Governor vessel–based acupuncture improves outcomes in acute lumbar disc herniation

In research, Governor Vessel–based acupuncture significantly improves overall clinical response and reduced pain intensity in lumbar disc herniation, while the journal BMC Medical Ethics explores the ethical challenges of placebo use in herbal medicine trials.

Acupuncture news this week spans Korea, Vietnam and here in the states: comedian Kim Ji-min gets acupuncture for “sunken cheeks” after taking a fall, apprenticeship is revered in Vietnamese traditional medicine, and Winnie Chan, LAc presents at the Endometriosis Foundation’s 17th annual Patient Day event.

Plus the latest acupuncture CEUs through March 10.

Please share widely!
Kim

A 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis in the Journal of Pain Research evaluated Governor Vessel–based acupuncture for acute lumbar disc herniation. Fifteen randomized controlled trials involving 670 patients were included. Compared with control treatments, Governor Vessel–based acupuncture significantly improved overall clinical response and reduced pain intensity on visual analogue scales.

Researchers grouped techniques into warming Yang and Tongdu methods, spine-regulating approaches, and tonifying kidney and activating blood strategies. No single style demonstrated superior outcomes. Acupuncture alone also appeared to provide similar benefit to protocols combined with traction, cupping, massage, or other adjunctive treatments.

CEU SPOTLIGHT

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CEUS

Note: Unless otherwise stated, all courses listed are CAB-approved; many also carry other state or NCCAOM approvals. Listings subject to change. Please verify details, CE hours, and eligibility directly with provider. Links point to provider sites; you may need to navigate to the specific registration page. In-person and Law & Ethics are highlighted.

Mar 3: Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum – Group Session
2 CEUs • Net of Knowledge

Mar 4: Pelvic Health for Acupuncturists (Part 1)
2 CEUs • TCMzone, LLC

Mar 5: De Qi (Qi Arrival): An Ancient Acupuncture Skill Applied Through Neuroscience
2 CEUs • Healthy Seminars

Mar 6: Harmonic Healing: Integrating Tuning Forks with Acupuncture for Enhanced Qì Flow
2 CEUs • Healthy Seminars

Mar 7: Gender Identity and Chinese Medicine: Ethical Practice Considerations - Live
3 CEUs • A New Possibility, Inc Law & Ethics

Mar 7: Spleen, Lung and Kidney Patterns and Constitutions in TJM: The Importance of Pulse Diagnosis to Guide Treatment using Acupuncture
6 CEUs • International Acupuncture Network

Mar 7: Basic Orthopedics and Postural Analysis
3 CEUs • John Ellis, Sunnyvale, CA In-person

Mar 7: From Cell to Channel: Embryological Formations of the Meridian System
8 CEUs • Lotus Institute of Integrative Medicine Law & Ethics

Mar 7: Refresh Balance Acupuncture, local and global balance with case studies
4 CEUs • Modern Chinese Medicine

Mar 7: Paediatric Acupuncture 2025 Live Day 3: Q&A + Cases
1.5 CEUs • TCM Academy of Integrative Medicine

Mar 8: 2026 Herbal Prescription - Part 1
5 CEUs • Asian American Acupuncture Association

Mar 8: Sinus Disorders and Musculoskeletal Pain
4 CEUs • Healthcare Medicine Institute (HealthCMi)

Mar 8: Emotional Points & Organ Resonance: Mapping the Limbic Body Through Auricular Medicine
2 CEUs • Healthy Seminars

Mar 8: Top 10 Master Tung Sports Medicine Treatment Protocols, Part I
8 CEUs • Lotus Institute of Integrative Medicine

Mar 8: Chinese Herbal First Aid Kit
3 CEUs • Net of Knowledge

Mar 8: Paediatric Acupuncture 2025 Live Day 4: Non-needle Protocols
3.5 CEUs • TCM Academy of Integrative Medicine

Mar 10: Ketamine in Palliative Care: A Naturopathic Integrative Approach to Cancer-Related Pain and Emotional Distress
2 CEUs • California Naturopathic Doctors Association (CNDA)

Mar 10: Tax Basics, Finacial Fundamentals, CAL Savers
2 CEUs • CSOMA

Thanks for reading,

Kim Neumann, Publisher