AOMSMlogo.jpgFebruary 2008
AOMSM  Update

Your Source for News & Information

on Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Massachusetts
 
In This Issue
Protecting Herbal Medicine
The AOMSM is looking for Board Members
AOMSM CLASSIFIEDS
Membership

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Chinese New Year
2008- Year of the Rat
May your year be a prosperous one.
Greetings!

February 7th marked the beginning of the new year on the Chinese calendar!  This year is the year of the Rat, the first of the 12 animal cycle.  According to Chinese culture a Rat year is a time for hard work, activity, renewal, and  starting new ventures. 
The Board of the AOMSM wishes you a productive and prosperous year in all your endeavors.

Protecting Herbal Medicine

Currently, there is no legal status for herbal medicine in the United States.  Even is states like Massachusetts where herbs are designated within the acupuncture scope of practice, there is no protection from any rule that government agencies like the Food and Drug Administration may pass in the future.  The Herbal Medicine Committee of the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AAAOM) is proposing that the AOM community and others concerned with herbs begin talking about introducing federal legislation to protect the practice of herbal medicine. 
The latest issue of "The American Acupuncturist," vol. 42, includes a report from the AAAOM Herbal Medicine Committee that provides some preliminary thoughts about this and requests input from practitioners.  The report can be seen on page 15 of the journal at   http://www.aaom.info/ameracu/vol42.pdf.

The AOMSM is looking for Board Members

In April, there will be openings on the AOMSM board for both one year and two year terms.  Are you interested in getting involved with your profession?   AOMSM could use your help!!  The time commitment includes monthly conference calls and quarterly in-person meetings as well as ongoing projects that fit your skills and interests.  Some of the current projects are membership coordination, writing, planning the annual meeting and other member events, and the website.  The board is working to create a sustainable organization to promote and protect acupuncture and Oriental medicine in the commonwealth.

Have you heard the latest research on happiness?  It shows that people who are involved with their communities are happier.   Just one more reason why you should think about joining the AOMSM board! 
If you'd like to talk about this further, please call Nancy Gilfoy @ 508-696-5890
AOMSM CLASSIFIEDS

The AOMSM is pleased to announce a new benefit to our members.  The AOMSM Classifieds!  Postings about acupuncture related jobs and opportunities, items for sale, items wanted, information about continuing education courses, and upcoming events directly related to the Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine community are all welcome.  You need not be a member to submit a posting.

Please limit submissions to 120 words.  To submit please send an email with your post to classifieds@aomsm.org.  We will send you a confirmation email once your posting has been approved.