Acupuncture Continuing Education Acupuncture CEU

Infertility Cured with Chinese Herbs

Administrator — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:00:42 +0000

Dr. Ting Ting Zhang presented advanced methods for treating infertility at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM) in San Francisco, California. New research shows that both common and rare Chinese herbal medicines vastly enhance both the process of conception and subsequent nutrition to the fetus thereby creating a healthy pregnancy. Dr. Zhang was granted a special visa from the Chinese government to bring this vital information to the United States for an acupuncturist continuing education conference at ACTCM. Dr. Zhang is the Gynecology Department Chair of Yue Yang Hospital at the Shanghai University of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and is renown for her experience in the field of infertility. Dr. Zhang unveiled new ultrasound and hormone testing research revealing that special Chinese herbal medicines promote ovulation and egg development, increase sperm motility and count, and prevent miscarriage. Further, western data confirms that Chinese herbal medicine greatly increases the conception rate of women undergoing artificial insemination.

Dr. Zhang opened up the conference with some basic statistics before presenting detailed cures for infertility. In a recent study of 500 women who were not treated with Chinese herbal medicines, regular sexual intercourse resulted in a 60-70% conception rate. At six months, women became pregnant at a rate of 75-80%. At one year, the rate increased to 80-90%. From age 30 to 34, one in seven women experience infertility. Between the ages of 35 and 40, one in five women are infertile and between the ages of 40 and 44, one in four women experience difficulties with infertility. In up to 55% of cases, infertility is caused by a female reproductive disharmony. In 25-40% of cases, infertility is caused solely by a male reproductive issue. Notably, in 20% of all cases, infertility is caused by both the male and female partners. Using Dr. Zhang’s and the famous Dr. Tai’s treatment regimes, Dr. Zhang demonstrated an incredibly high rate of clinical success in reversing infertility. Dr. Zhang noted that “infertility is a symptom, not a disease.”

Dr. Zhang presented Chinese medicine differential diagnostics in relation western medical findings. Basal body temperature (BBT) charts were revealed to express a process of emerging Yin Essence in the first 12 days of a menstrual cycle followed by a powerful Yang stage. A direct reading of the BBT chart translates into an exact Chinese medicine diagnosis. In addition, Dr. Zhang introduced methods for analyzing hormone tests. For example, high FSH is linked to Yin Deficiency and high LH is linked to Yang Deficiency. A multitude of ways to view BBT, ultrasound, sexual hormone tests, and other western related data were correlated into the Chinese medicine theoretical framework. Dr. Zhang closed the divide between western medical data and Chinese medicine differential diagnostics in her presentation. Acupuncturists can now read the western data, make a Chinese medicine diagnosis, and choose from the correct herbal medicines to promote conception and a healthy pregnancy.

Common conditions leading to infertility are Kidney Yin and Yang deficiency, Liver Qi Stagnation, and Blood Stasis. For women, the main concern is to harmonize the menstrual cycle. Dr. Zhang presented important herbal formulas to address many clinical scenarios and included special herbs to promote ovulation and nourish the fetus. Moreover, Dr. Zhang presented herbal remedies to prevent anti-sperm antibodies such as AsAb and other autoimmune system disorders from leading to infertility. Dr. Zhang also covered the topic of uterine fibroids, their exact relationship to infertility, and how to overcome any impediments they may present. This requires, at the very minimum, an ultrasound test of existing fibroids to determine their exact placement and size.

Dr. Zhang presented step-by-step methods to take an abnormal BBT charted cycle to one that follows a healthy pattern from follicular phase through ovulation to luteal phase and menstruation. The herbal medicines restore the normal ovulation window, optimize the fertility cycle, and enhance the process of a healthy pregnancy and fetus. Dr. Zhang detailed the exact herbs needed to promote egg maturation and those needed to facilitate uptake and transport of eggs into and through the fallopian tube. Further, she presented a detailed herbal medicine regime to optimize the window of opportunity for patients undergoing IVF and IUI. In cases where artificial insemination has previously failed, adding Chinese herbs balances the health of the patient such that artificial insemination becomes successful.

