San Francisco Acupuncture College Hosts Chinese Delegation

ACTCM Meets with Delegates from China to Discuss Innovative Herbal Curriculum Pilot

January 2011

ACTCM has been a long-time partner of international conservation organizations in advocating for the conservation of endangered species and sustainable use of Chinese herbs. On January 21^st, 2011, the college continued this important work by hosting a delegation from China to discuss an innovative curriculum addressing issues of conservation and sustainability in the Chinese medicinal herbs industry, to be piloted in 8 TCM universities throughout Southern China this year.

The delegation consisted of representatives from WWF China, The State Forestry Administration of China and Chengdu University of TCM, who have been working collaboratively on the project.  This comprehensive, 80-hour curriculum and accompanying textbook will examine the herbal industry- from the species used to collection and cultivation practices to manufacturing- through the lens of conservation and sustainability. The goal of this curriculum is to educate TCM practitioners and researchers on the larger implications, threats and opportunities of the TCM herbal industry, and is the first of its kind to be piloted on such a broad scale.

Special topics within the curriculum will include case studies on particular medicinal species, the relationship between biodiversity and medicinal species, and standards of harvest, cultivation, and manufacturing, as well as market analysis and regulation. 

WWF approached ACTCM for feedback on the curriculum, and for insights into which parts of the curriculum may be applicable to Chinese herbal education in the US.  ACTCM, in turn, educated the delegates on the existence of farms in the US that are attempting to cultivate Chinese herbs, and urged the delegation to translate abstracts of the textbook chapters to English. 

Also in attendance at the meeting was Josef Brinckmann, Vice President of Research and Development at Traditional Medicinals.  Mr. Brinckmann has worked closely with WWF China in developing and implementing a strategic model for biodiversity conservation and the sustainable management and utilization of traditional Chinese medicines, specifically with the harvest of Schisandra fruit in Sichuan province.  Mr. Brinckmann has also collaborated with the FairWild Foundation, whose aim is to provide a worldwide framework for implementing a sustainable, fair and value-added management and trading system for wild-collected natural ingredients and products thereof.

Mr. Brinckmann, a former ACTCM staff member, strongly supports ACTCM’s history to conservation work and shares in the college’s vision of being an international center of educational excellence that advances professional collaboration and ecologically sustainable medicine.

ACTCM is proud to be involved in this groundbreaking and important project.  The college will further review the curriculum and pilot outcomes with the hopes of introducing some of the material into herbal curricula in the US.

For more information on this and other conservation projects, please contact Bria Larson, ACTCM Development Officer at brialarson@actcm.edu

