SPRING 2025 RENEWAL SEASON
APRIL 1 - JUNE 30, 2025
Alcohol: Social Acceptability vs Safety
The Society for Healthcare Strategy and Market Development (SHSMD) maintains a health observance calendar and their list of recognitions for the month of April is substantial. More than two dozen recognitions later, those in purplish font are our acupuncture and East Asian focus for the month of April.
Spring is the official recognition of the transition from months dominated by Yin (darkness and cold) to months dominated by Yang (warmness and light). The season is the opening act for summer and its emphasis is on cleansing, detoxification, regeneration, renewal and birth. In acupuncture and East Asian medicine Spring is represented by the liver which is integral to the body’s cleansing and flow of energy (Qi). The liver is integral to:
- fat and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as detoxifying and filtering medications and other mood altering chemicals.
- The release of negative emotions and confidence to make plans in order to avoid stagnation.
- The integrity and functioning of connective tissue and the health of the eyes.
- Works in cooperation with the gall bladder and overall digestive health.
It reminds me of the phrase “out with the old in with the new”. A similar focus for those seeking help with alcohol dependence.
April is National
Alcohol Awareness and
Alcohol Screening Month. Healthcare entities nationwide have campaigns and events all month long to educate the public about the facts of drinking alcohol including the impact on the drinker’s health, the signs of addiction, and resources that support sober living. One of those sober living resources is auricular detoxification acupuncture.
Auricular Detoxification is a form of acupuncture in which five points on the ear are treated to address the symptoms of addiction and the associated conditions. While a licensed Acupuncturist can certainly provide this treatment, in Maryland the Board maintains a registry of healthcare practitioners licensed in other professions, that specialize in addictions treatment, and have been trained to perform a five- needle protocol specifically dedicated to the treatment of addiction.
These registered healthcare practitioners are
Auricular Detoxification Specialists, trained [more often than not] by the
National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA). The benefits of auricular detoxification support the goal of ending dependence on alcohol by reducing cravings, decreasing the impact of withdrawal as well as improving the patients overall mood and ability to cope with the stressors of life without a substance.
So as we explore SHSMD’s April health recognitions and embrace all the seasonal benefits associated with the month of April, don’t forget to share with family and friends that help is available for those that desire to end their dependence on alcohol. Check out the following resources to learn more and then share what you learn.
Regulatory Basics You must have a license to practice. It is illegal to practice acupuncture and use East Asian medical therapies without a license. You must also obtain additional certification to practice on animals. Certain non-acupuncturist professionals may practice as
Auricular Detoxification Specialists if they register with the Board and renew their registration. If your license or registration has lapsed please take action to reinstate before you practice.
The
National Auricular Detoxification Association (NADA), is the professional organization for all certified Auricular Detoxification Specialists (ADS). NADA offers the training to become a certified ADS in Maryland, offers membership and is a valuable resource for ADS’..
The
American Acupuncture Society (ASA), the practice’s professional organization, has a Maryland arm - The
Maryland Association of Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine (MAAEAM)- that offers membership. MAAEAM is a valuable resource for Licensed Acupuncturists.
The
Maryland General Assembly has convened the 2025 legislative session. Licensed Acupuncturists are constituents in the form of residents, employees and/or business owners. No matter your passion (e.g., acupuncture & East Asian medicine gaining more insurance coverage, business or income tax, daylight savings time, school funding, etc.), as constituents, you have the ability to interact with your legislative representatives. Let your voice be heard.
About Paper Licenses The Board does not issue printed licenses. Please visit the
License Verification and Roster Information page to print and/or save a copy of your license status.
About Forms of Payment The Board no longer accepts checks or money orders. All payments must be made by credit or debit card.
About Practice Scope The practice statutes and regulations can be accessed from the Board’s landing page via the
Regulations, Board Meeting Minutes & Newsletters menu item on the left. The Board does not have the authority to interpret statute or regulations. Please consult with a legal professional if additional understanding is required.
About Continuing Education At present the Board does not approve/accredit/endorse specific
continuing education (CEU) providers. Licensees should ensure that the CEU provider is legitimate and provides content that meets industry standards. From time to time the Board does share training information. This does not mean that the Board has a relationship with this provider.
About License Status The Board has two renewal cycles annually: Spring & Fall. This means that the renewal system is only open twice a year beginning April 1st and October 1st. Spring renewals expire on May 31st and Fall renewals on November 30th. The Board sends notices by email and mail to licensees when it is time to renew.
About Contact Information The Board must be able to contact licensees at all times. This means that the Board must have licensees correct contact information at all times. If you change your address, phone number or email address please
inform the Board of the change so that we may reach you.
About Contact Information Licensees are required to advertise and practice in the name for which they are licensed. Name changes must be
reported to the Board with supporting documentation.
*The form to report contact and name changes can be accessed in two ways on the Board’s website: 1) on the Apply for an Acupuncture License page and ) on the Resources, Requirements & Information Requests page.
WHAT’S ON THE 2025 CALENDAR:
- LEGISLATIVE SESSION - the General Assembly will meet in Annapolis, Maryland until April 7th.
- Spring License Renewal Season: April 1st - June 30th
- Annual American Society of Acupuncturists Conference in Arlington, VA on April 26th & 27th
- Acupuncture for Public Servants on Capital Hill on April 28th
- May 13th Board Meeting
- July 8th Board Meeting
- September 9th Board Meeting
- Fall License Renewal Season: October 1st - December 31st
- November 4th Board Meeting