The American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM), located in San Francisco, CA, has a long history of presenting valuable information in the field of Chinese medicine in acupuncture continuing education courses. Without exception, Dr. Zhang has lived up to this reputation and has raised the bar on the efficaciousness of Chinese Medicine in the treatment of infertility. Adam White, L.Ac., President of the Healthcare Medicine Institute, notes that “Dr. Ting Ting Zhang has managed to fully integrate the western model for the treatment of primary and secondary infertility into the Chinese medicine system. We now have a fully integrated understanding of western medical test data in terms of Chinese medicine theory and we have a new understanding of herbs that promote the various stages of conception. Dr. Zhang and her colleagues at Shanghai University of TCM have employed western testing methods to measure the effects of herbal medicines on processes such as ovum development and release, fallopian tube function, and fetal development. Thanks to Dr. Zhang, the clinical efficacy of Chinese medicine in the treatment of infertility has advanced tremendously.”

California Acupuncture Board Moves On Drugs

Administrator — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:09:56 +0000

The California Acupuncture Board, a division of the California State Department of Consumer Affairs, is considering changes to its examination and book reference list. Notably, Tina and John Chen’s books CHINESE MEDICAL HERBOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY and CHINESE HERBAL FORMULAS were cited as having received many support letters from the acupuncture community. This topic coincides with the Board’s discussion of pharmaceutical drugs and their interactions. The Chen books detail drug-herb interactions and include coverage of contraindications, chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and toxicology. Robert Brewer, Chair of the California Acupuncture Board, agreed to continue discussions on booklists, recommended books, and the booklist review process including a discussion of the NCCAOM’s (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) booklist and review process.

The California Acupuncture Board Executive Officer, Janelle Wedge, introduced new herbs and herbal formulas to be added to the Acupuncture Board’s list as recommended by Subject Matter Experts (SME). According to the California Acupuncture Board minutes, John Chen “supported the review of the current Herb/Formula List so as to reflect contemporary Common Practices as well as setting up a more formalized Herb/Formula submittal process. He indicated that in the modern medical system it is crucial for Acupuncturists and Doctors to understand interactions between drugs and herbs.” Acupuncture Board member Adam Burke noted that any additional herbs or herbal formulas must be added to the California Acupuncture Board exam. Brewer added that a modernized and revamped drug/herb list will ensure that acupuncturists may, according to Board minutes, “prescribe herbs with confidence that it won’t interfere with patients’ pharmaceutical prescriptions.”

These developments suggest that the California Acupuncture Board is moving toward increased requirements for acupuncturists concerning prescription drug medications. This topic has not surfaced as readily as expected partially because the list of FDA allowable herbs is highly restricted such that most available herbs do not have harmful reactions with pharmaceuticals. Warfarin, brand named Coumadin as produced by pharmaceutical giant Bristol-Myers Squibb, has been an issue in the herbal medicine community. Notably, herbal toxicity and reactions have not been of primary issue but rather that herbal medicines may compete with Warfarin for absorption. Essentially, the questions is to what extent and which herbs may decreased or increase the efficacy of Warfarin. The Chen books cover this topic extensively and inclusion of its material in California State acupuncturist academic requirements and State Board exams would address the pharmaceutical interaction issue. It appears that the California Acupuncture Board is moving in this direction as of its last meeting.

Learn more at Acupuncture CEUs at http://www.healthcmi.com .