US and China Launch Public-Private Partnership on Healhtcare

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

United States and China Launch Public-Private Partnership on Healthcare

Increasing collaboration in the healthcare sector

Washington, D.C. -- Today, on the occasion of the State Visit of President Hu Jintao to the United States, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) joined with China’s Ministries of Health (MoH) and Commerce (MOFCOM) to announce their support for the establishment a new public-private partnership in the healthcare sector.
Initially, twelve U.S. companies and six supporting organizations will participate in this partnership, alongside the supporting U.S. and Chinese Government agencies. The partnership will be organized around U.S. healthcare industry strengths and government capabilities in order to foster long-term cooperation with China in the areas of research, training, regulation and the adoption of an environment that will increase accessibility to healthcare services in China. Participating U.S. companies initially include 3M, Abbott, Chindex, Cisco, General Electric, IBM, Intel, Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, Microsoft, Motorola, and Pfizer. Supporting organizations include AdvaMed, the Alliance for Healthcare Competitiveness, the American Chamber of Commerce in China, the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, PhRMA and the U.S.-China Business Council.
“The economic and social development of any nation depends on the health and productivity of its people,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “This partnership builds on a strong foundation of bilateral cooperation in this critical sector of our economies.”
USTDA Director Leocadia Zak stated, “This public-private partnership provides China an important private sector resource to draw from to help with key development issues, while also identifying for U.S. companies projects that have been designated priority development projects by China.”
Through programs supported by the initiative, Chinese participants will gain greater access to U.S. private sector expertise and ingenuity and better awareness of new technologies and results-oriented regulatory processes. Initially, these goals will be advanced through a USTDA-funded Healthcare Professional Personnel Exchange Program that will include a series of visits by Chinese healthcare officials to the United States to share best practices and witness new and innovative technologies that will be important to long-term healthcare delivery.
“The partnership will draw its strength from U.S. companies strategically working together to help China achieve its development goals that will open new export markets for U.S. goods and services,” noted Commerce Secretary Gary Locke.
Over time, the partnership will enhance cooperation in areas such as rural healthcare, emergency response, personnel training, medical information technology, and management systems; while also exploring ways to support other fields such as integrative and traditional Chinese medicine. These programs will enhance both sides’ knowledge of best practices, management, technological developments, and other healthcare-related topics
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority development projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project planning activities, pilot projects, and reverse trade missions while creating sustainable infrastructure and economic growth in partner countries.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the United States government’s principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves.
The U.S. Department of Commerce has a broad mandate to advance economic growth and jobs and opportunities for the American people. It has cross-cutting responsibilities in the areas of trade, technology, entrepreneurship, economic development, environmental stewardship and statistical research and analysis. The Department also leads the President’s National Export Initiative, which aims to double U.S. exports by 2015 in support of several million American jobs.

###

---

Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at https://mail.google.com/news.
Last revised: January 19, 2011

American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine offer the community $19 Acupuncture Treatments on Monday and Thursday mornings

San Francisco, CA (Vocus/PRWEB) January 13, 2011
During the months of January through March, 2011, the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM) in San Francisco is offering $19 acupuncture appointments Monday and Thursday mornings from 8:30am-12:30pm at their community clinic located at 450 Connecticut on Potrero Hill. To take advantage of this deal all you do is call and use the promo code "wintermorningspecial".
The college helps members of the community experience the benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine in their relaxing and affordable clinic. On average, over 135 students treat more than 350 patients in the Community Clinic each week.
"ACTCM makes the clinic affordable to the community," said Alissa Cohan, Director of Communications at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. "There aren't many places that practice either Western or Eastern medicine where you can you walk in, focus on all of your body ailments, and walk out feeling healed, relaxed, and better for only $19."
Acupuncture restores balance and health, and is used for everything from chronic pain to drug dependence. It is also an effective allergy, weight loss, and fertility treatment. During treatment sterile, disposable needles are inserted at acupuncture points along the meridians. Because of the thin and pliable needles used, most people feel little to no discomfort as the needles are inserted, and patients often feel energized or a deep sense of relaxation and well-being.
To make the most of the session, ACTCM recommends wearing comfortable clothing to the treatment and eating 1 to 2 hours before the treatment, and also avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and other stimulants. They would also like new patients to bring copies of previous tests, lab results, and any medications or supplements being taken, along with a list of current symptoms and health concerns.
The appointment line is (415) 282-9603. Before the first appointment, new clients should download and fill out the New Patient Form located at www.actcm.edu/userfiles/New%20Patient%20Form.doc. 24 hours notice is required for all cancellations. Patients who cancel without 24 hours notice will be charged a $15 cancellation fee.
For more information, call (415) 202-5713 or visit their website at http://www.actcm.edu/.
About the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine San Francisco
The American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM) has been at the forefront of Traditional Chinese Medicine education since its inception in 1980. Their two degree programs-the Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine (MSTCM) and the Doctorate of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM)-provide a truly exceptional professional education.
ACTCM's community clinics serve as a diverse and demanding training ground for their students, while providing affordable health care services to the community. ACTCM's certificate programs in Tui Na and Shiatsu and its introductory classes for the public offer additional educational opportunities for current ACTCM students, healthcare professionals and the general public.
###

For the original version on PRWeb visit: www.prweb.com/releases/prwebChinese-medicine/Bay-Area/prweb8063004.htm

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2011/01/13/prweb8063004.DTL#ixzz1AwyVehuG