As used in the rules regulating the practice of acupuncture:

1. (1) "Acupuncture" has the meaning given in ORS 677.757:

   1. (a) Traditional Eastern medicine used to promote health and treat neurological, organic or functional disorders through the insertion of needles into specific points on the body at varying depths, including insertion into the skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle layers and fascia, and into or near joint spaces based on anatomical location and the practitioner’s clinical assessment. The type of needle inserted, and the depth, angle and technique of insertion, are informed by specialized training in acupuncture theory, biomedical anatomy and diagnostic evaluation to safely stimulate biological and physiological responses and support the body’s healing process.
   2. (b) The treatment method of moxibustion and the use of electrical, thermal, mechanical or magnetic devices, with or without needles, to stimulate acupuncture points and acupuncture meridians and to induce acupuncture anesthesia or analgesia.

   3. (c) The following modalities, as authorized by the Oregon Medical Board:

      1. (A) Traditional Eastern medicine and acupuncture techniques of diagnosis and evaluation;
      2. (B) Traditional Eastern medicine manual therapy, exercise and related therapeutic methods; and
      3. (C) The use of Traditional Eastern medicine pharmacopoeia, vitamins, minerals and dietary advice.
2. (2) "Board" means the Oregon Medical Board for the State of Oregon.
3. (3) "Clinical training" means supervised clinical training which consists of diagnosis and actual patient treatment which includes insertion of acupuncture needles.
4. (4) "Committee" means the Acupuncture Advisory Committee.
5. (5) "Licensed Acupuncturist" means an individual authorized by the Board to practice acupuncture pursuant to ORS Chapter 677.

6. (6)

   1. (a) "Traditional Eastern medicine manual therapy" means methods of manual therapy, including manual mobilization, manual traction, compression, rubbing, kneading and percussion, with or without manual implements, for indications including limited range of motion, muscle spasm, pain, scar tissue, contracted tissue and soft tissue swelling, edema and inflammation, as described in instructional programs and materials of Traditional Eastern medicine or Asian health care.

   2. (b)

      1. (A) Traditional Eastern medicine manual therapy as practiced in Oregon does not include high-velocity, short-amplitude, manipulative thrusting procedures to the articulations of the spine or extremities.
      2. (B) Traditional Eastern medicine manual therapy as practiced in Oregon does not include internal pelvic massage (intravaginal, intra-anal, or intra-rectal) or genital massage.
7. (7) "Physician" means an individual licensed to practice medicine as a medical doctor or doctor of osteopathic medicine pursuant to ORS Chapter 677.
8. (8) “Traditional Eastern medicine” has the meaning given in ORS 677.010, as acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, regulated by ORS chapter 677 if the medicine is practiced within the context of a person’s license to practice acupuncture issued under ORS 677.757 to 677.770.

Statutory/Other Authority

ORS 677.265 & 677.759

Statutes/Other Implemented

ORS 677.265, 677.757, 677.759 & 677.780

History

OMB 5-2026, amend filed 01/12/2026, effective 01/12/2026
OMB 8-2020, amend filed 07/15/2020, effective 07/15/2020
OMB 3-2017, f. & cert. ef. 1-6-17
OMB 3-2015, f. & cert. ef. 1-13-15
BME 21-2008, f. & cert. ef. 7-21-08
ME 4-1995, f. & cert. ef. 5-3-95
ME 6-1993, f. & cert. ef. 4-22-93
ME 6-1984, f. & ef. 1-20-84
ME 9-1982, f. & ef. 10-27-82
ME 2-1981, f. & ef. 2-3-81
ME 4-1979, f. & ef. 5-1-79
ME 31, f. 9-9-75, ef. 10-11-75