resources to check out
White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy
The White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy (WHCCAMP) Final Report was published in March 2002 to address issues related to access and delivery of CAM, priorities for research, and the need for better education of consumers and health care professionals about CAM. The President's Executive Order No. 13147 establishing the Commission states that its primary task is to provide, through the Secretary of Health and Human Services, legislative and administrative recommendations for ensuring that public policy maximizes the potential benefits of CAM therapies to consumers.The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)
Scientific evidence informs decision-making by the public, by health care professionals, and by health policymakers regarding the use and integration of complementary and integrative health approaches. The mission of NCCIH is to define, through rigorous scientific investigation, the usefulness and safety of complementary and integrative health interventions and their roles in improving health and health care. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complex system. So it is very difficult for western doctors to test whether it works for treating or preventing cancer. It is even more difficult to test TCM using randomized clinical trials, and compare the results to conventional medicine. As TCM is tailored to the patient, it can't be tested by giving a group of patients the same medicine for a certain amount of time.Society for Acupuncture Research (SAR)
The Society for Acupuncture Research is dedicated to improving the quality and increasing the awareness of research in acupuncture, herbal therapy and other modalities of Oriental Medicine.The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
The NCCAOM is a non-profit organization established in 1982. It currently operates under Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue code. Its mission is to promote nationally recognized standards of competence and safety in acupuncture and Oriental medicine for the purpose of protecting the public.Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
The Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) is a private, not-for-profit organization founded in 1982 by the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and the American Association of Oriental Medicine. The specific purposes for which the corporation is organized include, but are not limited to the advancement of the cause of education in acupuncture and Oriental medicine schools and colleges throughout the country.American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia
The AOBTA was formed in 1989 with the coming together of a number of associations, which represented individual disciplines of Asian Bodywork Therapy. AOBTA currently has 1,400 active members in the U.S. and abroad. Member benefits include optional, low-cost professional liability insurance, disability insurance, a national membership newsletter, national and regional workshops and a practitioner referral service through National Headquarters and the Web.National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA)
NADA is a nonprofit organization which relies primarily on volunteers. Publishes Guideposts, a newsletter about issues concerning acupuncture and treatment. A not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting Qigong through research and education, the Qigong Institute has worked hard since 1983 to be a clearinghouse for related news and scientific facts to aid researchers, writers, practitioners, and members of the Western medical community. Qigong Institute maintains the web site to promote qigong for health through education and research. Public access page (for locating qigong teachers and therapists). Information about the institute's education and research activities and Qigong database.National Qigong Association of USA
The NQA is a non-profit organization dedicated to integrating Qigong into all facets of our culture. They are a professional organization and the umbrella organization that embraces and supports equally all schools, traditions, teaching styles, and philosophies of Qigong & Tai Chi.American Tai Chi and Qigong Association
An on-line journal with many resources including a monthly newsletter, a class locator and information about the health, life-style and fitness benefits of practicing qigong and tai chi on a daily basis. The association was formed in honor of the memory of Sifu Kuo Lien Ying, who brought Guang Ping to the United States, and this is the style Shoshanna practices and teaches. A forum with discussion groups and information about classes, trips and just about anything anyone wants to post pertaining to qigong. Qi Journal and Qi Catalog are produced by Insight Publishing in Anaheim Hills, CA. The premiere issue of the journal appeared in Spring 1991 and has been published quarterly. The Empty Vessel, A Journal of Contemporary Taoism is a quarterly publication dedicated to the exploration and dissemination of non-religious Taoist philosophy and practice. Gain a deeper understanding of the shifting sands of our times through the ancient, but universal truths of Taoist philosophy. The magazine is published by Abode of the Eternal in Eugene, OR. Qi Magazine was founded by Michael Tse in 1990 as a way of bringing to the West authentic knowledge on Chinese skill and knowledge. Published by Michael Tse’s Qigong Centre (UK). Now in its 26th year, T'AI CHI Magazine, published by Wayfarers Publications is the leading international magazine for persons interested in T'ai Chi Ch'uan (Taijiquan), Qigong, and other internal martial arts, as well as those interested in similar Chinese disciplines which contribute to fitness, health, and a balanced personal sense of well being. Traditional Chinese Medicine World is a newspaper published out of New York City. The mission of TCM World is to build bridges of understanding between East and West through educational programs in the areas of traditional Chinese medicine, natural healing, and internal martial arts.