President Obama Supports Acupuncture

Administrator — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:50:00 +0000

1-14-2010: Healthcare reform may include alternative medicine therapy language. In a recent town hall meeting in St. Louis, MO, President Obama noted that he supports acupuncture. A licensed acupuncturist noted that the National Institutes of Health and the Wold Health Organization have “discovered through their studies that alternative medicine is often more cost-effective and very effective”. The President replied, “it is pretty well documented through scientific studies that acupuncture, for example, can be very helpful in relieving certain things like migraines and other ailments — or at least as effective as more intrusive interventions”. He also discussed the challenges of integrating preventative medicine into policy making noting that the new Secretary of Health and Human Service, Kathleen Sebelius, former governor of Kansas, is charged with the task of implementing effective healthcare solutions.

In the St. Louis 4-29-09 meeting, Obama noted that policymakers are reticent to invest in preventative medicine because the political payoff is long-term and therefore does not help with immediate re-election concerns. The President further commented that “in the private sector insurance system, oftentimes insurers make the same calculation. Their attitude is, well, people change jobs enough for us to pay for the preventive medicine now when the problem may not crop up for another 20 years and they’ll be long out of our system, so we don’t want to reimburse it because it will make things more costly. That’s the logic of our health care system that we’re going to have to change”. Obama went on to state that the “recovery package put a huge amount in prevention”.

Acupuncture first received national attention in 1972 when President Nixon went to China and New York Times reporter James Reston successfully received acupuncture resulting in successful post-operative pain control. In 1997, the US National Institutes of Health published a report supporting the safety and effectiveness of acupuncture treatments for a wide range of healthcare issues. Under the Clinton administration, the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy was formed and The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) became part of the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Great Britain recently added acupuncture into its national healthcare system. Private insurers in the US including AETNA, United Healthcare, Blue Cross, and Blue Shield offer acupuncture insurance coverage options in their policies. However, it is unclear at this stage whether or not acupuncture and alternative medicine regulation will appear in federal law. Technically, the Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) does not list acupuncture as a unique profession in the US Standard Occupational Classification codes. Rather, acupuncture is listed only as a modality. This technical glitch prevents acupuncture by licensed acupuncturists from inclusion into Medicare and Medicaid along with insurance coverage for federal employees. The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) has collaborated with other national organizations to fix this omission.

Acupuncture is already practiced in several major hospitals including Cedars Sinai, UCSF, Maui Memorial, Clifton Springs, and Novato hospitals. The Harvard Medical School Osher Institute also supports the use of acupuncture and conducts ongoing studies. The advent of healthcare reform sheds light on the cost-effectiveness issue. Given the research and practical application supporting acupuncture as an effective means to control pain and treat illness, the federal government may open the door to alternative therapies in an attempt to reduce healthcare costs.

About the Author: Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl.Ac. is an Acupuncture Continuing Education provider with the Healthcare Medicine Institute (HealthCMI). To learn more about medical news and medical continuing education visit http://www.healthcmi.com .

Acupuncture Stops Heartburn

Administrator — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 12:03:18 +0000

12-30-09, Capitola, CA: A recent study notes that “acupuncture proved to exert a great influence in minimizing the heartburn in pregnancy.” The study further concludes that “Acupuncture, as was demonstrated in this study, seems to be an effective means of reducing the symptoms and improving the quality of life.” The study also concludes that acupuncture care for heartburn “can reduce the need for medication.” Heartburn symptoms decreased significantly for 75% of pregnant women receiving acupuncture in this randomized, controlled study compared with 31% in the control group. Acupunct Med 2009;27:50-53

The professors running the research project suggest that reducing the need for medication is a distinct advantage to the use of acupuncture care for pregnant women. The study also notes that there were no important adverse effects of acupuncture care and further concludes that acupuncture improved the quality of life for the pregnant women.

The study maintained the use of predetermined acupuncture point selection to allow for control in the study. Normally, an acupuncturist customizes acupuncture point selection according to the patient’s signs and symptoms. Acupuncture points preselected in the study included P6 (located on the forearm) and SP4 (located on the foot). The combination of acupuncture points P6 and Sp4, termed Neiguan and Gongsun in Chinese respectively, has been employed for over 1,000 years for the treatment of heart, chest, and stomach disorders.

