History of Traditional Chinese Medicine in California: a perspective through the stories of four acupuncturists

Sophia Chen (pseudonym) tells of a journey that represents resistance to the impersonal approach of biomedicine and promotion of a self-reflective, patient-centered, humanistic interpretation of traditional practices.5 Crystal Jacobson (pseudonym) recalls the history of the AIDS epidemic in San Francisco, where, through selfless service and social engagement, acupuncturists gradually became part of the general health care community. 6 Finally, Jason Fan (pseudonym) shares his story on the continuing efforts by acupuncturists to enhance their professional image.7 Perhaps reflecting how the different phases of this history relate to each other, although not forming an official lineage, Miriam Lee served as a mentor for all three other acupuncturists included in this article. The now-deceased pioneer was best known for being arrested for practicing medicine without a license in 1974; she was released a few days later after over a hundred of her patients, both Chinese and Caucasian, showed up at the courthouse in protest of her arrest.8 The dramatic incident, along with the petitions and negotiations of many other pioneer acupuncturists, their patients, and sympathizers, prompted the eventual certification and licensing of acupuncture in California.9 In coalition with other practitioners, Lee went on to actively advocate for broadening the scope of practice for certified acupuncturists, and eventually licensing acupuncturists.