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May 2025 – AAMA Member Newsletter

Message from the AAMA Board

Support Medical Acupuncture — Help Us Recruit New Members

— By J. Russell Corcoran, MD, FACP, AAMA Treasurer

Since completing the Helms course for medical acupuncture in 1999, I have been a member of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture. Medical acupuncture has been a remarkable addition to my medical career, and I continue to enjoy caring for patients using this approach. My membership with the Academy has consistently enhanced my learning, introducing me to new methods of assessment and treatment. Recently, I have become a more active member by participating in the Legislative Committee and serving on the Board of Directors. Over the last year, I was elected to the Board of Directors and now serve as the treasurer of the organization.

The Academy faces many challenges in the future. We need growth and new members to sustain the mission of the Academy and the practice of medical acupuncture. The following topics are crucial for consideration as you stay a member, become a member or invite your peers to join the organization:

Collegiality

My practice is in a small town in Wakefield, RI. In Rhode Island, we had eight medical acupuncturists prior to COVID-19, meeting approximately twice a year to discuss cases and exchange ideas. After the pandemic, we have been unable to meet and discuss our practices and methods. The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture annual meeting has been my main contact with medical acupuncturists outside my practice. Through these meetings, I have met both young and experienced practitioners who have enhanced my skills.

Continuing Medical Education

The Academy is dedicated to providing relevant and evidence-based education. I have participated in both live conferences at the annual meeting and online webinars provided almost monthly throughout the year. These sessions have consistently enhanced my practice, enabling me to perform new procedures.

Legislative Committee

This committee is dedicated to monitoring recent legislation at both state and federal levels. This is crucial for acupuncture and medical acupuncture, especially considering recent political developments. For instance, the potential removal of the NIH Division for Complementary and Alternative Medicine is a current concern. As we move forward, such matters will significantly impact the continued practice of acupuncture.

These three reasons are just some of the many why people should continue to join the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture. It has been an amazing journey for me, getting to know some of the pioneers in acupuncture. Besides being the Treasurer of the organization, I am now the Membership Committee Chair. We are entering a challenging time for our organization, and we need more members to continue our mission and education.

My questions for our present membership are:

  • Can you find other members or previous members who should consider joining or rejoining?
  • Do you have ideas that will help us attract more members or suggestions on what we should be doing to retain them?
  • Do you want to become more involved in the organization?

We have multiple committees, and volunteers are always welcome. Please send me an email with your comments and ideas.

Thank you for being a member, and please pass this on to other physicians who are interested in medical acupuncture but are not yet members.

Renew Your AAMA Membership Today!

Renewal emails are being sent to AAMA members who have not yet renewed their membership. There have been at least two emails thus far regarding renewal and easy online renewal options. Invoices are available in the member portal for those of you who have not yet renewed.

Please remember that your membership comes with valuable benefits that can strengthen your practice of medical acupuncture.

  • Live and Virtual Educational Events
  • State and National Advocacy Initiatives
  • Patient Referrals
  • Research Support & Updates

Your membership also supports the practice of medical acupuncture on a national and international scale — building the evidence base for its use in clinical settings.

Renew now and help us strengthen medical acupuncture! 

Upcoming Professional Development & Educational Opportunities

ICMART Webinar
Acupuncture in Prevention and Health
June 22, 2025

Applied Kinesiology: Applied Muscle Testing Comes Alive
August 16-17, 2025
Indianapolis, IN

ICMART World Congress on Medical Acupuncture
November 7-9, 2025
French Riviera, Antibes Juan-les-Pins, France

AAMA Annual Symposium
April 23-26, 2026
Denver, CO
SAVE THE DATE!

AAMA Website: Education Listings
The AAMA maintains an ongoing calendar of educational events and professional development opportunities related to medical acupuncture. The calendar is accessible on the AAMA website. Members are encouraged to share events and calendar items from their regions and about educational topics that may be of wider interest among peers and fellow AAMA members.

Medical Acupuncture Journal Updates 

Read Fast-Track articles, ahead of print.

