Oct 2026 Newsletter

Chair Letter | The Latest | State Associations Updates | Ads | ASA Sponsors

Chair Letter

Hello all,
I’d like to call attention to the upcoming NCBAHM/ASA Federal Advocacy webinar on November 12th. It will be right after the midterm elections, and we will be having our lobbyist give us an overview of the updated political landscape and how it may impact our profession. Also, the 2027 ASA Conference Call for Speakers is open. If you would like to participate as a speaker, please submit your proposal below to be considered.

Be well. Paul Magee, M.A.O.M., L.Ac.
Chair, ASA Board of Directors

The Latest – What the ASA is doing right now

Conference Committee – Chair, LiMing Tseng

Save the Date: ASA 2027 Annual Conference: Cultivating Conversations
Join us April 24–25, 2027, in Alexandria, Virginia, for a conference built around conversations. This year’s live program centers on panel discussions on issues affecting our profession. Every attendee sits at a round table, and every panel leads to small-group and whole-room discussion.

Our Call for Proposals is now open!

Submit by November 30, 2026: Submission Form 
Three options are available:
1. Propose a 45-minute panel with three speakers:
2. Offer your expertise for a 15 minute presentation
3. Share your views in a 30-minute pre-conference webinar.
Topics include acupuncture systems, herbs, cultivation/Yang Sheng, business, integration, research, and technology and AI.

Stay an extra day for the Acupuncture for our Public Servants (AOPS) Capitol Hill advocacy day on April 26.

Questions? Conference@ASAcu.org

Federal Advocacy Committee – Chair, Amy Mager

Register for the ASA / NCBAHM Federal Advocacy Update November 12, 8pm ET
The ASA Advocacy Committee continues to meet regularly, and the Federal Advocacy Chair is in ongoing communication with the NCBAHM Advocacy Committee. Together, we are making strategic decisions related to legislative meetings, with the goal of securing re-introduction and passage of the Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act. We invite everyone to join the joint ASA and NCBAHM webinar on November 12 to learn more about these efforts and how you can help. Your engagement is essential to advancing this legislation on behalf of our profession and the patients we serve.

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. Deep gratitude for our current members: Ginna Browning, Joe Pandolfo, Chaiya Sherman, Cynthiaann Hayes and Jennifer Broadwell (chair).

• 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 are reaching out to our members to learn more about their advocacy related 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. 

Governance Committee – Chair, David Bock
A reminder that the Governance Committee is available to give advice to all ASA member organizations. We can answer questions about governance regarding to how to run your state associations better.

Herbal Medicine Committee – Chair, Christine Chang
We have two primary ongoing projects.
1. We will develop Best Practice Standards for Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine to guide high-quality, responsible clinical care. These standards will cover education, clinical policies, operating procedures, practice protocols, scope of practice, professional authority, and supervision requirements.
2. Our committee is also trying to expand practitioner education through social media and outreach is exploring more proactive ways to share useful herbal medicine resources with practitioners, and appropriate use across the United States.

Insurance Committee – Chair, Mori West
Your ASA Insurance Committee Has Been Busy!
The ASA Insurance Committee continues to meet monthly, addressing insurance issues affecting acupuncturists across the country. Much of our work involves responding to questions and concerns from state associations, researching carrier policies, and identifying issues that may require action on a national level.

• One ongoing issue has been the sweeping recoupments by Aetna involving PPO ESA plans, particularly in New Jersey. Although we requested clarification and have yet to receive a response, we are encouraged that there appears to be no further recoupment activity. Unfortunately, the lack of communication from insurance carriers is an all-too-familiar frustration.
• We also drafted comments in response to CMS’s request for input regarding the continued use of CPT codes and the possibility of alternative coding systems. This is an important issue that could have significant implications for acupuncture reimbursement in the future.
• Another project underway is compiling a list of BCBS plans that have specific documentation requirements regarding treatment times for manual therapy. Because BCBS policies vary by state and plan, identifying these differences will be a valuable resource for providers trying to avoid unnecessary denials.
• Finally, we are preparing a white paper for state associations outlining what professional and trade associations can—and cannot—do when addressing insurance issues under federal antitrust laws. 

