This issue of the Qi-Unity
Report may be our most informative to date. Read AOMA President Will Morris’ thoughts on blind
acupuncturist Juliana Cumbo’s struggle to get licensed in Texas. Claudia Citkovitz shares her professional acumen on
what AOM dynamics influence hospital care and childbirth. John Scott delves further into the complex history surrounding
herbs in the United States. Additionally, you have the opportunity to add your voice in opposition to human rights abuses
in China. I invite you to help the AAAOM combat misrepresentation in the media, as well.
But that’s not all.
We proudly announce our sponsorship program. You will notice that Golden Flower, Kan Herb, and Mayway have chosen to
sponsor the Qi-Unity
Report. If you are one of our business partners, wouldn’t you like to join them? Your
continued support invigorates the AAAOM and serves to remind us that the AOM profession is, in many ways, the sum of
our collective efforts as a community. Thank you, sponsors, for your support. We ask our practitioner members to
continually patronize those businesses that have put themselves forward to support your profession.
We hope this edition of the Qi-Unity
Report has you thriving, enjoying spring, and also pouring through the pages of The American
Acupuncturist.
The AAAOM is interested in your feedback. We invite you to use our General
Feedback page to let us know your opinions and insights.
Herbs in Context
Historically herbal medicines have been used beneficially in many cultures both in the East and the West.
John Scott gives a brief overview of how these were and are harvested, and how the acceptance of these
medicines should again return to a respected place in medical practice.
Practicing AOM in Hospital Settings: A Synopsis of Questionnaire Responses
Felice Dunas constructed a questionnaire that several practicing acupuncturists working in allopathic hospitals and
medical clinics answered. The variety and scope of their replies suggests AOM practitioners can find a place in
these settings if we are aware of the challenges they present.
Leavitt Blog
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt explores the healing potential of TCM by way of his recent trip to China.
Integrator Blog News & Reports
As an on-going monthly feature, the Qi-Unity
Report. continues to feature articles of interest from the Integrator, edited by John Weeks.
The articles for March include a new poll showing even higher interest in coverage of acupuncturists ion basic benefits,
a look inside the minds of two Chrysler leaders on the mind-body pilot, a dialogue between holistic medical doctor and
naturopathic physician leaders on their decision to co-locate their conferences, some strategic thinking on an integrative
center in the US heartland and a series of notes of professional activities of a dozen associations – including AAAOM.
Discussing Chinese vs. Allopathic Medicine With Your Patients
Most of you have had the experience of discussing with some of your patients the differences between allopathic and AOM medicine.
Bill Reddy shares some specific points of comparison that he has successfully presented to his patients. He also has suggestions
for helping your patients empower themselves to work with you in their healing process.
Touro College Acupuncture Internship Program at Lutheran Medical Center
More and more acupuncturists work in hospitals, confronting the issues and challenges specific to that environment. Claudia
Citkovitz explains how her work with expecting mothers brings the depth of AOM practices to bear on childbirth and a mother’s
overall experience after delivery.
Bridging the Knowledge Gap Between the Practitioner and the Layperson
The AOM profession increases in direct proportion to the degree the public can understand and embrace its terms. David
Sollars is one AAAOM member working to bridge the knowledge gap between the practitioner and the layperson seeking an
entry-level understanding of the medicine.
Misrepresentation in the Media: Telling the AOM Story
Busy practitioners trying to keep up with current events and news often do not have time to read about the field to see
how sources present AOM in an inaccurate way. But these kinds of articles abound, unfortunately. Here are some examples
of mistaken views and misrepresentations that can be countered and that should be addressed by us; we need to continuously
be aware of and correct this information, particularly as it is distributed via the internet.
Health Fair Report
John Wong, LAc, participated in a health fair organized by UPS in Baldwin Park, California. The AAAOM contacted John,
an AAAOM member in the area where the health fair was taking place, and he agreed to attend. He recognized this as an
opportunity to build his client base and reach out to the public. The following relates the nature of the event,
highlights current AOM insurance issues, and demonstrates the value of public outreach. In addition, this event
suggests a fine model practitioners may use to expand their reach into specific, local markets.
PCOM Receives Maximum Accreditation from ACAOM
The San Diego Pacific College of Oriental Medicine has recently been accredited by ACAOM. The Commission awarded PCOM
with the maximum periods of five and seven years for its doctorate and master's programs.
DOD Grant
The Department of Defense offers a new CAM grant relating to psychological health and traumatic brain injury. For
complete details including access to the application, kindly visit the following link:
Pacific College Celebrates World Tai Chi & Qi Gong Day
Pacific College of Oriental Medicine is one of many institutions around the world to recognize World Tai Chi and Qi Gong
Day (WTCQD). Groups around the world will gather at 10:00 am on Saturday, April 26, to practice Tai Chi and Qi Gong.
World Tai Chi and Qi Gong Day will see people in over 80 countries gather to practice these disciplines and to educate
the public about the benefits of such exercise. Click here to find out more about this world-wide celebration.
Trudy McAllister Fund Scholarship
Have you been thinking about how you can contribute to education in the AOM profession. Or have you been looking for
support in your study effort? Click on the link below to read more information on what funds are available to you or
how you can contribute to this worthy cause.
Dear Prospective Advertiser:
There has never been a better time to invest in The American
Acupuncturist and the Qi-Unity
Report. Read further for the benefits of advertising in AAAOM publications.
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