This point combination is selected from what is known in Chinese medicine as the Eight Confluent Points. These eight acupuncture points have been marked as especially effective in numerous texts, studies, and case histories throughout the history of Chinese medicine. Each of the acupuncture points individually have the function to address medical issues yet combined create special functions to address whole systems of internal medicine disorders. Other Confluent Points include SI3 paired with BL62. Combined, these points treat disorders of the neck, shoulder, back, and inner canthus of the eye. Points TB5 with GB41 address retroauricle (ear), cheek, and outer canthus of the eye disorders. The final pair of Confluent Points, LU7 and KI6, address throat, chest, and stomach disorders.

Many studies have focused on the application of an individual point on the health of the patient. In practice, however, acupuncturists combine points to enhance the efficacy of acupuncture treatments . Of significance is that this study followed both the general guidelines of individual acupuncture point selection for the treatment of heartburn and the Chinese medicine principles of point combination selection.

About the Author: Adam White, L.Ac., Dipl.Ac. is an Acupuncture & Nursing Continuing Education provider with the Healthcare Medicine Institute (HealthCMI). To learn more about medical news and medical continuing education visit http://www.healthcmi.com .

Acupuncture Eczema Research

Administrator — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 03:55:10 +0000

December 11, 2009, Munich, Germany: Dr. Florian Pfab, professor at theTechnical University of Munich, notes that a recent study confirms the efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of eczema. The German study showed that acupuncture reduced skin inflammation after the skin has been exposed to pollen or dust mites. The study included a sample size of 30 test patients.

California Acupuncture

Administrator — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 20:45:53 +0000

4-29-09, Sacramento, CA: Due to budget cuts, the State of California will eliminate acupuncture as a benefit from the Medi-Cal system as of July 1, 2009. The California State Medical Association (CSMOA) now lobbies for restoration of acupuncture benefits in the Medi-Cal system. The Medi-Cal system was known for limiting acupuncture visits to 2 patient visits per month per patient and reimbursing at a rate of only $16.22 per visit for follow-up office visits. Initial examination office visits were limited to reimbursement rate of $27.03 per visit. The majority of acupuncturists in California were not able to use this program due to its unusually low reimbursement rates.

Acupuncture for Hot Flashes

Administrator — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:56:42 +0000

9-22-08: Washington, D.C.: Acupuncture is as effective as venlafaxine, also known as Effexor, in treating hot flashes and night sweats. A team of researchers led by Dr. Eleanor Walker of Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit announced this finding and noted that acupuncture’s benefits have a longer duration and are without harmful side effects. Effexor is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant. Half of the forty-seven breast cancer patients who took part in the study received acupuncture and half took Effexor. Each group received 12 weeks of treatment. For the acupuncture group, the women experienced reduced symptoms for 15 additional weeks. For the Effexor group, the women experienced reduced symptoms for 2 additional weeks. The report was presented at the Boston meeting of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology. The researchers noted that the women receiving acupuncture reported no side effects from acupuncture and also more energy, a sense of wellness, and increased libido. The researchers noted that the Effexor group experienced side effects from the medication. The side effects included higher blood pressure, nausea, headaches, dizziness, insomnia, low energy and anxiety. Walker noted that the acupuncture is more cost effective for insurance companies and the patient because the acupuncture regime would need only be administrated three or four times per calendar year.

Acupuncture for Fertility, Menstrual Pain, and Headaches

Administrator — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 21:26:05 +0000

A recent University of Virginia Health System study concludes that acupuncture is effective for treating infertility related to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Acupuncture was also shown to restore regular periods for women with amenorrhea. In another recent study reported in the ‘American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology’, acupuncture was proven to relieve menstrual pain. The study concludes that “acupuncture should be considered as a viable option in the management of these patients.” In yet another study reported in the journal ‘Cephalalgia’, German researchers concluded that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of headaches. This conclusion parallels that of a study conducted recently by Italian researchers that was published in the March 2008 issue of the journal ‘Headache’ which concluded that acupuncture is an effective treatment for migraines.