Most Recent Issue: April 2025

Most-recent CME Articles:

Access Journal Content

AAMA News & Announcements

Welcome Our New AAMA Members

Please join us in welcoming the following new members who became part of the Academy in April 2025:

  • Lada Alger, MD (Ukraine), LAc, of Virginia Beach, VA
  • Daniel Bigley, DO, of Bethesda, MD
  • Crissandra Digges, DO, of Lewisburg, WV
  • Terezia Lilly, MD, of Morgantown, WV
  • Teiichi Takedai, MD, of Pittsburgh, PA
  • Lauren Weekley, MD, of Mountain Home, AR
  • Peter Silvestri Wehr, MD, of State College, PA
  • Jonathan Youngwirth, DO, DABMA, of Lancaster, PA

And a warm welcome back to our returning members:

  • Jay B. Danto, DO, of Bloomfield Township, MI
  • Mandeep Dhilon, MD,  of State College, PA

If you have peers or colleagues who aren’t currently members of the AAMA, please encourage them to learn more about the benefits of membership by visiting the website or contacting Russell Corcoran, the membership committee chair.

DON’T FORGET: If you would like to sponsor a medical student member for $75/year, please email AAMA today and let us know.

Physician Completes 10-Year ABMA Recertification Process

Congratulations to the following physician who has completed the process set by the American Board of Medical Acupuncture (ABMA) to be re-certified as a Diplomate for another 10 years:

  • George Tenedios, MD, DABMA of Winfield, PA

Legislative Committee Report

The Legislative Committee receives daily updates on bills pertaining to acupuncture,chronic pain, and dry needling. We a re currently monitoring more than 80 bills.

Physical therapists and occupational therapists in Utah, OTs in Nebraska, and athletic trainers in Tennessee may now perform dry needling.

Committee member Donna Pittman attended the Pain Collaborative to Advance Equitable Value-Based Solutions meeting. There is concern that the chronic pain research division at the NIH will be experiencing layoffs which would have serious consequences for treatment of pain.

The AAMA received a message from the Steering Committee for the Coalition for Whole Person Health Research requesting support to continue research on health and healing at the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). AAMA members are asked to contact their members of Congress by email or phone. (See more below.)

REMEMBER: The committee members will contact you when legislation in your state may affect your ability to practice acupuncture. In that event, you are encouraged to write your representatives and senators since they prefer to hear directly from their constituents. If you learn of relevant legislative activity, please connect with the committee by email: info@medicalacupuncture.org.

Annual Symposium On-demand Recordings Available

Symposium on-demand recording access is now available! All of the Symposium sessions in Pittsburgh were recorded and are ready for on-demand viewing access. If you were not able to attend in-person, you can purchase access to the on-demand recording package.

The 2025 Symposium was held in-person, March 28-30, 2025 at the Omni William Penn Hotel in Pittsburgh, PA. The theme of this year’s meeting was “Three Rivers and Five Elements: A Confluence of Traditions and Science.” The 2025 On-Demand Recording Package provides access to the event app platform that was used during the in-person meeting that now contains recordings from the sessions.

What Does the On-Demand Package Fee Cover?
  • Symposium Session recording access
  • Up to a maximum of 23.75 CME credits (must complete quiz for each session for credit where applicable)
  • Ability to download all symposium documentation and materials
  • Exhibit company access

Access to the On-Demand Recording Package is available until September 30, 2025. Learn more and register for the On-Demand Recording Package.

Call for Proposals: 2026 Annual Symposium

You can help move our organization forward by sending us your submissions for 2026 Annual Symposium presentations: pre-symposium workshops, plenary sessions and/or workshops. As an added bonus, presenting at the AAMA Symposium is a prestigious national experience to showcase on your CV and credentials.

We invite you to submit a proposal for next year’s meeting. DEADLINE: July 31, 2025.

  • Are you an expert in a facet of Medical Acupuncture?
  • Is there a topic that you’re particularly knowledgeable and passionate about?
  • Are you able to describe the importance of your material and rationale for presenting at a large national meeting?
  • Can you summarize your presentation in a few specific and measurable learning objectives?
  • Can you present to physicians and healthcare professionals in an engaging manner so they can take home specific acupuncture skills and/or knowledge?
  • Are you prepared to stand in front of a sophisticated group of physicians, managing your talk, as well as follow up questions?

Learn more and submit your presentation proposal.

Reminder: Student Member Sponsorship Opportunity

Young physicians represent the future of medical acupuncture. To encourage their involvement in our organization, the AAMA recently launched an initiative to invite current members to sponsor a medical student member for $75/year.

Would you like to sponsor a medical student member? Or would you like more information about the option? Please email AAMA today and let us know.

Public Comments Requested: NCCAOM Name Change

The NCCAOM is considering a name change and has requested feedback from interested parties. Comment deadline: June 5, 2025

“NCCAOM’s commitment to excellence, service, and alignment with the profession, we are considering a name change — from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) to National Certification Board for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (NCBAHM) — and we invite your feedback.”

