerve as a primary cause, Traditional Chinese …

The article explores how technological innovations are seamlessly integrating with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), not to replace its ancient wisdom, but to support and enhance its practice. For millennia, TCM has relied on refined observational and palpation skills, along with experiential knowledge, to diagnose and treat holistically. However…

Acupuncture, despite its growing recognition as a valuable complementary treatment for conditions like chronic pain, stress, and anxiety, faces significant hurdles in achieving mainstream integration within healthcare. Fifteen years after a roadmap was outlined for its greater recognition and utilization, the profession finds itself largely passed …

Long COVID, impacting over 5% of the U.S. population with more than 200 debilitating symptoms like brain fog, chronic fatigue, and shortness of breath, poses a significant societal burden with limited conventional treatments. However, a new case series highlights the potential of classical Chinese medicine (CCM) as an effective approach for resolvi…

The ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) unveils the "forbidden secrets" of women's longevity, rooted in the profound concept of jing (essence), the very foundation of vitality and overall well-being. For centuries, Chinese imperial courts meticulously guarded this knowledge, documented in private medical manuscripts of empresses, c…

The crucial concept of "deprescribing"—the planned and supervised reduction or elimination of medications—is gaining traction, despite being coined only in 2003. This is vital because polypharmacy, especially prevalent in older adults, leads to increased side effects and poor health outcomes, with many taking multiple drugs, sometimes to counter ad…

Craig Williams, an acupuncturist practicing in hot Texas, explores how prolonged seasonal heat can profoundly impact mood, leading to what he terms "summertime sadness". Traditional Chinese Medicine recognizes a vast array of heat-related patterns, emphasizing a thorough evaluation of each patient's unique constitution and their "relationship to se…

The article, "The Benefits of Building a Referral Culture in Acupuncture," strongly advocates for licensed acupuncturists to refer patients to trusted colleagues when a case falls outside their area of clinical focus or comfort zone, rather than seeking "case-specific treatment advice" through online forums. The author stresses that reliance on cro…

Acupuncture has once again secured its place as a covered service within Medi-Cal, California's vital healthcare program, following persistent efforts to preserve its status. This isn't the first time acupuncture faced removal; it was inaccessible to Medi-Cal recipients from 2009-2016, and the profession has fought a "perpetual battle" to maintain …

Acupuncture's profound effectiveness truly unfolds through the "living sequence" of qizhi and deqi, concepts central to its clinical foundation. This approach encourages practitioners to shift beyond mere protocols, focusing instead on engaging the entire person. Qizhi (qi arrival) represents the dynamic initiation and directional movement of qi at…

Acupuncture practices often face a dilemma: juggling vital administrative tasks with the core mission of patient healing. The article highlights how missed calls represent lost opportunities, as potential clients seeking relief might simply move on if they reach voicemail. This underscores the critical need for a professional first impression. Ente…

In this episode, Alireza Atri, MD, PhD, discusses his approach to patient conversations on brain health and provides advice to healthcare professionals practicing in community neurology settings, in a dialogue with Robin Martinez, a patient advocate from the Smart Patients online community. Supported by an educational grant from Lilly. Faculty: Ali…

In this episode, dementia expert Anton Porsteinsson, MD, discusses his approach to conversations on brain health with patients and provides guidance for HCPs practicing in community psychiatry settings, in a dialogue with Robin Martinez, a patient advocate from the Smart Patients online community. Supported by an educational grant from Lilly. Facul…

In this episode, Genevieve Neal-Perry, MD, PhD, discusses her approach to conversations on brain health with her patients in obstetrics and gynecology settings, in a dialogue with Robin Martinez, a patient advocate from the Smart Patients online community. Supported by an educational grant from Lilly. Faculty: Genevieve Neal-Perry, MD, PhD Robert A…

In this episode, Pierre N. Tariot, MD, discusses his approach to conversations on brain health with his patients and their family members in primary care settings, in a dialogue with Robin Martinez, a patient advocate from the Smart Patients online community. Supported by an educational grant from Lilly. Faculty: Pierre N. Tariot, MD Director Banne…

Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure increasingly used by acupuncturists, involving tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries that stimulate collagen, elastin, cellular turnover, and blood circulation. This process improves fine lines, texture, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and acne scars. A critical aspect is that these micro-injuries cre…

Breaking news for chronic spine pain patients and providers: the latest "Rapid Recommendation" from the BMJ strongly advises against several commonly used interventional procedures for chronic spine pain not caused by cancer or inflammatory conditions. An international expert panel, basing their guideline on systematic reviews of trials, concluded …

