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Chair Letter
Hello again,
Moving into late summer is a chance to reflect on the year’s growth and bounty. It has been a very full year — disruptive challenges we are doing our best to steer through together as a profession have forced our attention. I’d like to take a moment to shine some light on some of the flourishing coming forth from various ASA volunteers.
ASA’s Conference Committee has secured the date and venue for our next ASA Annual Conference, which will be held on April 24th and 25th at the Westin Alexandria Old Town in the Washington DC area. ASA’s Federal Advocacy Committee will facilitate Acupuncture Public Servants on April 26th.
ASA’s Research Committee is collaborating with state associations to develop questions into viable research pathways and using their expertise to highlight exciting new findings in the literature — don’t miss their summary on neuroplasticity with acupuncture for stroke rehabilitation in this issue.
Thank you to ALL the volunteers bringing forth their expertise, creativity and generosity to support ASA members and the profession at large —- updates from many committees are inside.
Be well.
Paul Magee, M.A.O.M., L.Ac.
Chair, ASA Board of Directors
The Latest – What the ASA Committees are doing right now
Conference Committee – Chair, LiMing Tseng
Federal Advocacy Committee – Chair, Amy Mager
Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act (H.R. 1667)
The ASA Federal Advocacy Committee continues its work on the Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act, H.R. 1667, introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Judy Chu (D-CA) alongside Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA). This bipartisan legislation would amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to recognize licensed and qualified acupuncturists as Medicare providers, allowing them to deliver covered acupuncture services to our nation’s seniors.
You can read the full bill text here: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1667
Under current policy, Medicare covers acupuncture for chronic lower back pain, yet most seniors cannot receive that care from an acupuncturist because our profession still lacks Medicare-provider status. The result is a barrier that keeps older Americans from the very practitioners best trained to serve them. H.R. 1667 would close that gap—expanding access for seniors, easing pressure on an overburdened pain-management system, and affirming acupuncturists as the appropriate providers of these services. Securing this recognition has been a longstanding priority for our profession, and it remains central to the Committee’s federal work.
We want to keep our members informed about where this effort stands. This bill is unlikely to pass during the current legislative session. Rather than allow this important work to lapse, the Committee is working with NCBAHM leadership directly with Representative Judy Chu to reintroduce the bill in the next legislative session. When the legislation is formally reintroduced, it will carry a new bill number, which we will share with members as soon as it is assigned.
We are also actively working to secure a new Republican sponsor. Representative Fitzpatrick, who has generously championed this legislation, is not seeking re-election. Preserving the bill’s bipartisan foundation remains a priority, and identifying a committed Republican co-sponsor is central to that effort. Bipartisan support strengthens the bill’s standing and reflects the broad, cross-party value of expanding senior access to acupuncture care.
This is where our members can make a meaningful difference. Advancing federal legislation depends on relationships, and many of those relationships begin with practitioners like you. If you have a connection to a Republican representative in Congress who might consider sponsoring this legislation—or to national organizations, coalition partners, or advocacy networks that could support our work, we would welcome the opportunity to hear from you. The path to Medicare recognition is built through sustained, coordinated advocacy in which each member’s participation is genuinely valuable through coordinated effort and messaging.
If you have questions or national legislative connections, please contact us at Advocacy@asacu.org. We are grateful for your continued engagement and support as we work toward Medicare provider status for our profession.
State Advocacy Committee – Chair, Jennifer Broadwell
The State Advocacy Committee mission is to support all member associations in developing and strengthening their advocacy efforts and developing their individual state advocacy committees.
We manage BillTrack 50, the ASA’s legislative tool that enables our members to monitor all active bills that could impact our practice and helps to research and track legislation at the state and federal levels. Every member association has access to this valuable tool.
We create and manage the Advocacy Toolkit for our Members that includes many helpful resources and documents that can aide your state’s advocacy initiatives and organization.