NCCAOM Promotes National Acupuncture Recognition

Administrator — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:06:14 +0000

August, 2008: The NCCAOM is working with the CCAOM, AAAOM, FAOMRA, ACAOM, and the NAF to have “acupuncturist” listed as a distinct profession by the US Dept. of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. Currently, “acupuncture” is only listed as a treatment modality technique under the professions of nursing and chiropractic. Other than this listing for chiropractors and registered nurses, there is no other recognition for acupuncture in the bureau’s listings. This clerical oversight hampers the progress of acupuncture in the US. Inclusion of “acupuncturist” as a distinct profession will facilitate improvements with insurance reimbursements and possibly the institution of Medicare coverage. This will also help to create legal protections for the profession regarding the use of medicinal herbs. The NIH (National Institutes of Health) will also provide direct funding for grant research once the listing is created. As it stands today, the NIH cannot provide direct funding due to this oversight. The work of the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine), CCAOM (Council of Colleges for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine), AAAOM (American Association for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine), FAOMRA (Federation of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Regulatory Agencies), ACAOM (Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine), and the NAF (National Acupuncture Foundation) may also assist with the creation of a federal loan forgiveness program for licensed acupuncturists.

Delaware Licenses Acupuncture

Administrator — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:45:12 +0000

June, 2008: Delaware now has an acupuncture licensing law regulating acupuncture standards. The existing 27 acupuncturists in the state will be grandfathered in as licensed practitioners. A local acupuncturist, the Maryland Acupuncture Society, and the Delaware Medical Society promoted the bill to bring acupuncture as a licensed profession to Delaware.

California Acupuncture Insurance Program

Administrator — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 04:46:58 +0000

February 2008, Sacramento, CA: The California Acupuncture Bill, AB54, passed in the California State Assembly. According to the California State Assembly analysis of the bill, AB54 "requires every health plan contract and health insurance policy sold on a group basis that provides coverage for hospital, medical, or surgical expenses to provide coverage for expenses incurred as a result of treatment by acupuncturists." Democratic Assemblyman Mervyn Dymally of Los Angeles authored the bill and it passed 46 to 27. This California acupuncture program also has strong support from San Francisco Assemblywoman Fiona Ma. AB54 must make its way through the Senate before the summer recess for this acupuncture insurance coverage bill to have a chance to become law.

Tiger Ban and Chinese Medicine Education

Administrator — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 01:22:54 +0000

Santa Cruz, CA, Feb. 2008: China imposed a ban on the trade of tiger bones in 1993. There has been continuing pressure on the Chinese government to lift the ban. The tiger product ban has significantly contributed to the survival of the few remaining tiger populations in the wild. One source, reported in China’s Xinhua news agency, requests that the bones of deceased tigers in a Heilongjiang Siberian tiger refuge be allowed for sale to help fund expansion of the refuge. Conservationists note that easing the ban and allowing the legal sale of tiger products opens the door for the poaching of wild tigers.

China has about 30 tigers in the wild and has several breeding centers which house approximately 5,000 tigers. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITIES), a consortium of 171 member countries, has supported the ban and has resisted pressure to lift the ban. In 2007, CITIES cited strong language in favor of the tiger product ban. The World Wildlife Fund has also supported the tiger ban and a continuing education effort to better inform individuals and governments about this issue. Investors in tiger breeding farms are expected to make substantial profits should this ban be lifted. Since the inception of the ban, the market for tiger products has dramatically reduced.

