There is a saying: “There is nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come.” Acupuncture today was one of those ideas. Over the past 20 years, Acupuncture today has helped bring news and information to AOM practitioners across the United States…and now, with a digital edition, around the world.
January 1, 2000 marked the very first issue of Acupuncture today. During this time, our profession has experienced many changes and significant growth – and HAS was there every step of the way. As we begin our 21st year of publication, let us walk together, year by year, down memory lane and review some of the events that shaped the profession, as recorded in the pages of Acupuncture today.
2000
Acupuncture today publishes its first issue, with Michael Devitt as its first editor. I have been teaching in schools for 10 years, and I was recruited as HASeditor-in-chief to ensure that the publication addresses the topics and questions most important to our practitioners and our profession.
Among the events marking the year 2000, three acupuncturists are appointed to the first White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy. Supreme Court upholds historic Washington state decision “alternative provider” lawwhich requires insurance companies to provide access to all types of providers licensed or certified under state law.
2001
Congress increases funding for research in complementary and alternative medicine (MAC) of $20 million. The National Institutes of Health is launching a CAM database on PubMed. Harvard University receives $10 million donation to study alternative medicine. Acupuncture todaythe website of is Featured on a national television series as a trusted source of reliable information on acupuncture. One of the first discussions on how colored light therapy can interact with acupuncture.
2002
The University of Virginia receives a $2.2 million grant to study echinacea. California Congresswoman Judy Chu sponsored the 1943 Assembly Bill, which increase hours to California at 3,000 to complete acupuncture school. Then-Gov. Gray Davis signs the bill. The NCCAOM receives full accreditation for its Asian Bodywork Therapy Program from the National Commission for Certification Agencies. National organizations launch a campaign to declare October 24 “Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day”.
2003
Acupuncture today pass 2 million visits on its website in one month, with nearly 66,000 unique visits. A special edition of News week The magazine explores the science of alternative medicine and features acupuncture on the cover. HIPAA regulations are beginning to impact the profession (and all health professions – a topic I discuss in my column throughout the year). NCCAOM publishes its first Analysis of jobs in the profession of acupuncture and oriental medicine.
2004
ACAOM convenes a working group to develop standards for entry-level doctoral programs. FDA makes final decision on ephedra. Discussions aimed at attracting more patients on the web are becoming more and more popular. Little Hoover Commission publishes analysis of the profession of acupuncture in the State of California. Oriental medicine is considered a Essential element integrative care in oncology.
2005
The American Medical Association presents new CPT Codes for Acupuncture. from South Carolina permit invoice is signed into law. The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) celebrates 20 years. Dr. Will Morris discuss the importance of leadership and service. The ACAOM Doctoral Task Force publishes its final report.
2006
The U.S. Department of Education reconfirms the ACAOM as the accrediting agency for acupuncture schools. The World Health Organization standardizes acupuncture point locations and develop a list of vocabulary terms. Michigan and Kentucky pass licensure laws. Acupuncturists treat patients cruise ships.
2007
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes a report on pain management. Acupuncturists in Pennsylvania Not needed anymore a medical reference. The Society for Acupuncture Research celebrates its 10th anniversary advances in acupuncture research. The Alliance of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AOM Alliance) and the American Association of Oriental Medicine (AAOM) merge to become the current AAAOM. The FDA publishes its final rule on current good manufacturing practices (GMP) for food supplements; Chinese herbs get a boost.
2008
The first blind acupuncturist in the United States obtains a license in Texas. NCCAOM begins work on get recognition of the Bureau of Labor and Statistics for acupuncturists. The Beijing Olympic Village offers acupuncture to athletes for the first time. ACAOM completes first draft of doctoral studies in the United States in the field of acupuncture and traditional medicine. A character in an episode of the hit TV series “Private Practice” read a number of Acupuncture today.
2009
Complementary and alternative medicine is well-known by the World Health Organization at a meeting in Beijing. Acupuncture is Underlines at the American Public Health Association conference. Yo San University the partners with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles to offer acupuncture to pediatric patients. The San Francisco Giants (Major League Baseball) add a acupuncturist to their healthcare personnel.
2010
The first step is to create a traditional medicine classification with the World Health Organization. Surgeon General of the United States Army recommended acupuncture for pain management. Creating a marketing plan for growing the acupuncture practice is a hot topic. President Obama signs health reform legislation – the Affordable Care Act.
2011
One of Acupuncture today columnists win gold for the best column in the prestigious Western Region Azbee Awards of Excellence competition. College of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Texas announcement a double master’s program. Acupuncture for pets is highlighted in a feature article.
2012
Acupuncture is gaining popularity nationwide in hospitals. International Classification of Diseases 10th version (ICD-10) code changes impact acupuncturists. Actor Robert Downey Jr. is honored for his advocacy of traditional Chinese medicine. The Blue Cross anthem rises diagnostic codes for the benefits of acupuncture.
2013
The PCOM Symposium celebrates its 25th anniversary. Patient-centered care is a buzzword for the first time. Acupuncturists answer in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing. The definition of a health care provider is established. International Organization for Standardization – Technical Committee 249 holds its first plenary session in Beijing develop international standards for TCM. Acupuncture today visit China.
2014
Six states left without any type of the regulation of acupuncture. Colorado develops first acupuncture United States Medical Reserve Corps Acupuncture today makes history in the prestigious FOLIO Publishing Awards competition.
2015
Texas veterans suffering from PTSD are first treated with acupuncture. The American Acupuncture Society starting to have an impact the profession. TCM Congress in Germany is the largest in the Western world. Nobel Prize co-winners look to TCM for award-winning research. Emperor’s College treats athletes at the Special Olympics in Los Angeles.
2016
Interprofessionalism becomes more and more important. Amy Sear teaches ethics and the NCCAOM is hosting an ethics symposium. The AOM profession mourns the loss of Richard Tan. The Cleveland Clinic Herbal Medicine Program gain territory. Acupuncture today launches his digital edition. Kansas Acupuncturists Finally Get licensing law.
2017
Five Branches University offers the first hospital service MTC Residence. Wyoming becomes the 47th state to regulate acupuncture. Attorneys General of the United States ask insurers to cover acupuncture and other non-opioid alternatives for pain relief.
2018
Department of Veterans Affairs declares acupuncture a profession, not a modality, and announces new opportunities. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) new director supports acupuncture. The Economic Review Institute recommended insurers cover acupuncture for chronic low back pain.
2019
Study Finds Acupuncture Best Integrative Health Service for Americans want to try. The dry needling debate warms up. NCCAOM obtains a new CEO, Mina Larson. (Huge thanks to Kory Ward-Cook for all of his work and accomplishments during his tenure at NCCAOM.) The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking input on whether acupuncture should be included in Medicare and request a study for further investigation.
If there’s a moral to the first 20 years of this story, it’s that this wonderful drug and the people who deliver it have certainly accomplished a lot in the last 20 years – but we still have a long way to go. Like always, Acupuncture today will be with you throughout your journey. Let’s see what the next 20 years have in store for us!
