In one particular case this hobbyist doctor used a very interesting technique. Six needles in total (all local, no distal points), and the patient was in-and-out in 15 minutes. Brilliant! The patient was exponentially worse after the treatment.

We need to continue to educate, and promote our profession to public; this is the only way to minimize this nonsense. Unfortunately, the hobbyist DCs and MDs with their “Acupuncture Hobbyist Certifications” will never go away.

However, the definition of acupuncture should be the following: the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body which are manipulated a precise manner the technique and selection of which is based on traditional Chinese medical diagnoses.

On a side note, I’ve taken three years of allopathic medical sciences including, medical physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, microbiology, and biochemistry. That is far more training than MOST physiotherapists, ND, or MDs receive in traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture. Does that mean I should be considered qualified to practice allopathic medicine? It would at least be fair then wouldn’t it?

Also, I often put out the unpopular viewpoint of letting practitioners know that I know several Medical acupuncturists that I consider fantastic practitioners…

Drew Taylor MS, LAc, ATC

It’s far more than 100,000. In 1998, the Journal of the American Medical Association published a study showing that about 106,000 deaths a year were due to properly prescribed medications. These deaths occurred in hospitals where you’ll find all the medical technology you could ever want to prevent this. (By the way, the AMA Journal is the most prestigious medical journal on the planet.)

If you read the study closely, you’ll also see that they probably excluded all deaths where drugs were a contributing factor. Unless the drug directly caused the death it wasn’t counted.

And this doesn’t include deaths that occurred from “adverse drug events” outside the hospitals, which is probably far more.

Just the drug deaths in hospitals were the #4 killer of Americans, after heart attacks, cancer and diabetes.

It has become much, much worse since 1998. Ever notice how in the past 10 years, drug advertisements have taken over the media? These drugs are the newest ones out there. They’re also the most dangerous. We’d like to think that these drugs have been properly tested in clinical trials, but about half are found to have serious side effects that weren’t discovered during trials. Many of these side effects are lethal or crippling. So essentially, users of the “new and improved” drugs are part of a science experiment that can ruin their lives.

It’s very likely that properly prescribed and used prescription drugs are the #1 killer in the US.

If you read between the lines, you’ll see that just about every study that claims acupuncture doesn’t work (or is placebo) is a condemnation of medical acupuncture. Almost every study that show acupuncture DOES work supports “purists.” Here’s why:

The studies that show acupuncture is little better than placebo are almost always “cookie cutter” treatments. I’ve read hundreds of studies, and almost without fail, the ones that don’t work, are cookie cutters. And I say “almost” because I really need to go back and reread everything so I can say “always.”

The exception is “interesting” interpretations. For example, acupuncture reduces the active -most painful period- of labor in half (2 hours instead of 4), but doesn’t reduce overall labor (34 hours instead of about 36). The study’s authors admitted the former, but placed more emphasis on the latter. Somehow I think women in labor have the opposite priority!

It’s just too time consuming and expensive to actually do a proper diagnosis, so they just go with a generalized treatment program. The study designers decide to treat, say, headaches, with points culled from various successful treatment protocols.

To me, this is the equivalent of treating every headache – migraines, tension, brain tumors, sinus, etc. with aspirin. Sure, aspirin might work a little bit for some conditions, a lot for others. Wouldn’t it be more effective to actually match the treatment to the condition?

The studies that do show acupuncture works almost always involve acupuncturists being allowed to diagnose before choosing points.

Now, I have no clue if the “medical acupuncturists” actually learn to do a proper diagnosis. If they do, great. If they don’t, they’re just perpetuating the one-size-fits all model of pushing pills, but instead they’re pushing needles.

(Folks, I’m NOT an acupuncturist, I’ve just read more acupuncture studies published in Western medical journals than anyone else I know. Enough to recognize a definite pattern I’ve written about here: http://www.acupunctureclinicmarketing.com/acupuncture-works/)

Lisa, your page is excellent. It shows that the docs have far more training than just 300 hours, and that latching onto that 300 hours figure is a distortion and a mistake. Thanks for that, it really brings balance to the discussion. However, they seem to indicate that there’s not much training in diagnosis. None, actually.

Thanks also for explaining that these doctors are trying to do the right thing, and are facing uphill battles. I just hope they realize they might not know as much about what they’re doing as they think.

