In Times of Transition: From Summer to Autumn/Fall to Winter
“Of all the seasons, autumn offers the most to man and requires the least of him.” Hal Borland (1900-1978), American writer, journalist and naturalist, from his book
Homeland: A Report from the Country, a collection of non-political nature and rural-life essays published in 1969
Acupuncture and East Asian medicine is a complete health practice that encompasses the unique needs of each patient, including the external & internal factors that impact patients’ quality of life no matter their origin. One of the many factors impacting a patient’s quality of life is the environment, and the accompanying seasonal transitions.
In Maryland, summer has ended, autumn/fall is in full bloom and winter is around the corner. This means that we are in transition from longer days, ice cold drinks, lighter & often chilled foods and clothes that expose more of our skin to shorter days, heated beverages, heavier, warm comfort foods, and cozier, thicker layers to cover up and protect our skin. Both scenarios have benefits and challenges.
The challenges of transition to colder seasons can be both mental & physical. Examples include, but aren’t limited to, sleep disturbances, feelings of fatigue, lack of motivation, sadness and even depression, over or under eating, changes in bowel activity, pain in the body and hair breakage or shedding, and skin breakouts & rashes. The good news is that acupuncture and East Asian medicine, inclusive of East Asian focused bodywork, dietary philosophy, exercise techniques and herbal supplementation, is a customizable resource to assist with addressing seasonal transitional challenges. The benefits of seasonal transitions, specifically from summer to autumn/fall, is its service as the middle-man between summer and winter. Autumn/Fall allows us to e-a-s-e out of one season into the other. As an added bonus autumn/fall has its own inherent qualities & traditions that require nothing from us but to embrace and enjoy all they have to offer. This is the implied message of Hal Borland’s quote.
As we examine the impact that transition has on our health, it is not lost on the Board the transitions experienced by licensees as it relates to the regulation of the practice in Maryland. Past transitions include the Board ceasing to issue paper licenses in November 2021 & to accept checks in June 2022; the retirement of the two long term staff members & the onboarding of their successors in June 2022 and 2023; and the requirement of NCBAHM certification for new applicants effective June 1, 2026. Going forward, new transitions include all licensees being required to complete full (State and FBI) criminal background screening via the fingerprinting process by July 2027 for new applicants & beginning January 2028 for all licensees as they renew their license; beginning January 2027 all licensees granted inactive status will be required to renew this status every two years during the six year term; and the continued work toward implementing the acupoint injection registry.
While licensees don’t always have control over such changes, there are ways to engage in and cope with the change process. For example:
- Read all the communications - emailed, mailed & posted on the website - from the Board.
- Attend Board meetings when your schedule permits.
- Comment on proposed legislative and regulatory changes.
- Join and become an active participant in the professional association.
- Attend professional association conferences and meetings, and comment on proposals from the same.
The consistent flow of communication develops understanding, builds rapport and improves overall engagement. Embracing transition (a.k.a. change) forces us to use our knowledge, senses, skills and abilities to respond and builds resilience. Two of the arguably best parts of embracing transition is experiencing a sense of accomplishment and building community through shared experience.
Resources:
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 practitioners.
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.
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
Statues, Regulations & Newsletters menu item on the left. The Board does not interpret statute or regulations nor give legal advice. 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 2026 CALENDAR:
- State Holiday - Office Closed Tuesday, November 3rd for Election Day
-
Sixth Bi-Monthly Board Meeting - Tuesday, November 10th
- State Holiday - Office Closed Wednesday, November 11th for Veterans Day
- State Holiday - Office Closed Thursday, November 26th for Thanksgiving Day
- State Holiday - Office Closed Friday, November 27th for American Indian Heritage Day
- State Holiday - Office Closed Friday, December 25th for Christmas Day
