ATCMA
CCHPBC Quality Assurance Knowledge Check: What TCM Licensees Need to Know
Reminder for all TCM Practitioners and Acupuncturists: CCHPBC’s 2026 Quality Assurance Knowledge Check is coming this fall. If you haven’t started reviewing the new professional standards yet, now is a good time to begin. Read on for more.
New CCHPBC Licence Numbers: Transition Begins September 1
CCHPBC has finalized the transition plan for new licence numbers across all four professions, and major insurance providers have been informed of the plan. For Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists, the transition to new licence numbers will take place on September 1, 2026. Learn more about steps to take and find CCHPBC links for support by reading ATCMA's blog.
Want Better Acupuncture Coverage? Your Patients Can Help Make the Case.
Many TCM and acupuncture professionals hear the same frustration from patients: “I wish my benefits covered more acupuncture treatments.”
For patients who use acupuncture regularly, limited extended health coverage can quickly be exhausted. This can make it harder for patients to continue the care they find helpful and may limit their ability to access treatment when they need it.
ATCMA continues to advocate for the TCM and acupuncture profession in British Columbia, but when it comes to the amount of acupuncture coverage included in an employee benefits plan, there is an important reason that patients and employees need to be part of the conversation.
ATCMA is Bringing Traditional Chinese Medicine to Car-Free Day on Commercial Drive
ATCMA is excited to be participating in Car-Free Day on Commercial Drive on Saturday, September 5, from 12:00 to 7:00 p.m.
This lively community event provides a wonderful opportunity for us to connect with the public, raise awareness about Traditional Chinese Medicine, and share information about the important role TCM and acupuncture can play in supporting health and wellness.
Understanding Health Canada's Proposed Raw Materials and Compounding Policies: What They Mean for TCM Herbal Practitioners
Health Canada is proposing changes to its policies on Raw Materials and Compounding. ATCMA has been actively involved in consultations with Health Canada's Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate (NNHPD) to help ensure these policies reflect the realities of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practice. Here's what the proposed policies mean for TCM practitioners and how ATCMA is advocating on your behalf.
Don't Get Caught Off Guard: Important Regulatory Updates for TCM Practitioners
The regulatory environment for TCM practitioners continues to change, sometimes without clear notification. To help you stay informed and compliant, we've compiled some of the latest updates on advocacy efforts, practice expectations, and important reminders that we want our members to know. If you're not already an ATCMA member, we encourage you to join us. Your membership supports the advocacy work that protects and advances our profession while ensuring practitioners stay informed about important regulatory developments. Together, we can continue building a stronger future for Traditional Chinese Medicine in British Columbia.
BC TCM Practitioners Speak: Survey Highlights Key Concerns and Priorities for the Profession
What do BC Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners think about recent regulatory changes and the future of the profession? ATCMA's recent survey reveals widespread concerns about rising costs, regulatory uncertainty, and restrictions affecting core TCM competencies, while also demonstrating strong support for scope modernization and protecting the integrity of TCM as a complete healthcare system. These findings provide valuable insight into the priorities and challenges facing TCM professionals across British Columbia.
Acupuncture for Mental Health: A Natural Path to Emotional Well-Being
Mental health concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep challenges affect many Canadians, leading more people to explore complementary approaches to wellness. In this article, ATCMA board member, Sam Sandhu, explains how acupuncture can support emotional well-being by helping regulate the nervous system, promote relaxation, improve sleep quality, and contribute to a more balanced and resilient state of health.
Canadians Want Change in Health Care. Traditional Chinese Medicine Can Be Part of the Solution.
A new national survey shows that Canadians want meaningful health system change, including better access to care, shorter wait times, and greater use of qualified healthcare professionals. This article explores how Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners and acupuncturists can help meet those goals through preventive care, patient education, pain management, and collaborative healthcare models, while highlighting key policy changes that could strengthen access to TCM services in British Columbia.
Business Tips for Traditional Chinese Medicine Professionals: Helping Patients Understand the Return on Investment of Preventive Acupuncture Care
In this article, Dr. Chris Vallee explores how TCM practitioners can help patients understand the long-term return on investment of preventive acupuncture by emphasizing wellness, early intervention, and the benefits of maintaining health before problems become more serious. Through education and personalized care planning, practitioners can help patients see acupuncture as an investment in their ongoing well-being.