Frankly, I think Dr. Tan’s methods, with their emphasis on diagnosis with achi (tender) points might address some of these diagnosis concerns, but that’s another discussion (and I’m still not an acupuncturist).

Here’s a press release I issued when some chiropractors recently wanted certification in New York.
I received this (below) letter from a chiropractor. I answered (my answer follows her letter). I hope this makes the point. P.s. I never heard back from her but was glad I took the time to answer.
best wishes and please do enjoy the press release and the two followup letters,

tom chi, l.ac (NY) Dr.Acu (RhI).

———Press Release 3 days prior to the vote on Chirporactors doing Acupuncture in New York State——————–

SNAP! CRACKLE! POP! Untrained Chiropractors Doing Acupuncture!
Insane or Just Plain Fraudulent Asks Top Acupuncture Physician
SOUTH FALLSBURG, N.Y., April 8, 2008 — Just when you thought it was safe to get acupuncture yet one more group of medical practitioners fights for the right to be shamelessly under qualified. This time it’s chiropractors.

For licensed acupuncturists it’s relatively ordinary to “cure” asthma, ADD, hot flashes, post-stroke injury, digestive problems, acne, difficult and chronic pain, shingles, autism and more says Master Acupuncturist Tom Chi, a Doctor of Acupuncture (RI) and NYS Licensed Acupuncturist.

Chi, who has practiced for 25+ years and done over 120,000 treatments, says acupuncture is the new medicine and will become the first choice for non-emergency medicine within the next 5 to 10 years.

“Real acupuncturists have a minimum of 4000 hours of training and must qualify for National Board Certification to become licensed,” says Chi, “and every year we see a new group of irresponsible practitioners who want to become pretend acupuncturists and have the lobbying power to accomplish it.”

This year it is New York State chiropractors that are seeking the right to practice acupuncture with just 300 hours of training. Bill #S590 incredibly would allow chiropractors to call themselves acupuncturists, a possibility that sends chills down the Licensed Acupuncturists spine!

Members of ASNY, the NYS acupuncture association, say it is the power of lobbyists to promote greedy unqualified practitioners from podiatrists to chiropractors who want to follow the example of allopathic doctors who lobbied for the right to practice acupuncture with just 300 hours. “My patients who’ve been treated by medical doctors complain about lack of results and lack of disclosure about their incomplete training. Many consider it outright fraud,” says Dr. Chi.

Chi has treated over 100 medical doctors, members of congress, even a chief medical officer of Pfizer Pharmaceuticals; the largest drug company in the world. He has performed acupuncture anesthesia while on staff at Catskill Regional Hospital and his patients have come from as far away as Lichtenstein and Venezuela after having tried western medicine and many other therapies.

His view is that a medical revolution is taking place and that acupuncture is emerging as the preferred therapy. Press coverage such as the 1998 Discovery Magazine article showing brain scan evidence which clearly validates acupuncture continues to support claims of amazing results for a broad range of health care problems.

Unfortunately say acupuncturists, those with the power to manipulate the legislature want to skip the real training and hang up a shingle. Chi exclaims, “This is unacceptable and borders on criminal. Our efforts need to go into making Medicare and Medicaid pay for acupuncture. It’s time! It’s important! Let your representatives know that essential standards must not be bypassed for the enrichment of unethical practitioners. We are in an evolving Healthcare Revolution,” relates Chi. “Acupuncture repeatedly delivers results and HUGE healthcare savings! On Wednesday the legislature needs to say NO to poorly trained healthcare practitioners posing as real acupuncturists!”

Media inquiries:
DrChi@FixPainNow.com
845.798.9995
Dr. Tom Chi

——-Here is the letter from a chiropractor to me following the issue of the press release——————

Dear Dr. Chi,

In the interest of creating harmony, I would like to open dialog with you concerning collaborative education and patient care.

