“This is not a time to be dismayed, this is punk rock time. This is what Joe Strummer trained you for.” –Henry Rollins
California acupuncturists (a.k.a. Acupunks) face several verifiable challenges influenced by recent political developments and policy changes. Below is an objective summary of these threats in 2025, along with external resources for further information:
1. Federal Funding Cuts to Medical Research
The Trump administration has proposed significant reductions in funding for scientific research at federal agencies, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH). For instance, the FY2018 budget proposed a 25% cut to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, a division of the NIH. These cuts could impact research grants and funding opportunities for complementary and alternative medicine, including acupuncture.
• Source: NIH’s FY18 Budget Cut by Trump Administration
2. Suspension of NIH Activities
In January 2025, the Trump administration imposed an immediate freeze on meetings, travel, communications, and hiring at the NIH, affecting $47.4 billion worth of activities. This unprecedented move has disrupted the grant review process, potentially delaying funding and support for acupuncture-related research.
• Source: Trump hits NIH with ‘devastating’ freezes on meetings, travel, communications, and hiring
3. Proposed Elimination of the Fogarty International Center
The administration proposed eliminating the Fogarty International Center, which supports international medical and behavioral research and trains international researchers. This could reduce opportunities for global collaboration and funding in acupuncture research.
• Source: John E. Fogarty International Center
4. Occupational Licensing Challenges in California
California’s restrictive occupational licensing laws make it challenging for aspiring acupuncturists to practice. These regulations can limit the number of practitioners and restrict access to acupuncture services.
• Source: Why It Is So Hard to Become an Acupuncturist in California
5. Legislative Scrutiny of the Acupuncture Board
The California Acupuncture Board, responsible for licensing and regulating practitioners, has faced legislative scrutiny due to past issues. This could lead to changes in regulatory practices, affecting current and future practitioners. NOTE: This article (linked below) is over 10 years old, (from 2014) and I have not been following this angle closely enough to know if there are new developments. New challenges along these lines may arise in the future.
• Source: Legislature puts California acupuncture board on notice
These developments underscore the importance of acupuncturists staying informed about policy changes and engaging in advocacy to protect and advance our profession.
Other Sources
Massive cuts to science and medicine in Trump budget
Senate and Assembly Reach Agreement to Preserve Acupuncture Medi-Cal Benefit
Laws and Regulations Relating to the Practice of Acupuncture
NSF and NIH Grant Reviews Still On Hold After White House Rescinds Memo
Scientists Worried After Trump Halts NIH Grant Reviews
Community acupuncture and the political nature of Professional Boundaries
As California Goes, So Goes The Nation!
With Trump coming into power, the NIH is in the crosshairs
Community-Research Collaboration Between Researchers and
Acupuncturists