Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Functional Dyspepsia
Evidence / Research / Science

Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Functional Dyspepsia

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a common disorder marked by upper-gastrointestinal discomfort, altered digestion and reduced quality of life. This study examined whether transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), delivered to the auricular conchae, could improve FD symptoms and modulate brain networks linked to autonomic regulation, interoception and affect.

Sandro Graca, MSc, Lic TCM, FABORM
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Acupuncture & Acupressure
Spirits of the Points: The Gallbladder (Pt. 6)
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In prior issues, Neil discussed the Gallbladder Official as a whole (March 2016, including points 17 and 24); points 37-41 (June 2013); points 1,16 and 20 (May 2021); points 2-3, 8-9 and 12-13 (April 2024); and points 7, 10, 14-15, 18-19, 21, and 23 (April 2025). This article features points 25 and 27-30.

Neil Gumenick, MAc, LAc, Dipl. Ac.
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Acupuncture & Acupressure  |  DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE
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As the acupuncture profession continues to engage with neuroscience, psychophysiology and integrative medicine, the role of mind-body medicine has become increasingly central to clinical practice. Acupuncture's documented effects on the limbic system, autonomic regulation, interoceptive processing, and the descending pain-modulatory network parallel many of the mechanisms activated during clinical hypnosis. This overlap provides a compelling rationale for a combined approach sometimes referred to as hypnopuncture.

Allison Blaisdell, MSTOM, Lic. Ac., CCHt
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Your Practice / Business
Three-Letter Marketing for Acupuncturists
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Why Short Message Service (SMS) Marketing Is Right for You

Do you receive text messages from companies letting you know about offers or giveaways, or simply sharing news? If your answer is yes, then you have opted in for SMS (short message service) text-message marketing. SMS text-message marketing uses various platforms and software to send personalized, timely and sometimes interactive messages.

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Medicare Advantage Recoupment of Acupuncture Payments

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In early 2026 a trend arose in multiple state wherein MAP carriers were retroactively repricing the supplemental acupuncture to the Medicare Fee Schedule and attempting to recoup payments for non‑Medicare‑covered acupuncture supplemental benefits. Because stand‑alone acupuncturist services are statutorily excluded under Medicare, the Medicare Fee Schedule and sequestration rules should not automatically apply. Supplemental benefits should be governed by contract law, the insurance plan and state insurance law, not Medicare coverage rules.

Jeffrey Randolph, Esq.
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Acupuncture Today Staff
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In 1998, when I first started acupuncture school at the N.Y. College of Health Professions in Syosset, N.Y., I was into mixed martial arts. I always had some kind of minor injury or contusion. My buddy Ron, who was going to the same school, was tired of hearing me whine and complain about all my aches and pains. He suggested we should go to the college apothecary, collect a bunch of herbs and make Dit Da Jow.

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Xueling Guo, DTCM, MS