Just read your article on line. As a practicing chiropractor, who has enjoyed using acupuncture for 15 years of my 25 year career, I am curious if the hostility you have is generated by your own personal territorial issues; or if you have some substantial claim to the fact that 300 hours of training for a trained physician is not “enough”? The standards of licensure for acupuncture are relatively new in the US and Canada. Having searched high and low for a program in which to train and gain more proficiency, I have had to turn to training courses outside the US as the current educational structure for any physician who is interested in incorporating acupuncture into their practice is non existent, except in our own turf, (ie: chiro and medical schools). The supposed “keepers” of the acupuncture knowledge are self appointed, as is true in all new paradigms being integrated into any culture. The history of chiropractic, as foiled against the wave of the allopathic consciousness over the last century, might serve as a lesson for the “Licensed Acupuncture” community.

When MDs started getting certified to do manipulation in weekend classes there was a huge uproar in the chiropractic community. What time has borne out is that those MDs doing manipulation actually have given greater credence to the efficacy of structural realignment and the importance of finesse and focused training.

I think you will find your fire would be more creative in the long run if you created alliances rather than pointing fingers and creating divisions.

I am curious…….where did you get your training? How would you like to see acupuncture integrated into the American health culture? And is fear running your life or is your Liver yang just flaring?

Sincerely and with kindest regard!

(name witheld)

———–Here is My Reply————————-

Dear Dr. J,

You are indeed a thoughtful being and your letter is greatly appreciated, your conjecture about the liver could be a natural conclusion

The good news is, I’m not angry, nor is my liver fire flaring. I’ve been one of those fortunate ones to have great health throughout life and to enjoy a natural contentedness

Hard to cover all the territory, let me try….

My experience with both allopaths and chiropractors practicing acupuncture is one of patient disappointment. The results are not there in most cases. It’s unfair to a patient to not understand pulse diagnosis, TCM medical theory etc. This does not come in 300 hours. Beyond understanding is assimilation and mastery.

When I speak to those with this miniscule training they routinely have a “gimme those needles I’m already a doctor” attitude and don’t even realize that it’s a detriment not a bonus that they use their other medical training when doing acupuncture.

Hobbyist acupuncturists are a nuisance. People need immediate tangible lasting results. In the clinic a patient with reflux can usually count on that being gone within 1 to 3 treatments. I’ve had autistic children speak after 6 treatments with one needle each time (and acknowledge other people as existing, give a high five, etc.).

Children with asthma who use an inhaler everyday then go an entire year and throughout soccer season without needing it once after just 4 or 5 treatments.

Post-stroke patients aphasic and losing hearing/vision on one side, dragging one leg, same 4 to 6 treatments, dancing in the waiting room.

These are not the results of minimally trained practitioners.

As to training I am particularly ignorant about what is available. I do know that Bastyre and others have brought together a number of disciplines under one roof. It’s also quite possible to go to acupuncture school and CLEP out on bio/phys courses. The other courses are not and should not be optional. There is no magic understanding that comes from practicing another form of medicine because acupuncture is a complete medical system in itself with very little overlap to allopathy or chiropractic.

The “keepers of the acupuncture knowledge” to my understanding are actually people who’ve studied the knowledge and based the real training programs, testing, etc., upon that knowledge.

As to my training I am a graduate of a 3-year acu school and also a 2.5 year acu school. I did advanced acupressure type techniques though using the esoteric hand-sensitization techniques from the Ving Tsun Kung Fu (created by a Chinese nun and made famous by Bruce Lee.) I have evolved something which I call Soft-Tissue Reprocessing which eliminates the adhesions/injuries which cause most back, neck shoulder, knee pain etc.

So, for a patient with or without disc problems who is ambulatory and suffers intense pain throughout the day, this patient usually will have immediate (or near immediate) tangible, lasting results with difficult and chronic pain. The injury will not come back as it will no longer exist. This is a huge leap from what we normally see with therapy.

As someone who has dedicated herself to learning I’m certain you have pursued your understanding of the acupuncture well beyond what we normally see with allopaths or chiropractors. There is also a Medical Acupuncture society with a number of very dedicated allopaths who’ve filled in the pieces and done good work.

Still, these are the exceptions. It’s not okay to wing it and self-train after the fact of licensing. If I was making the legislation anyone could become licensed simply by passing the national boards with a caveat!

No One would become licensed just by demonstrating a knowledge of the point location and theory but would have to Prove results in a clinic treating patients and through evaluation show that they can indeed accomplish a meaningful level of actual healing. NCCAOM feels differently. They feel one is not qualified to take those boards without the 4000 hour training.