Much of what we do happens behind the scenes. Not every issue results in an immediate resolution, and getting answers from insurance carriers can be a frustratingly slow process. But our goal remains the same: to identify problems, support our state associations, advocate for fair insurance practices, and help protect the interests of acupuncture providers nationwide.

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
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

State Association Updates

CALIFORNIA STATE ORIENTAL MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Thanks to everyone who joined us for CSOMA’s 4th annual conference in Oakland! It was a huge success! We’re excited to have had such a big turnout! We were very fortunate to have Dr. Jenny Nieters, Josh Margolis, and Dr. Jamie Hampton as our dedicated speakers. We’re currently busy planning our 2027 webinar line-up!  Please consider joining us for our remaining 2026 webinar series: 

Nov 10: Why (Not How) Do Herbs Work? — Dr. Greg Sperber (2 CEUs included)

Dec 8: Advancing the Acupuncture Profession —Dr. Ra Adcock, LAc and Dr. Julie Tran-Olive, LAc, ND (2 Ethics CEUs included)

CSOMA had the incredible honor of supporting Assembly member Mike Fong at a special campaign event last week that was attended by CSOMA Board member Dr. Miche Lamarche. We are so thankful for Mike Fong’s support in opposing dry needling in California!  Representative Judy Chu was also in attendance, another outspoken advocate for our profession.

On September 30, CA Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed Assembly Bill 1949, which we fought hard to get on his desk. AB 1949 would have increased the number of Medi-Care-covered acupuncture visits per calendar month (currently as low as 2 allowed per month), with 24 visits total per year allowed. Had this bill passed, it would have provided a higher standard of care, particularly in cases in which patients sustained acute injuries, requiring them to need more frequent treatments in a shorter span of time.

Board Member Dr. Miche Lamarche and Assembly Member Mike Fong

California Acupuncture Coalition (CAC) Is Growing Significantly Stronger
With the addition of CAOMA, CSOMA, and ICIM, the California Acupuncture Coalition (CAC) has expanded its membership from four to seven organizations, broadening its representation across California. The seven member organizations are AACMA, AKAMAC, AMUAA, CAOMA, CSOMA, ICIM, and UAA. Together, we are stronger! This expanded coalition strengthens our collective voice and enhances our ability to advocate for the acupuncture profession and the interests of our patients throughout California.

SB 944 and AB 1949 Vetoed by Governor Newsom
Governor Newsom vetoed both SB 944 and AB 1949, citing the cost of acupuncture benefits in his veto messages. Although this was not the outcome we had hoped for, advancing these bills through the Legislature represents a significant achievement. It demonstrates the tremendous effort we invested in building a broad coalition of support to protect and improve the Medi-Cal acupuncture benefit. We will continue working together to advocate for accessible acupuncture care and to protect and strengthen this essential benefit for California patients.

Upcoming Events

Workshop: Advanced Acupuncture Manipulation Techniques
Instructor: Binjiang Wu Date: Saturday, December 12, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Pacific Time
Workshop Highlights:

• Practical instruction in 24 individual acupuncture manipulation techniques, along with compound techniques.
• 8 California Category 1 Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

2026 Annual Membership Meeting & Seminars Join us for our annual membership meeting and educational seminars.
Date: December 13, 2026

Seminar 1: The History and Theory of Trigger Points
Speaker: Dr. Louis Lei Jin, DAOM, L.Ac., Dipl. AHM (NCBAHM)
This course explores the history, theoretical foundations, and clinical applications of trigger points (TrPs). It traces their development from the 19th-century concepts of tender points and referred pain to modern theories of myofascial pain syndrome and dry needling.
3 California Category 1 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Pacific Time

Seminar 2: The Science and Art at the Tip of the Needle
Speaker: Professor Wu Binjiang
This course is presented by Professor Wu Binjiang, Dean of the Ontario College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Canada. It systematically introduces the acupuncture techniques and academic framework associated with the traditional Chinese acupuncture heritage. 3 California Category 1 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
Time: 2:00 PM–5:00 PM Pacific Time

Contact AACMA
https://aacmaonline.com/
Email: aacmaus@gmail.com
Phone: (415) 981-8384

Save the Date for 2027 FSOMA Conference! Live learning deepens knowledge and creates stronger connections. If you want online learning in the meantime, check out upcoming live/online events here or online learning here.