Acupuncture Continuing Education :
Historically, Hu Gu (tiger bone) was used in Chinese Medicine to treat weakness and soreness of the lower back and knees. HealthCMI encourages the use of plant based replacements for Hu Gu including Mu Gua (Fructus Chaenomelis) and Wu Jia Pi (Cortex Acanthopanacis). Tigers are precious and are endangered, as such, HealthCMI strongly supports the Tiger trade ban to help protect and preserve the future of Tigers on our planet.

Acupuncture Education and Hypertension

Administrator — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 07:20:38 +0000

Seoul, Korea: January 24, 2008 - A recent study from Seoul, Korea concludes that acupuncture is effective in the treatment of hypertension. A radomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial measured significant reductions in blood pressure for patients treated with acupuncture. More significantly, the study measured lasting results using acupuncture for the treatment of hypertesion (Neurological Science, v29, s1, 2-07, pp98-103(6)).

Nausea and IBS treated with Chinese Herbal Medicine

Administrator — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 06:53:23 +0000

The 'Annals of Oncology' published a study concluding that Chinese herbal medicine is effective in reducing nausea for chemotherapy patients. The double-blind placebo controlled randomized study of Chinese herbal medicine notes that Chinese herbal medicine “does have a significant impact on control of nausea” ('Annals of Oncology' 2007 18(4):768-774). Interestingly, the report cites an earlier study that appears in the 'Journal of the American Medicine Association' (JAMA. 1998;280:1585-1589). In it, the study concludes that Chinese herbal medicine is effective for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.

Acupuncture as effective for migraines as drugs

Administrator — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 12:05:59 +0000

An important study on acupuncture for the treatment of migraine headaches concludes that acupuncture is “of comparable efficiency to several proven drug therapies for the treatment and prevention of migraine.” The treatment of migraines, a disabling and often severely painful form of headache, was researched across 25 randomised controlled trials involving 3,004 patients. Acupuncture was concluded to be superior to a wait list, sham acupuncture, and comparable to drug therapy for the treatment and prevention of migraines in the study (Scott SW, Deare JC. Acupuncture for migraine: a systematic review. ‘Aust J Acupunct Chin Med’ 2006;1(1):3-14).

Acupuncture for Labor Pain

Administrator — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 11:47:40 +0000

Labor pain has been treated with Chinese Medicine for over a thousand years and now receives attention by modern researchers. A recent study (Smith C, Collins CT, Crowther C. Acupuncture and acupressure for pain management in labour: a systematic review. 'Aust J Acupunct Chin Med' 2007;2(1):25-32) concludes that “ Acupuncture may be beneficial for the management of pain during labour.” The focus of the study was to examine the effects of acupuncture and acupressure on labor pain and its relationship to maternal and perinatal morbidity. Women receiving acupressure noted less anxiety and labor pain in clinical trials. Women also showed significant benefits from acupuncture for pain management during labor. The women studied were in either spontaneous or induced labor of the first or second stage. The 'Australian Journal of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine' published these findings in 2007.

Acupuncture in California, Florida, Texas, New York, Colorado, and Oregon

Administrator — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 08:21:30 +0000

How many acupuncturists are in the US? California (CA) leads the December 2007 count with over 6,680 acupuncturist. Florida (FL) gets the silver medal with over 1,350 licensed acupuncturists. Texas (TX) has approximately 680 acupuncturists followed by New York (NY) with 678, Colorado (CO) with 675, and Oregon (OR) with 659 acupuncture practitioners. Massachusetts (MA) has 573 acupuncturists and Maryland (MD) rings in with 509. Illinois (IL) has 491 licensed acupuncturists and New Mexico (NM) pulls through with a respectable 416 acupuncturists. Overall, it is estimated that there are over 17,000 licensed acupuncturists in the US and approximately 4,000+ acupuncture students. CA and FL have their own acupuncture licensing boards and the NCCAOM offers certifications for all other states that have legislation supporting the licensure of acupuncture.