Fertility is presented not just as a goal for conception but as a vital sign of overall health and well-being. While women are born with a set number of eggs that naturally declines over time, starting from around 7 million before birth to about 300,000 by puberty, and declining more rapidly after age 35, various factors can accelerate this loss an…

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating condition marked by persistent fatigue and autonomic dysfunction. While conventional treatments focus on symptom relief, a recent randomized controlled trial explored how acupuncture and moxibustion could specifically modulate autonomic function. The study involved 210 participants, primarily those w…

For individuals grappling with Parkinson's Disease (PD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder causing debilitating motor symptoms like tremors and stiffness, conventional treatments often fall short of halting the disease's progression. However, exciting research highlights exercise as a powerful adjunct therapy. Specifically, the article delve…

The article details the American Society of Acupuncturists (ASA) celebrating its 10th anniversary with a live in-person conference held April 26-27, 2025, in Arlington, Virginia. Attracting practitioners from across the U.S., Canada, and China, the event centered on the theme “Cultivating Our Future Together”, focusing on advancing the acupuncture …

Acupuncturists can significantly enhance their practice by incorporating effective Gua Sha treatment, a powerful modality for addressing myofascial issues, pain, limited motion, and overall well-being. The article highlights three key elements for success. First, always obtain informed consent. Explain Gua Sha's action and show patients what the te…

There's great news for acupuncturists billing Medicare and the VA: for 2025, there's been a substantial increase in the allowed rates for the initial acupuncture codes, 97810 and 97813. This significant change, described as roughly a 20% increase and the largest change to any code value for 2025, stems directly from increases in the Relative Value …

The article explores the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence in enhancing acupuncture practice. AI can significantly aid acupuncturists by analyzing complex patient data, including electronic health records and genetic information, to improve diagnostic accuracy and identify subtle patterns not immediately apparent. This leads to mo…

Treating children of divorced parents presents unique challenges for acupuncturists, carrying significant liability risks. A core issue arises when one parent consents to care, but the other parent, who may share joint custody, demands treatment cease or access to records, having not been informed or consented. Assuming consent from a single parent…

With cancer affecting a significant portion of the global population, conventional treatments often bring challenging side effects and aren't always fully effective, leading many patients to seek complementary therapies. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and its herbal remedies are emerging as a valuable integrated approach. Research highlights se…

The article highlights the fascinating ways individuals integrate their previous careers and diverse skills into the practice of Asian medicine, enriching their diagnostic abilities and client interactions. Far from being discarded, prior experience becomes a valuable asset. Former engineers find it easy to grasp qi and structural issues. Those fro…

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip, a condition causing significant joint pain, is extensively treated in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Within TCM, OA falls under the category of bi syndromes. Unlike generic supplements like fish oil or glucosamine, Chinese patent herbal medicines offer a more "surgical precision" in treatment by addressing the s…

In this episode, Susan Scanland, MSN, CRNP, GNP-BC, CDP, discusses her approach to conversations on brain health with her patients and their family members in clinical practice as a gerontological nurse practitioner, in a dialogue with Robin Martinez, a patient advocate from the Smart Patients online community. Supported by an educational grant fro…

George Washington University (GWU) Division 1 student athletes have gained access to acupuncture through an exciting new partnership with the Virginia University of Integrative Medicine (VUIM). This wellness initiative, launched in April, offers GWU athletes a safe and non-invasive approach to managing pain, accelerating injury recovery, enhancing …

The 2024 NCCAOM Job Analysis, as highlighted in Acupuncture Today, provides compelling insights into the evolving landscape of acupuncture and herbal medicine practice. A significant majority of practitioners receive patient referrals from physicians (65%), chiropractors (53%), and massage therapists (53%), underscoring a growing recognition of acu…

Recent research has illuminated how acupuncture alleviates knee osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms by targeting key pain and inflammation pathways. A study involving rabbits with induced knee OA revealed that daily 20-minute acupuncture sessions at specific acupoints, including Neixiyan, Dubi, Xuehai, Zusanli, Hegu, and Yanglingquan, over 28 days signifi…

Clinicians may face a significant ethical dilemma: whether to plateau and profit by continuing treatment for a patient whose clinical progress has stalled, or to release and replace that patient. This situation becomes complex because the "devil is in the details" of the medical business. Factors such as the financial health of the practice, insure…

High-impact athletes are increasingly turning to acupuncture to gain a competitive edge and maintain peak physical condition. This ancient practice offers a multifaceted approach to athletic well-being, enhancing performance by boosting explosive force and speed through increased carnitine and ATP production. Acupuncture also positively impacts the…

