National AOM Day Helps Educate Consumers
An estimated 36 percent of U.S adults use some form of complementary therapy and many of these adults who use complementary health approaches to treat or manage pain spent an estimated $14.9 billion out-of-pocket on these therapies, according to a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary & Integrative Health. Although complementary therapy use—such as acupuncture and Oriental medicine (AOM)—is at all-time high in the U.S., misconceptions about these treatments still exist. That’s why the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) is celebrating AOM Day on October 24, 2015 in conjunction with other national and state AOM organizations. AOM Day educates consumers about the benefits of AOM and stresses the importance of finding a Nationally Board-Certified and state licensed AOM practitioner.
“In 2002 when NCCAOM helped launch the first AOM Day, fewer Americans were reaping the benefits of complementary therapies such as acupuncture and Oriental medicine,” said Kory Ward-Cook, PhD, CAE, NCCAOM’s CEO. “We have come a long way since that time as acupuncture services have continued to increase; however, we still have a long way to go before many Americans understand all of the benefits of AOM. That is the purpose of AOM Day—to educate the public about the benefits of acupuncture and Oriental medicine therapies and to emphasize the importance of finding a Nationally Board Certified practitioner through the NCCAOM Find-A-Practitioner Directory.”
Although acupuncture and Oriental medicine have been in existence for more than 3,000 years, many U.S. consumers believe the therapies are best used to treat pain. In reality, the treatments can be leveraged to treat many illnesses and conditions, as well as to keep you healthy. The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture and Oriental medicine as effective for more than 43 common ailments.
As part of AOM Day’s celebrations, events will be hosted throughout the U.S. as well as internationally. “To give consumers a first-hand experience, many NCCAOM Diplomates, AOM state associations and schools will offer discounted or free services that showcase the countless benefits of this wonderful medicine,” said Ward-Cook.
For information about AOM Day activities in your city, visit the AOM Day website www.aomday.org. An event directory on the AOM Day website features detailed information about these events and can be searched by state. To find out more information about local events, visit the AOM Day website at www.aomday.org/programs.html.