In light of recent coverage in the New York Times and growing concerns over tariffs affecting the supply of Chinese herbs, Kamwo CEO Dr. Thomas Leung shares this message to the profession about unity, readiness, and the road ahead.
Image: Andres Kudacki for The New York Times
Thank you to everyone who reached out with kind words after the New York Times article. I’m truly grateful for the support and solidarity.
But this story isn’t about me, or Beth, or any one person. It’s about all of us.
The tariff increases we’re facing are unlike anything our profession has dealt with before. Access to high-quality herbs—the foundation of so much of our work—is under serious pressure. This isn’t theoretical. It’s already disrupting shipments, increasing costs, and creating real challenges for clinics, patients, and dispensaries across the country.
Let’s be honest: traditional Chinese medicine is a small part of a much larger trade conflict. Industries with far more economic weight are also feeling the strain, and we’re unlikely to influence national policy on our own. But that doesn’t mean we’re powerless.
I’d like to channel the momentum from this moment into something more lasting: an opportunity to strengthen the fabric of our profession. We need greater unity, and that begins with connection and participation. Our state associations—many of which work closely with the American Society of Acupuncturists (ASA)—are quietly doing the work to protect access, influence policy, and advocate for the future of this field.
If this profession is important to you, consider staying involved. Join your local organization. Stay informed. Support the efforts that are already underway to keep this medicine accessible, respected, and sustainable.
We may not be able to control global trade policy—but we can choose how we show up for one another, and how we prepare for what’s next.
Let’s not wait for the next crisis to remind us how much stronger we are when we’re connected.
Let’s stay grounded, stay informed, and move forward—together.