Comment Form

Public Comments Requested: Veterinary Acupuncture

The American Board of Veterinary Acupuncture (ABVA) has asked to be recognized as a veterinary specialty organization (RVSO) by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

The ABVA organizing committee estimates that 4,000 to 5,000 veterinarians in the U.S. have completed acupuncture certification. Approximately 80% of these practitioners work primarily with small animals, the committee says, followed by 10%-20% with equine patients, and a smaller percentage with other species, including farm animals, exotics, and zoo animals.

The ABVA organizing committee says acupuncture enhances outcomes in several veterinary specialties “due to its established role in managing pain, aiding in cancer care and treatment and improving performance, neurorecovery, fertility and quality of life.”

Learn more and submit comments.

Reminder: Helpful Resources on AAMA Website — State Regulations

Most physicians are permitted to practice acupuncture within the scope of their medical licenses, but it’s challenging to know what states have additional requirements or restrictions. For example, 10 states mandate that physicians complete a specified number of hours in acupuncture instruction in addition to maintaining a current medical license. And have to submit an application or proof of training with the state medical board or licensing agency.

Curious about your state or neighboring states? Considering an out-of-state move? Learn more about the state-by-state requirements using new tools from the AAMA. View resources.

Assist with Groundbreaking NIH-funded Study on Acupuncture for Medicare Patients

Southern California University of Health Sciences has received an R01 grant from the NIH to study the impact of Medicare’s decision to cover acupuncture treatment of chronic low back pain, and to compare the quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries receiving acupuncture vs. primary medical care. The research — Acupuncture for Medicare Beneficiaries with Chronic Low Back Pain: Access, Utilization, and Outcomes — is be performed in collaboration with Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. As part of the project, Drs. James Whedon, Louis Kazal, Prasad Vinjamury and Moonaz are collecting data form State Boards of registration and from professional association, like the AAMA, to count all of the acupuncturists in each U.S. state. If you provide acupuncture for your patients, please follow this link to share your information, which will remain confidential.

Support Integrative & Whole Person Health Research at NCCIH and NIH Coalition for Whole Person Health Research

From the NCCIH: Due to staffing changes at the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) and a shared desire to advance a broader emphasis on whole person health research, our coalition has updated its name to the Coalition for Whole Person Health Research and launched a new website. We are in the process of initiating our first two working groups.

As discussions around federal funding priorities evolve, now is a critical moment to voice support for ongoing investment in NIH and NCCIH’s continuing leadership of integrative, whole person health research initiatives which support effective treatments for chronic illness.

NCCIH plays a vital role in advancing research that addresses the full range of factors influencing health and healing. Its staff bring unique expertise that is essential to realizing the vision of the current administration’s Make America Healthy Again initiative. Some individuals are choosing to contact their congressional representatives. While emails are welcome, phone calls are often the most impactful. Learn more.

The Whole Person Health Index: A New Tool for Human Mechanistic and Clinical Studies

The new Whole Person Health Index, created by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health and the National Center for Health Statistics at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is a measurement tool that can be used by researchers to survey an individual’s health trajectory over time. The tool consists of a set of nine validated, self-reported questions covering major domains of health. Learn more.

Arizona VA: Policy Updates to Chiropractic, Massage Therapy and Acupuncture Care

Northern Arizona VA recently conducted a thorough review of its community referral process for acupuncture, medical massage therapy, and chiropractic care to ensure that it is adhering to the clinical guidelines outlined by the MISSION Act. During this review, they found some inconsistencies where the care provided did not fully meet the established clinical criteria.

Steps have been taken to correct these inconsistencies and ensure their practices are aligned with the national guidelines, so patients continue to receive the clinically appropriate care they deserve.

These national guidelines outline the number of approved visits and duration of care for each of these healthcare modalities, such as 90 days/12 visits for initial chiropractic care, 60 days/12 visits for initial acupuncture, and 90 days/12 visits for initial massage therapy. Depending on the severity of the condition being treated and the effectiveness of the care being provided, additional visits over an extended period of time may be prescribed. Any care provided beyond the scope of the national guidelines without the necessary documentation will not be authorized.

Learn more.

Are You Following Us?

