Category Archives: Update

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month!

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month!

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month. Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children ages 5-14 (www.CDC.org).
Watch this 30 minute documentary and get a firsthand look at how hospitals and acupuncturists can work together to improve the quality of life and care for even the youngest cancer patients.

Facing complications from brain surgery and upcoming chemotherapy treatments, neurosurgeon Dr. William Loudon suggests to Max and Cade’s parents that they try something outside the box and introduces them to CHOC hospital acupuncturist Ruth McCarty. Over the next few years, acupuncture not only helps ease the fatigue, nausea, and pain so common in cancer recovery, but helps Cade recover from a devastating stroke he suffered after his second brain surgery.

To learn more, visit Acupuncture Now Foundation

Let’s turn the world gold this month! Honouring those who have fought and continue to fight against childhood cancer.

Save the Date: World Acupuncture Day (WAD) November 15, 2018 (Paris)

 

World Acupuncture Day (WAD), 15 November 2018, Paris

World Scientific and Cultural Dialogue on Acupuncture (WSCDA), 16–17 November 2018, Paris

World Acupuncture Day (WAD) will be celebrated, in Paris, on 15 November 2018 by the international acupuncture and moxibustion community.
World Acupuncture Day is being organized to commemorate the eighth anniversary of the inscription of acupuncture and moxibustion, in November 2010, into the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/acupuncture-and-moxibustion-of-traditional-chinese-medicine-00425*
This one-day event, organized under the patronage of UNESCO and the WHO and taking place in the House of UNESCO in Paris, France, will bring together practitioners, researchers, politicians, academics, and administrators of all disciplines related to acupuncture and moxibustion to share their knowledge and experience.
World Acupuncture Day will demonstrate to the world that acupuncture and moxibustion are today used globally as an integral part of the world’s health systems. It is organised by WADO (World Acupuncture Day Organisation, http://www.cerc-congres.com/wado).

How will World Acupuncture Day be Celebrated?

World Acupuncture Day promises to be an exceptional event, which will clearly demonstrate the extensive use of acupuncture and moxibustion throughout the world. It will be a day not only for the profession but also one for the general public, including current as well as future patients.
Open to everyone, it will be a free, but registration-based event that will offer an informational and cultural program highlighting three areas:

• An exhibition on acupuncture history, practice, and education as well as methods of associated care (for example, pharmacotherapies, massage, physical exercises)
• A conference on the historical developments, clinical highlights, and the latest research in acupuncture and moxibustion on all continents. Papers will be presented by world- recognized speakers, representatives from world societies, and guests of honor
• An evening show, expressly conceived for this exceptional day, presenting a lighthearted look at the strengths and diversity of the international acupuncture community

World Acupuncture Day will be a day for the global public—a large, inclusive showcase intended to shine a light on the value of these practices long after the close of the celebrations.
World Acupuncture Day welcomes acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners, other medical practitioners, healthcare providers, researchers, health politicians, academics and students, insurance representatives, consumers, and patients to update their understanding of what acupuncture means, how its scientific foundations have been proven, and what it can provide.

A press conference will provide the opportunity for questions and answers.
WAD has free admission but please register via the WADO website, www.cerc-congres.com/WADO. At UNESCO there will be no commercial exhibition.

After that?

Two Days of World Scientific and Cultural Dialogue on Acupuncture (WSCDA), 16–17 November 2018, Paris

 

The following two days, 16 and 17 November 2018, will bring together medical and health professionals and researchers from around the world to exchange knowledge, skills, and practices. This event will take place in Citè des Science et de L’Industrie, Paris, France. http://www.cite-sciences.fr/en/home/. It is organised by WADO (World Acupuncture Day Organisation, http://www.cerc-congres.com/wado).

Animated by the leading worldwide specialists of all disciplines related to acupuncture and moxibustion, this event promises an abundance of exceptional meetings and constructive exchanges. Organized under the patronage of UNESCO and WHO, the two-day meeting will be chaired by the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies (WFAS, http://www.wfas.org.cn).
The program will feature lectures and workshops related to the clinical practice of acupuncture and moxibustion. Clinical practice, however, cannot be considered without a discussion of the great scientific works that gave prominence to acupuncture, and in turn, gave rise to studies on cost effectiveness, safety, efficacy as well as clinical research—all of these topics will also be a part of the extensive program. Energetic exchanges will bring together professionals in a dialogue of a special dimension.
Many other themes will find their place in these dialogues, in particular, a presentation of the numerous humanitarian actions involving acupuncture and moxibustion that have been conducted worldwide in countries experiencing health crises.
The WADO team likes to welcome you in Paris to join an exceptional opportunity to present, exchange and network on world level. Please inscribe for the newsletter at our website.
Dr. Denis Colin, President WADO
Gerd Ohmstede, Co-President WADO
*„Intangible cultural heritage is defined by UNESCO as the “means the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills—as well as the instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural spaces associated therewith—that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage.”

