Acupuncture Today

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Acupuncture Today is the only national publication serving licensed acupuncturists and doctors of traditional medicine. It is the most complete resource for news and product information in this profession for 20+ years. AT reaches 30,000+ doctors and students of acupuncture and traditional medicine through our print and online editions each month.

  1. 27. FEB.

    Why Acupuncture Students Should Be Familiar With Acupuncture Research

    Research literacy is becoming a cornerstone of modern acupuncture education, yet students often face a decline in research interest as they progress through their programs. This is frequently due to perceived incompatibilities between biomedical paradigms and traditional East Asian medicine. However, familiarity with research is vital for the profession's growth, as it directly influences insurance reimbursement and creates employment opportunities in prestigious institutions like Memorial Sloan-Kettering. By understanding various methodologies—such as basic science for physiological mechanisms, clinical trials for efficacy, and qualitative research for patient experience—students can see how research honors traditional frameworks while providing modern validation. The Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM) now mandates research curriculum to ensure practitioners can use evidence-informed practice to improve patient care. The Society for Acupuncture Research (SAR) is working to develop new curricula that address student concerns and foster open dialogue about the role of research. Embracing a broad spectrum of research allows the next generation of acupuncturists to advocate effectively for their role in the integrative healthcare system.

    7 Min.

  2. 27. FEB.

    Transformational Work With Anxiety (Pt. 3): Hypervigilance

    Hypervigilance is a chronic stress pattern, often rooted in past trauma, where the body remains in a habitual state of anxiety and alertness even when safe. This constant "alarm" drains Kidney qi and disrupts the Heart, Liver, and Lung networks, causing symptoms like insomnia and muscle pain. To address this, practitioners can utilize somatic intelligence—the practice of attending to qi flow at the level of physical sensation and the impulse to move. By encouraging mindful, spontaneous body movement similar to inner qigong, clients can unwind adrenaline-driven patterns and stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. A case study of a woman in her 40s demonstrates how slowing down and exaggerating these movements allows the nervous system to release pent-up energy, transforming tension into grounded relaxation. While the mind may attempt to re-trigger anxiety with repetitive fearful thoughts, the practitioner provides a compassionate "safety net" to help the patient anchor in the present moment. This heartmind approach empowers patients to integrate new choices and regain control over their reactive processes.

    7 Min.

  3. 27. FEB.

    The State of 21st Century Acupuncture in the U.S. (Pt. 6)

    The 2020 U.S. Acupuncture Profession Planning Project provides a critical snapshot of the current acupuncture workforce, revealing a mature and stable profession. Data show that 70-71% of practitioners are female, with an average age in the early 50s and significant clinical experience. While private practice remains the dominant setting (82.5%), there is a growing trend toward integration in hospital and academic environments. Currently, there are approximately 30,000 licensed acupuncturists in the U.S., with over 20,000 being NCCAOM board-certified. This data is essential for marketing the profession to insurers and policymakers to shift the perception of acupuncture from "alternative" to essential healthcare. The workforce profile also flags a need to recruit younger practitioners to ensure long-term sustainability. Strategic use of this information can help negotiate insurance reimbursement, secure funding for pilot programs, and define professional standards similar to nurse practitioners. By leveraging workforce data, the profession can move toward greater inclusion in national healthcare tracking and establish itself as a core component of integrative medicine.

    8 Min.

  4. 27. FEB.

    The Laser Learning Curve for Light-Based Fertility Treatments

    Low-level laser therapy (LLLT), or photobiomodulation, is gaining popularity in fertility care for its ability to reduce inflammation and stimulate mitochondrial activity. However, successful outcomes depend on precise technical details that are often overlooked. Not all light is therapeutic; factors such as wavelength, power, and dosage determine if the light can penetrate deep enough to influence blood flow in the ovaries or endometrium. For example, surface-level devices may treat skin inflammation but fail to improve uterine circulation. Practitioner Marcy White emphasizes that protocols must be tailored to individual factors like age-related ovarian decline, IVF timing, and cycle phase. "One-size-fits-all" approaches often lead to inconsistent results. Additionally, the market is flooded with home-use devices that lack the necessary specifications for clinical efficacy. When administered correctly with professional-grade, FDA-cleared devices, laser therapy can be transformative for patients with repeated IVF failures. Acupuncturists are encouraged to move beyond guesswork by mastering the physics and biology of light to provide safe, effective, and evidence-based fertility support.