Pediatric Ear Infection Continuing Education Course

Administrator — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 11:05:36 +0000

HealthCMI announces the course ‘Chinese Medicine Pediatrics and Ear Infections’ for January 2008. This course covers the clinical treatment of pediatric otitis media (middle ear infections / inflammation) including acupuncture, herbal medicine, moxa, and shoni-shin treatment modalities. It is approved for 7 NCCAOM national continuing education points, 7 Florida CE's, and 8 California acupuncture CEU's. As with all HealthCMI acupuncture courses, it is approved for continuing education credit in all states that license acupuncturists in the US and parts of Canada.

Ear infections account for approximately 30,000,000 pediatrician office visits per year in the USA and nearly 50% of all anitbiotic prescriptions for children. Otitis media occurs predominantly in children between the ages of 4 months and 5 years of age and the majority of children in the USA have had an ear infection before the age of 3. It is estimated that the allopathic medicine related costs for the treatment of childhood ear infections is approximately $2 billion dollars per year. This HealthCMI course comes at a very important time. The October 17th, 2007 issue of the ‘Journal of the American Medical Association’ reports that a new antibiotic resistance strain of streptococcus pneumoniae causing otitis media in children has recently been reported. The report notes that levofloxacin, which is not FDA approved for pediatric use, is currently the only known antibiotic to treat this strain of ear infections. The HealthCMI course ‘Chinese Medicine Pediatrics and Ear Infections’ will cover diagnostics, parent and child compliance issues, effective treatments, and a variety of other important topics concerning this substantial health risk to children.

Green Tea and EGCG Catechins

Administrator — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 06:34:38 +0000

EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate) is a catechin found in green tea. A recent study states that EGCG protects the skin from UV radiation damage and tumor formation. This study can be read in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 2007, v. 18:5, p287-296, S. Katiyar, C. Elmet. The article is entitled “Green tea and skin cancer: photoimmunology, angiogenesis and DNA repair.” EGCG has received a lot of attention in the scientific world but is one of many catechins that has potential health benefits. Catechins are flavonoids found in many plants but are especially abundant in tea (Camellia Sinensis). Catechins are also found in chocolate, wine, fruits, and vegetables. Studies suggest that they may help reduce atherosclerotic plaques and carcinogenesis. Catechins in green tea have been shown to convert carcinogens into benign substances.

Kentucky legalizes acupuncture

Administrator — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 00:00:00 +0000

In April of 2006, Kentucky enacted a law to regulate and therefore legalize a license process for acupuncturists. In Kentucky, a licensed acupuncturist uses the term "certified acupuncturist" (C. Ac.). Herbal medicine was not mentioned in the law and acupuncturists must pass the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) exam. That leaves the countdown at six. There are six states without laws regarding the practice of acupuncture: Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Alabama. In some of these states, an M.D. or D.O. may practice acupuncture. Due to the lack of oversight, the physicians are not required to have a substantial formal education in acupuncture or Chinese Medicine. Of historical record, it was 1973 when Maryland, Nevada, and Oregon created the first laws providing for the legalization and training of acupuncturists. In California, acupuncturists were commonly arrested and prosecuted for engaging in the practice of acupuncture. In 1972, the CA Board of Medical Examiners began regulating acupuncture for use in medical schools. In 1975, Governor Jerry Brown signed a law legalizing the practice of acupuncture by licensed acupuncturists.

FDA Ruling on Dietary Supplements Update

Administrator — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 08:54:18 +0000

The final ruling for 2007 by the FDA on GMP's (Good Manufacturing Practices) for dietary supplements has been issued. Look forward to updates as to how acupuncturists and acupuncture schools will be affected by this course of regulatory action. It is possible that acupuncture college pharmacies may be affected and that individual acupuncture practices may also be affected. Under the new ruling, the FDA now mandates that "manufacturers are required to evaluate the identity, purity, strength, and composition of their dietary supplements."

