October 24 is Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Day—a wonderful opportunity to recognize the benefits of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and the trained practitioners who help bring these traditional therapies into modern health care.
Have you ever wondered why some people choose acupuncture for pain, turn to herbal formulas for additional support, or incorporate both into their wellness routines? While acupuncture and herbal medicine have been practiced for centuries, they continue to interest people looking for individualized approaches to health and well-being.
At Karma Zen Acupuncture, Dr. Katrina Giangarra, DACM Lac Dipl OM, believes that effective health care begins with understanding the person, not simply focusing on a symptom. Acupuncture and herbal medicine offer different ways to support health, and when appropriate, they can complement one another as part of an individualized treatment plan.
This October 24, let’s celebrate these practices, recognize the importance of proper education and training, and explore how they may benefit the people who use them.
What Is Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Day?
Previously known as Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day, the observance recognizes acupuncture and related traditional medicine practices, including herbal medicine. It provides an opportunity to educate the public about these therapies, highlight the professionals who practice them, and encourage informed conversations about their role in modern health care.
Traditional East Asian medicine encompasses more than acupuncture needles. Depending on their education, training, and scope of practice, practitioners may also use herbal formulas, cupping, gua sha, moxibustion, and other traditional techniques. Each approach has its own purpose, and the most appropriate choice depends on the individual and the concern being addressed.
As interest in complementary therapies grows, it is important for patients to understand what different practitioners are trained to do and how to choose a qualified professional.
How Can Acupuncture Benefit You?
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles at specific points on the body. A licensed acupuncturist selects points and develops a treatment approach based on the person’s health history, symptoms, goals, and individual presentation.
People commonly seek acupuncture for concerns such as back and neck pain, headaches, muscle tension, and certain types of chronic pain. Research also suggests potential benefits for some other conditions, although the strength of the evidence varies depending on the condition and the outcomes being studied.
For some patients, acupuncture may help reduce pain or improve function. Others seek treatment to support relaxation, address stress-related concerns, or improve their quality of life while managing an ongoing health issue. Results vary from person to person, and acupuncture is not a guaranteed solution for every condition. Though, many experience positive results from acupuncture treatments after conventional approaches have been ineffective.
One of the things that makes acupuncture appealing to many patients is that it can be incorporated into a broader health care plan without relying on medication as the only option. Depending on the concern, it may complement conventional medical treatment, exercise, or other appropriate interventions.
At Karma Zen Acupuncture, Dr. Katrina uses a gentle Japanese acupuncture approach. Although Japanese acupuncture draws on many of the same traditional principles and acupuncture points as Chinese acupuncture, the needling techniques and treatment style can differ. Many patients appreciate an approach that emphasizes subtle stimulation and individualized care.
Acupuncture is not about treating everyone with the same collection of points. It is about considering the person as a whole and adjusting treatment to their needs.
Traditional East Asian Herbal Medicine: More Than Taking a Supplement
Herbal medicine is another important part of traditional East Asian medicine. Rather than relying exclusively on a single herb or a one-size-fits-all supplement, trained practitioners may recommend combinations of herbs prepared as individualized formulas.
Think of an herbal formula as a recipe. Each ingredient has a role, and the combination is selected with the intention of addressing the person’s particular pattern of symptoms and health needs. In traditional East Asian medicine, this process involves an individualized assessment rather than simply choosing a product based on a symptom listed on the label.
Traditional East Asian herbal formulas may be used in traditional practice for a wide variety of concerns, including digestive discomfort, sleep difficulties, menstrual symptoms, and other health issues. However, the evidence supporting specific formulas varies, and traditional use does not automatically establish that a formula is effective for a particular medical condition. A properly trained herbalist can help determine a formula that may be helpful for one’s presenting pattern.
It is also important to recognize that caution and care should be taken into consideration when taking herbal formulas. Herbs can cause side effects, interact with prescription medications, and be inappropriate for certain people, including some who are pregnant or have particular medical conditions. Product quality, accurate identification of ingredients, preparation, dosage, and the practitioner’s training all matter. Those practitioners trained in herbology can help determine the herbal formula right for each individual and where to get them from reliable sources.
A qualified practitioner should ask about your health history and medications, explain the purpose of a recommended formula, and help you understand appropriate precautions. Patients should tell all their health care providers about the herbs and supplements they use.
When herbal medicine is appropriate, an individualized formula may offer an additional option to consider as part of a coordinated approach to health care.
Why See a Licensed Acupuncturist or Properly Trained Herbal Practitioner?
Training matters. Acupuncture involves anatomy, physiology, needling techniques, safety procedures, clinical assessment, and an understanding of when symptoms require referral to another health care professional. Becoming a licensed acupuncturist requires formal education and meeting the applicable licensing requirements.
