As Year of the Dog (2018) comes to a close we can look back and see the progress this profession has made. For example, the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) added traditional medicine codes, which were released in June. This is a huge accomplishment that will help traditional medicine continue to move into mainstream health care. And it will help this medicine receive recognition throughout the world.

Advancing the Profession

Celebrations were held nationwide for the commemoration of National Acupuncture Day on October 24th. Modern Acupuncture started a movement with the tag line, "Let's Tingle."

UNESCO, part of the United Nations (UN), celebrated world Acupuncture Day in Paris on November 15th. This event was followed by a conference on traditional medicine—attendees came from around the world. The European Traditional Chinese Medicine Association (ETCMA) was head of the festivities for this celebration.

So, as we look forward to 2019, Year of the Pig, let us celebrate and support the advancement of acupuncture.

Alternative or Complementary?

For many years I have had a passion for alternative health care and I've wondered why it's called alternative. After all, it is complementary and in my opinion it should be mainstream.

I've had years of regular treatments of both chiropractic and acupuncture, and understand the power of these modalities. They can play a profound role improving the quality of one's life.

We are living in amazing times. Communication is faster, entertainment is bolder, new sports records are being set, we can travel worldwide, and the health care we choose can keep us enjoying wonderful life styles.

A Growing Field

Acupuncture is the fastest growing health care field in the world, yet less than 10 percent of adults in the U.S. have has tried it. Some don't even know what acupuncture is, or what it can do. It is time to create awareness for acupuncture—the profession and the acupuncturists deserve to be recognized.

Now that the acupuncture movement has begun, you may see advertisements or hear commercials that you question. Perhaps they aren't the way you would promote our profession, but keep the demographics in mind—they are different today. But know that a top advertising firm has done the research, and has geared the "Let's Tingle" movement toward our target market (those that are investing their money in health care and acupuncture). Whether it's millennials utilizing acupuncture, elderly patients, or any others they are doing so because it works.

Both men and women are looking for a more natural approach to beauty treatments, and managing their pain without opioids. Our athletes are looking to perform better, and for a faster recovery when they get injured. There are stay-at-home moms and dads who are looking for a little stress relief. It is making a difference in peoples lives. Whether it is reducing pain, relieving stress, or creating beauty from the inside out, the use of acupuncture for health care is moving forward.

So, let's get on board and join with the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) in supporting the outstanding public relations/education movement from Modern Acupuncture. Let's Tingle for better health in America, and around the globe. Let's celebrate the increase of people trying to live healthier in America, and around the globe. And let's support those that are looking to try acupuncture for the first time, show them how it can benefit their health.

Happenings in California

Another notable achievement is the NCCAOM route to certification in California. Practitioners in California are also working to unite the numerous associations so that they can speak together and create one strong voice.

Last, but not least thank you to all the columnists and contributors for making Acupuncture Today a valuable publication to our profession. My column will be back to welcome in the Year of the Pig!

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