Maine Acupuncture Society Updates: Fresh Look, Strong Connections!
Our new board has been hitting the ground running over the past few months! We kicked off our initiatives by updating our logo and refreshing the overall look and feel of our website. We are now hard at work updating our website content to better serve our community. Connecting with practitioners has also been a major priority. In September, we hosted a lovely practitioner meet-up in Portland, where it was so fun to see old friends and meet new folks! We also hosted a virtual clinical practice success roundtable to bring experienced and newer practitioners together to share what has helped us to build successful practices. MAS Members will be able to view the recording of that conversation once we update the website’s resources section.

Building on that momentum, we invite acupuncturists from around the country to join our next virtual practice success presentation: Building a Sustainable Acupuncture Practice: Practical Strategies for Every Stage of Practice with Amy Abelar DAIM, MTCM, LAc

• Date & Time: November 16th at 6:00 PM EST
• Cost: Registration is free (donations are warmly welcomed)
• CEUs/PDAs: MAS members receive 1 PDA for attending
• Registration: [https://mas-me.org/content.aspx?page_id=4091&club_id=575476&item_id=3099355

Any LAcs can register on our website and will receive the join link after registration. We hope to see you there!

Michigan Society of Acupuncturists: Advancing Our Profession Through Advocacy and Education

The Michigan Society of Acupuncturists (MiSA) is making an important legislative push this year as we work to strengthen our profession, expand opportunities for licensed acupuncturists, and improve access to care throughout Michigan. Although Michigan has only recently achieved acupuncture licensure, we are building momentum. With just 325 licenses issued to date, we remain a relatively small professional community. That makes collaboration, advocacy, and member engagement especially important as we work to establish a stronger foundation for the future of acupuncture and herbal medicine in our state.

Our legislative priorities include expanding our scope of practice to address several areas of opportunity: acupoint injection therapy (AIT), acupuncture assistants, laboratory ordering, and animal acupuncture. We are also addressing concerns about the lack of consistent educational and training standards for other professions that have interpreted dry needling as falling within their scope of practice. Our goal is to support appropriate professional standards that protect patients while recognizing the education and training required for safe, competent care.

Improving insurance access is another important priority. Better reimbursement and coverage can create opportunities for acupuncturists to build sustainable practices, employ additional practitioners, and make care more accessible to the people who need it. These efforts are essential to the long-term growth and recognition of our profession.

Education and fundraising are helping move this work forward. We are deeply grateful to the organizations and individuals who have stepped up to support MiSA’s fundraising efforts and continuing education initiatives. These partnerships demonstrate what we can accomplish when educators, professional organizations, and practitioners work together toward shared goals.

• ASE Seminars has generously offered a fundraising course, Demystifying the Pelvic Floor, presented by Jamie Hampton in conjunction with Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Day. This event offers an opportunity for practitioners to expand their clinical knowledge while supporting our profession’s advocacy efforts.
• The National Certification Board for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (NCBAHM) is also helping MiSA arrange an ethics course featuring Michael Taromina. The course will be available both in person and through a live Zoom session, providing flexible options for practitioners in Michigan and beyond to participate.
• Additionally, Frequencies That Mend has partnered with MiSA to offer an on-demand course, Incorporating Frequency Specific Microcurrent Into Clinical Practice: Applications for Acute and Chronic Pain. This course will serve as an ongoing fundraiser, allowing practitioners to pursue continuing education while helping fund the work that supports our profession in Michigan.

