Lisa Michelle Dowling

Many people are surprised to learn that Registered Acupuncturists study several hundred hours of anatomy and physiology as part of their training.

If you’ve ever been told that acupuncturists don’t study anatomy and physiology, you’re not alone.

Something came up today in a private group that reminded me of a conversation I’ve had many times over the years.

Occasionally, clients tell me they’ve been advised to see a practitioner who performs medical acupuncture or dry needling because they believe acupuncturists don’t have much biomedical training.

That statement always surprises me a little.

One thing I’ve noticed over the years is that many people assume acupuncture training is mostly energetic or philosophical, when in reality most acupuncture programs include several hundred hours of anatomy and physiology alongside the traditional medicine curriculum and supervised clinical practice.

Because this question comes up fairly regularly, I spent some time digging a little deeper so I could better understand the different training pathways. In doing so, I put together a comparison chart that illustrates how the educational models differ.

While there is some overlap in biomedical sciences, the training pathways and clinical frameworks around acupuncture can be quite different.

Neither approach is inherently “better” — they simply come from different training models and clinical perspectives.

Understanding these differences helps patients make more informed decisions about their care.

In my latest blog post, I talk about how I used Qi Hacking to heal my brain injury, Dissected Vertebral Artery, and more recently my Thyroid.
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The Truth About Using Heat in Gua Sha and Cupping Treatments

One of the most frequent questions I receive from students is whether it’s contraindicated to use heat with gua sha or cupping. The short answer? It depends—on the intention, the client’s condition, and the stage of the treatment.

Heat plays an essential role in East Asian Medicine. It can help move stagnation, relax muscles, and open the pores—yet it can also disperse or deplete when used at the wrong time. Understanding this balance is key to using heat effectively and safely.

Read more about the use of heat in gua sha and cupping treatments here:

https://www.meridiancarecenter.com/blog/113116-the-truth-about-using-heat-in-gua-sha

The Truth About Using Heat in Gua Sha and Cupping Treatments | Meridian Care Center Discover when heat supports healing in gua sha and cupping—and when it can be harmful. Learn how to safely integrate heat therapy in bodywork pract...