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.
Your Tennessee State Member Benefits
Be Represented. Becoming a member allows you to participate in discussions, meetings, and member benefits. We strive to increase and improve this list. Here is a list of our member benefits:
* By being a member of TAC state association, you automatically are a member of the American Society of Acupuncture (ASA), whose mission is to promote the highest standards of professional practice for Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine in the United States. Here is a link to all member benefits that you received by being in the ASA- just by being a member of TAC.
* Discounts for TAC members to upcoming acupuncture conferences and CEU opportunities (posted when available).Â
* Discounts with the following vendors when you mention your TAC membership:Â Red Wing Books, Blue Poppy, Golden Needle.
* A ONE TIME 15% discount with Lhasa OMS. Please contact us for the discount code.
* 20% discount on all Earthlite products. Please contact us for the discount code.
* 10% discount on live webinars with Health CMI (for CEUS/PDAs).  Please contact us for the discount code.
*25% discount on web design, print, marketing and logo services at 42nd Street DesignsÂ
* Ability to vote on our agenda and hold office in TAC to help advance the profile and practice of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Tennessee.
* Listed on Tennessee Acupuncture Council’s practitioners in the state and be informed of any legislation and issues that impact our profession.Â
* Network and learn from other practitioners in your state (for example a monthly breakfast meet-up in Knoxville and other events).
* Knowing that you are helping to create a stronger acupuncture community, helping Tennessee to progress in healthcare, build momentum on issues, and connect to one another on a state level.
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.