We are seeking to better understand your needs so that we can better serve our members. We are reaching out to our members to learn more about their current needs and experiences. Please reach out if your association is interested in setting up an exploratory meeting.
We are also looking for new members that have experience with advocacy and are willing to work together to support our profession. If you are interested, please complete the committee application on our website.
Deep gratitude for our current members: Ginna Browning, Joe Pandolfo, Chaiya Sherman, Cynthiaann Hayes and Jennifer Broadwell (chair)
Governance Committee – Chair, David Bock
Currently the ASA is functioning well with few problems that need to be addressed. We welcome any comments and concerns as to how the ASA could run better or is not fulfilling the needs of the Council members. As always the Governance committee will gladly provide advice to state associations in regards to their governance and bylaws.
Medicaid Committee – Contact, Joe Pandolfo
You are welcome and encouraged to contact us with questions, requests, or updates about your state’s efforts at Medicaid@asacu.org.
Membership/Benefits Committee – Chair, Mary Beth Jones-Prizer
ASA Members receive all of the following great benefits! Details available on the Member Benefits Package page.
Nominating Committee: Chair, Alexandra Russell
We are accepting applications for ASA Committee Members
Use this form to apply for a committee position!
We also invite candidates for ASA Board of Directors – Read this to learn about BOD Positions and how to apply
Research Committee – Chair, Beth Howlett
Acupuncture Changes the Brain’s Neuroplasticity After Stroke: What a New MRI Study
Tells Us Yu X, et al. CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics. 2026;32(6):e70955
Stroke is one of the most devastating neurological events a person can experience. Among its most common and disabling consequences is hemiplegia: paralysis or significant weakness on one side of the body. A recently published study provides some of the most compelling brain imaging evidence yet that acupuncture can help with stroke, and begins to show us why.
Researchers enrolled 56 stroke patients who had experienced one-sided paralysis within the previous six weeks. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either real acupuncture at established points, or a sham treatment using needles placed near – but not at – those acupuncture points. Both groups received ten treatment sessions over two weeks, five per week, 30 minutes per session, administered by a licensed acupuncturist.
The acupuncture points used were:
- Quchi (LI11),
- Neiguan (PC6 – the paper labels this SJ5, but the description and clinical context are consistent with PC6 – this appears to be a transcription or typesetting error in the original “point number”),
- Hugu (LI4 – similarly listed as SJ5 in the paper, almost certainly a duplicate number labeling, highlighting the importance of using WHO point nomenclature),
- Zusanli (ST36),
- Sanyinjiao (SP6),
- Yanglingquan (GB34).
Needles and needling technique:
- Sterile, disposable, filiform, needle gauge: 0.25 mm × 40 mm,
- Perpendicular insertion at 90°, depth 25 mm,
- Even reinforcing-reducing manipulation (balanced twirling, rotating, lifting, thrusting)
- One minute of manipulation per point to elicit deqi (soreness, numbness, distention, heaviness, or aching).
The sham treatment group received needling at non-therapeutic locations precisely 1 cun lateral to each corresponding true acupuncture point, using the same needle gauge, same session duration, same number of sessions, and same stimulation duration applied at each sham point – but without deqi being elicited.
Neither the patients nor the clinicians assessing their outcomes knew which treatment each patient received.
State Association Updates
California
RECENT 2026 LEGISLATIVE MILESTONES:
In collaboration with multiple state associations, students, patients, TCM schools, and individual practitioners throughout the state, there has been significant momentum with regard to the following bills:
- AB 1949 passed in the Senate. This bill allows for up to 24 visits a year and takes out the restriction of only 2 Acupuncture visits per month for Medi-Cal recipients using acupuncture.
