This past week Gov. Jim Doyle and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett declared Sunday, Oct. 24 as "Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AOM) Day" in the state of Wisconsin and throughout the city of Milwaukee.
"The official declarations of AOM Day is a milestone itself because it puts the state on the map as being the first state in Midwest -- and only the sixth in the country -- to have publicly recognized and commented on the work of AOM profession," says Dr. Guan-Yuan Jin.
Thirty-six percent of Wisconsinites use some form of alternative medicine, and acupuncture was legislated in Wisconsin in 1990. However, most Wisconsinites are still unfamiliar with the benefits of acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and how they work in combination to relieve ailments including pain, smoking cessation, infertility and more.
Jin, a Milwaukee-based acupuncturist for over 38 years, has treated more than 60,000 patients successfully and published 15 academic or medical books. He operates a private practice in Milwaukee.
In early October, Dr. Jin and his associates approached the Office of Governor of Wisconsin in Madison in the hopes of persuading Gov. Doyle to sign a proclamation for the "Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day" for the state of Wisconsin. After weeks of preparation, on Oct. 12, Dr. Jin's office received the official proclamation letter issued by Gov. Doyle with his signature and the affixed great seal of Wisconsin declaring Oct. 24 as the day.
"This will help more people to gain awareness of AOM, and in turn may help the U.S. lower its healthcare cost which means more insurance accessibility," says Jin.
