January signifies a
new start in a
new year, and an ideal time to review some fundamentals. Let’s
start with the national health observances for this month and one observance’s connection to a practice fundamental.
January’s national health observances are:
In review, the fundamentals at the center of the practice of Traditional Chinese/East Asian Medicine (TCM/EAM) are the two B’s - balance and blood. These twins are integral to one’s overall health because the blood is not only the transporter of oxygen and nutrients as emphasized in Western medicine (WM). In TCM/EAM, blood is additionally integral to emotions, energy (Qi) and the overall function of all systems. As such TCM/EAM considers blood patterns when creating treatment plans. These patterns are as follows: deficiency, stasis, heat, cold, dryness and excess. Therefore blood health is directly related to overall balance in one’s emotional and physical health. This is also the basis for TCM/EAM care plans which are created to treat the whole person. A care/treatment plan can include:
- Acupuncture
- Herbal Medicine & Supplements
- Massage & Manual Therapies (Cupping, Tui Na, & Reflexology)
- Nutritional Strategies
- Movement & Activity (breathing & physical exercise, & meditation)
- Self-care & lifestyle education & recommendations for an integrated treatment plan
- Collaboration with PCPs & referrals to additional clinicians if needed
Summarily, health and wellness is achieved when one is balanced. Balance is the result of the optimal [harmonious] flow of one’s blood and energy (Qi). In WM, imbalance [disequilibrium] results in disease, which persists and results in disease progression until balance is restored [homeostasis].
Some regulatory basics to remember are as follows:
It is illegal to practice acupuncture and East Asian Medicine for any of the professions - Acupuncturists, Animal Acupuncturists, and Auricular Detoxification Specialists - regulated by the Board without approval. If your license or certificate has lapsed please take action to reinstate.
The
American Acupuncture Society (ASA), the practice’s professional organization, has a Maryland arm - The
Maryland Acupuncture Society (MAS) - that offers membership. MAS is a valuable resource for Licensed Acupuncturists.
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’s.
The
Maryland General Assembly will convene for the 2025 Legislative Season on Wednesday, January 8th at 12 pm noon. 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.
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.
The Board no longer accepts checks or money orders. All payments must be made by credit or debit card.
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.
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.
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.
The Board hosts meetings every other month. At present, these meetings are virtual. The meeting dates, times, agenda and access are posted on the Boards website along with past meeting minutes.
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.
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.
RESOURCES TO REVIEW:
WHAT’S ON THE 2025 CALENDAR:
- LEGISLATIVE SESSION - the General Assembly will meet in Annapolis, Maryland beginning on January 8th.
- January 14th Board Meeting
- March 11th Board Meeting
- 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
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION CHECK-IN:
