The Acupuncture Observer

11/25/2025

A deep dive into the U.S. health care system: rising costs, corporate takeover, and why reform keeps failing.

09/08/2025

https://open.substack.com/pub/workingclassacu/p/acupuncture-without-the-acupuncture-3a2?r=ae7ni&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false

We don't learn. We are threatened by anything that might challenge us, and we react like children.

on 5NP in Oregon and the acupocalypse

08/25/2025

https://open.substack.com/pub/workingclassacu/p/when-the-schools-are-in-trouble?r=ae7ni&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false

What NUNM and Bastyr’s Numbers Reveal about the Future of Acupuncture and Naturopathy

08/19/2025

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/government/student-aid-policy/2025/08/19/new-dept-ed-rule-limits-public-service-loan

Student advocates and higher ed lobbyists fear the suggested changes could lead to a shortfall in employees to fill high-demand, low-wage jobs.

08/13/2025

https://www.axios.com/2025/08/12/why-more-doctors-cant-make-ends-meet

Medical practice bankruptcies hit a six-year high last year.

07/30/2025

https://www.aarp.org/health/drugs-supplements/common-medications-may-slow-cognitive-decline.html?_hsmi=373463125

Questions remain about whether the drugs offer benefit or if other factors are involved

07/21/2025

https://www.axios.com/2025/07/21/hospital-consolidation-doctor-practice-cost

It's the latest evidence of consolidation in health care.

07/18/2025

Here's a nugget from the latest ASA newsletter -- "Regarding Medicare Advocacy, the ASA/NCCAOM Medicare Task Force recognizes the widespread effects of the current administration’s legislative priorities, particularly the recently passed budget bill, which impacts families and individuals across the country. As a result, HR1667 is not expected to gain immediate traction with lawmakers at this time. With the upcoming Congressional summer recess, no advocacy meetings will be scheduled in the near future. The ASA Federal Advocacy Committee continues to monitor developments and will reach out when it is time to re-engage the profession."

I guess rather than the 0% chance this would pass in all the other years this bill has been introduced, now the chances are less than 0. While I'm happy for these orgs to stop wasting energy on that hopeless project, I wonder what they'll find next to be the only way to save the profession.

Send a message to learn more

07/17/2025

https://open.substack.com/pub/workingclassacu/p/how-my-acupuncture-school-died?r=ae7ni&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false

an acupocalypse guest post/warning by Maddie Foley, L.Ac.