MiSA’s progress depends on the involvement and support of our professional community. With a relatively small number of licensed practitioners, every member, contribution, educational partnership, and advocacy effort makes a meaningful difference. As we continue working toward expanded practice opportunities, stronger professional standards, and improved access to care, we invite our colleagues to stay engaged, participate in educational events, and support MiSA’s efforts. Together, we can help shape a stronger future for acupuncture and herbal medicine in Michigan.

The New Hampshire Acupuncture and Asian Medicine Association is exploring Acupuncture Injection Therapy.  Many members want to learn more about AIT. Current language does not explicitly state that Injection Therapy is part of the acupuncture scope of practice. There is a precedent: several years ago, one acupuncturist was granted permission to practice AIT after applying for a declaratory ruling and was granted it in 2024. NHAAMA is providing an intro lecture on Acupuncture Injection Therapy in Gynecology and Pelvic Health: Techniques, Evidence, and Clinical Application through a Gynecological lens at their annual meeting. Updating the scope-of-practice language may be imminent.

📅 Save the Date: Tan Training

Our next Tan training is in the works! If you took the Tan training in June, email keri@ohioacupunctureassociation.org for details on an advanced level 2.5 course happening in Columbus, Ohio on March 8th.

🏛️ Advocacy at the Statehouse

We’re coordinating a day to gather at the Ohio Statehouse to share information about acupuncture, raise awareness, and help spread the word about our profession.  

Want to be involved? Whether you’d like to help plan, participate in person, or contribute ideas, we’d love to hear from you! Please reach out to the above email if you’re interested in helping in any way.

Oregon Update: Navigating Healthcare Reform, Medicaid Cuts, and Dry Needling

Oregon is currently navigating two seemingly contradictory healthcare initiatives: an ambitious effort to establish a statewide single-payer healthcare system, while simultaneously facing the possibility of significant cuts to our existing Medicaid program.

Single-Payer Healthcare Initiative

Oregon is working toward becoming one of the first states to implement a comprehensive statewide single-payer healthcare system. While some view this initiative as an expansion of Medicaid, the intention is to create a true single-payer model, drawing inspiration from Oregon’s public employee health benefits system. Under the proposed framework, all licensed healthcare provider groups in Oregon would be eligible to participate, potentially eliminating many of the burdensome credentialing processes practitioners currently face. The system would be funded through taxes on individuals and businesses, with the goal of offsetting those costs by eliminating premiums, copays, deductibles, and coinsurance.

The Oregon Association of Acupuncturists (OAA) is actively following these developments and working to ensure that acupuncture and other complementary and integrative healthcare professions are included in the conversation as the system takes shape. We see this as a potentially transformative opportunity for both patients and practitioners, provided that our medicine is represented and included from the beginning.

Oregon Health Plan: Medicaid Cuts on the Horizon

At the same time that Oregon is discussing healthcare for all, we are facing serious conversations about reducing healthcare benefits for some of our most vulnerable residents. Oregon’s Medicaid program, the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), is one of the more comprehensive Medicaid programs in the country. Currently, eligible OHP patients can access up to 30 acupuncture visits annually, making Oregon a leader in providing access to integrative healthcare. However, anticipated reductions in federal Medicaid funding are creating significant budget challenges for the state, with projected shortfalls reaching millions of dollars in the near term and billions over the next nine years.

In response, the Governor’s office has outlined potential cost-saving measures, including two proposals that could significantly impact our profession:

1. Eliminating coverage for certain healthcare services, including acupuncture, naturopathic medicine, chiropractic, massage therapy, and physical therapy.
2. Reducing covered benefits within these categories by approximately half.

These proposals are particularly concerning because they could significantly reduce access to nonpharmacological pain management and other conservative treatment options at a time when these services remain critically important.The OAA Advocacy Committee is closely monitoring these discussions and is committed to protecting acupuncture as a covered OHP benefit. Our priority is to ensure that patients continue to have meaningful access to acupuncture, even as the state navigates difficult budget decisions.