L’Organisation des Nations Unies pour l’éducation, la science et la culture (UNESCO) est chargée de coordonner la coopération internationale dans les domaines de l’éducation, de la science, de la culture et de la communication.
En novembre 2010, l’acupuncture et la moxibustion, éléments de la médecine traditionnelle chinoise, ont été ajoutés à la Liste représentative du patrimoine culturel immatériel de l’UNESCO. https://ich.unesco.org/fr/RL/acupuncture-et-moxibustion-of-traditional-chinese-medicine-00425

Le 15 novembre 2018, la communauté internationale de l’acupuncture et de la moxibustion célébrera le 8ème anniversaire de cette reconnaissance. Sous le patronage de l’UNESCO et de l’Organisation Mondiale de la Santé (OMS), des praticiens, des chercheurs, des politiciens, des universitaires et des administrateurs se réuniront à la Maison de l’UNESCO à Paris pour partager leurs connaissances et expériences. La journée mondiale de l’acupuncture démontrera au monde que l’acupuncture et la moxibustion sont maintenant utilisées dans le monde entier et font partie intégrante du système de santé actuel.

Comment sera célébrée la Journée mondiale de l’acupuncture? 
Cela promet d’être un événement exceptionnel qui démontrera clairement l’utilisation intensive de l’acupuncture et de la moxibustion dans le monde entier. Ce sera un jour non seulement pour la profession mais aussi pour le grand public – actuels et futurs patients.
Ouvert à tous, ce sera un événement gratuit, mais basé sur une inscription obligatoire, qui offrira un programme d’information et culturel, mettant en évidence trois domaines en particulier:
• une exposition sur l’histoire, la pratique et l’éducation de l’acupuncture, ainsi que des méthodes de soins associés (pharmacothérapies, massages, exercices physiques …)
• une conférence sur les développements historiques, les faits saillants cliniques et les dernières recherches sur l’acupuncture et la moxibustion sur tous les continents. Les communications seront présentées par des conférenciers de renommée mondiale, des représentants de sociétés mondiales et des invités d’honneur.
• et pour le soir un spectacle, spécialement conçu pour cette journée exceptionnelle, un regard léger sur les forces et la diversité de la communauté internationale d’acupuncture.

Cette journée mondiale d’acupuncture sera un jour pour le public mondial, comme une grande vitrine destinée à rester indéfiniment éclairée, qui comprend tout le monde. WAD accueille des praticiens d’acupuncture / TCM, d’autres fournisseurs de soins de santé, chercheurs, politiciens de santé, universitaires et étudiants, représentants d’assurance, consommateurs et patients pour mettre à jour leur compréhension de ce que signifie l’acupuncture, comment elle est scientifiquement prouvée et ce qu’elle peut fournir.
Une conférence de presse fournira l’espace pour les questions et les réponses.< /span>

Après ça?

Deux jours du dialogue scientifique et culturel mondial sur l’acupuncture (WSCDA) Les deux jours suivants (16 et 17 novembre 2018)

réuniront des professionnels de la santé du monde entier pour échanger des connaissances, des compétences et des pratiques. Ces deux seront organisés au Centre des congrès de la “Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie”. http://www.cite-sciences.fr/fr/accueil/
Ce seront deux journées de rencontres exceptionnelles, animées par les meilleurs spécialistes de toutes disciplines liées à l’acupuncture et à la moxibustion pour un échange constructif. Une fois de plus, ce projet sera placé sous le patronage de l’UNESCO et de l’OMS et sera présidé par la Fédération mondiale des sociétés d’acupuncture-moxibustion (WFAS).
Le programme comprendra des conférences et des ateliers sur la pratique clinique de l’acupuncture et de la moxibustion. La pratique, cependant, ne peut être considérée sans la connaissance des grands travaux scientifiques qui ont donné la prééminence à l’acuponcture. La rentabilité, la sécurité, l’efficacité et la recherche clinique feront également partie du vaste programme. Des échanges énergétiques rassembleront des sociologues dans un symposium qui n’a jamais eu cette dimension au sujet de l’acupuncture.
De nombreux autres thèmes trouveront leur place dans ces dialogues, notamment à travers la présentation des actions humanitaires développées à l’égard de tous les pays en crise sanitaire

Direct billing for Acupuncture Services is expanding

 

Attention CMAAC Members: 

Alberta Blue Cross is now offering direct billing for Acupuncture services. They have asked CMAAC to share this information with our members across the country. Alberta Blue Cross has a large number of their clients in the region that are currently living or travelling to work in Ontario. Alberta Blue Cross would like to offer their clients the same great services in Ontario as they would get in Alberta.

