Acupuncture Laws In The U.S.

By Y.C. Chan, OMD, Dipl Ac

In April of 1973, the Nevada State legislature declared Traditional Chinese Medicine as a “learned profession” by unanimous vote. The lawmakers legalized acupuncture and other Chinese medical practices. This state acupuncture situation was “neither Nixonian nor the thought of Mao” (Time, 1973). A free clinic established by special permission was open for three weeks and treated many legislators across the street from the State House in Carson City.

Time reported that half of Nevada's 60 lawmakers put themselves under the needles of acupuncturist Lok Yee Kung. Several people claimed that their conditions were cured. Assemblyman Robert Hal Smith reported that his 20-year sinus condition disappeared, and equally as gratifying to his wife, the treatment silenced his snoring. Another legislator said that he had been cured of pain from a knee he injured in his childhood. In addition, the West Journal of Medicine quoted a letter that was received by the Board of Medical Examiners on November 13, 1972 recommending a temporary special license be issued to Dr. Lok of Hong Kong for a demonstration on acupuncture. It took less than six months for Dr. Lok to be licensed as an acupuncturist in the State of Nevada.

I personally practiced acupuncture with Dr. Lok in Kow Loon, Hong Kong from 1960 until 1971. In 1972, I traveled to New York, California, and the nation's Capitol in order to promote and explore legitimate acupuncture practices. Unfortunately, due to political controversy, and AMA influence, my plan was delayed for many years. However, Dr. Lok successfully achieved his goal, and acupuncture was first legalized in Nevada due to his work. He became an acupuncture hero in the U.S.

Acupuncture spread rapidly throughout the United States after Nixon visited China. States did not have acupuncture regulations, nor did they have licensed acupuncturists, but practitioners still practiced under ground during this time. From 1972 to 1974, many states tried to pass acupuncture laws but without any results. For example, the California Acupuncture Bill passed through the State Senate and the House in 1972, but the Governor did not sign the bill. It was not until 1975 that the new Governor Jerry Brown finally agreed to sign the Bill and it became a law. In New York, the law passed in 1976.

Since the State of Nevada passed the law in 1973, now, 38 years later, more than 90% of states have licensed acupuncturists, but several states do not have laws for this profession. Dr. Lok's efforts proved that one person can make a difference.