In order to promote and clarify TCM in the publics mind, we, as practitioners
need to
address a few fundamental issues. The state of TCM in the U. S. is still one of
confusion
and/or ridicule in the viewpoint of many citizens. In my opinion, this is the
result of
complacency on the part of practitioners, state and national organizations, and
schools in
the face of what appears to be a concerted effort on the part of the FDA,
pharmaceutical
companies, and the conventional allopathic medical community to discredit our
profession, truncate our pharmacoepia, and limit our continued growth as a
viable
healthcare paradigm.
The progress made over the last three decades is being eroded by these forces.
Patient
demand has driven most of that progress, but we cannot rely on our patients to
fight for
TCM.
Most state organizations are either in competition with organizatins within
their own state
or are hampered by limited funds and/or will. I must confess that I, myself,
have been
reluctant to join my state organization and remit dues that may serve no real
purpose. I
am hoping that will change soon.
I realize that most practitioners are not exactly confrontational types, yet
this issue
requires confrontation (peacefully, of course) with the powers that be. I urge
all DOM's,
OMD's, AP's, LAc.'s, AP's, etc. (this disparity of licensure illustrates part of
the problem) to
engage in a concerted effort to educate, collaborate, and design better working
relationships with each other and their state/national organizations.
I invite all interested parties to enter into this conversation here or at
www.acupuncturemed.blogspot.com so that we may collectively arrive at workable
solutions for these problems.
Sincerely,
dr.w