    7 Min.

  5. 27. FEB.

    TEAM Dietary and Herbal Therapies for Cancer Patients

    Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM) provides significant support for cancer patients undergoing aggressive treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. A 2025 retrospective study illustrates how dietary therapy (DT) and herbal therapy (HT) manage side effects and improve quality of life. For instance, an 84-year-old patient recovered from severe immunotherapy side effects, gained weight, and healed ulcers using a warm, cooked diet and formulas like Sheng Mai San. Another case involving a 65-year-old with breast cancer demonstrated that Suan Zao Ren Tang could effectively resolve insomnia caused by endocrine therapy without interfering with conventional medications. TEAM focuses on tonifying qi and nourishing yin, contrasting with the tumor-eradication focus of Western oncology. Advanced research suggests these therapies work by modulating the tumor microenvironment and enhancing the host microbiome. While integration is common in Asia, Western institutions are increasingly adopting TEAM through educational seminars and multidisciplinary clinics. Despite challenges like potential herb-drug interactions, TEAM offers a culturally sensitive, evidence-based adjunct that supports patient resilience and survivorship.

    7 Min.

  6. 27. FEB.

    Should You Be Changing Your Fees This Year?

    The landscape for acupuncture reimbursement is shifting significantly, with 2026 Medicare Relative Value Units (RVUs) seeing notable increases. This article highlights a multi-year trend where initial acupuncture codes have risen approximately 20% in value since 2024, followed by a 5% increase between 2025 and 2026. Because RVUs establish the payment ratios for services, these changes directly impact how much providers can collect for common CPT codes like 97810 and 97813. Understanding RVUs is vital because many states use them as a baseline for various insurance types, including workers’ compensation and personal injury. For instance, Michigan sets fees at 200% of Medicare, while Arizona uses a specific multiplier ($68) against the RVU to determine the allowed fee. The sources argue that practitioners who fail to update their fee schedules are effectively "leaving revenue on the table". By aligning practice fees with these updated federal standards, acupuncturists can ensure their business remains sustainable while accurately reflecting the evolving value of their clinical services in the broader medical market.

    6 Min.

  7. 27. FEB.

    Protecting Your Practice in 2026

    As healthcare technology evolves, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is increasing its scrutiny of how acupuncturists use digital tools on their websites. A major concern is the use of pixels and cookies for visitor tracking, which can inadvertently transmit protected health information (PHI) to third-party companies. Collecting data as simple as an IP address alongside personalized information can constitute a HIPAA violation. To protect their practices, clinicians must ensure that all technology providers—including web hosts and email services—sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA). This legal contract guarantees that these entities will safeguard patient data and not share or sell it. Furthermore, practitioners are encouraged to conduct a Security Risk Assessment (SRA) to identify and manage vulnerabilities related to electronic PHI. Failure to comply with these digital privacy standards can result in significant fines, starting at $100 per violation. Acupuncturists should not assume large tech companies are automatically compliant and are advised to seek expert guidance to review their digital platforms and implement robust security measures.

    7 Min.

  8. 27. FEB.

    Open the Orifices: Point Combinations for Allergy Presentations

    Managing seasonal and chronic allergies requires addressing complex underlying patterns like Liver/Spleen disharmony and phlegm rather than just surface wind symptoms. Practitioner Craig Williams utilizes a "skeleton prescription"—GB 14, GB 15, Du 23, Du 24, LI 20, and LI 11—to effectively open the nasal passages and alleviate eye irritation. Each point serves a specific function: LI 20 opens the nose and clears heat, while GB 14 and GB 15 benefit the eyes and eliminate wind. The protocol is highly customizable based on the patient's presentation; for example, ST 44 is added when significant heat signs like a red tongue or bloodshot eyes are present. For cases involving excess phlegm, the addition of ST 40 is recommended. A valuable "clinical pearl" involves the combination of LI 11 and ST 40 to rapidly reduce acute heat and phlegm. Specific needle techniques, such as threading Du 24 to Du 23 or strongly stimulating LI 20 until a sensation radiates to the eyes, further enhance the efficacy of the treatment. This targeted approach provides a robust framework for managing the multifaceted nature of allergy-related congestion.

    7 Min.
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Acupuncture Today is the only national publication serving licensed acupuncturists and doctors of traditional medicine. It is the most complete resource for news and product information in this profession for 20+ years. AT reaches 30,000+ doctors and students of acupuncture and traditional medicine through our print and online editions each month.

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