Every 1st and 3rd Thursday at Elkridge 50+ Center, drop in for FREE auricular (ear) acupuncture.*

1st and 3rd Thursdays 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm

The ear is a map of the whole body, emotionally and physically. This treatment will help you settle deeply into yourself and remember how to relax and mend. Once treatments have begun and participants are resting comfortably in our zero-gravity chairs, the lights are lowered and music begins to play, adding to the meditative quality of this experience.

BENEFITS INCLUDE:
Improved sleep
Stress & pain relief
Reduced cravings
Energetic balancing

*Site is closed on holidays.

NOTE: All protocols and cleaning procedures are in alignment with state, local, and CDC guidelines and are updated regularly.

Free Auricular Acupuncture at Elkridge 50+ Center (CHI Site)

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auricular acupuncture

Every 1st and 3rd Thursday at Elkridge 50+ Center, drop in for FREE auricular (ear) acupuncture.*

1st and 3rd Thursdays 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm

The ear is a map of the whole body, emotionally and physically. This treatment will help you settle deeply into yourself and remember how to relax and mend. Once treatments have begun and participants are resting comfortably in our zero-gravity chairs, the lights are lowered and music begins to play, adding to the meditative quality of this experience.

BENEFITS INCLUDE:
Improved sleep
Stress & pain relief
Reduced cravings
Energetic balancing

*Site is closed on holidays.

NOTE: All protocols and cleaning procedures are in alignment with state, local, and CDC guidelines and are updated regularly.

Every 1st and 3rd Thursday at Elkridge 50+ Center, drop in for FREE auricular (ear) acupuncture.*

1st and 3rd Thursdays 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm

The ear is a map of the whole body, emotionally and physically. This treatment will help you settle deeply into yourself and remember how to relax and mend. Once treatments have begun and participants are resting comfortably in our zero-gravity chairs, the lights are lowered and music begins to play, adding to the meditative quality of this experience.

BENEFITS INCLUDE:
Improved sleep
Stress & pain relief
Reduced cravings
Energetic balancing

*Site is closed on holidays.

NOTE: All protocols and cleaning procedures are in alignment with state, local, and CDC guidelines and are updated regularly.

Free Auricular Acupuncture at Elkridge 50+ Center (CHI Site)

  |   By  |  0 Comments

auricular acupuncture

Every 1st and 3rd Thursday at Elkridge 50+ Center, drop in for FREE auricular (ear) acupuncture.*

1st and 3rd Thursdays 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm

The ear is a map of the whole body, emotionally and physically. This treatment will help you settle deeply into yourself and remember how to relax and mend. Once treatments have begun and participants are resting comfortably in our zero-gravity chairs, the lights are lowered and music begins to play, adding to the meditative quality of this experience.

BENEFITS INCLUDE:
Improved sleep
Stress & pain relief
Reduced cravings
Energetic balancing

*Site is closed on holidays.

NOTE: All protocols and cleaning procedures are in alignment with state, local, and CDC guidelines and are updated regularly.

Every 1st and 3rd Thursday at Elkridge 50+ Center, drop in for FREE auricular (ear) acupuncture.*

1st and 3rd Thursdays 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm

The ear is a map of the whole body, emotionally and physically. This treatment will help you settle deeply into yourself and remember how to relax and mend. Once treatments have begun and participants are resting comfortably in our zero-gravity chairs, the lights are lowered and music begins to play, adding to the meditative quality of this experience.

BENEFITS INCLUDE:
Improved sleep
Stress & pain relief
Reduced cravings
Energetic balancing

*Site is closed on holidays.

NOTE: All protocols and cleaning procedures are in alignment with state, local, and CDC guidelines and are updated regularly.

Free Auricular Acupuncture at Elkridge 50+ Center (CHI Site)

  |   By  |  0 Comments

auricular acupuncture

Every 1st and 3rd Thursday at Elkridge 50+ Center, drop in for FREE auricular (ear) acupuncture.*

1st and 3rd Thursdays 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm

The ear is a map of the whole body, emotionally and physically. This treatment will help you settle deeply into yourself and remember how to relax and mend. Once treatments have begun and participants are resting comfortably in our zero-gravity chairs, the lights are lowered and music begins to play, adding to the meditative quality of this experience.

