AAMA National Symposium
April 22-25 I attended the national symposium of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture. This is the annual meeting for all MD acupuncturists in the US. It was outstanding. The speakers and workshops included researchers, and clinicians from some highly regarded institutions: Harvard, Johns Hopkins, U of California, Penn State and the Mayo Clinic. Acupuncture is being studied and used in cancer treatment, anesthesia, pain control, blood pressure control, among others.There were clearly 2 groups: Researchers - very important for validating acupuncture in the modern setting, and Clinicians, like me, treating real people with all types of issues. This is also important for the improvement of pain and well-being. I came back with several approaches and techniques which I am using. My commitment to the practice of Medical Acupuncture has never been stronger.
Oh, and there have been 2 recent articles on acupuncture in the Wall Street Journal / Personal Journal section. The latest was June 1st reporting on the chemical mechanism of how acupuncture influences the human body through a particular metabolic pathway. Evidence continue to grow.