News from the Field

Abstract

AAMA Symposium Set for Orlando, FL

The 32nd Annual American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (AAMA) Symposium will take place April 23–26, 2020, in Orlando, FL. The theme is “One Root, Many Branches: Acupuncture Science for Our Modern Practices.” Anna Esparham, MD, DABMA, will serve as chair of the event and Nancy Lorenzini, MD, DABMA, will serve as vice chair. Presenters will expand awareness of scientific research related to acupuncture and provide participants with information about different approaches for treating common conditions seen in clinical practice. www.medicalacupuncture.org/For-Physicians/Symposium

Laser Acupuncture Helpful for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Verum laser acupuncture was more effective than placebo laser acupuncture for treating mild-to-moderate idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome, according to a study in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Chi-Wen Juan at the Kuang Tien General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, and colleagues, conducted the randomized, single-blinded, controlled study. www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/acm.2019.0169

Acupuncture Improves Sleep Health in Patients with Cancer

Acupuncture can help improve sleep and insomnia issues experienced by patients with cancer, but more evidence is needed about acupressure and sleep, according to a study in The Cancer Journal. Shelia N. Garland, PhD, at Memorial University, St John's, Newfoundland, Canada, was the lead author of a review of evidence for nonpharmacological therapies for treating sleep problems experienced by patients with cancer. Other integrative treatments found to be helpful included cognitive–behavioral therapy, t'ai chi, Qigong, and mindfulness-based therapies. https://journals.lww.com/journalppo/Abstract/2019/09000/Integrative_Approaches_for_Sleep_Health_in_Cancer.7.aspx

Asian Medical Doctors aid Typhoon Survivors

Members of the Association of Medical Doctors of Asia performed acupuncture on evacuees from Typhoon Hagibis in Japan, in addition to other services. The people receiving acupuncture had complained of pain in the upper body, including stiff shoulders, and sleep deprivation. The organization provided acupuncture services at an evacuation center. Nine acupuncturists provided acupuncture treatment to 142 people. https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/AMDA%20Emergency%20Relief6_JapanTyphoon%28Hagibis%29.pdf

AAMA Recruiting New Members

Qualified medical professionals are welcome to apply for membership in the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (AAMA). Members must be physicians, podiatrists, or dentists in the United States or Canada, be engaged in the practice of acupuncture, and have completed at least 220 hours of formal training in medical acupuncture. www.medicalacupuncture.org/For-Physicians/Membership?fbclid=IwAR3z9U1YzgWwBNmV_ZeDwC1YNresCIs2Q3D9FP9a6dsU-oTTNXANqQeoIrk

Acupuncture Raised at AAFP Delegates Meeting

Delegates to the American Academy of Family Practitioners (AAFP) raised several issues pertaining to acupuncture at its annual meeting in September 2019. The delegates approved resolutions associated with credentialing, scope of practice, privileging, and treating chronic pain with acupuncture. Ryan Kauffman, MD, from Bellefontaine, OH, supported a resolution urging health insurers to cover acupuncture treatments to relieve chronic pain. Dr. Kauffman and Mary Grebs, MD, of Xenia, OH, maintained that only physicians should order the treatments. www.aafp.org/news/2019-congress-fmx/20190930cod-pe.html

Parkinson's Pain Treated with Acupuncture

Researchers reported in Frontiers in Neurology that acupuncture could reduce pain in patients with Parkinson's disease by modulating regions in the brain. Shao-Wen Yu, at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Linkou, Taiwan, was the lead author. The team divided 16 patients with Parkinson's disease–related pain into 2 groups, 1 group received acupuncture and 1 group served as a control. The participants in the acupuncture group received the treatment at 3 acupoints, with the needles inserted between 5 mm and 10 mm and left in place for 30 minutes. The researchers performed functional magnetic resonance imaging. The team saw changes in 4 brain areas in the subjects who received acupuncture. The changed connections occurred in the left and right hemispheres, in areas associated with sensory-discrimination and emotion. The researchers concluded that acupuncture was safe and effective for pain relief in patients with Parkinson's disease. www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2019.01114/full

Medicare Advantage Plans add Acupuncture

Some Medicare Advantage plans have added acupuncture to covered treatments. Some Cigna plans in Colorado will provide an allowance for acupuncture. In several states, Anthem's Medicare Advantage plans will offer acupuncture or massages, according to a report in Modern Healthcare. www.modernhealthcare.com/insurance/medicare-advantage-plans-get-creative-2020-benefits

Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA adds Acupuncture to Coverage

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of Massachusetts announced that it will offer a new acupuncture benefit starting January 1, 2020. The insurer will cover up to 12 acupuncture visits for eligible members by an in-network provider per calendar year. Providers may include a Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Medicine, or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. BCBS will not require referrals for the treatments. http://newsroom.bluecrossma.com/2019-10-03-Blue-Cross-Blue-Shield-Of-Massachusetts-Adds-Acupuncture-Coverage

Acupuncture Safe During Pregnancy, Study Indicates

Hye-yeon Moon at the Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine in Seoul, was the lead author of a retrospective study reported in the International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, which indicated that acupuncture was safe to perform during pregnancy. The researchers analyzed information from 20,799 pregnant women from 2003 to 2012. For preterm deliveries and stillbirths, the researchers found no significant differences between women receiving acupuncture during pregnancy and those who did not. The women received acupuncture primarily to treat digestion problems and back pain. https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1471-0528.15925

NCCAOM Supports Task Force Recommendations

The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) announced that it supports the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Pain Management Best Practices Interagency Task Force's report and Resources Kit. The report identifies gaps in pain-management treatment practices and releases best practices for pain management. Chronic pain costs the nation more than $560 billion annually. The Task Force's recommendations include the use of acupuncture, yoga, massage, and relaxation techniques. www.nccaom.org/blog/2019/09/24/hhs-pain-management-best-practices/

Expert Spotlight

Hugh MacPherson, PhD, at the University of York in the United Kingdom, wrote an article in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine about acupuncture incorporating more than needling alone and includes aspects of the therapeutic relationship. The column is part of a continuing series from the Society for Acupuncture Research. Dr. MacPherson is the United Kingdom's first professor of Acupuncture Research.

State Rep. Scott Cepicky (R) of Tennessee introduced legislation (HB 1556), which would provide coverage for acupuncture services by TennCare, the state's Medicaid program. The bill would also allow for coverage of chiropractic care and physical therapy.

Bradley T. Lawrence, MD, FAAMA, of Phoenix, AZ, serves as chair of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture's Review Course, which will be offered April 21–21, 2020, in Orlando, FL.