BENEFITS INCLUDE:
Improved sleep
Stress & pain relief
Reduced cravings
Energetic balancing

*Site is closed on holidays.

NOTE: All protocols and cleaning procedures are in alignment with state, local, and CDC guidelines and are updated regularly.

Every 1st and 3rd Thursday at Elkridge 50+ Center, drop in for FREE auricular (ear) acupuncture.*

1st and 3rd Thursdays 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm

The ear is a map of the whole body, emotionally and physically. This treatment will help you settle deeply into yourself and remember how to relax and mend. Once treatments have begun and participants are resting comfortably in our zero-gravity chairs, the lights are lowered and music begins to play, adding to the meditative quality of this experience.

BENEFITS INCLUDE:
Improved sleep
Stress & pain relief
Reduced cravings
Energetic balancing

*Site is closed on holidays.

NOTE: All protocols and cleaning procedures are in alignment with state, local, and CDC guidelines and are updated regularly.

Free Auricular Acupuncture at Elkridge 50+ Center (CHI Site)

  |   By  |  0 Comments

auricular acupuncture

Every 1st and 3rd Thursday at Elkridge 50+ Center, drop in for FREE auricular (ear) acupuncture.*

1st and 3rd Thursdays 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm

The ear is a map of the whole body, emotionally and physically. This treatment will help you settle deeply into yourself and remember how to relax and mend. Once treatments have begun and participants are resting comfortably in our zero-gravity chairs, the lights are lowered and music begins to play, adding to the meditative quality of this experience.

BENEFITS INCLUDE:
Improved sleep
Stress & pain relief
Reduced cravings
Energetic balancing

*Site is closed on holidays.

NOTE: All protocols and cleaning procedures are in alignment with state, local, and CDC guidelines and are updated regularly.

Every 1st and 3rd Thursday at Elkridge 50+ Center, drop in for FREE auricular (ear) acupuncture.*

1st and 3rd Thursdays 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm

The ear is a map of the whole body, emotionally and physically. This treatment will help you settle deeply into yourself and remember how to relax and mend. Once treatments have begun and participants are resting comfortably in our zero-gravity chairs, the lights are lowered and music begins to play, adding to the meditative quality of this experience.

BENEFITS INCLUDE:
Improved sleep
Stress & pain relief
Reduced cravings
Energetic balancing

*Site is closed on holidays.

NOTE: All protocols and cleaning procedures are in alignment with state, local, and CDC guidelines and are updated regularly.

Free Auricular Acupuncture at Elkridge 50+ Center (CHI Site)

  |   By  |  0 Comments

auricular acupuncture

Every 1st and 3rd Thursday at Elkridge 50+ Center, drop in for FREE auricular (ear) acupuncture.*

1st and 3rd Thursdays 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm

The ear is a map of the whole body, emotionally and physically. This treatment will help you settle deeply into yourself and remember how to relax and mend. Once treatments have begun and participants are resting comfortably in our zero-gravity chairs, the lights are lowered and music begins to play, adding to the meditative quality of this experience.

BENEFITS INCLUDE:
Improved sleep
Stress & pain relief
Reduced cravings
Energetic balancing

*Site is closed on holidays.

NOTE: All protocols and cleaning procedures are in alignment with state, local, and CDC guidelines and are updated regularly.

Every 1st and 3rd Thursday at Elkridge 50+ Center, drop in for FREE auricular (ear) acupuncture.*

1st and 3rd Thursdays 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm

The ear is a map of the whole body, emotionally and physically. This treatment will help you settle deeply into yourself and remember how to relax and mend. Once treatments have begun and participants are resting comfortably in our zero-gravity chairs, the lights are lowered and music begins to play, adding to the meditative quality of this experience.

BENEFITS INCLUDE:
Improved sleep
Stress & pain relief
Reduced cravings
Energetic balancing

*Site is closed on holidays.

NOTE: All protocols and cleaning procedures are in alignment with state, local, and CDC guidelines and are updated regularly.