Discover the potential of acupuncture for hip osteoarthritis (OA)! This common condition, often seen in people aged 50-70, causes pain that can radiate into the groin or lower back, typically worsened by activity and relieved by rest. The good news is that acupuncture can be extremely effective not only in reducing pain but also potentially prevent…

Emerging as an unconventional yet intriguing approach to the persistent challenges of Long COVID, low-dose nicotine patches are being explored as a potential integrative treatment. The rationale lies in nicotine's ability to compete with SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins at receptor sites, potentially restoring homeostasis. Furthermore, nicotine acts as an…

Discover the power of skull palpation, a unique acupuncture technique developed by Dr. Clayton Shiu over 20 years of treating stroke and neurological patients. This method, technically scalp palpation but distinct from scalp acupuncture, allows for the rapid assessment of neurological conditions by identifying specific skull patterns correlated wit…

"The Wood Element and the Pelvis" by Krystal Lynn Couture explores the intricate relationship between the wood element in Chinese medicine and the pelvis, highlighting the essential balance between strength and flexibility for optimal posture and function. The article draws parallels between the wood phase and the energetic burgeoning of spring, sy…

This fascinating article explores the powerful synergy between Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and modern Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in modulating the intricate gut-brain axis. It highlights how TCM views organs like the spleen and stomach as central to postnatal qi and cognitive stability, the liver as governing qi dynamics and emotional ba…

Discover a powerful, integrative approach to tackling complex TMJ disorders using advanced acupuncture techniques. This article delves into how combining scalp acupuncture, which targets brain areas for facial movement and pain reduction, with facial motor-point therapy to rebalance overactive jaw muscles like the masseter and temporalis, offers im…

This article from Acupuncture Today presents an intriguing case where acupuncture successfully treated Bell's palsy in a 60-year-old woman who had recently undergone Botox injections around her eyes for cosmetic purposes. The case was unusual because the muscle-relaxing effects of Botox conflicted with acupuncture's goal of stimulating nerve and mu…

The NCCAOM 2024 Job Analysis offers a comprehensive snapshot of the acupuncture and herbal medicine profession, revealing key insights into practitioner and patient demographics. Notably, nearly half of practitioners work in suburban settings, while urban areas also host a significant portion. Interestingly, part-time practice has increased, now re…

This article highlights acupuncture as a promising and effective treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), moving beyond traditional methods like psychotherapy and medication. Recent research, including a 2024 study on combat veterans, demonstrates that verum acupuncture significantly reduces PTSD symptoms and improves fear extinction com…

This article from Acupuncture Today explores a new mechanistic insight into how electroacupuncture (EA) may benefit Parkinson's disease (PD). While conventional PD treatments focus on dopamine, this research highlights EA's potential as an adjunctive therapy by demonstrating improvements in motor function in a PD rat model independent of dopamine r…

As a qi gong teacher, the author of this article observes spring's influence on the liver organ and meridian in Chinese medicine, noting its crucial role in qi regulation. While Xiao Yao Wan is often considered for liver qi stagnation, the author, Craig Williams, LAc, AHG, finds it frequently overused for more nuanced presentations. He emphasizes t…

Discover the fascinating connection between your gut and brain! The gut-brain axis (GBA) is a critical bidirectional communication network linking the gastrointestinal and central nervous systems. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has long understood this profound relationship through concepts like Zang-Fu organ theory. However, modern research is…

Acupuncture, an ancient pillar of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is embracing the future through the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics. This innovative fusion is poised to revolutionize healthcare by enhancing patient outcomes and precision care. AI-powered diagnostic tools are augmenting traditional methods by ana…

The number of cancer survivors in the U.S. has dramatically increased, reaching over 18 million in 2022, a testament to advancements in treatment. However, many survivors live with the constant fear of recurrence, as conventional medicine often lacks a clear understanding of cancer's root causes. This article explores how Chinese medical theory off…

This article from Acupuncture Today explores the essence of acupuncture through the lens of classical Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) texts, particularly the Ling Shu. The author, a U.S.-trained practitioner, addresses the common questions of young acupuncturists regarding the power and efficacy of acupuncture, and the reasons behind the variabi…

Bowed legs, a condition often naturally correcting in toddlers, can persist into adulthood due to early walking. This tibial varum creates increased compressive forces on the medial knee joint, inhibiting growth and worsening the bowing. Over time, this amplified pressure significantly accelerates the development of medial knee osteoarthritis. Even…