Please contact Adina Green, Team Lead, Provider Services at (780) 498-7389 if you need additional information.

Alberta Blue Cross – IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR ACUPUNCTURE PROVIDERS PDF

REGISTER AND WIN AN IPAD!

 

 

 

FB group: Int’l Acupuncture Task Force

Check out this new Facebook group here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/121935021670988/

The International Acupuncture Task Force is a group of international thought leaders and concerned citizens within the acupuncture profession who regularly collaborate on projects and develop strategies about how to respond to acupuncture in the media. This Facebook group was created as a way to make it super easy for practitioners to be our eyes and ears and let us know when news breaks and stories come out about acupuncture so that we can make a plan of action.

Update from Acupuncture NOW Foundation

Dear Practitioners,

Acupuncture Now Foundation announced their ANF International Collaborations. ANF has now signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with:
– Acupuncture New Zealand,
– European TCM Association (ETCMA),
– Acupuncture Foundation Professional Association,
– Ireland (AFPA),
– Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Association of Canada
(CMAAC),
– American Society of Acupuncturists (ASA) and
– the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association
(AACMA)*

These collaborations and partnerships with other acupuncture associations and organizations around the world are critical to the operation of ANF and our development.

Let’s continue to work together – GLOBALLY – to pull together those with both the passion and knowledge to educate the public, policymakers, and healthcare professionals about the practice of acupuncture!

Thanks to everyone around the globe for all your support and commitment to our profession.

 

CHECK OUT ACUPUNCTURE NOW FOUNDATION’S FACEBOOK PAGE 

Opioid Crisis Letter & White Paper 2017


PLEASE READ AND SHARE THE LETTER OF THE OPIOID CRISIS

Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners in Canada Stress Importance of Nondrug Approaches Such as Acupuncture for Addressing Chronic Pain 

The Joint Acupuncture Opioid Task Force, which is comprised of the Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Association of Canada (CMAAC), The Canadian Society of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture (CSCMA), Chamber of Chinese Herbal Medicine of Canada, and Traditional Chinese Medicine of Ontario (TCMO). Together, we represent over 90% of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners in Ontario. We wish to thank the Ontario government for soliciting public input for consideration in the development of an action plan to combat opioid abuse. Opioid abuse and opioid-related deaths are an epidemic in Ontario, and non-opioid alternatives have been proven to be effective, safer, and more cost-effective in the long-term treatment of chronic pain.

Acupuncture’s Role in Solving the Opioid Epidemic:
Evidence, Cost-Effectiveness, and Care Availability
for Acupuncture as a
Primary, Non-Pharmacologic Method
for Pain Relief and Management
White Paper 2017

 

Application of the GST/HST to the Practice of Acupuncture

ATTENTION CANADIAN ACUPUNCTURISTS:

Please read an updated version of the application that was published on April 2017 on the Government of Canada website. There have been some updates made to the application and you should be aware of how it affects your practice in your province. 


Application of the GST/HST to the Practice of Acupuncture

Background

Historically, various health care services rendered by a health care practitioner listed in Part II of Schedule V have been exempt from the GST/HST. Acupuncturists were not among the listed practitioners in the Act and, as a result, acupuncture services rendered by an acupuncturist were subject to the GST/HST.

However, the list of health care practitioners has been expanded in section 1 of Part II of Schedule V to include acupuncturists. Therefore, when certain conditions are met, the GST/HST exemption in section 7 of Part II of Schedule V will apply to acupuncture services rendered to an individual by an acupuncturist.

The changes to the exemption apply to supplies of acupuncture services made by an acupuncturist after February 11, 2014 (Government of Canada, 2017).

GST/HST exemption for acupuncture services

In certain circumstances, a supply of an acupuncture service is exempt from the GST/HST pursuant to section 7 of Part II of Schedule V. For the exemption to apply, all of the following conditions must be met:

  1. the service is an acupuncture service for GST/HST purposes;
  2. the acupuncture service is rendered to an individual by a practitioner of acupuncture services (for example, a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner);
  3. the acupuncture service is a qualifying health care supply as defined in section 1 of Part II of Schedule V; and
  4. the acupuncture service is not a cosmetic service supply or a supply, in respect of a cosmetic service supply, that is not made for medical or reconstructive purposes pursuant to section 1.1 of Part II of Schedule V.

