As the first anniversary of Acupuncture Today draws near, we would like to use this special time of year to say thank you. We want to express our gratitude to all the companies that provide products and support to the Oriental medicine profession for taking a big leap of faith and supporting this publication with your advertising.

I am beginning to feel like one of the recipients at the Academy Awards. I don't know where to begin, and I don't want to leave anyone out, so let my start off by giving my heartfelt thanks to everyone for everything you have done to bring this publication into being.

When I started writing this article, I thought back to what things were like a year ago. At the time, the staff of Acupuncture Today was busy preparing the debut issue, but it wouldn't have been possible if a number of suppliers and vendors hadn't said "yes" to advertising in our publication. This year has been a great run, and there is no doubt that we couldn't have done it without you. We are indebted to you for taking a chance, and you have our heartfelt thanks for your timely support.

Next, a great big thanks to AT's writers and columnists for contributing their words of wisdom and ideas for the profession. As I read these articles each month, I found myself gaining knowledge and information helpful in the treatment and education of patients and in the building of a successful practice. It gives me great joy to see more seasoned practitioners share their insights with those new to the profession.

I have seen the profession take giant steps forward this year. We have seen more research conducted and more sharing of information, and Acupuncture Today has become the vehicle to deliver that information to the profession in a timely manner. I appreciate all the help that the staff of Acupuncture Today has given the profession. Their endless hours of work, their ability to find new and timely information, and their creative efforts to put this newspaper out have resulted in a publication that everyone in the acupuncture and Oriental medicine profession can be proud of.

A special word of appreciation to everyone who's read a copy of AT. Thanks for the phone calls, letters to the editor, and all the words of encouragement. I hope to see more interaction from you in the future. Remember: Acupuncture Today is an open forum. In essence, it's your paper. We want to know what you think and feel. If something is happening in your city or state, let us know!

Thanks also to the printing and mailing houses for getting Acupuncture Today out to everyone on time. Remember that if you move, you should notify us immediately so that you will still keep receiving AT. And if you're a newly licensed acupuncturist, make sure to call us to get your own copy delivered to your home or office.

Last - but certainly not least - thanks to the accrediting commission and all their hard work for getting the framework completed and approved for the doctoral program for the Oriental medicine profession. Thanks to the teachers, faculties and staffs of all the acupuncture and Oriental medicine schools in the United States. Thanks to the clinic directors for sharing your experiences with acupuncture interns. Thanks to all of the acupuncturists in private practice who have delivered loving service to millions of patients around the world and have helped those patients attain a new level of wellness. To all of you, I say congratulations for a job well done.

There is nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come. Acupuncture Today is that idea. This publication has filled the need for the delivery of current, pertinent information on a regular basis from people inside the profession.

The field of Oriental medicine is perhaps the fastest growing of all the health professions. New schools are being founded, and new programs are springing up at established institutions at lightning speed. We at Acupuncture Today have had a great experience meeting, talking and working with you. It's been a great ride.

As the Thanksgiving season draws near for us here in America, let's remember to count our blessings and be thankful for all we have. We are thankful for Oriental medicine and all it can do to improve our health. We are thankful for our friends, families and patients. And we are thankful to be able to express our thoughts and ideas freely.

This has been a great year. We look forward to the years to come, and we pledge to do our best to serving your needs.

Click here for more information about Marilyn Allen, Editor-at-Large.