Dear Health Care Consumer,

I am Victoria Goldsten, the director of the Washington Institute of Natural Medicine. I have run the center for over 30 years. I am a nurse bodyworker/massage therapist, and my company has been teaching acupressure to massage therapists and other healthcare/spa/bodywork/energy work practitioners in Maryland since 2002.

Our office was contacted by the Maryland Department of Health stating that acupressure is exclusive to acupuncturists, and that a practitioner must have a master’s degree in acupuncture, and be licensed as an acupuncturist in Maryland, in order to practice acupressure in the state.

Due to this, they have officially notified us to stop teaching the acupressure method in the state.

We have found that what they are reporting is historically incorrect. Nowhere in the acupuncture regulations does it say anything about exclusivity with the practice of acupressure. It just states acupuncturists can practice Asian Bodywork.

As a bodyworker/massage therapist, I am aware that acupressure is a part of the bodywork/massage therapy curriculum.

We have found that after receiving education in acupressure, many practitioners such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, nursing staff, chiropractors, estheticians, spa practitioners, energy workers, as well as bodyworkers/massage therapists, perform the acupressure method. Although many are licensed, there are also non-licensed certified acupressure practitioners that practice it under the massage exemption status in Maryland, due to its intent to move energy, rather than the manipulation of soft tissue seen in massage therapy.

Bodyworkers/Massage Therapists/Acupressure Practitioners have been a great asset to clients when providing acupressure, and we need them to continue with their holistic modalities for wholesome, well-rounded care, helping many people and maintaining their income.

To this end, we need financial support to fight this battle to cover the legal work, in order to protect the practice of acupressure and to re-institute our teaching. We have already spent over $7,000.00 in legal fees and the battle has just begun. Please help us save the acupressure profession in Maryland and keep the practitioners employed and our teaching staff, that have provided the service and training for over 20 years.

No donation is too small. All is appreciated.

Please see our Go Fund Me Page Here:

Go Fund Me Protecting Acupressure

If you have any questions, I would be happy to speak with you.

Thank you for your assistance.

Victoria Goldsten, HD, PhD

Director

Washington Institute of Natural Medicine

www.NaturalHealthDC.com

(301) 538-9540 cell (202) 686-8202 (202) 237-7681