About Us
Our Mission
The mission of the North Carolina Society of Acupuncture and Asian Medicine (NCSAAM) is to empower practitioners, students, and patients of acupuncture and Asian medicine through support, education, and engagement. The North Carolina Society of Acupuncture and Asian Medicine 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:
- Promoting excellence in the profession through quality continuing education (CEUs)
- 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 North Carolina and U.S. health care systems
- Collaborating with other state and national associations to further the profession
About the North Carolina Society of Acupuncture and Asian Medicine
The North Carolina Society of Acupuncture and Asian Medicine 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.
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 North Carolina Society of Acupuncture and Asian Medicine 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, the North Carolina Society of Acupuncture and Asian Medicine continues to enhance the quality of healthcare for people in North Carolina and improve delivery of medicine within U.S. healthcare systems.
NCSAAM Board of Directors
Dr. Alise Beccaria, L.Ac.
President
Dr. Mary Clark DACM, L.Ac., LMBT
Vice President
Frankye J. RileyMS, LAc., MAOM, RYT-500, C.Ay
Secretary
Dr. Mary Beth Jones-Prizer, DACM, L.Ac.
Treasurer
Ginna Browning, L.Ac., LMBT
ASA National Liaison
Dr. Rose Mulhearn,L.Ac.
Director of Government Affairs
Christi DeLarco
Board Member At Large
Committees
Advocacy
We are so excited to introduce our new lobbyist, DeVivo and Sams Policy Partners, LLC. With the rapidly changing national and local landscape of our profession, your Board of Directors at NCSAAM felt that it was necessary to hire a lobbying firm that could not only represent our interests but could also educate the legislators in the NC Legislature on the health benefits and cost effectiveness of acupuncture in treating multiple conditions.
Please take a moment to view their introduction video. To view the video, click here and press the play button. Thank you!
Laura DeVivo
NCSAAM Lobbyist
Laura is a partner and founding member of DeVivo & Sams. Lobbying since 2011, she previously spent 12+ years in North Carolina’s legislative and executive branches. Just before beginning her career in government relations, she spent four years as Chief of Staff to N.C. Speaker of the House Joe Hackney whom she advised on legislative strategy, the state budget, public policy, legislative and political strategy.
Angel Sams
NCSAAM Lobbyist
Angel is a partner and founding member of DeVivo & Sams, representing clients at the legislature and in the executive branch. She has been lobbying in North Carolina since 2011 and has represented an array of clients and issues, and has successfully fought for clients’ diverse needs in the information technology, healthcare, agriculture, and nonprofit industries
North Carolina’s Emeritus Members
Ginna Browning
John McGimsey
Linda Tolentino
Andrew Prescott
Ian Barbara Florian
??? ????
Naoki Kubota
Phil Kosdan
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 become a member or renew my membership?
Select the Become a Member button on the top right corner of the page. Review the membership levels and purchase the one that fits your category. If you would like assistance, please email
What are the benefits of membership?
5% discount off every order at Golden Needle – This benefit alone gave an average savings of $365 per year on Golden Needle clinic supply orders (based on data from 2021) to NCSAAM members who ordered from Golden Needle!
- 10% discount off CM&F Liability Insurance, which provides competitive rate coverage for licensed acupuncturists
- Automatic membership to the American Society of Acupuncturists (ASA), which provides additional benefits and discounts on CEU/PDA opportunities provided in all ASA states.
- Find an Acupuncturist service on our website that advertises your practice, along with your specialties
- 50% off classified ads, vendor tables, and marketing
- High quality CEU events
Interested in getting more information before you consider joining NCSAAM, or curious about other membership options? Contact . Otherwise, join today and then check out the Members Only page for the specific details of these great membership benefits – now available to you!
Can I make quarterly payments?
Yes, this option can be selected when opting for a professional annual membership. Payments are set up to be automatic.
How do I become more involved in the association?
How do I join the American Society of Acupuncture (ASA)?
When you join NCSAAM you automatically become a member of the ASA and are able to take advantage of all benefits availabe through the national organization, including discounts on insruance, discounts to the annual conference, and more!
Whate are the different optoins for Sponsorship?
Sponsors of NCSAAM can choose to be either Sustainer, Leader or Friend level, and each sponsorship level includes a variety of amazing benefits, listed below and on our Sponsorship Page.
Sustainer Level: $4000 per Year
- your logo and recognition on our website with a link to your business page
- your logo and link on top banner of our newsletters, which go to all members
- your large logo on top of all our website event and registration pages
- recognition at Spring, Fall, and other CEU events on printed and electronic materials
- exclusive exhibit booths and spaces at Spring and Fall CEU events
- opportunity to provide items for gift bags at Spring conference and Fall event
- opportunity to provide items for silent auction and door prizes at all events
- premium logo space on our Spring conference t-shirt
- your logo with direct link to your website and desired promotions on event virtual exhibition page
Leader Level: $3000 per year
- your logo our website
- your logo on bottom of our newsletters, which go to all members
- your medium logo on our website event and registration pages
- recognition at Spring, Fall, and other CEU events on printed and electronic materials
- premium exhibit booths at Spring and Fall CEU events
- opportunity to provide items for gift bags at Spring Symposium & Fall event
- opportunity to provide items for silent auction / door prizes at all events
- large logo space on our Spring conference shirt
- your logo with direct link to your website and desired promotions on event virtual exhibition page
Friend Level: $2000 per year
- your logo our website
- your logo on bottom of our newsletters, which go to all members
- your small logo on bottom of our website event and registration pages
- recognition at our Spring and Fall CEU events on printed and electronic materials
- basic exhibit booth at Spring and Fall CEU events
- opportunity to provide items for gift bags at Spring Symposium & Fall event
- opportunity to provide items for silent auction / door prizes at all events
- medium logo space on our Spring conference shirt
- your logo with direct link to your website and desired promotions on event virtual exhibition page
What are the options for Classified Ads and Marketing?
We have a range of options for your advertising needs! We can help you market a class, a job, an event, or products. We reach more than 600 NC L.Acs and more across the country! We offer affordable options and deep discounts for members, sponsors, and vendors.
Advertisement Options:
- Classified Ad
- Social Media Post on Instagram and Facebook
- Website Ad
- Newsletter Ad
- E-blast Ad
See all the details, prices, and sign up on our Advertisement Page.
How can I get help with Classified Ads and Marketing?
We have options for a range of advertising needs! We can help you market a class, a job, an event, or products. We reach more than 600 NC L.Acs and more across the country! We offer affordable options and deep discounts for members, sponsors, and vendors.
NOTE: If your class is approved for CEUs by NCALB the NCCAOM, please verify this via email along with your information.
Contact to get help with your project and get your questions answered.
What are the options for being a vendor at an association event?
What are the Options for Being a Vendor at an NCSAAM Event?
A: Our partnered sponsors receive included benefits of being a vendor at our Spring and Fall Events. You can also choose to be a sponsor at our Spring and/or Fall Event by choosing an a la carte sponsorship option:
Spring Event
- Logo on Spring event t-shirt $200
- Basic exhibit booth at Spring event $300
- Premium exhibit booth at Spring event $400
- Logo with direct link to your website on Spring event virtual exhibition page $200
Fall Event
- Basic exhibit booth at Fall event $100
- Premium exhibit booth at Spring event $400
- Logo with direct link to your website on Fall event virtual exhibition page $100
For more details and to purchase your vendor spot, go to our Sponsorship Page.