Free Auricular Acupuncture at Elkridge 50+ Center (CHI Site)

  |   By  |  0 Comments

auricular acupuncture

Every 1st and 3rd Thursday at Elkridge 50+ Center, drop in for FREE auricular (ear) acupuncture.*

1st and 3rd Thursdays 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm

The ear is a map of the whole body, emotionally and physically. This treatment will help you settle deeply into yourself and remember how to relax and mend. Once treatments have begun and participants are resting comfortably in our zero-gravity chairs, the lights are lowered and music begins to play, adding to the meditative quality of this experience.

BENEFITS INCLUDE:
Improved sleep
Stress & pain relief
Reduced cravings
Energetic balancing

*Site is closed on holidays.

NOTE: All protocols and cleaning procedures are in alignment with state, local, and CDC guidelines and are updated regularly.

Every 1st and 3rd Thursday at Elkridge 50+ Center, drop in for FREE auricular (ear) acupuncture.*

1st and 3rd Thursdays 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm

The ear is a map of the whole body, emotionally and physically. This treatment will help you settle deeply into yourself and remember how to relax and mend. Once treatments have begun and participants are resting comfortably in our zero-gravity chairs, the lights are lowered and music begins to play, adding to the meditative quality of this experience.

BENEFITS INCLUDE:
Improved sleep
Stress & pain relief
Reduced cravings
Energetic balancing

*Site is closed on holidays.

NOTE: All protocols and cleaning procedures are in alignment with state, local, and CDC guidelines and are updated regularly.

Free Auricular Acupuncture at Elkridge 50+ Center (CHI Site)

  |   By  |  0 Comments

auricular acupuncture

Every 1st and 3rd Thursday at Elkridge 50+ Center, drop in for FREE auricular (ear) acupuncture.*

1st and 3rd Thursdays 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm

The ear is a map of the whole body, emotionally and physically. This treatment will help you settle deeply into yourself and remember how to relax and mend. Once treatments have begun and participants are resting comfortably in our zero-gravity chairs, the lights are lowered and music begins to play, adding to the meditative quality of this experience.

BENEFITS INCLUDE:
Improved sleep
Stress & pain relief
Reduced cravings
Energetic balancing

*Site is closed on holidays.

NOTE: All protocols and cleaning procedures are in alignment with state, local, and CDC guidelines and are updated regularly.

By Jeanie Free, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctorate of Acupuncture student at MUIH on What is Qi?

From the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) perspective, Qi is the life force in the universe that moves constantly. It may sound mysterious, talking about something invisible. However, Qi, the vital essence, manifests in both physical matter and energy.

Think about the universe and the constant gravitational forces that have kept the planets in orbit around the sun for billions of years. It is the power of Qi energy. 

“Qi is energy produced by each cell, the binding force between those cells  

and the work they produce: the sum of all metabolisms.” – Dr. Daniel Keown.  

Qi energy is in all living organisms and manifests to support the function of each organ in humans and maintain the intrinsic energy that supports the homeostatic mechanism (e.g., regulating body temperature, hormones, or blood sugar in the body).  

TCM also looks at the balance between Yin and Yang where Qi is the Yang quality in the body and blood is the Yin counter part. The nutrients in blood nourish and support Qi while Qi takes the lead and directs the blood flow. When Qi and blood are sufficient and work well together, an optimal health state may be achieved. 

One way to conceptualize Qi and blood flow balance is to think of water pressure (Qi) and water supply (blood) in your home. When the water pressure (Qi) is insufficient, you experience weak water flow. With sufficient water pressure and low water supply (blood), you will also experience low water supply and hear air in the pipes. This is the concept of “internal wind.” The internal wind causes disharmony of the physical health with manifestations such as tremors, vertigo, severe dizziness, and numbness. 

How to help regulate and boost Qi? 

Qi Gong means “energy work” or “energy exercises.”  The Qi Gong exercises strengthen the circulation within our body with our mindful intention to achieve health, spiritual clarity, and longevity. You might have heard of the saying “Where the mind goes, the Qi follows.” This means that where we place our intention, awareness, and focus is where the Qi energy will settle.  

In other words, everyone has the capacity to regulate their own energy in the body. It takes practice to strengthen the body, mind, and spirit coherence with the Qi energy.  

How can Acupuncture Help? 

Acupuncture is a technique using hair-thin needles to access various acupoints on the body to promote natural healing by clearing blockages and stimulating the flow of Qi and blood based on the diagnosis. Some acupoints are used to promote relaxation which is very important to optimize whole-person healing.  

MUIH offers auricular treatment to the community at no cost. For individualized in-depth care, the Natural Care Center (NCC) on campus offers affordable treatment options as well. For more information, please visit: https://muih.edu/community-resources/laurel-wellness/ or contact www.muih.edu/ncc 

Jeanie Free, is a licensed acupuncturist currently studying for the Doctorate of Acupuncture program at Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH). She is on a mission to deliver self-care awareness to help clients restore and maintain harmonious health on a whole-person level. 

What is Qi?

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what is qi

By Jeanie Free, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctorate of Acupuncture student at MUIH on What is Qi?

From the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) perspective, Qi is the life force in the universe that moves constantly. It may sound mysterious, talking about something invisible. However, Qi, the vital essence, manifests in both physical matter and energy.

Think about the universe and the constant gravitational forces that have kept the planets in orbit around the sun for billions of years. It is the power of Qi energy. 

“Qi is energy produced by each cell, the binding force between those cells  

and the work they produce: the sum of all metabolisms.” – Dr. Daniel Keown.  

Qi energy is in all living organisms and manifests to support the function of each organ in humans and maintain the intrinsic energy that supports the homeostatic mechanism (e.g., regulating body temperature, hormones, or blood sugar in the body).  

TCM also looks at the balance between Yin and Yang where Qi is the Yang quality in the body and blood is the Yin counter part. The nutrients in blood nourish and support Qi while Qi takes the lead and directs the blood flow. When Qi and blood are sufficient and work well together, an optimal health state may be achieved. 

One way to conceptualize Qi and blood flow balance is to think of water pressure (Qi) and water supply (blood) in your home. When the water pressure (Qi) is insufficient, you experience weak water flow. With sufficient water pressure and low water supply (blood), you will also experience low water supply and hear air in the pipes. This is the concept of “internal wind.” The internal wind causes disharmony of the physical health with manifestations such as tremors, vertigo, severe dizziness, and numbness. 

How to help regulate and boost Qi? 

Qi Gong means “energy work” or “energy exercises.”  The Qi Gong exercises strengthen the circulation within our body with our mindful intention to achieve health, spiritual clarity, and longevity. You might have heard of the saying “Where the mind goes, the Qi follows.” This means that where we place our intention, awareness, and focus is where the Qi energy will settle.  

In other words, everyone has the capacity to regulate their own energy in the body. It takes practice to strengthen the body, mind, and spirit coherence with the Qi energy.  

How can Acupuncture Help? 

Acupuncture is a technique using hair-thin needles to access various acupoints on the body to promote natural healing by clearing blockages and stimulating the flow of Qi and blood based on the diagnosis. Some acupoints are used to promote relaxation which is very important to optimize whole-person healing.  

MUIH offers auricular treatment to the community at no cost. For individualized in-depth care, the Natural Care Center (NCC) on campus offers affordable treatment options as well. For more information, please visit: https://muih.edu/community-resources/laurel-wellness/ or contact www.muih.edu/ncc 

Jeanie Free, is a licensed acupuncturist currently studying for the Doctorate of Acupuncture program at Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH). She is on a mission to deliver self-care awareness to help clients restore and maintain harmonious health on a whole-person level. 

Is financial aid available for Acupuncture students?

Do I need further licensing to practice acupuncture?

Each state, including Maryland, has specific licensing procedures that must be met. Governmental laws, regulations, legal opinions, and requirements differ from country to country and state to state. MUIH cannot provide assurance that completion of the program will qualify a graduate to be registered or accepted under a state law other than Maryland. However, the University’s Acupuncture programs are designed to provide basic, solid competence in traditional acupuncture.

What careers can I pursue with a Master of Acupuncture?

Graduates of MUIH’s acupuncture and herbal medicine programs are employed in a variety of settings. These include private practice, integrative group practices, health care systems, hospitals and wellness centers. They may also include pain management centers, addiction treatment centers, behavioral and mental health centers. As well as, fertility centers, veterans and military organizations and agencies, state and local health departments, and colleges. The career outlook for AHM practitioners is strong, and national statistics indicate that individuals pursuing such careers successfully earn income and either establish a solo practice or are hired into a number of different healthcare settings. The AHM career track has been categorized as a “BrightOutlook” occupation by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and indicates that this occupation is predicted to experience rapid growth during the years 2018-2028.

What careers can I pursue with a Doctor of Acupuncture?

Graduates of MUIH’s acupuncture and herbal medicine programs are employed in a variety of settings. These include private practice, integrative group practices, health care systems, hospitals and wellness centers. They may also include pain management centers, addiction treatment centers, behavioral and mental health centers. As well as, fertility centers, veterans and military organizations and agencies, state and local health departments, and colleges. The career outlook for AHM practitioners is strong, and national statistics indicate that individuals pursuing such careers successfully earn income and either establish a solo practice or are hired into a number of different healthcare settings. The AHM career track has been categorized as a “BrightOutlook” occupation by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and indicates that this occupation is predicted to experience rapid growth during the years 2018-2028.

How to become a doctor of oriental medicine?

The Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization degree integrates the DAC curriculum with a deep concentration in the study of Chinese Herbs. This prepares graduates to meet the growing need and opportunities for well-trained Chinese medical practitioners to serve in numerous types of integrative medicine settings across the country. Click here to view an expanded description of the program highlights, learning outcomes, and curriculum for how to become a Doctor of Oriental Medicine.

How long does it take to become an acupuncturist?

Each curriculum for our AHM program ranges from 3-5 years (9-13 consecutive trimesters). Click here to view an expanded description of the program highlights, learning outcomes, and curriculum of the DAC program. See how it differs from the Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization, Master of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization, and Master of Acupuncture degrees.

Do acupuncturists make good money?

NCCAOM job analysis statistics indicate that 36% of AHM practitioners reported a total gross income (before taxes) of $40,000-$100,000 with 11% reporting gross incomes of $100,000 and above. The BLS reports the median average salary for AHM practitioners in 2017 was $73,830. To find more information on career outcomes, view all of our AHM programs.

What kind of degree do you need to be an acupuncturist?

To become an acupuncturist in the U.S., attending an accredited acupuncture or Chinese medicine program and obtaining a master’s degree is recommended. The Master of Acupuncture and Master of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization programs of Maryland University of Integrative Health are accredited. They are accredited under master’s degree standards by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). This is the recognized accrediting agency for programs preparing acupuncture and Oriental medicine practitioners. Graduates are eligible to sit for certification exams offered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).

Can you get an acupuncture degree online?

MUIH AHM programs are delivered primarily on campus with some online courses. Click here to view MUIH’s definition of online, hybrid, and on-campus course and program formats.

Can I study acupuncture online?

MUIH AHM programs are delivered primarily on campus with some online courses. Click here to view MUIH’s definition of online, hybrid, and on-campus course and program formats.

Is a doctor of acupuncture a real doctor?

Doctors of Acupuncture are doctors. Acupuncture has been recognized as a professional medical practitioner dating back over 2,500 years ago. The state of Maryland does recognize a Doctor of Acupuncture as a Doctor. However, there may be a waiting period between the completion of the program and the legal recognition allowing the graduate to begin practice. Until a graduate receives official notification of legal recognition to begin practice, they may continue to practice only under faculty supervision. Students who wish to continue to practice in Maryland after graduating, but prior to being licensed, must enroll in MUIH’s Trainee Program. Most states require successful completion of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine exam. For more information, refer to nccaom.org.

Acupuncture Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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acupuncture, doctor of acupuncture, master of acupuncture, online acupuncture

Is financial aid available for Acupuncture students?

Yes! The financial aid department is available to help with your questions and needs to afford any program. Check out our Student Eligibility Requirements and email us at with additional questions.

Do I need further licensing to practice acupuncture?

Each state, including Maryland, has specific licensing procedures that must be met. Governmental laws, regulations, legal opinions, and requirements differ from country to country and state to state. MUIH cannot provide assurance that completion of the program will qualify a graduate to be registered or accepted under a state law other than Maryland. However, the University’s Acupuncture programs are designed to provide basic, solid competence in traditional acupuncture.

What careers can I pursue with a Master of Acupuncture?

Graduates of MUIH’s acupuncture and herbal medicine programs are employed in a variety of settings. These include private practice, integrative group practices, health care systems, hospitals and wellness centers. They may also include pain management centers, addiction treatment centers, behavioral and mental health centers. As well as, fertility centers, veterans and military organizations and agencies, state and local health departments, and colleges. The career outlook for AHM practitioners is strong, and national statistics indicate that individuals pursuing such careers successfully earn income and either establish a solo practice or are hired into a number of different healthcare settings. The AHM career track has been categorized as a “BrightOutlook” occupation by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and indicates that this occupation is predicted to experience rapid growth during the years 2018-2028.

What careers can I pursue with a Doctor of Acupuncture?

Graduates of MUIH’s acupuncture and herbal medicine programs are employed in a variety of settings. These include private practice, integrative group practices, health care systems, hospitals and wellness centers. They may also include pain management centers, addiction treatment centers, behavioral and mental health centers. As well as, fertility centers, veterans and military organizations and agencies, state and local health departments, and colleges. The career outlook for AHM practitioners is strong, and national statistics indicate that individuals pursuing such careers successfully earn income and either establish a solo practice or are hired into a number of different healthcare settings. The AHM career track has been categorized as a “BrightOutlook” occupation by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and indicates that this occupation is predicted to experience rapid growth during the years 2018-2028.

How to become a doctor of oriental medicine?

The Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization degree integrates the DAC curriculum with a deep concentration in the study of Chinese Herbs. This prepares graduates to meet the growing need and opportunities for well-trained Chinese medical practitioners to serve in numerous types of integrative medicine settings across the country. Click here to view an expanded description of the program highlights, learning outcomes, and curriculum for how to become a Doctor of Oriental Medicine.

How long does it take to become an acupuncturist?

Each curriculum for our AHM program ranges from 3-5 years (9-13 consecutive trimesters). Click here to view an expanded description of the program highlights, learning outcomes, and curriculum of the DAC program. See how it differs from the Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization, Master of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization, and Master of Acupuncture degrees.

Do acupuncturists make good money?

NCCAOM job analysis statistics indicate that 36% of AHM practitioners reported a total gross income (before taxes) of $40,000-$100,000 with 11% reporting gross incomes of $100,000 and above. The BLS reports the median average salary for AHM practitioners in 2017 was $73,830. To find more information on career outcomes, view all of our AHM programs.

What kind of degree do you need to be an acupuncturist?

To become an acupuncturist in the U.S., attending an accredited acupuncture or Chinese medicine program and obtaining a master’s degree is recommended. The Master of Acupuncture and Master of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization programs of Maryland University of Integrative Health are accredited. They are accredited under master’s degree standards by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). This is the recognized accrediting agency for programs preparing acupuncture and Oriental medicine practitioners. Graduates are eligible to sit for certification exams offered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).

Can you get an acupuncture degree online?

MUIH AHM programs are delivered primarily on campus with some online courses. Click here to view MUIH’s definition of online, hybrid, and on-campus course and program formats.

Can I study acupuncture online?

MUIH AHM programs are delivered primarily on campus with some online courses. Click here to view MUIH’s definition of online, hybrid, and on-campus course and program formats.

Is a doctor of acupuncture a real doctor?

Doctors of Acupuncture are doctors. Acupuncture has been recognized as a professional medical practitioner dating back over 2,500 years ago. The state of Maryland does recognize a Doctor of Acupuncture as a Doctor. However, there may be a waiting period between the completion of the program and the legal recognition allowing the graduate to begin practice. Until a graduate receives official notification of legal recognition to begin practice, they may continue to practice only under faculty supervision. Students who wish to continue to practice in Maryland after graduating, but prior to being licensed, must enroll in MUIH’s Trainee Program. Most states require successful completion of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine exam. For more information, refer to nccaom.org.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) announced some historic and exciting news: In CMS’ January 21st decision memo it formally announced it would reimburse acupuncture for chronic low back pain for Medicare recipients. This is a significant milestone on the path to getting acupuncture widely recognized for its ability to help the public with a persistent and difficult chronic condition. The fact that CMS, one of the largest federal agencies, has acknowledged the effectiveness of acupuncture holds promise for patients and acupuncturists.

CMS included licensed acupuncturists as one of the providers under its “auxiliary personnel” clause. This is currently the only way CMS could include acupuncturists as they are not listed as an approved provider of Medicare services in the Social Security Act (SSA). CMS used the avenue available to it at this time to include acupuncturists and acupuncture services in Medicare.

Acupuncturists will be allowed to provide these services under the “appropriate level” of supervision by either a physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist. While this is not ideal, it is still a step in the right direction as the supervision is not required to be “direct”, and again this reflects the SSA limitations CMS is working within. As the American Society of Acupuncturists highlighted in their press release regarding CMS’ decision:

“While nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and physician assistants may not practice acupuncture, their supervisory availability also vastly expands the potential for collaborative agreements. It is implicit in this that these providers are not specifically directing the nature of the acupuncture treatment, but rather are collaboratively assuring patient diagnoses, safety, follow-up, and connection to the established care system.” https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Breaking-News–ASA-and-NCCAOM-Joint-Letter-regarding-CMS-Acupuncture-Determination.html?soid=1129429298898&aid=s70PLhiLpGk

This first step provides the most advantageous way under the current law to provide acupuncture to more Medicare recipients, recognize and include acupuncturists, and further elevate acupuncture as an effective treatment for chronic low back pain which, when not appropriately addressed, can lead to opioid misuse and addiction.

MUIH will continue to lend its support to efforts – big and small – that ensure the public has access to effective health and wellness opportunities and its graduates have a robust and fulfilling professional environment to step into when they graduate.

Medicare Coverage for Acupuncture Holds Promise for Patients

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acupuncture for chronic back pain

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) announced some historic and exciting news: In CMS’ January 21st decision memo it formally announced it would reimburse acupuncture for chronic low back pain for Medicare recipients. This is a significant milestone on the path to getting acupuncture widely recognized for its ability to help the public with a persistent and difficult chronic condition. The fact that CMS, one of the largest federal agencies, has acknowledged the effectiveness of acupuncture holds promise for patients and acupuncturists.

CMS included licensed acupuncturists as one of the providers under its “auxiliary personnel” clause. This is currently the only way CMS could include acupuncturists as they are not listed as an approved provider of Medicare services in the Social Security Act (SSA). CMS used the avenue available to it at this time to include acupuncturists and acupuncture services in Medicare.

Acupuncturists will be allowed to provide these services under the “appropriate level” of supervision by either a physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist. While this is not ideal, it is still a step in the right direction as the supervision is not required to be “direct”, and again this reflects the SSA limitations CMS is working within. As the American Society of Acupuncturists highlighted in their press release regarding CMS’ decision:

“While nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and physician assistants may not practice acupuncture, their supervisory availability also vastly expands the potential for collaborative agreements. It is implicit in this that these providers are not specifically directing the nature of the acupuncture treatment, but rather are collaboratively assuring patient diagnoses, safety, follow-up, and connection to the established care system.” https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Breaking-News–ASA-and-NCCAOM-Joint-Letter-regarding-CMS-Acupuncture-Determination.html?soid=1129429298898&aid=s70PLhiLpGk

This first step provides the most advantageous way under the current law to provide acupuncture to more Medicare recipients, recognize and include acupuncturists, and further elevate acupuncture as an effective treatment for chronic low back pain which, when not appropriately addressed, can lead to opioid misuse and addiction.

MUIH will continue to lend its support to efforts – big and small – that ensure the public has access to effective health and wellness opportunities and its graduates have a robust and fulfilling professional environment to step into when they graduate.

An MUIH education is not just for living, but for life.