Highlights from the CAHMA and ASA Joint Conference Nov2025

 

Kit Li

The annual Joint Conference of the Chinese Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Alliance (CAHMA) and the Academy of Scalp Acupuncture (ASA) was successfully held at BCOM this past weekend, on Sunday, 23rd November. This was my second time attending the event, and once again it offered valuable insights into the world of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

During the Conference, we had the privilege of hearing from our first speaker, Dr. Joseph Kwan (1), a Consultant in Stroke Medicine, who delivered an engaging presentation on Post-Stroke Pain to open the day's programme. He outlined the three major categories: Central Post-Stroke Pain (CPSP), Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), and pain associated with peripheral mechanisms. His talk focused particularly on CRPS and explained the regulatory mechanisms through which Scalp Acupuncture may lead to significant improvements, which I found both fascinating and thought-provoking.

Dr. T.J. Wang, an expert in Scalp Acupuncture and the president of ASA, who presented on 'The Mechanism of Scalp Acupuncture: Brain Stimulation Targets for Stroke'. He gave a concise overview of the three proposed mechanisms of Scalp Acupuncture: Channel Theory, the Bio-holographic Hypothesis, and Cortical Functional Areas (2).  He also shared one of his most successful cases, demonstrating how Scalp Acupuncture was applied on Speech Areas  to treat a patient with post-stroke aphasia.

Dr. Ye Liuzhong, President of CAHMA and founder of Xunzhen Meridian Palpation Therapeutics (3),
presented on 'Tonification and Reduction Effects in Auricular Acupuncture Based on Xunzhen Meridian Palpatory Differentiation.' He demonstrated how his unique Xunzhen approach can be integrated with auricular acupuncture, sharing a case in which a patient with chronic lower-back pain experienced notable improvement after just three treatments.

The remaining speakers also shared their expertise with great dedication, offering valuable insights through their presentations, including:

• 'Highly Effective Acupuncture Program for First-Time Patients with Intervertebral Disc Herniation'
• 'Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Is Acupuncture an Effective Treatment'
• 'Chronic Pain and Central Nervous Sensitisation'
• 'Treating Pain Utilising Pulse-respiration Technique of Changsang Jun Pulse'
• 'Case Analysis: A Case of Refractory Pain'

Overall, this year’s conference was informative and inspiring. Each speaker shared practical knowledge and real clinical cases that expanded my understanding of pain management and the applications of acupuncture in stroke and chronic pain. I left the event with clearer insights and renewed motivation, and I look forward to attending again next year.

References: 

1) Dr Joseph Kwan: https://clevelandcliniclondon.uk/doctors/4083890-dr-joseph-kwan

2) Neural control of cerebral blood flow: scientific basis of scalp acupuncture in treating brain diseases: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2023.1210537/full

3) XunZhen Meridian Palpation Therapeutics - Dr Ye Liuzhong: https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/625877704656314609/328292646819951088

Milestones and Gratitude: My Acupuncture Journey

Kit Li 

The year 2025 marks a turning point in my life.

I have diligently earned two diplomas: one as a qualified acupuncturist at the London Academy of Chinese Acupuncture (LACA), and another as a Brain Acupuncturist at the Academy of Scalp Acupuncture (ASA). These achievements represent a milestone in my career within the world of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

I am truly grateful to have graduated from both LACA and ASA, where I had the privilege of being taught by an elite team of TCM professors. Over the past two years, they have mentored, supported, and encouraged me, helping me complete a three-year acupuncture diploma in just two intensive years. The journey was not easy. There were moments of challenge and self-doubt, yet looking back, every effort was worthwhile. I am deeply proud of myself for this achievement.

During these years, I was also honoured to serve as a monitor and as student clinic manager, supporting my peers and learning alongside them as though we were a family. I was fortunate, too, to be a student member of CAHMA, SAS, and CMA, which gave me further opportunities to broaden my understanding of TCM.

I still vividly remember my very first independent treatment at the student clinic. It was for a female patient, under the supervision of one of our professors. I was nervous and anxious at the time, but today, I feel far more confident. In fact, I am now treating patients with positive outcomes and have begun volunteering as a neuro-acupuncturist at South Bucks Hospice, supporting patients with cancer and neurological conditions. This opportunity, one I had long hoped for, allows me to give back to the community and apply my skills in a meaningful way.

Once again, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my professors and to my team. I know there is still a long road ahead before I can become the best TCM practitioner I aspire to be. Yet I embrace this lifelong journey of learning wholeheartedly, with passion and dedication.