Dry Needling: Rulemaking Expected in 2027
Finally, Oregon is preparing for the next phase of dry needling implementation following the passage of legislation expanding physical therapists’ scope of practice. The Oregon Board of Physical Therapy has indicated that it intends to begin the rule making process in early 2027.The OAA has already submitted formal recommendations to the Governor’s office, the Oregon Board of Physical Therapy, and the Oregon Medical Board, emphasizing patient safety, appropriate educational standards, and regulatory accountability. You can view this document here. We are now awaiting the opportunity to participate directly in the rulemaking process and will continue advocating for standards that reflect the risks associated with invasive needling procedures.

Looking Ahead
Oregon’s healthcare landscape is changing rapidly, presenting both significant opportunities and serious challenges for our profession. From the potential expansion of healthcare access through single-payer reform to the threat of Medicaid benefit reductions and the implementation of dry needling regulations, the OAA remains committed to ensuring that acupuncturists have a voice in the decisions shaping our future. These issues also highlight why strong state associations and collaboration with national organizations like the ASA are more important than ever. Our ability to protect and advance this medicine depends on our willingness to remain engaged, informed, and united.

The APA-Penn has had a busy quarter!

Advocacy Updates:

• On July 28, 2026, we participated in a legislative hearing hosted by the House Professional Licensure Committee (HPLC). The purpose of the committee was to gather information about dry needling in light of the bills currently up for consideration, HB2070 and HB2364. We were given 5 minutes to make a statement, but we provided a written statement ahead of time laying out our concerns. We wrote a data-heavy response statement, actively naming some of the misconstrued and incorrect statements that were made by other professionals during the hearing, which has been distributed to key stakeholders. Please find a copy of the original written statement here and the response statement here.
• We continue to build relationships in our capital with regular visits and communication to show support for other healthcare-related bills and to raise awareness of our safety standards, education, and professionalism.
• PA SR183 passed on October 20, 2026, officially recognizing Oct. 24 as Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine Day in PA! HR532 is still in process, and will hopefully be passed soon. Three of our board members were present in Harrisburg on Oct. 20 to witness the passing of the resolution and be recognized on the floors of both the House and the Senate.
• PA HB2763 has been introduced in the House and seeks to create a single-payer universal healthcare system for PA, with acupuncture being specifically named as a covered service. While we don’t expect the bill to go very far, we are grateful for the recognition of our medicine as a viable and important modality for public healthcare access.
• We were asked to comment on the Cosmetology scope of practice, so we sent a formal comment around the topic of microneedling expressing similar safety and training concerns as with dry needling. You can see our comment here.
• We welcomed Ari Odamaki to our Legislative Committee! Ari’s extensive contributions were critical to the success of recent legislative efforts, including the written response to statements made during the July 28 HPLC dry needling informational meeting. We are so grateful to her for lending her time and talents in support of our shared profession!
• We are working on a form letter and fact sheet for our members to use who are interested in writing to their legislators in opposition to the dry needling bills.

Financial Updates:

• We are still significantly in debt and at risk of losing our lobbyist. None of this would be possible without him, and we will be making calls to see if any larger donations can be made. 
• We have a merch store! Check it out for fun acupuncture-related shirts and hoodies and consider buying some for your staff to wear for Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine Day (or just every Friday!) and share the link on your socials for your patients. We’ll be adding more periodically – particularly for the Lunar New Year – so keep checking back! https://app.amazecommerce.com/shop/apa-penn

Have a great quarter, friends!

Members of ASVA have proposed updating the legal scope of practice to include Acupuncture Injection Therapy (AIT). As a member-led initiative, ASVA will provide guidance as needed for the legislative process.  Please email ASVA if you would like to be part of this initiative or have concerns. Info@acusova.com 

The House Insurance Reform Committee (HIRC), reviewed SB1168 and found that less than 50% of Insurers cover Acupuncture in Virginia. While HIRC did not choose the Bill for a 2nd assessment, ASVA will continue advocating for insurance inclusion to make acupuncture more accessible to all Virginians.

