Asian Medicine and Acupuncture community in Arizona has regrouped and regained a foothold in the state. The Asian Medicine Acupuncturists of Arizona (AMAAZ), a non-profit organization, held a banquet on Saturday January 19, 2019 celebrating the Chinese New Year as well as its 20 years anniversary of Asian Medicine and Acupuncture in the state of Arizona. We are so proud that 130 people attended.
AMAAZ is a leading interest for alternative medicines in the community. Their mission is to protect and promote the art, science and profession of Asian Medicine and Acupuncture in Arizona, supporting diversity, high professional standards and improvement of public health. The Banquet began with special support and remarks from Dr. David Miller, MD, L.Ac. from Chicago, IL, the President of The American Society of Acupuncturists (ASA) and Liming Tseng, L.AC., ASA’s Secretary from Stowe, VT. were live streamed to the banquet audience. Marilyn Allen, a nationally recognized speaker and educator, Dr. Kelly Hsu, MD, L.AC who served as first acupuncture board chairwomen, current acupuncture board chair, Mario Fontes and current Acupuncture board director David Geriminsky also gave very special remarks at the banquet.
After a few positive sentiments and following addresses from national and local professionals, it soon became clear that AMAAZ’ desires to create a positive impact directly in their own community.
Five Acupuncturists received inspirational awards, they are, Tony Kwan, L.Ac. Susannah Hsu, L.AC, Danny Bedgood, L.Ac., Beverly Coleman, LAC. and Tutsie Silapalikitporn, L.Ac.
Four Traditional Chinese Medicine educational awards went to Phoenix Institute of herbal Medicine and Acupuncture (PIHMA), Arizona school of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ASAOM), TCMzone and Department of Acupuncture and Oriental medicine, Southwest Colleague of naturopathic medicine and health Science. Within the Asian Medicine and Acupuncture community in AZ. The diversity amongst the community shows factually the community is trying to create organization within its ranks.
PHIMA and ASAOM, the two TCM colleges in Arizona, many of their students and faculties were presented at the banquet. Some of the oldest members of the organization topped out near 90 years old, still active in the community and still practicing Asian medicine and Acupuncture.
Afterward, Chengdu Delight catered a regiment of authentic Chinese Cuisine, a benefit raffle and two professional Chinese musicians Lily Wong (Er hu performer), Sabina Fu (Gu Zheng performer) as well as an internationally recognized speaker and Magician Richard Steele eased the visible pains of digesting an enormous amount of food. Overall several separate entities within the acupuncture community made appearances, the banquet was an obvious effort to find and create unity within its community.
Special thanks to our volunteer team, especially, Lloyd Wright, L.AC. VP, David Henry (web Master), Mr. and Mrs. Steve Magee, Dan Han, L.AC. (member at large), Llily Wong (Er-Hu performer and VP/Editor in Chief of Phoenix Chinese times), Sabina Fu (Gu-Zheng performer) and Richard Steele, an internationally recognized speaker, entertainer and trainer for their contribution to this great event.
AMAAZ officers:
Y.M. Chen, Ph.D., L.AC. President, Lloyd Wright, L.Ac., DNBAO, Vice president, Susan Wagner, DAOM, L.Ac. Treasurer and Megan Neal, Secretary
www.AMAAZ.org