Membership Benefits
Leading the Profession
Acupuncture medicine defines the scope of primary Licensed Acupuncturists (L.Acs), which includes related modalities (tui na massage, moxibustion, gua sha, cupping, and often herbal medicine) as taught in accredited Acupuncture Masters and Doctorate degree programs that incorporate a foundation of established frameworks designed to inform assessment, diagnosis, and application of acupuncture as a dynamic medical paradigm. Primary acupuncturists weave theoretical, diagnostic, and acupuncture frameworks into a complete practice that requires passing 3-4 national board exams after 3,000 hours of education and clinical internship. Secondary acupuncture providers utilize basic frameworks such as dry needling (trigger therapy), medical acupuncture, or ear acupuncture protocols that requires 0-300 hours of non-accredited training or oversight.
In professional acupuncture practice, there are many acupuncture approaches, styles, and applications. Which acupuncture styles, approaches, and applications a licensed acupuncturist uses, depends on the practitioner’s general practice population or specialty. Some examples of specialties include internal medicine, neurology, orthopedics, dermatology, ophthalmology, pediatrics, fertility, women’s health, men’s health, sports medicine, pain management, functional medicine, integrated medicine, and wellness.
The dynamic contribution of Chinese medical theories continues to inform and fill gaps in mechanisms of pain, function, and disease from cellular level to systemic influences. The Chinese medical framework of diagnosis facilitates the mechanistic understanding of modern and emerging diseases that inform the criteria for therapy aimed at resolution or maximum improvement. The Western medicine frameworks of moribund diagnoses are often limited to a collection of signs and symptoms, images, and blood work that support the criteria for surgery, diagnostic procedures, and management of symptoms through medication. However, the technological advancements are helping to explain and expand emerging integrated frameworks that are paramount for the changing paradigm of mainstream medicine away from sick management towards wellness.
ASA National Association Member Benefits
When you become a member of the American Society of Acupuncturists (ASA), you are joining a federation of other state associations. While each state association operates independently and has its own unique challenges, the ASA exists to provide support and resources by
1)Â Â Â Â Promoting the practice of acupuncture and herbal medicine
2)Â Â Â Â Gathering and sharing information and best practices related to governance, advocacy and membership
3)Â Â Â Â Unifying the profession and collaborating in advocacy efforts
4)Â Â Â Â Offering individual discounts to products and services for professional members
 Membership BenefitsÂ
Representation
Leadership
 Advocacy
Information, Communication and Promotion
Insurance for Acupuncture
Individual Members
Annual Conference-Â Opportunity for professional members and students to commune and learn. Vendors, schools and supporters of the profession are present. CEU and PDA credits are available.
Your State Member Benefits: Valued over $500!
Be Represented. WAEMA provides continual advocacy for professional privileges and rights. (70% of member dues directly pay for lobbying & legislation fees, the rests goes directly to administration & technology fees.)
- Invest in Your Professional Advantage: WAEMA’s professional development opportunities give professionals ways to connect, learn, and advance their careers.
- 16 FREE Live Webinar CE hours annually through HealthCMi ($300 value)
Membership Meeting with Continuing Education Hours at Member Price. - Receive Membership Dividends: As a WAEMA member, you receive access to and are able to enjoy discounts on a variety of services.
- 5% Off Unified Practice EHR
- 50% Off Balanced Health HER
- 20% Off All Earthlite Products
- 10% Discount at Red Wing Books
- Keep Up-To-Date with Industry Opportunities, Trends, and Developments: Receive regular updates and current news from the WAEMA Office.
- Build Consumer Awareness of and Confidence in Your Practice: Belonging to a professional association provides greater consumer confidence. WAEMA membership includes membership in the American Society of Acupuncture (ASA).
- 10% Discount on Malpractice Insurance with CM&F
- Group Rate Insurance Coverage for Life, Disability, Business Expense, and Dental Insurance
- National Updates
- Job Posting through ASA
- Discount to the Annual ASA Meeting
- Receive Exclusive and Easy Access to WAEMA's Website Members' Only Portal:
- Access CE Certificates
- Access and Listing in Practitioner Directory
- Access to Documents, Reports, and Speaker Presentations from Past and Present Meetings