- SB 944 crossed over and passed in the Assembly. This bill protects Acupuncture and provides coverage for Medi-Cal recipients, regardless of whether or not there are matching federal funds.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- 4th Annual Oakland Conference & Expo is scheduled for September 24-26. Guest speakers include: Dr. Jenny Nieters DACM, LAc, Joshua Margolis, LAc, DOMTP, & Dr. Jamie Hampton, DAOM, LAc
- Upcoming Online Webinars for 2026: Esoteric Acupuncture Foundations: Mini Course, by Frank Turano-Cutler, LAc, Aug 11 7-9 PM PST. Protecting Your Practice: Professional Responsibility and Practice Defensibility by Ann Marie Trione, LAc, Sep 8 7-9 PST.
- The 21st San Francisco International Symposium on Chinese Medicine: TCM Brain vs AI Brain is scheduled to take place online on August 2. This event will be hosted by AACMA. The AACMA has graciously invited CSOMA to assist with co-hosting and promoting this event. We look forward to similar collaborations with AACMA in the near future!
California
Legislative Updates – Good News!
Working Together with the California Acupuncture Coalition (CAC)
Here are some of our recent accomplishments and ongoing advocacy efforts:
◼ Medi-Cal Acupuncture Coverage Preserved
The Governor’s May Revision once again proposed eliminating approximately $5.4 million in General Fund support for adult Medi-Cal acupuncture services. However, as a result of our collective advocacy, the Legislature rejected the proposal in the final 2026–27 California State Budget, preserving Medi-Cal acupuncture coverage. This marks the third consecutive year that proposed budget cuts to Medi-Cal acupuncture have been successfully defeated.
◼ AB 2497 Defeated
AB 2497, the physical therapy bill, sought to authorize physical therapists in California to use solid filiform needles for tissue penetration, including intramuscular manipulation, for the evaluation and treatment of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. Following strong advocacy by CAC and the acupuncture community, the bill failed passage on the Assembly Floor on May 28, 2026.
◼ SB 944 and AB 1949 Continue to Advance
SB 944 and AB 1949, both sponsored by the California Acupuncture Coalition to strengthen and improve Medi-Cal acupuncture benefits, continue to advance through the Legislature. Both bills are in their respective Appropriations Committees and are now only three legislative steps away from becoming law.
◼ Advocacy Day & Free Acupuncture Clinic
CAC successfully held its Advocacy Day and Free Acupuncture Clinic at the California State Capitol on May 27, 2026, meeting with legislators and providing acupuncture demonstrations and services to promote public awareness and patient access.
Upcoming Events
◼ 21st San Francisco International Symposium on Traditional Chinese Medicine
Theme: TCM Brain vs. AI Brain
Date: August 2, 2026
◼ Career Development Seminar for New Practitioners (Online)
Date: August 30, 2026
◼ Latest Research on Hand-Applied Therapies, Scoliosis (Left–Right Curvature), and Ping Mai (Balanced Pulse)
Date: September 6, 2026
◼ 2026 Annual Membership Meeting & Educational Seminar
Date: December 13, 2026
Please visit https://aacmaonline.com/ for more information and registration.
Inquiries: Email: aacmaus@gmail.com. Phone: (415) 981-8384
Florida
The Florida State Oriental Medical Association (FSOMA) invites members of the American Society of Acupuncturists (ASA) to experience one of the nation’s most hands-on continuing education events at the 2026 FSOMA Acupuncture & Eastern Medicine Conference.
Go to https://fsoma.org/fsomacon/ for all the details.
In a profession where precision, technique, and clinical confidence matter, Live Learning is Deeper Learning. While online education has its place, nothing compares to learning directly from expert instructors, practicing techniques with colleagues, receiving immediate feedback, and returning to your clinic with skills you can implement on Monday morning.
Ask yourself: Where else can you spend an entire day immersed in hands-on Master Tung Acupuncture training and another full day developing practical Tui Na skills—all during the same weekend? The 2026 FSOMA Conference is designed for practitioners who want more than lectures. It is built for clinicians who want to refine their techniques, expand their treatment options, and elevate patient outcomes through true experiential learning.