New California Acupuncture Continuing Education (CEU) Requirements

Administrator — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0000

The California Acupuncture Board has changed the continuing education requirements for licensed California acupuncturists. The 30 hours of acupuncture continuing education units required every two years has been increased to 50 hours of acupuncture continuing education units (CEU’s) every two years in order to maintain an acupuncture license. Twenty-five CEU’s of the total 50 CEU’s may be acupuncture distance learning credits. All acupuncture courses for continuing education credit at HealthCMI are California Acupuncture Board approved as well as NCCAOM, CTCMABC, and Florida approved. This makes all HealthCMI certificates for acupuncturists approved in every state that licenses acupuncture.

To view online courses CLICK HERE. To learn more about California acupuncture continuing education legal requirements click: California Acupuncture Continuing Education . For Florida click: Florida Acupuncture Continuing Education . For NCCAOM national click: NCCAOM Acupuncture Continuing Education .

PanAfrican Acupuncture Project update

Administrator — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 10:24:14 +0000

The PanAfrican Acupuncture Project (PAAP) initiates acupuncture training for medical professionals in Africa. Since 2003, PAAP has trained many medical workers in Uganda including nurses, midwives, and nurse midwives. In April of 2007, PAAP returned to Africa to continue with this important and vital relief program. PAAP has plans to expand training programs to Malawi, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe.

Laser Acupuncture for California?

Administrator — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 09:09:25 +0000

The February 2007 California Acupuncture Board meeting included a discussion of the use of low-level laser stimulation in acupuncture. A motion was seconded to consider the expansion of the acupuncture scope of practice for California licensed acupuncturists to include the laser therapy. It was noted that the FDA has not approved low-level lasers yet and that a further discussion of training, education, and safety standards is required. Learn more about the educational requirements associated with lasers and acupuncture in our online news updates for HealthCMI.

NCCAOM New Continuing Education Requirements

Administrator — Mon, 14 May 2007 00:00:00 +0000

The NCCAOM now requires acupuncturists seeking acupuncture license renewal to obtain four hours of continuing education credit in the area of ethics and safety. The NCCAOM allows courses in First Aid and CPR to fulfill this requirement.

Acupuncture for Knee Pain and Dysfunction Research

Administrator — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 00:00:00 +0000

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases have proven that acupuncture is effective in reducing pain and functional impairment of the knee. The report was published in the 12-04 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine. The report specifically states that acupuncture is an effective treatment for osteoarthritis of the knees.

Laser Acupuncture for Infantile Digestion Problems

Administrator — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 01:00:00 +0000

A recent study in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine (24 : 280-281, 2004) entitled the Treatment of Infantile Diarrhea by Acupuncture and Laser Irradiation- A Report of 60 Cases by Ding Duming of the People's Hospital of Danyang Municipality reports that acupuncture combined with laser acupuncture is effective in the treatment of infantile diarrhea. The report notes that the laser therapy has the action of restoring "affected tissue to its normal function." Also, the report shows the effects of acupuncture and laser acupuncture in the repair of intestinal mucosa through the process of stimulating epithelial cells.

Celebrity Athletes Using Acupuncture Update

Administrator — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 01:00:00 +0000

The October 2007 issue of Sports Illustrated Magazine writes that Morten Anderson, field goal kicker for NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, receives two acupuncture treatments per week as part of his ongoing healthcare program. At age 47, he is the second oldest player ever in the National Football League and is the NFL’s all-time leading scorer. He has set the NFL record with the most games played at over 368 and has scored in excess of a record breaking 346 consecutive games. Other NFL greats to utilize acupuncture include Joe Montana and defensive lineman Michael Strahan. Turning to NBA basketball, Dwayne Wade uses acupuncture for knee and shoulder pain. Other basketball stars using acupuncture include Shaquille O’Neal, Jason Kidd, and Vladimir Radmonovic. In professional golf, Fred Couples is noteworthy for having utilized acupuncture to treat severe back pain.