The most dedicated user of acupuncture in the U.S. continues to bewhite women in their 40s to 60s.
We had to decide how we were going to proceed, Dr. Lee says.
Our current focus is on the acupuncture profession but we hope to expand to all traditional medicines.
Well+Good: Could you tell us more about Influential Points role in the acupuncture community?
TL:We first need to look back at the history of American acupuncture.
Chinese immigrants brought it to the U.S.in the 1800s.
Tamsin Lee, DA[o]M, AEMP, is a doctor of East Asian medicine, acupuncturist, and a NCCIH funded postdoctoral senior clinical researcher at the University of Washington. She is also the founder of Influential Point, a collective of acupuncturists committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in global healthcare.
But at the same time, four or five white menfrom UCLAwere also interested in acupuncture.
They had the means to create schools, regulations, and licensing.
Asian acupuncturists werebeing arrestedbecause they werent so-called licensed.
These guys from UCLA had professionalized this medicine, but as they were professionalizing it, it became elitist.
Asian immigrants who werent able to speak or study in English werent licensed.
The Black and Puerto Rican community were unable to pay for these types of schools and licensing.
So they couldnt practice the medicine.
More white folks were practicing it because they could afford it and spoke English.
I think thats embedded in our education and medical training.
Tamsin Lee, DA[o]M, AEMP, is a doctor of East Asian medicine, acupuncturist, and a NCCIH funded postdoctoral senior clinical researcher at the University of Washington. She is also the founder of Influential Point, a collective of acupuncturists committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in global healthcare.
[These leaders] are out of touch with what students are demanding.
Many dont know what intersectionality or BIPOC means.
If our leaders dont understand these terms, how could they possibly help us evolve?
TL:In Chinese medicine, we take a whole person approach.
It is meant to be accessible for anyone who needs it.
What is your take on this?
They see it as this old way of healing.
A lot of us had to learn to be white to be accepted.
Culture is meant to be shared…
But when you use power and privilege and commodify a culture, then it becomes something a little darker.
In school, some white professors would question your experience.
But traditionally, each family has its own way of practicing medicine.
Lets talk more about cultural misappropriation in the world of East Asian medicine.
TL:Culture is meant to be shared.
Thats how culture survives, right?
Its probably the reason why Chinese medicine has survived because its been shared.
And I think thats fine.
But when you use power and privilege and commodify a culture, then it becomes something a little darker.
The intent of how you share this medicine is really important.
Are you purposely sharing this so that only certain people can have access to it?
Are you taking this medicine and claiming it as your own?
Check in with your own biases about the culture.
You cant practice acupuncture and be racist to Chinese communities.
Asian-Americans are facingincreased violence and discrimination since COVID-19 started.
What are the most pressing initiatives youre working on right now at Influential Point?
This interview was edited and condensed for clarity.
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