Overview

The American Association of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture (AACMA) was founded through the merger of the California Certified Acupuncturists Association (CCAA) and the United California Practitioners of Chinese Medicine (UCPCM) in 2015. The CCAA and UCPCM are both in Northern California and have the longest history and the greatest number of members. They both originate from the first organization of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture in California, the California Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Research Association, which was established in 1974.

In the past few decades, the two organizations have provided immense contributions to the development of Chinese medicine and acupuncture in California. They have enhanced the reputation, image, and impact of the acupuncture profession in society and within political circles.

Every year, we hold an international conference on Chinese medicine and provide 10 continuing education lectures for renewing licenses, as well as three to four skills training workshops.

We also promoted AB833 to restore California Medi-Cal payments for acupuncture in 2016, and we cooperated with other acupuncture groups across the United States to promote Medicare’s payment for acupuncture in 2020.

In addition, we prevented a bill that would allow other industries, without acupuncture licenses, to use ear acupuncture for detoxification in California in 2015. Lastly, we have worked with other acupuncture groups to oppose the illegal use of dry needles since 2015.

During Chinese Medicine Day every year, we hold a number of large-scale free clinics and public lectures in the Bay Area to serve the public. For five consecutive years, we organized Acupuncture Day activities at the California State Capitol, which included acupuncture photo exhibitions and free clinic services.