Acupuncture Today

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 immediate symptom relief. Furthermor

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 muscle recovery. Botox, by temporari

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 representing the majority, while ful

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 compared to sham acupuncture. Another

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 restoration. The study, which induc

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 that liver qi stagnation often inte

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 now highlighting the importance o

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 analyzing extensive datasets to perso

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 offers an empowering perspective, ide

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 variability of acupuncture point effectiv