Traditional East Asian herbal medicine requires its own specialized knowledge. Practitioners need to understand the properties and traditional uses of herbs, how ingredients are combined, how formulas are selected, and how to recognize potential contraindications and interactions.
Many acupuncturists receive education in both acupuncture and herbal medicine as part of their professional training. However, training varies, so it is wise to ask a practitioner about their specific education, credentials, and experience with the therapy you are considering.
When choosing an acupuncturist, look for the appropriate license for your location and ask about their training and experience. When seeking herbal medicine, confirm that the practitioner has relevant herbal training and is legally qualified to provide those services where you live.
A qualified practitioner should also recognize the limits of their practice. Acupuncture and herbal medicine should not delay necessary medical evaluation or replace emergency care, and responsible practitioners will encourage collaboration with other health care professionals when appropriate.
Dr. Katrina’s Journey: From Patient to Practitioner
For Dr. Katrina Giangarra, founder of Karma Zen Acupuncture, acupuncture is more than a professional specialty. It is also part of her own health journey.
After experiencing a back injury during high school, she spent approximately two years dealing with pain, using medication and wearing a back brace. When she hurt her back again years later, her dislike of the side effects of the medication led her to eventually experience the benefits of acupuncture after being treated by an acupuncturist friend. Following several treatments, her back pain improved, and she also noticed positive changes in other areas of her health and well-being.
That experience helped inspire her to pursue a career in acupuncture. She wanted to understand how this traditional practice could help people and how she could use that knowledge to support others.
Dr. Katrina earned her Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine (MSTOM) and later her Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM). Her professional education included training in acupuncture and herbal medicine, allowing her to understand both approaches and how they may be incorporated into patient care.
Over the years, she has seen many patients benefit from acupuncture as part of their individualized care. She has also found acupuncture and traditional medicine practices valuable in her own life. Her experience as both a patient and a practitioner reinforces her belief that health care should be personal, thoughtful, and responsive to each individual’s needs.
Of course, one person’s experience cannot guarantee the same results for someone else. Every patient has a different health history, and what works well for one person may not be the right approach for another. That is why Dr. Katrina emphasizes individualized assessment, realistic expectations, and honest conversations about treatment options.
Why Combine Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine?
Acupuncture and herbal medicine use different methods, but trained practitioners may consider both when developing an individualized plan.
For example, someone seeking care for a recurring concern may receive acupuncture while also discussing whether an herbal formula is appropriate. In other situations, acupuncture alone may be a reasonable starting point, or herbal medicine may not be suitable because of medications, medical conditions, or other safety considerations.
The goal is not to use as many therapies as possible. It is to choose the options that make sense for the person.
At Karma Zen Acupuncture, Dr. Katrina’s approach emphasizes treating people rather than simply chasing symptoms. That means considering the bigger picture, explaining available options, and recognizing when collaboration with a medical doctor or another health care professional is important.
Combining therapies should always involve a thoughtful assessment of potential benefits, risks, and the patient’s preferences. More treatment is not necessarily better, and every person deserves a plan tailored to their circumstances.
Celebrating Traditional Medicine and Modern Health Care Together
Traditional medicine and modern medicine do not have to be viewed as competing teams. Each has a different history, framework, and body of evidence, and each may offer useful options in appropriate circumstances.
Modern medicine is essential for diagnosing serious conditions, managing emergencies, and providing treatments supported by strong clinical evidence. Acupuncture and herbal medicine may offer additional options for selected concerns, depending on the available research, the individual’s health, and the practitioner’s recommendations.
The most responsible approach is one that prioritizes patient safety, considers the evidence, respects individual preferences, and encourages communication among health care providers.
Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Day is an opportunity to celebrate the history of these traditional practices while continuing to ask thoughtful questions about how they can best serve patients today.
Celebrate Your Health This October 24
Whether you are curious about acupuncture, interested in learning more about herbal formulas, or already incorporate these therapies into your wellness routine, October 24 is a great time to become more informed about your options.
Ask questions. Learn about practitioner qualifications. Discuss your health goals. And remember that your care should be based on your individual needs—not a one-size-fits-all approach.
At Karma Zen Acupuncture, Dr. Katrina Giangarra is passionate about helping people explore acupuncture and traditional East Asian medicine as part of a thoughtful, individualized approach to health.
If you would like to learn more about acupuncture or discuss whether treatment may be appropriate for you, visit KarmaZenAcu.com or call or text 512-766-3049.
Here’s to informed choices, qualified practitioners, and finding the right approach to help you feel better and live better!
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified health care professional before beginning acupuncture or herbal medicine, and do not discontinue prescribed medication without guidance from your prescribing clinician.
