Thought it would be a good time to review some current issues that are affecting the field of TCM. In Florida, I am thrilled to report that SB230 was vetoed by Governor Desantis, allowing TCM practitioners to still use the title, Acupuncture Physician. As I stated in my blog, the title, Acupuncture Physician, most accurately describes the depth behind our scope, as we do, in fact, treat internal disorders such as infertility. This is indeed very good news.

          On the national scene, HB4803 has been officially introduced in Congress. Again, this bill will identify any qualified Acupuncture Physician as being able to treat people with Medicare, without the current restrictions. Thus, if a person with Medicare wants to see me for low back pain, he can simply set up an appointment directly with me. I know people with Medicare that want to see me, directly, but cannot. The passage of this amendment will help a lot to further the TCM profession.

          One issue I have not discussed much about is the increased opposition the TCM profession is getting from the Western Medical establishment, specifically the drug companies. As more Americans are seeing the value behind our modalities and are being educated about the side effects that several western drugs may produce, they are increasing their usage of Acupuncture and Herbs.

          Drug companies are concerned that Americans will decide to be less dependent in taking a drug to treat their illness. Though an increasing number of Americans are deciding to stop being solely dependent on drugs, there has not been enough to really make an impact on these drug companies’ balance sheets.

          Knowing that this trend away from drugs is not stopping, Drug companies and their Western medical lackies are doing everything to discredit and limit scope of an Acupuncture Physician’s practice…