Editor’s note: This article was written and posted by AHM Coalition staff.
At the forefront of integrative medicine, four pioneering organizations have come together to form the Alliance for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (AHM Alliance). Officially launched at the American Acupuncturist Association (ASA) Annual Meeting on April 7, 2024, this groundbreaking coalition heralds a new era in health care.
The AHM Coalition is not a new organization, but a collaborative alliance that leverages existing professional resources of staff and volunteer leaders from founding organizations such as the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (CCAHM) and the National Accreditation Board for Acupuncture . Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM); Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM), and American Acupuncturist Association (ASA).
Based on the principles of cooperation and collaboration, each member group is entitled to one vote on all important issues, ensuring a democratic and unified approach. This collaborative structure supports our mission to improve the professional standards, presence, and integration of acupuncture and herbal medicine in mainstream medical care in the United States.
“We are on the brink of a medical revolution,” announced CCAHM President Chris Lapointe, PhD, BMed, MSOM, LAc. “Together with the AHM Coalition, we will ensure that all standards from education to practice prioritize public welfare, improved patient outcomes, and public safety.”
This coalition is not only a symbol of unity, but a harbinger of change, ensuring that licensed acupuncturists (LAcs) are fully integrated into the U.S. health care system and an essential and respected component of mainstream medicine by 2035. We have a vision to make it solid.
As a first major focus, the AHM Coalition is advocating for the passage of HR 3133, the Acupuncture for Older Adults Act. “This landmark legislation is a step forward in making non-invasive, cost-effective acupuncture services available to more than 60 million Medicare beneficiaries,” said NCCAOM CEO, MSc, MBA , emphasized Mina Larsson, CAE. “It’s not just about increasing access, it’s about providing older adults with the quality care they deserve.” Modeling and representing a unified profession, this coalition strengthens health care advocacy and access.
This allows acupuncture and herbal medicine under Medicare to provide personalized, evidence-based care to manage pain, increase mobility, and reduce dependence on invasive surgeries and prescription drugs. This has the potential to transform patient health.
“This is giving older adults the option and access to acupuncture, which is proven to manage pain and improve quality of life,” said ASA Chair DACM, LicAc, Dipl OM (NCCAOM)’s Olivia Sue Friedman emphasized.
“The AHM Coalition is committed to strengthening the quality and standards of acupuncture and herbal medicine education, training, and evaluation to ensure that physicians are well-prepared to enhance safe and effective patient care. ” added Dr. Mark McKenzie (China). City of Los Angeles MSOM, ACAHM Executive Director.
A national town hall meeting for the entire acupuncture and herbal medicine profession is scheduled for May 15th, and will provide a public forum to showcase the AHM Coalition’s goals and efforts. Those interested in the future of integrative medicine are encouraged to visit www.AHMcoalition.org to learn more and register for presentations.
“This launch is just the beginning,” Dr. Friedman said. “Together, we will shape a future that ensures all patients have access to these whole-health treatments.”
About AHM Coalition
The Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Coalition is not a new organization but a collaborative alliance, leveraging existing professional resources of staff and volunteer leaders from the established national organizations ACAHM, ASA, CCAHM, and NCCAOM. Based on the principles of cooperation and collaboration, each member group is entitled to one vote on all important issues, ensuring a democratic and unified approach. This collaborative structure supports our mission to improve the professional standards, presence, and integration of acupuncture and herbal medicine in mainstream medical care in the United States.
To stay up to date on the AHM Coalition’s ongoing developments, please register on our contact page.
Organizational Contact
Mark McKenzie, PhD (China), MSOM, LAc, ACAHM Executive Director: mark.mckenzie@acahm.org
Olivia Sue Freedman, DACM, LicAc, Dipl. OM (NCCAOM), ASA Chair: info@asacu.org
Kristen Richeimer, CAE, CCAHM Executive Director: kricheimer@ccahm.org
Olga Cox, NCCAOM: publicrelations@thenccaom.org
