About Us
Our Mission
The mission of the Michigan Society of Acupuncturists (MiSA) is to empower practitioners, students, and patients of acupuncture and Asian medicine through support, education, and engagement. The Michigan Society of Acupuncturists maintains local and national networks that inform stakeholders, engages the public, and works with government to enhance policy while promoting the professional practice and science of acupuncture as a medicine.
Our Vision
Become the leading voice for our members by:
- Promoting excellence in the profession through quality continuing education (CEUs)
- Safeguarding and promoting the practice of acupuncture medicine through legislation
- Educating the public on the scope of acupuncture as a medical practice
- Supporting integration of professional and authentic acupuncture medicine into Michigan and U.S. health care systems
- Collaborating with other state and national associations to further the profession
About the Michigan Society of Acupuncturists
The Michigan Society of Acupuncturists (MiSA), formerly the Michigan Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MAAOM), was founded in 1988. We are a non-profit organization committed to promoting the safe and effective practice of acupuncture and Oriental medicine in Michigan.
MiSA is a professional association of trained and experienced acupuncturists and practitioners of herbal medicine, committed to providing the best care to keep our patients balanced, healthy, and strong. We support our members by sponsoring and announcing continuing education events in our field and by working together to advance our profession in the state.
Our Values & Beliefs
Access to Acupuncture Care
We believe that U.S. Health and Human Services should recognize licensed acupuncturists as Medicare providers.
Authentic Acupuncture Medicine
We value the standards of education, requirement of board exams, licensure procedure, and continuing education.
Acupuncture Approaches
We value a variety of styles, applications, and modalities.
Our Philosophy to Acupuncture Medicine
The Michigan Society of Acupuncturists acknowledges and respects all traditions of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. We believe that cooperation and strength among practitioners and supporters will ensure that this ancient and modern medical profession will retain its integrity. By protecting the legal status the practice of licensed acupuncture medicine has earned, Michigan continues to enhance the quality of healthcare for people in Michigan Society of Acupuncturists and improve delivery of medicine within U.S. healthcare systems.
Michigan Board Members
Terms of Office: Each officer shall serve a term of two years. A person may be elected to the same office for not more than three consecutive terms. – Michigan Society of Acupuncturists By-Laws
Stephen Durrell
President
Elected June 2025
Dana Applebaum
Secretary
Elected November 2025
Monica Mae Leibson
Vice President
Elected June 2025
Cody Burch
Member At Large
Elected November 2025
Jeff Rogers
Treasurer
Elected November 2025
Samantha Buchanan
Member At Large
Elected November 2025
Current Committees
Kat Barber
Education Committee Chair
Elected November 2025
Fundraising Committee Chair
Event Planning
Fundraising
Dry Needling Committee Chair
Working with our lobbyist
Close to Lansing is a plus!
Andrew Crapo
Social Media Committee Chair
Seriously, forever
Financial Committee Chair
Support MiSA in wise financial choices
Create and manage a budget
Leading the Profession
Acupuncture medicine defines the scope of primary Licensed Acupuncturists (L.Acs), which includes related modalities (tui na massage, moxibustion, gua sha, cupping, light therapy, and often herbal medicine) as taught in accredited Acupuncture Masters and Doctorate degree programs that incorporate a foundation of established frameworks designed to inform assessment, diagnosis, and application of acupuncture as a dynamic medical paradigm. Primary acupuncturists weave theoretical, diagnostic, and acupuncture frameworks into a complete practice that requires passing 3-4 national board exams after 3,000 hours of education and clinical internship. Secondary acupuncture providers utilize basic frameworks such as dry needling (trigger therapy), medical acupuncture, or ear acupuncture protocols that requires 0-300 hours of non-accredited training or oversight.
In professional acupuncture practice, there are many acupuncture approaches, styles, and applications. Which acupuncture styles, approaches, and applications a licensed acupuncturist uses, depends on the practitioner’s general practice population or specialty. Some examples of specialties include internal medicine, neurology, orthopedics, dermatology, ophthalmology, pediatrics, fertility, women’s health, men’s health, sports medicine, pain management, functional medicine, integrated medicine, and wellness.
The dynamic contribution of Chinese medical theories continues to inform and fill gaps in mechanisms of pain, function, and disease from cellular level to systemic influences. The Chinese medical framework of diagnosis facilitates the mechanistic understanding of modern and emerging diseases that inform the criteria for therapy aimed at resolution or maximum improvement. The Western medicine frameworks of moribund diagnoses are often limited to a collection of signs and symptoms, images, and blood work that support the criteria for surgery, diagnostic procedures, and management of symptoms through medication. However, technological advancements are helping to explain and expand emerging integrated frameworks that are paramount for the changing paradigm of mainstream medicine away from sick management towards wellness.