There are a lot of poorly performing acupuncturists even with the schooling and this would remedy that problem.

People come first so if you’ve read Overdosed America or through your chiropractic training you may know the sham of most allopathic non-emergency treatment.

Chiropractors performance by my experience from Fla (100 hours training and allopaths 0 hours) is just poor. People who say they tried acupuncture and it doesn’t work have most often been needled by allopaths or chiropractors.

Though it’s in answer to your questions it’s way long-winded and I will pause here.

As to creating harmony. Not necessary, I felt that you simply brought your personal harmony to my door. Very nice.

And living in fear? It’s a funny thing. I’ve done over $300,000 in unbilled or severely reduced treatments over the last five years since I moved to the mountains (a poor rural area). I just can’t say no. It wouldn’t hurt if insurers paid for medicine that works.

If I didn’t have other sources of income to pay for my patient’s health care, I’d be in big trouble.

Here’s my recent press release (one page) where I tried to stir up a reaction about insurance, you may get a kick out of it. And yes, it’s hypey concerning yers truly. (the URL is just below this letter)

Finally, I love that you wrote to me. You are great. Thoughful without b.s.

I’d love to hear from you anytime.

tc

——-This is a Fun Press Release about Acu & Insurance——-
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/02-20-2008/0004758980&EDATE=

( Warning! Doctors, Insurers Hold Patients Hostage!
While drug companies act like an occupying force, doctors and insurers run a dysfunctional cartel, often intentionally denying effective treatment to patients!)

Yes acupuncturists have been doing spinal manipulation long before Palmer or Osteopathy

“TCM/Acupuncturists have be doing spinal manipulation for over 3000 years” Thank you, and yes it is called Tuina

The Chiro goes nuts when anyone wants to do spinal manipulaiton? Even in Texas they fought to have Tuina taken out of the Acupuncturists scope of practice, as they complained that in some cases, it involved the spine? Not very fair is it Chiro?

As far as a Chiro or anyone else calling themselves Acupuncturists with a weekend certificate. I would say that is fraud. Pure and simple

I would also encourage any patient that gets treatment from a weekend acupuncturists to persue a class action lawsuit. You could win and win big time. Esp with these people misleading you about their training. The national acupuncture association sets the standard for training for us acupuncturists and it is not 0 to 300 hours of training

As far as making outright rude and mean comments about MD/DO killing over 100,000 people, I must say that I am disturbed by this language. I would then ask you how many lives do they save? Please do not lower yourself to this level, even though I am not happy about them doing acupucnture with the little training they have, I will say that I am thankful we have them. They do a lot of good in saving peoples lives. They are the true heros who give everything in order to save lives. Have you ever visited a pediactric oncology unit? I think you might have a deeper respect for MD/DO if you did as well as every other healthcare provider working endlessly to save a child.

As for the Chiro, you need to stick to what you are trained to do, “Remove Subluxations” You are not acupuncturists and never will be until you go to school to become one. That is not to take anything away from you. Just think how you would feel, if you were us and other professions were trying to claim to be chiropractors without paying the price you paid and worked so hard to get.

We need to protect our profession at all costs and in a civil manner.

Fist, the WHO recommends that “full training” of 1500 hours be undertaken if the physician is to “practice independently, treating the various conditions for which patients are commonly treated by acupuncture practitioners.” The limited training is suggested for scientific research and Western clinical practice. This does not answer the question of whether the MD/DO needs further clinical supervision. Let’s not forget that the original intent with allowing MD/DO the right to practice in state law was for acupuncture research and not independent practice.

Second, the acupuncture profession is not and should not be on the same side as a “rogue profession” that seeks to undermine its own established entrance norms. Yes, we do have them. Graduation from an accepted school, a Master’s degree in the profession as well as passage of a state licensing exam. Many other’s have posted really good examples of the hypocrisy so I will not repeat them here.

I am glad that some LAc’s are getting the op to work in hospital settings, as this does help us to strengthen our profession. I can say that I see us unifying over the issue of under-educated practitioners.

Lastly, I would like us all to think about the Hawaii statutes that do NOT allow for any professional entry until the person fulfills the SAME requirements to become Licensed Acupuncturists.

Every other profession has a level playing field when it comes to practice, so why are we being treated differently? Don’t the patients deserve the best?