First condition – supply of an acupuncture service

To be exempt from the GST/HST pursuant to section 7 of Part II of Schedule V, the service supplied by an acupuncturist must be an acupuncture service and must fall within the scope of practice for an acupuncturist.

An acupuncture service is a service that involves the stimulation of specific pressure points on the skin, mucous membranes or subcutaneous tissues of the human body and other therapeutic techniques to promote, maintain, or restore health, to prevent a disorder or disease or to alleviate pain.

Acupuncture is provincially regulated and what constitutes an acupuncture service for GST/HST purposes may vary from province to province. An acupuncturist must refer to the governing body or relevant provincial legislation for the province in which they practise to determine whether the services they perform are acupuncture services. An acupuncturist who practises in an unregulated province or territory must refer to the scope of practice established by the governing body or provincial legislation in the regulated province for which the acupuncturist has equivalent qualifications. For more information, refer to the section “Equivalent qualifications.”

READ MORE HERE

FREE Webinar: How Acupuncture Works

CMAAC is proud to collaborate with multiple international organizations to bring a free live webinar to all members. 

Dear CMAAC Members:

Please accept our warm invitation to participate in a free live webinar on Wednesday 21st June 2017 at 4:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.

 

Communicating with Confidence How Acupuncture Works: The Scientific Evidence for Acupuncture

Presented by Mel Hopper Koppelman, Director of Evidence Based Acupuncture, and facilitated by Katherine Berry from Acupuncture Professional, this webinar is to help you better communicate the mechanisms of acupuncture and the evidence for its effectiveness.

Everyday in clinic, Acupuncturists all over the world see exceptional results from their treatments as patients experience relief from a wide variety of conditions. However, despite acupuncture’s excellent effectiveness and safety record, it is not as widely accepted as it should be.

Many practitioners find it challenging to explain the mechanisms of acupuncture and the clinical evidence is to support its use. There is a myth that:

  • Randomized controlled trials have failed to show that acupuncture works,
  • Basic science research has failed to demonstrate how it works

This free live webinar is going to bust both of those myths.

Click here to secure your seat now (free):
http://acupunctureprofessional.com/communicating-how-acupuncture-works

Instead of perpetuating an old, outdated idea that is holding back the acupuncture profession and preventing you from helping more patients, you can equip yourself with a current and more accurate understanding of the science and evidence for acupuncture.

It is difficult to keep up with all the latest research within acupuncture, let alone all the research outside the profession that lends support to what we do.

That’s why we’re inviting you to this exclusive webinar … so you can get quick and direct access to the most current evidence from those who have dedicated their career to keeping up-to-date with the science that is hard to keep track of.

In this free live webinar you’ll be given the simple, A, B, Cs of the current evidence for acupuncture, and strategies for overcoming typical communication barriers.

Not only will you be taken through the evidence, you’ll be shown an effective way to talk with people who are skeptical and misinformed.

You will learn:

  1.  The key milestone studies that all acupuncture professionals should know about it
  2. The real barriers to acupuncture’s acceptance and how to overcome them
  3. How to communicate with medical professionals and policy makers in a way that turns them into allies

Sign up now:
http://acupunctureprofessional.com/communicating-how-acupuncture-works

We are collaborating with acupuncture leadership organisations all over the world to make this the largest online event in the history of the acupuncture profession.

Because this webinar is live and interactive, places are limited to the first 1,000 people who attend live.

There are already over 900 registrants, so places are filling up fast.

A video replay will be made available to all those who register in advance.

So join Mel Hopper Koppelman and Katherine Berry as they explore new frontiers and the science of acupuncture. Learn how to better communicate to patients, journalists, health professionals, Medical Doctors and policy makers. Live Wednesday June 21st @ 4:00 pm Eastern Standard Time

 

Communicating with Confidence How Acupuncture Works: The Scientific Evidence for Acupuncture

We are offering you free access to this live webinar where you can ask questions and gain confidence in clearly communicating the mechanism for how acupuncture works.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to broaden your sphere of influence by gaining new skills and knowledge.

If you have any questions about this initiative, contact Kath Berry: Katherine@acupunctureprofessional.com

Dr. Rogers Prize Award Updates

Dr. Rogers Prize Award Gala Early Bird Tickets Now on Sale!