Join the conversations online with fellow physician acupuncturists from around the country! You can find AAMA on:

There’s even a closed group on Facebook for discussion between members: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aamagroup

In Case You Missed It Last Month

Enroll to Provide Services to Veterans Through the VA

If you’re interested in providing medical acupuncture through the VA in your community, there is a process to enroll and receive permission to provide care. Here are some resources to get you started:

How to Become a VA Community Provider (VA)

Policy Information Regarding Integrative Medicine and Health (VA)

Community Care – Provider Overview (VA)

Whole Health – Acupuncture – Policy Background

Call for Papers: Special Issue: Battlefield Acupuncture/Rapid Acupuncture

Deadline for Submissions: July 1, 2025

The editors of Medical Acupuncture are pleased to announce a Call for Papers for an upcoming special issue dedicated to the work of Richard Niemtzow, MD.  Until his recent passing, Dr. Niemtzow was Editor-in-Chief of Medical Acupuncture and known throughout the world as the originator of Battlefield Acupuncture and Rapid Acupuncture.

Of particular interest:

  • Retrospective case series that suggest areas for future research
  • Pragmatic clinical trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses that indicate effect size of Battlefield Acupuncture or Rapid Acupuncture in the treatment of painful conditions in comparison with other methodologies
  • Original research looking at underlying mechanisms of Battlefield Acupuncture or Rapid Acupuncture

Learn more and submit your work.

New Scientific Research Related to Acupuncture 

Effects of Acupuncture on Sleep and Fatigue in Older Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain: Findings from the BackInAction Pragmatic Clinical Trial
[Journal of Pain]
Results revealed no differences in PROMIS sleep quality or sleep duration. However, at 6 months, compared to the usual-medical-care group, those in the enhanced acupuncture group had slightly longer sleep duration (0.2 hours difference, p=.06). At 12 months, those in the enhanced acupuncture treatment group had lower fatigue (-2.3 difference, p=0.001) relative to usual medical care. Study findings suggest acupuncture may improve sleep and fatigue in older patients with cLBP.

Recruitment and Retention for an Acupuncture Trial in an Underrepresented 65 and Older Population With Chronic Low Back Pain
[Global Advances in Integrated Medicine and Health]
Conclusion: The IFH site team successfully recruited and retained diverse participants through trusted connections with the study population, building on experience with acupuncture research, engaging PCPs, study team members, primary care clinical sites and EHR communication options.

Sham Acupuncture Needs to be Revisited, Moving Beyond the Perspectives of the Placebo and Nocebo Effects: A Letter to the Editor
[Integrative Cancer Therapies]
Efverman’s recently published study on the placebo and nocebo effects in both genuine and sham acupuncture provides new insights into the effects of acupuncture through a reanalysis of data from a previously conducted randomized clinical trial (RCT), and reading this article makes us reflect on the research we have conducted so far. The question of whether sham acupuncture is an appropriate control for acupuncture has been raised repeatedly, and we believe the findings of this study provide additional evidence supporting such concerns.

The effects of an anti-inflammatory diet alone or in combination with acupuncture on mental health, anthropometric indices, and metabolic status in diabetic patients with depression: a randomized, controlled clinical trial
[Nutrition & Diabetes]
Findings indicate that acupuncture, in conjunction with an anti-inflammatory diet, may be more effective in enhancing mental health, reducing HbA1C levels, and decreasing abdominal obesity compared to an anti-inflammatory diet alone in patients with T2DM experiencing mild-to-moderate depression after 8 weeks. However, further clinical trials with larger sample sizes and extended durations are recommended to confirm the efficacy of this adjunctive therapy.

Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine for Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy: An Overview and Quality Assessment of Systematic Reviews
[International Journal of Women’s Health]
This study provides a comprehensive overview of TEAM treatments for NVP, highlighting both acupuncture-related techniques and herbal medicine. Several herbal medicines, particularly ginger, and acupuncture have emerged as promising complementary therapies for alleviating NVP symptoms. However, the reliability of these findings is limited due to methodological weaknesses and inadequate reporting quality observed in existing systematic reviews.

Effects of Acupuncture and Moxibustion on Heart Rate Variability in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients: Regulating the Autonomic Nervous System in a Clinical Randomized Controlled Trial
[Complementary Therapies in Medicine]
Acupuncture excelled in regulating the immediate effects of HRV, while moxibustion excelled in regulating long-term effects. Acupuncture targeting both the Zusanli and Guanyuan points proved more effective than acupuncture targeting a single point, with this difference reflected in the distinct regulatory effects on the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The intervention mechanism of Zusanli may involve the parasympathetic nervous system, whereas Guanyuan may operate through the sympathetic nervous system.

Note: Some of these news sources may require you to create a free account to read their content, while others may have a paywall. 

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