About Us
Our Mission
The mission of the Asian Medicine Acupuncturists of Arizona (AMAAZ) is to promote the science of Eastern medicine and acupuncture in Arizona while advocating for high educational and professional standards. Empowering practitioners, students, and patients of acupuncture and Asian medicine through support, education, and engagement. The Asian Medicine Acupuncturists of Arizona maintains local and national networks that inform stakeholders, engages the public, and works with government to enhance policy while promoting the professional practice and science of acupuncture as a medicine.
Our Vision
Become the leading voice for our members by:
- Safeguarding and promoting the practice of acupuncture medicine through legislation
- Educating the public on the scope of acupuncture as a medical practice
- Supporting integration of professional and authentic acupuncture medicine into Arizona and U.S. health care systems
- Collaborating with other state and national associations to further the profession
- Promoting excellence in the profession through quality continuing education (CEUs)
About the AMAAZ
AMAAZ functions as an all volunteer board of dedicated professionals united with the goal of improving access to authentic acupuncture as a medical practice. The board engages and oversees committees that collaborate in many areas to elevate the knowledge and skills of licensed providers while informing the public about the education, practice, board exams, and licensure standards of licensed acupuncturists and herbalists.
Acupuncture Assistant Scope of Practice
A.R.S. § 32-3901(1) defines “Acupuncture Assistant” (AA) as “an unlicensed person who has completed a training program approved by the board, who assists in basic health care duties in the practice of acupuncture under the supervision of a licensed acupuncturist and who performs delegated duties commensurate with the acupuncture assistant’s education and training, but who does not evaluate, interpret, design or modify established treatment programs of acupuncture care.”
Our Values & Beliefs
Access to Acupuncture Care
We believe that U.S. Health and Human Services should recognize licensed acupuncturists as Medicare providers.
Authentic Acupuncture Medicine
We value the standards of education, requirement of board exams, licensure procedure, and continuing education.
Acupuncture Approaches
We value a variety of styles, applications, and modalities.
Our Philosophy to Acupuncture Medicine
The Asian Medicine Acupuncturists of Arizona (AMAAZ) acknowledges and respects all traditions of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. We believe that cooperation and strength among practitioners and supporters will ensure that this ancient and modern medical profession will retain its integrity. By protecting the legal status the practice of licensed acupuncture medicine has earned, AMAAZ continues to enhance the quality of healthcare for people in Arizona and improve the delivery of eastern medicine within U.S. healthcare systems.
AMAAZ Board Members
Dr. Julie Armstrong, DACM, LAc
President
Dr. Alissa Stockton, DTCM, LAc
Treasurer
Dr. Lloyd G Wright, DACM. LAc, DNBAO
President Emeritus
Shannon Whiteaker
Lobbyist
Dr. Derek Marrongelle, DACM, LAc, CCN
Vice President
Dr. Ray Botte, DPM. LAc.
Board of Directors
Open Seat
Student Representative (PIHMA)
Open Seat
Student Representative (ASAOM)
Dr. Leah Chischilly, DACM, LAc
Secretary
Dr. Ahna Bridenbough, DACM, LAc
Board of Directors
Marilyn Allen, American Acupuncture Council
Board of Advisors
Catherine Niemiec, J.D., L.Ac., PIHMA President/CEO
Board of Advisors
Committees
If you would like to serve on one of the following committees, please let us know. Most committees meet monthly via Zoom. Commitment hours vary from committee to committee and projects which are being worked on. Help AMAAZ be the best we can be! Join a committee today.
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, light therapy, 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, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I join? First go to the Become a Member Page. After you select your preferred membership, you will be directed to the checkout page where you will submit your billing info, business practice profile, and other membership information for your profile. After submission, a membership committee member will make sure that we have all the information we need to activate your membership. All students must upload their student ID.
- I am a licensed acupuncturist but re-enrolled for my doctorate or herbal certificate. Can I obtain a student membership? No. Once you are a licensed acupuncturist, you cannot revert back to student status.
- Will I get a certificate in the mail once my membership is active? No, we do not offer Certificates of Membership at this time.
- Can I upload my business logo instead of a photo to my profile? Yes
- What information will the public see on a provider's profile? Provider name, business address and phone number, business website, and specialty (if applicable).
- How do I pay for membership? Payment can only be paid online. If you need to pay by check, email the Treasurer.
- How do I donate to AMAAZ? AMAAZ has multiple options for donations. Click here to go to the Make a Donation form, or if you would like to donation to our Political Action Committee, click here.