In a profession where precision, technique, and clinical confidence matter, Live Learning is Deeper Learning. While online education has its place, nothing compares to learning directly from expert instructors, practicing techniques with colleagues, receiving immediate feedback, and returning to your clinic with skills you can implement on Monday morning.
Ask yourself: Where else can you spend an entire day immersed in hands-on Master Tung Acupuncture training and another full day developing practical Tui Na skills—all during the same weekend? The 2026 FSOMA Conference is designed for practitioners who want more than lectures. It is built for clinicians who want to refine their techniques, expand their treatment options, and elevate patient outcomes through true experiential learning.
Beyond these signature workshops, attendees will enjoy a comprehensive educational program featuring nationally recognized instructors, clinically relevant topics, and valuable networking opportunities with acupuncture physicians and practitioners from across the country. Whether your interests include pain management, orthopedic conditions, manual medicine, practice development, or advancing your clinical expertise, the conference offers practical education that translates directly into patient care.
The conference also provides an outstanding opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, exchange ideas, explore the latest products and services in the Exhibit Hall, and strengthen the profession through collaboration. Some of the best learning happens outside the classroom—in conversations with fellow practitioners who share your passion for advancing acupuncture and Eastern Medicine.
FSOMA is also pleased to partner with state acupuncture associations across the country. ASA State Association members are eligible for a unique partnership opportunity that includes a 10% revenue share for their association, while their members receive a 10% registration discount. It’s a true win-win that supports both your state association and your members’ continuing education. For partnership details, please contact director@fsoma.org.
Join us for a weekend that goes beyond earning CEUs. Invest in your clinical skills, expand your professional network, and experience why Live Learning is Deeper Learning. We look forward to welcoming ASA members to the 2026 FSOMA Acupuncture & Eastern Medicine Conference.
Ohio
Legislative Update. Ohio regulations required that professionals inserting needles of any type were required to wear gloves. The Ohio Acupuncture Association in conjunction with the Medical Advisory Council of the State Medical Board of Ohio has worked to change this regulation to exempt acupuncturists from this regulation during most acupuncture treatments. The new regulations with this exemption for acupuncturists will take effect in late 2026 or early 2027.
Sasha Bruno, OAA member, Chair of the Outreach Committee, and founder of Nu Wave Acupuncture has donated her time, creativity and expertise to design our completely updated website! We are so grateful to Sasha! 🙏
American Society of Acupuncturist Benefits Unlocked 🔓
Email us to confirm your membership is current and receive the password to unlock all kinds of member benefits through the ASA!
Oregon
What’s Happening in Oregon:
The Oregon Association of Acupuncturists (OAA) recently submitted a position statement on proposed dry needling guidelines to the Oregon Physical Therapy Board and the Governor’s Office. You can read the full statement here. While formal rulemaking has not yet begun, we wanted to have our recommendations prepared in advance. Many of our proposals were modeled after the dry needling regulations already established in Washington State.
We also recently asked the Oregon Medical Board to consider adding Point Injection Therapy to the acupuncture scope of practice. The Board has agreed to establish a work group to explore the issue, which we view as a significant legislative step forward. After years of requesting scope expansion without success, this marks meaningful progress.
In addition, the OAA research committee is currently drafting an opinion piece on the Medicaid funding reductions facing Oregon. The state is expected to lose approximately one-third of its federal Medicaid funding next year. Because Oregon has one of the nation’s most comprehensive Medicaid programs, these reductions will have far-reaching consequences. The Governor has directed agencies to prioritize reducing services rather than eligibility. Acupuncture has historically been covered under Oregon Medicaid alongside physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, chiropractic care, and massage therapy. Current proposals could reduce coverage for these services by as much as 50% or eliminate some of them entirely. The OAA is actively advocating to preserve access to acupuncture within the Medicaid program for Oregon patients.
