Maryland Department of Health
Board of Acupuncture

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Board of Acupunct​ure

Board News

IT’S THE FALL 2024 LICENSE RENEWAL SEASON
FOR LICENSES EXPIRING ON NOVEMBER 30, 2024

The standard renewal period is October 1 - November 30, 2024

public health image ​​

November is the month before we officially transition to the winter season.  In this month the temperature is more consistently cool (under 60 degrees), often breezy and the sun typically sets before the average family’s dinner (6 - 8 pm).  As the temperature cools the air tends to have less humidity.  Less humidity means drier outdoor air.  Indoor air is additionally drier as a result of the increased use of heaters. Exposure to drier air strips moisture from hair and skin.  The impact of the change of weather on our skin is important and has the potential to impact our health overall.  Our skin is more than wrapping that we cover with stylish clothes, pleasant scents, and adorn with jewelry.  Skin is the body’s first line of defense with the world which includes biological and environmental elements, substances and toxins.  According to the American Skin Association the skin is the body’s largest organ.  In its role, the skin supports the function of all other body parts, assists the immune system, prevents the body from being overwhelmed by germs that could damage internal organs, helps regulate body temperature and aids the nervous system in detecting potential danger through touch.  So in other words, the health of our skin is vital to our overall health. 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the health of the skin is a reflection of the health (balance & flow) of the body.  Therefore acupuncture and East Asian medicine are integral in maintaining skin health.  More specifically:

  • Acupuncture can improve skin tone and texture.
  • Cupping Therapy can improve circulation and reduce inflammation.
  • Gua Sha Therapy can reduce pain and reduce swelling.
  • Herbal Remedies have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

Of course the details of acupuncture and East Asian medicine treatments on skin are more intricate than the information shared in the bullets above.  And, much like Western medicine outcomes, vary from patient to patient.  The bottom line is that historically, acupuncture and East Asian medicine has and continues to successfully treat skin health conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, allergic reactions, hard to heal wounds, etc.  The practice of acupuncture and East Asian medicine promotes healthy skin from the inside out, with the premise being that healthy skin is the result of a balanced, flowing physical constitution.  As such, the practice, considering the role of the skin in our health and wellness, can play a significant role in physical vitality and overall quality of life.

The other notable health observances for the month of November are as follows:

RESOURCES TO REVIEW:

Notice of Public Meeting

The Maryland State Board of Acupuncture convenes for its official Board Meeting six (6) times per year, on the second Tuesday in the following months: January, March, May, July, September and November. The Regular Session starts at 1pm and is open to the public. The meetings are held virtually and access to the meeting room is published on the website a few days prior to the meeting date.

​Subject: Open Session

Date: Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Time: 1:00 ​pm

Join via Google Meet:​​
meet.google.com/sau-oiof-rup
Phone:+1 612-351-1818‬
PIN: ‪‪265 395 427‬#

​​ --​Meeting ​Agenda​--​​​​​​​​​​

bacc​​​

BOARD OFFICE

Contact the Maryland State Board of Acupuncture​

Email: mdh.acupuncture@maryland.gov

Phone: (410) 764 - 4766

Fax: (410) 431 - 3072

TTY/MD Relay:  (800) 735-2258 or 711​​

Mailing Address:
4201 Patterson Avenue
Third Floor
Baltimore, MD 21215


Additional Resources: