About Acupuncture

THE ASNY ACTION NETWORK

Welcome to the ASNY Action Network. We are currently supporting an effort to amend the NYS acupuncture law to include herbs within the scope of practice for licensed acupuncturists. Currently the law is limited to the practice of acupuncture and that is defined as:

[t]he treating, by means of mechanical, thermal or electrical stimulation effected by the insertion of needles or by the application of heat, pressure or electrical stimulation at a point or combination of points on the surface of the body predetermined on the basis of the theory of the physiological interrelationship of body organs with an associated point or combination of points for diseases, disorders and dysfunctions of the body for the purpose of achieving a therapeutic or prophylactic effect.

NYS Education Law,§ 160. This limitation does not prevent acupuncturist from engaging in herbal practice, however it does limit their ability to do within the context of their acupuncture practice. This results in confusion and creates unnecessary obstacles for practitioners. For example, the current situation technically requires that an acupuncturist set up and separate business for the practice of herbs. This of course would create unnecessary expense, without any accompanying benefit. Of course that expense will be reflected in the costs of services, meaning potentially greater costs to the public. We urge you to support us in our efforts to expand the definition of acupuncture to include the practice of herbs. As a convenience we have drafted a form of letter for you to use in writing your State Representatives. We appreciate your support and wish you good health. Need some way to have them click to down load a proposed form of letter. For a list of New York State Legislators and their addresses, by district, click here. Need information from our lobbyist about a resource for this information. We are also committed to providing information on current developments in acupuncture and other matters of interest to the public. To that end we are introducing The ASNY Action Network. We will provide updated current information regarding matters of concern to the public as it relates to acupuncture and related health care matters. If appropriate, we may ask you to become involved in contacting your elected officials to voice your opinions and concerns. We hope this will provide you with an effective tool in your health care action kit. Please sign up today and we will provide you with periodic e-mail updates. [need some kind of click mechanism that allows them to provide info and let’s us collect it] If you have any suggestion about these web pages or questions for us, please contact us. [need something so they can send us an e-mail with questions] Our Thanks To The Following NYS Legislators Who are Friends of Acupuncture. [insert list] [We can add Legislators names to this page. That way the public sees them and it gets our supporters some greater visability] We would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the members of the NYS legislature, who support the public,s right to access to alternative health care and who have supported legislation requested by the acupuncture community and worked to oppose proposed legislation that is not in the community’s best interest. We ask that you support these legislators when you are able. With Best Regards, The ASNY Board of Directors