Thursday, September 14, 2017
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel, Vancouver, BC

The $250,000 Dr. Rogers Prize is awarded every two years to celebrate the achievements of individuals who have impacted the practice and progress of health care in Canada. Join us for the announcement of the 2017 winner!

Keynote Speaker
Dr. Helene Langevin
Dr. Helene Langevin
Director of Osher Center for Integrative Medicine
Harvard Medical School

Dr. Langevin has been Principal Investigator of seven NIH-funded studies investigating the role of connective tissue in musculoskeletal pain and the mechanisms of acupuncture, manual and movement based therapies. She received an MD degree from McGill University, followed by a post doctoral research fellowship in Neurochemistry at the MRC Neurochemical Pharmacology Unit in Cambridge, England, and a residency in Internal Medicine and fellowship in Endocrinology and Metabolism at Johns Hopkins Hospital. She is a Professor in Residence of Medicine and Director of the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Dr. Langevin is also a Visiting Professor of Neurology, Orthopedics and Rehabilitation at the University of Vermont College of Medicine.

2017 Dr. Rogers Prize Jury Announced

Five distinguished experts in the field of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) to determine winner of $250,000 Prize

VANCOUVER, BC (JULY 6, 2017): The Dr. Rogers Prize for Excellence in Complementary and Alternative Medicine is pleased to announce the jury for the 2017 Dr. Rogers Prize. The jury, comprised of thought leaders and experts in complementary, alternative and integrative medicine, is tasked with determining the winner of the biennial $250,000 Dr. Rogers Prize.

The 2017 jury members are:

  • James S. Gordon, MD (USA) – Founder and Director of The Center for Mind-Body Medicine; served as chairman of the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy
  • Joseph Pizzorno, ND (USA) – Founding President of Bastyr University; member of the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy in 2000, and the Medicare Coverage Advisory Committee in 2002
  • Mary Ann Richardson, PhD (USA) – Former Director of Research of the National Foundation for Alternative Medicine in Washington, DC
  • Susan Samueli (USA) – Co-founder of the Samueli Foundation and member of the Advisory Board of the Susan Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of California, Irvine
  • Simon Sutcliffe, MD (Canada) – President of the International Cancer Control Association and the International Network for Cancer Treatment and Research – Canada Branch; former president of the BC Cancer Agency

Purchase tickets to the event through the official website HERE.

Third Canadian International Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Conference

第三屆加拿大國際中醫針灸學術研討會

October 8 & 9, 2017 in the Markham Civic Centre, Toronto

Third Canadian International Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture Conference is an excellent opportunity to learn experience and new knowledge gained through clinical research and practice. The president and selected faculty of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine will be presenting, together with special speakers from Canada and other countries. Simultaneous English translation will be provided.

Excellent lectures with needling technique demonstration 高水平学术演讲和特色针法演示

The following are part of our speakers:
– Dr. Nenggui Xu, Member of China Academy of Sciences, VP. of Guangzhou University of TCM
Acupuncture Treatment for Stroke Sequelae
中风后遗症的针灸治疗 – 许能贵教授，中国学部委员，广州中医药大学副校长

– Dr. Fuhui Dong, China Academy of China Medical Sciences, Inventor of Flat Head Needling Technique
Clinical Application of Flat-Head Needling Technique
现代铍针技术的临床应用 – 董福慧教授，中国中医科学院，现代铍针技术发明者

– Dr. Chunzhi Tang, Dean, College of Acupuncture, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
Jin’s Three Needle Technique for the Treatment of Dementia
靳三针治疗老年痴呆症靳 – 唐纯志教授，广州中医药大学针灸学院院长

– Dr. Linda Rapson, MD, Physician (Toronto)
Scalp Acupuncture for Pain Management in Spine Injury
脊柱损伤性疼痛的头针疗法 – Linda Rapson 医生（多伦多）

– Aina Zhang, Canadian well-known expert of TCM gynecology (Montreal)
Clinical Experience on Infertility Treatment
中医治疗不孕症的临症经验 – 张爱娜注册针灸师（蒙特利尔）

– Dr. Liping Cai, Dr. TCM, President of Canada Guangzhou University of TCM Alumni Association (Vancouver)
Acupuncture and TCM treatment for Intractable Facial Paralysis
顽固性面瘫的中医针灸治疗 – 蔡理平高级中医师，广中医加拿大校友会会长 （温哥华）

Registration fee: CAD $160.00 before July 15, 2017. Each month after CAD $20.00 increase.
The fee includes the two-day conference and lunch both days, and 16 hours CEU credit.
For more information and on-line registration and payment, please visit the official website:

www.tcmconference.ca