Pennsylvania
APA-Penn is neck deep in legislative activities these days: on Tuesday July 27 we attended a House Professional Licensure Committee hearing that was called to gather information on dry needling to inform future legislation and decision-making. There are currently two bills in PA congress to allow PTs and chiropractors to practice dry needling, and APA-Penn has been vocal about our concerns against these bills, prompting the licensure committee to seek more information. We provided the committee with definitions, historical evidence for trigger point therapy in TCM texts, and modern-day context around training standards and adverse events when it comes to needling therapies. Members of the PT board also gave testimony and some erroneous statements. These bills will not be brought to the floor this session, and it is our impression that the bills will need some significant work before being considered for a vote. In the meantime, we are setting up meetings with our legislators for the fall and working on a document that provides background data and corrections for legislators related to current PT claims. The recording of the livestream is available on YouTube on the channel “Pa. House Video.”
In other news, we continue to plan for AHM day on Oct 24, 2026! We are investigating the opportunity for acupuncturists to make their presence known and stand on the floor of Congress to celebrate the day with legislators during the week before the event. We’ll let you know if this happens!
And finally, we’ve welcomed a new board member! She is our student representative and social media manager. She has a background in marketing and is helping us strategize campaigns for the APA, both for member communication and public education.
Texas
TEXAS
SYMPOSIUM NOV 6-8
Picture 242 acres of lush tropical paradise on Galveston Island, anchored by three towering glass pyramids rising against the Gulf sky. Between sessions, you can wander a living rainforest filled with exotic plants, birds, and free-roaming wildlife. You can stand face-to-face with penguins and sharks in one of the largest aquariums in the Southwest. You can explore hands-on science exhibits, catch a film on the largest screen in Texas, or test your nerve on the ropes course and zipline. When does a CE weekend come with all that?
The Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa & Convention Center brings it all together with over 100,000 square feet of event space, more than 400 stylish guest rooms, a full-service spa, a heated pool with a swim-up bar, a championship golf course, and dining that ranges from casual to fine dining. Bring your family. They’ll have a blast. You’ll be soaking up hands-on clinical pearls while they’re soaking up the island. Go to www.TAAOM.org to learn more!
Virginia
ASVA thanks our outgoing Board members—Haley Parker, Katie Clifton, and Zachary Hurt—for their dedicated service and contributions to the organization.
We are pleased to welcome our new Board members—Arianna Butcher, John Yoo, and Yasi Ayat—and look forward to their leadership as we continue serving our members and advancing the profession.
We recently launched a redesigned website featuring expanded member resources, including toolkits with practice management, billing and insurance guidance, state and national acupuncture information, professional resources, patient-friendly research materials, and an adverse event reporting tool. https://www.acusova.com/
As we prepare for the upcoming legislative session, we have hired a new lobbyist and are working to strengthen public safety by pursuing legislation that defines dry needling with specific education and clinical observation requirements.
We are also developing a recurring series of free online CEU classes for members, with the goal of offering engaging educational programs on a quarterly basis to support clinical practice, professional development, and the evolving healthcare landscape.
Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Society of Acupuncturists (WISCA) continues to strengthen the acupuncture profession through education, advocacy, and member engagement. This fall, WISCA will host its 2026 Annual Meeting on September 27 in Madison, WI featuring a 4-CEU continuing education seminar on Flat-Head Acupuncture (Pizhen): From Classical Theory to Modern Clinical Practice, presented by Dr. Yuning Susan Hu of Toronto, Canada. The program will explore the classical foundations and modern clinical applications of Pizhen for treating musculoskeletal pain and functional disorders. Registration link
In addition to continuing education, WISCA remains actively engaged in legislative and regulatory advocacy, working with state agencies and healthcare stakeholders to promote patient access to acupuncture and advance the profession throughout Wisconsin. The Society continues to support licensed acupuncturists and students by providing educational opportunities, professional networking, and a unified voice for Traditional Chinese Medicine in the state.
WISCA appreciates its ongoing collaboration with the American Society of Acupuncturists and looks forward to continuing to advance the profession together.
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