 Membership: ASVA is run by volunteers.  We need your support.  If you don’t have time to support your profession, please support with your dollars. Memberships are now available in monthly and quarterly installments. Join or renew here.

WISCA in Madison, WI, had the honor of hosting distinguished guest speaker Dr. Yuning Susan Hu from Toronto, Canada, on September 27, 2026. Dr. Hu gave an engaging lecture and live demonstration on Flat-Head Acupuncture (Pizhen), a specialized needling technique. Attendees gained hands-on experience practicing these techniques under her expert guidance, and the course received exceptional praise from participants. To mark Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Day on October 24, we are excited to celebrate with an official proclamation from Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers honoring the vital contributions of acupuncture and herbal medicine.

Ads

Get an EMR that picks up the phone 📲

Running a practice can feel like a lot. You’re the one handling the schedule, the billing, the questions, and everything in between. And with all that on your mind, sometimes talking it out with someone can make all the difference. 

That’s where Jane comes in.

Award-winning support is included on every plan: by phone, chat, or email, six days a week. With Jane, no one is going to push you toward a pricier plan just to talk to a real person. And the team will take the time to chat through what you need, helping you solve the problem, and hopefully sending you off with some tips you didn’t even know to ask for.

Beyond the support team, you’ll find a growing library of guides and resources, plus a community of practitioners who genuinely understand what clinic life looks like day-to-day.

You came to this work to care for people. Jane is here to help with the rest.

Book a demo to meet the team, or use code ASA1MO for a 1-month grace period on your new account.

Protect the People You Love – Up to $1.5 Million in Group Term Life Insurance

As a American Society of Acupuncturists member, you may be eligible for Group Term Life Insurance. Help protect your loved ones financially if the unexpected happens. Apply online for up to $1,500,000 in coverage. Typically, no medical exam or blood test required. Answer some health questions, and some applicants may receive an instant decision.  Members and spouses may may qualify for exclusive pricing, with coverage examples starting at $3/month.*

Learn more and apply** $1.5M in protection could start today https://isitrust.nylinsure.com/?campaign=ASA1026enws

*Rate shown is for a non-smoking female, age 34. Coverage is subject to eligibility, underwriting approval, policy terms, and state availability. Premiums vary, and approval is not guaranteed.  **Including features, costs, eligibility, renewability, limitations and exclusions. Underwritten by New York Life Insurance Company, 51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010, under Policy Form GMR/FACE, Group Policy No. G-31136-0 (TL). 

Administered by Alliant, P.O. Box 12009, Cheshire, CT 06410. AR Insurance License No. 245147. CA Insurance License No. 0791700. SMRU# 9146845 Exp 10129.

New Botanical Biohacking Podcast Episodes: Daoism, HRV and Chinese Medicine
https://botanicalbiohacking.com/pages/podcast

 

In this special two-part lecture series, TCM Grandmaster Jinming Huang (renowned inheritor of the Guangxi Huang-style Zhuang Medicine acupuncture tradition) will present the theory and clinical application of Tian Yin-Yang (Heaven Yin-Yang) Acupuncture. 

 The first lecture will introduce distinctive concepts such as the “Synchronization of the Three Qis,” “Three Pathways and Two Routes,” and the “Umbilical Ring” acupoint group, alongside the techniques of precise point selection, painless shallow-needling, and herbal formula integration. The second lecture will focus on clinical applications and real-world case studies, giving attendees functional insight into incorporating this distinctive Zhuang Medicine approach into clinical practice.

Dates: October 24 & November 14; 5-7pm PT 8-10pm ET Format: Live Zoom Webinars. Presented in Chinese with simultaneous English translation, including a 45-min Q&A.
CEUs: Each lecture in the series is pending approval for 2 CA (Cat. 1) & 2 FL CEUs; 2 NCBAHM PDAs. Live attendance required to earn a total of 4 CEUs. Registration is available here: 

ASA Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors