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Author: Natalie Grigorian

The Future of Healthcare: A Time for Change

Posted on by Natalie Grigorian

Every new administration brings the opportunity to reimagine how we deliver healthcare in America. Having worked within the Veterans Health Administration and Health and Human Services, I’ve seen firsthand both the strengths and deep challenges of our system.

There’s no doubt that the U.S. is facing a healthcare crisis—rising costs, disparities in access, and chronic disease burdens continue to impact millions. As policy shifts take shape, we must ask: What kind of healthcare system do we truly want for our future?

Now is the time to advocate for integrative, patient-centered solutions that improve outcomes and make healthcare more accessible and effective. In my field of acupuncture and integrative medicine, we see how holistic approaches can bridge gaps in care, reduce dependency on pharmaceuticals, and support long-term well-being.

Below are five policy changes that I would like to see implemented.

1. Pass H.R. 3133: Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act

The Issue: Seniors under Medicare have limited access to acupuncture, despite its proven effectiveness for pain management, neuropathy, arthritis, and post-surgical recovery. Currently, licensed acupuncturist are not recognized as healthcare providers under Medicare and Medicaid. Patients can submit claims to Medicare only for chronic low back pain, and only receive coverage for services when provided by an MD or other non-acupuncturist provider.

Policy Recommendation:
✔ Pass H.R. 3133 (Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act) to officially recognize licensed acupuncturists as Medicare providers.
✔ Expand Medicare coverage for acupuncture beyond chronic low back pain to include arthritis, migraines, post-stroke recovery, and chronic disease management.
✔ Reduce opioid dependency among seniors by making acupuncture a first-line treatment for pain relief.

Impact:
By passing H.R. 3133, more seniors will gain access to safe and effective pain management options without relying on opioids. Acupuncture will become a widely recognized medical service, strengthening the profession and improving healthcare equityacross communities. Additionally, Medicare costs will decrease as patients use fewer prescription drugs and require fewer hospital visits.

2.  Expand Insurance Coverage for Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine

The Issue: Acupuncture is clinically proven for pain management, fertility, anxiety, digestive disorders, and more. Yet, insurance coverage remains inconsistent and limited, forcing many patients to pay out of pocket.

Policy Recommendation:
✔ Mandate licensed acupuncturists provide care under Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance for chronic pain, mental health, post-surgical recovery, and women’s health.
✔ Increase insurance reimbursement rates to meet the financial strains of healthcare providers, inflation costs, and fair wages.
✔ Expand FSA & HSA eligibility to cover acupuncture and herbal medicine.
✔ Support Medicaid reimbursement for acupuncture, particularly for pain relief, to reduce opioid dependence in underserved communities.

Impact: This would reduce opioid use and pharmaceutical dependences, lower long-term healthcare costs, and provide affordable alternatives for chronic conditions. Additionally, this would increase the likelihood of integrating acupuncture and Chinese medicine in hospital settings who have difficulty offering these services due to the lack of profitability.

3. Integrative Medicine in Veterans Affairs & Federal Healthcare

The Issue: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has piloted acupuncture programs for PTSD, chronic pain, and traumatic brain injuries—but these programs are not widely accessible.

Policy Recommendation:
✔ Expand acupuncture access through licensed acupuncturist within the VA system, making it a standard offering in pain clinics, PTSD treatment centers, and long COVID programs.
✔ Provide licensed acupuncturists the opportunity to work along VA doctors and healthcare providers to better integrate patient-centered care into veteran services.
✔ Increase research funding for acupuncture and herbal medicine within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Department of Veterans Affairs.

Impact: This would improve veteran healthcare outcomes, lower opioid dependency, and reduce healthcare spending on chronic conditions.

4. Preventative Healthcare Through Integrative Medicine

The Issue: The U.S. healthcare system prioritizes treating disease rather than preventing it. Yet, conditions like anxiety/depression, gastrointestinal issues, hypertension, autoimmune conditions, and reproductive health can be prevented or managed holistically before requiring expensive medical interventions.

Policy Recommendation:
✔ Develop Preventative Healthcare Reimbursement Programs that cover acupuncture, dietary therapy, and herbal medicine for stress management, metabolic health, and immune support.
✔ Incentivize employers to offer acupuncture and integrative healthcare benefits as part of workplace wellness programs.
✔ Expand hospitals and federally funded community clinics that integrate Chinese medicine with primary care.

Impact: This would lower healthcare spending in the long term, reduce chronic disease rates, and promote whole-body wellness.

5. Improve Accessibility & Training for Integrative Medicine Practitioners

The Issue: Many healthcare professionals lack training in integrative medicine, leading to missed opportunities for patient-centered care.

Policy Recommendation:
✔ Require all health professionals practicing acupuncture to gain certification from NCCAOM the authority of Chinese medicine in the United States.
✔ Require basic acupuncture and integrative medicine training in medical schools, nursing programs, and public health curricula so proper referrals and patient-centered outcomes can occur.
✔ Provide federal grants for interdisciplinary research between acupuncturists, MDs, and public health experts

Impact: This would create better collaboration between Eastern and Western medicine, improve patient outcomes, and broaden access to integrative medicine.

Final Thoughts

Acupuncture isn’t just a complementary treatment—it’s a proven whole system of medicine that should be a core part of the US healthcare system. The new administration has a unique opportunity to redefine healthcare by incorporating acupuncture, herbal medicine, and integrative treatments into mainstream care. These policies would reduce costs, improve patient outcomes, and expand access to evidence-based integrative medicine.

Let’s make acupuncture and Chinese medicine a core part of U.S. healthcare policy. The future of medicine is integrative, accessible, and patient-centered—will our leaders take action?

How Acupuncture & Moxibustion Can Help Turn a Breech Baby

Posted on by Natalie Grigorian

Babies often twist and turn during pregnancy, and breech presentation is common in the second trimester of pregnancy. While the incidence of breech presentation is high before 28 weeks, most fetuses will turn to a head-first position by 36 weeks. About 7-15% of babies remain breech at 32 weeks, and 3-4% at birth. 1 A baby coming bottom or feet first can face more difficulty during birth, increasing the likelihood of complications for both mother and baby, and often leading to a cesarean section.

In many Western countries, breech presentation is an indication for elective cesarean section. Your provider may attempt to turn the fetus if it does not turn on its own.

Conventional care to turn a breech baby to a cephalic presentation (i.e. head down, facing the birth parent’s back, with the chin tucked to the chest) may involve the use of an external cephalic version (ECV), a procedure requiring close medical monitoring. While this method has been shown to be more effective than no intervention, the success rate remains relatively low.2 However, growing evidence suggests that moxibustion alone or in combination with acupuncture may assist in turning breech babies to a cephalic position.3,4 Additionally, many expectant mothers seek alternative interventions, such as moxibustion, to encourage cephalic version.5

Moxibustion, a traditional technique that stimulates acupuncture points with heat, is frequently recommended in acupuncture texts for breech presentation. This technique involves using a compressed herb, often in the form of a cigar-like moxa stick. The procedure entails holding a lighted moxa stick near the acupuncture point BL 67, located on the little toe. While the precise mechanism by which moxibustion influences fetal position remains unclear, research has shown that moxa emits long-wavelength infrared radiation.6 It has been suggested that stimulating BL 67 promotes the production of maternal hormones (placental estrogens and prostaglandins), which encourage uterine contractions and may increase fetal activity. 7

Scientific Evidence Behind Moxibustion & Acupuncture for Breech Babies

An updated Cochrane review published in 2023 found that moxibustion, when combined with usual care, likely reduces the number of breech presentations at birth more effectively than usual care alone or sham (fake) moxibustion. 3 The study also found that moxibustion plus usual care likely reduces the use of oxytocin, a hormone used to initiate or enhance contractions during labor.

The first Western studies on acupuncture and moxibustion for breech presentation was conducted by Neri et al. 4 This study, included in the Cochrane review, examined pregnant Italian women between 33 and 35 weeks gestation carrying a fetus in breech position. Participants were enrolled in a randomized, controlled trial comparing active BL 67 stimulation with an observation group. Neri et al. concluded that acupuncture combined with moxibustion was more effective than observation alone in turning breech babies and appeared to be a viable option for women seeking a natural birth.

Our Clinical Experience

At Aetherium, we have observed a significantly high success rate in turning breech babies, with a 97% success rate. In the few instances where babies did not turn, anatomical factors were often the reason, making ECV either not an option or unsuccessful.

In our practice, we apply the recommended moxibustion dosage found to be effective in both studies and acupuncture texts.8,9 Additionally, we assess any underlying disharmonies that may be preventing the baby from turning into the correct position. We typically recommend daily application of moxibustion for 20 minutes bilaterally until the baby turns, a protocol we have found to be highly effective.

Because moxibustion involves burning mugwort, there is a potential risk of respiratory irritation due to the smoke. To mitigate this, we provide smokeless moxibustion, ensuring patient comfort and reducing any associated risks.

When Moxibustion May Not Be Recommended

During our consultations, we assess whether moxibustion is appropriate for each patient. We generally do not recommend this treatment for turning a baby in the following situations10:

  • Twin pregnancies
  • Previous cesarean section for breech position
  • High blood pressure
  • Bleeding during pregnancy
  • Rhesus-negative blood type

Patient Experience and Outcomes

Most of our patients report feeling comfortable during treatment, often experiencing increased fetal movement and mild uterine contractions. Additionally, many patients describe feeling more relaxed, sleeping better, and experiencing reduced anxiety following treatment. Minimal adverse events have been reported, making this a safe and effective option for those seeking a natural approach to encourage cephalic version.

If you’re interested in acupuncture and moxibustion for breech presentation, schedule a consultation with us at Aetherium today!

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References

1 Hickok DE, Gordon DC, Milberg JA, Williams MA, Daling JR. The frequency of breech presentation by gestational age at birth: a large population-based study. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1992;166(3):851-2. https://www.ajog.org/article/0002-9378(92)91347-D/abstract

2 Hutton EK., Hofmeyr GJ, Dowswell T. External cephalic version for breech presentation before term.  Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2105: doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD000084.pub3.

3 Coyle ME, Smith C, Peat B. Cephalic version by moxibustion for breech presentation. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2023, Issue 5. Art. No.: CD003928. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003928.pub4. Accessed 29 January 2025.

4 Neri, I., Airola, G., Contu, G., Allais, G., Facchinetti, F., & Benedetto, C. (2004). Acupuncture plus moxibustion to resolve breech presentation: a randomized controlled study. The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, 15(4), 247–252. https://doi.org/10.1080/14767050410001668644

5 Smith, CA, Betts, D. The practice of acupuncture and moxibustion to promote cephalic version for women with a breech presentation: Implications for clinical practice and research. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 2014;22:75—80

6 Pach D, Brinkhaus B, Willich SN. Moxa sticks: thermal properties and possible implications for clinical trials. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 2009;17:243-6.

7 Cooperative Research Group of Moxibustion Version of Jangxi Province. Further studies on the clinical effects and mechanism of version by moxibustion. Abstracts of the Second National Symposium on Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Acupuncture Anesthesia; 1984 Aug 7-10; Beijing, China. 1984:150-1.

8 Betts D. The Essential Guide to Acupuncture in Pregnancy & Childbirth. Hove: Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications 2006

9 Deadman P, Al-Khafaji M, Baker K. A Manual of Acupuncture. London: Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications 2001

10 West, Z. (2008). Acupuncture in pregnancy and childbirth. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Understanding the Five Elements in Chinese Medicine: A Guide to Health and Harmony

Posted on by Natalie Grigorian

In Chinese medicine, the body is seen as a reflection of nature, and the balance within our bodies is influenced by the dynamic forces of the natural world. One of the core frameworks used to understand and treat imbalances in Chinese medicine is the Five Element (or Phases) Theory (Wu Xing). Xing means to walk or to move, and therefore when the word ‘Element’ or ‘Phase’ is used to describe the movement or quality of qi that represent the fundamental qualities of all matter in the universe. This theory categorizes everything in the universe—and within us—into five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Each element has unique qualities and associations that inform how Chinese medicine practitioners approach physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

Let’s explore how each element is connected to different aspects of health, emotions, and organ systems, and how understanding this theory can deepen our approach to wellness.

What Are the Five Elements?

Each element in Chinese medicine has specific correspondents that are linked to certain qualities in a life or a person (See Table 1). Here’s a closer look:

1. Wood represents growth, flexibility, and renewal. Like the trees and plants that thrive in spring, Wood energy encourages expansion and forward movement. When balanced, Wood brings vitality, purpose, and resilience. When unbalanced, it may manifest as irritability or frustration. Individuals who tend to have wood constitutions tend to have issues and difficulties with boundaries, power, being correct, personal growth and development.

2. Fire is the element of warmth, energy, and passion. It rules the summer and encourages connection, laughter, and love. Fire’s energy is uplifting and vibrant, and its influence on the Heart and Small Intestine relates to circulation, communication, and the assimilation of nutrients. A balanced Fire element brings joy and enthusiasm, while an excess or deficiency might lead to restlessness, anxiety, or emotional instability.

3. Earth represents stability, nurturing, and grounding. Earth is the center of balance, symbolizing the end of the growing season when we harvest and reflect. It governs the Spleen and Stomach, which in TCM are central to digestion and energy distribution. When Earth is in harmony, it brings a sense of peace and connection to our surroundings. When unbalanced, it may show up as worry, overthinking, or digestive issues.

4. Metal symbolizes structure, clarity, and reflection. Just as autumn encourages letting go of what no longer serves us, Metal energy supports the processes of elimination and release. Metal is associated with the Lungs and Large Intestine, governing respiration and elimination. A balanced Metal element brings a sense of acceptance and clarity, while an imbalance might manifest as respiratory issues, skin problems, or difficulty releasing emotions.

5. Water embodies adaptability, wisdom, and introspection. Like rivers and oceans, Water’s nature is fluid and powerful, representing the depths of winter and a time for rest. The Kidneys and Bladder are linked to this element, governing essential energies, fluid balance, and growth. A balanced Water element brings resilience and a calm sense of self, while imbalances might lead to fear, anxiety, or kidney and bladder issues. Winter in TCM is the time to conserve energy, rest deeply, and focus on inner resources.

Table 1. Five Element Correspondences

The Cycles of Interaction in the Five Elements

In TCM, the elements interact in two primary cycles that reflect the natural rhythms of growth and balance:

  • Generating (Sheng) Cycle: This nourishing cycle is a supportive flow where each element fuels the next—Wood feeds Fire, Fire creates Earth, Earth bears Metal, Metal enriches Water, and Water nourishes Wood. This cycle encourages growth, healing, and regeneration.
  • Controlling (Ke) Cycle: This regulating cycle maintains balance by keeping each element in check. Wood controls Earth, Earth controls Water, Water controls Fire, Fire controls Metal, and Metal controls Wood. When an element becomes excessive, this cycle helps to rebalance it by tapping into a controlling relationship.

These interactions inform TCM treatments, helping practitioners understand where imbalances lie and how to restore harmony. For instance, if someone has an excess of Fire (such as irritability or insomnia), practitioners might work with the Water element to cool and soothe the excess heat.

Applying the Five Elements to Health and Wellness

The Five Element Theory provides a holistic approach to understanding and treating health concerns in TCM:

  • Physical Health: Each element corresponds to an organ pair, and by understanding these connections, practitioners can identify and address imbalances in the body. For example, respiratory issues in autumn might indicate a Metal imbalance, leading to targeted treatment of the lungs and large intestine.
  • Emotional Health: Emotions are integral to each element. For instance, grief (Metal) can affect the lungs, while anger (Wood) can influence the liver. TCM practitioners work to balance both physical and emotional aspects, understanding that the two are interlinked.
  • Preventative Care: The seasonal aspects of the Five Elements provide a guide for preventative health. Each season offers an opportunity to support different organ systems, promoting wellness through dietary, lifestyle, and emotional adjustments.

Why you should consider Chinese medicine as part of your integrative approach to health?

Posted on by Natalie Grigorian

Chinese medicine is a comprehensive medical system that has been practiced for over 2,000 years to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. Often regarded as one of the world’s oldest medical systems, it predates allopathic (or conventional) medicine, which emerged in 1810. Chinese medicine should not be confused with the broader term “East Asian medicine,” which encompasses a range of practices developed across Asia and beyond. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a standardized form of Chinese medicine, established during the Chinese Revolution, designed to help patients achieve and maintain health.

TCM is based on the concept of Qi (pronounced “chee”)—a vital life force that flows through the body. According to TCM theory, imbalances in Qi can lead to disease and illness. TCM encompasses several therapeutic methods, including acupuncture, moxibustion, tui na massage, cupping, Chinese herbal medicine, and TCM-based nutrition. Among these, acupuncture and herbal medicine are the most widely practiced.

Incorporating Chinese medicine into an integrative health approach offers a holistic perspective on wellness, focusing on restoring balance within the body. It can complement conventional medicine, helping to address various health concerns with minimal side effects.

Here are key reasons to consider Chinese medicine as part of your wellness journey:

1. Holistic Perspective

In Western medicine, patients often consult multiple specialists for individual symptoms. TCM, however, views the body as an interconnected system, considering the mind, body, and spirit together to uncover the root causes of imbalance. Licensed TCM practitioners use diagnostic tools such as observation, pulse diagnosis, and tongue analysis to identify patterns of disharmony and address underlying health issues.

2. Support for Chronic Conditions

Chinese medicine may be beneficial for managing chronic pain, stress, digestive issues, insomnia, menstrual irregularities, fertility, and other conditions that may not fully resolve with conventional treatments. Many patients turn to TCM when they have exhausted Western medical options for persistent and complex chronic conditions, finding relief and support for overall well-being.

3. Acupuncture for Pain Management

Acupuncture, a key component of TCM, has been studied extensively for its potential to relieve pain, including headaches, chronic pain, back pain, joint pain, sports injuries, and arthritis. By stimulating nerves and releasing natural chemicals like endorphins, acupuncture can alleviate pain and relax muscles. It may also improve blood flow, aiding in healing. While pain management is a major area of research, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes acupuncture as an effective treatment for numerous other conditions, including digestive issues, reproductive health, psychological and emotional disorders, allergies, high blood pressure, and side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.

4. Herbal Remedies

Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has gained popularity worldwide for promoting health, preventing illness, and treating various conditions. Plant-based alkaloids, often identified through TCM, have demonstrated therapeutic benefits. The synergy of multiple herbal constituents is thought to contribute to efficacy in treating disease. For example, Nobel laureate Tu Youyou’s discovery of artemisinin from Artemisia has led to increased research into CHM for conditions like allergies, respiratory issues, digestive concerns, menopausal symptoms, autoimmune disorders, infertility, and cancer. Chinese herbal formulas can be customized to meet individual needs and target specific patterns of disharmony.

5. Minimal Side Effects

When practiced by a qualified practitioner, TCM treatments such as acupuncture and herbal medicine are generally safe and come with minimal side effects compared to many pharmaceuticals. In Washington, DC, for instance, acupuncturists are required to be licensed, and additional certification in Chinese Herbology or Oriental Medicine is needed to practice herbal medicine.

6. Emphasis on Preventative Care

TCM emphasizes prevention and maintaining balance through lifestyle practices, including diet, exercise, and stress management, which are fundamental to overall health and well-being. Recognizing each individual as unique, TCM offers a personalized approach that aligns closely with the principles of precision medicine. TCM examines each person’s unique body constitution, influenced by genetic and lifestyle factors, to guide disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This focus on individualized care supports effective health management and helps prevent disease based on each person’s constitution.