Dr. Louis Lei Jin, DAOM, Dipl. OM(NCCAOM), L.Ac (WI & TX)
Hi Everyone,
Based on popular demand from the ASA Council leaders and members, I am excited to announce the official release of my hip-hop-inspired single, “Acupuncture Anthem” This track was created to energize our profession, honor our collective achievements, and inspire resilience as we face new challenges. The anthem premiered at our 10th-anniversary banquet in Arlington, VA, and was featured again at the end of the conference’s closing ceremony. It seeks to blend a spirit of triumph with grounded determination – a rallying call to continue advocating, educating, and advancing acupuncture together with unity and endurance.
You can watch and listen here: https://vimeo.com/1081178595
For a deeper appreciation of the song’s message, below is a self-reflective (and admittedly subjective) lyrical analysis.
If my message resonates with you, I encourage you to share it widely with your state association boards, committees, and members at large, and even on our socials. and no, I am not asking for a commission 🙂 Together, let’s amplify our collective voice and continue grow and advance our Acupuncture profession!
With gratitude,
Louis Jin aka DocJin
Acupuncture Anthem – Unity in Strength!
The American Society of Acupuncturists (ASA) celebrated its tenth anniversary at its annual conference in Arlington VA, April 26-27, 2025, a significant milestone that prompts both celebration and introspection.
This turning point is a moment to reflect on the organization’s achievements—uniting practitioners, advancing acupuncture’s legitimacy, and overcoming skepticism in a Western-dominated medical landscape.
Simultaneously, it’s a moment to look forward, anticipating challenges like regulatory hurdles, cultural misunderstandings, and the need to innovate while staying true to the roots of Chinese Medicine (CM). DocJin, a 4th generation CM practitioner and a hip-hop enthusiast from the lone-star state, created a hip-hop song called “Acupuncture Anthem’, with only a moments’ notice, to help the ASA rally the profession, honor its legacy, and inspire resilience for the future.
The rap’s tone is both triumphant and grounded, acknowledging the grind and the persistent obstacles. It’s a call to action for acupuncturists to continue clinical dedication, public education, research, and advocacy while adapting to a rapidly changing world. The foreshadowing lies in the emphasis on endurance, unity, and bridging cultural divide.
Verse-by-Verse Analysis / Commentary by DocJin:
Intro:
“Yo, yo, DocJin on the mic, shout out to my fellow professional backstabbers,
No more creepin’ in shadows,
it’s time to face the matters. Sometimes you gotta pop out and catch that real Vitamin D.
Let’s break free,
Unlock the world, just you and me!”
Verse 1: Celebration and Unity
“Yo, needle kings & queens, raise a glass, let’s boast,
ASA’s TEN, we’re the talk of the coast!
United we grind, no test too tough,
Swingin’ for the fence, away from the rough.
Ten years deep, we’ve rocked with y’all,
Burnin’ midnight oil, we heed your call.
ASA’s spark, it blazes and shines,
Igniting the charge, where energy aligns!”
Analysis:
Verse 1 aimed to set a celebratory tone, honoring the ASA’s ten-year journey. The “needle kings & queens” represent us acupuncturists who have dedicated themselves to mastering their craft. The phrase “talk of the coast” depicts the ASA’s growing influence, referencing its impact on both the East and West
coasts of the U.S., where acupuncture has gained much traction. The imagery of “swingin’ for the fence” conveys ambition and resilience, while “away from the rough” alludes to overcoming early struggles, such as skepticism from Western medicine or regulatory barriers, a unique set of “golfing bars”. The emphasis on unity via phrase (“united we grind”) foreshadows the need for collective strength to face future challenges, as ASA’s success depends on its ability to maintain solidarity among state associations and its members. The “spark” that “blazes and shines” hints at the organization’s potential to ignite broader acceptance of CM, but only if it continues to align its energy and vision. This verse reflects on ASA’s past achievements—establishing a profession, gaining recognition, and persevering through adversity. It also looks forward, as we are poised to make a larger impact if it harnesses its collective momentum.
Verse 2: Challenges and Authenticity
“Brag aside, truth be told — challenges persist,
Some duck smoke, others twist and resist.
They’d be clout-chasin with no depth,
No Tao, no drip — can’t decrypt the myth.
This ain’t a sprint, we on marathon’s pace,
Restockin’ needles daily, keepin’ qi in place,
Turnin’ pain into dust — our story’s bold,
We don’t just bend, we can withstand the cold.”
Analysis:
Verse 2 shifts to a more introspective tone, acknowledging the ongoing challenges facing ASA and its members. “Challenges persist” refers to external obstacles (e.g., insurance coverage issues, regulatory restrictions) and internal ones (e.g., maintaining authenticity in a commercialized wellness industry). The reference to a “marathon’s pace” foreshadows the long-term commitment required to elevate acupuncture’s status. The ASA must navigate a landscape where superficial trends threaten to dilute CM’s depth. By “restockin’ needles daily” and “keepin’ qi in place,” the verse indicates that the steadfast dedication of acupuncturists to clinical practice and education will ensure the profession’s enduring relevance. “Turnin’ pain into dust — Our story’s bold” lines use metaphor and rhyme to convey the healing power of acupuncture, positioning it as both a physical and mental fortifier. It uses vivid imagery to describe how acupuncture alleviates pain, effectively erasing it to nothing but ashes or dust and invites listeners to learn more about the practice and its transformative effects, setting up a narrative arc typical in storytelling. “We don’t just bend, we can withstand the cold.” highlights resilience and strength, suggesting that those who practice or benefit from acupuncture are not only flexible (able to “bend”) but also tough enough to endure harsh conditions (“withstand the cold”). This can be further interpreted as a metaphor for enduring life’s challenges and discomforts, much like how acupuncture is used to manage pain and promote well-being. The rhyme between “bold” and “cold” ties the couplet together, a classic rap technique for cohesion and flow. The juxtaposition of “bend” (flexibility) and “withstand the cold” (resilience) adds depth to the message, reflecting the dual benefits of acupuncture-adaptability and strength.
Verse 3: Holistic Healing and Cultural Bridge
“Nature’s cures is all we know,
Sages’ oath, we make it grow.
Holistic vibes from head to toe,
Thread the brokens to make ‘em whole.
Needles and moxa, yeah, they do the body right,
Herbs and cups in the mix, keep your energy tight.
East meets the West, bridging the gap,
Neijing’s words, transcend every map.”
Analysis:
Verse 3 celebrates acupuncture’s holistic philosophy, rooted in nature and ancient wisdom (“sages’ oath”). The Neijing (Huangdi Neijing, a foundational CM text) is invoked to emphasize the timelessness of acupuncture’s principles. “East meets the West” highlights ASA’s role in helping integrating CM with Western medicine, making acupuncture accessible to diverse populations. The tools of the trade—needles, moxa stocks/cones, herbs, and cupping—are celebrated as common CM modalities to restore balance and “keep your energy tight.” The phrase “bridging the gap” foreshadows the ASA’s potential to lead a global movement in integrative medicine. By blending Eastern and Western approaches, ASA can expand acupuncture’s reach, but this requires overcoming cultural misunderstandings and proving its efficacy through research and advocacy. The line “thread the brokens to make ‘em whole” suggests a broader societal role for acupuncture in healing not just individuals but communities fragmented by stress or disconnection in this day and age. Reflecting on the past, this verse further acknowledges ASA’s success in promoting holistic healing and gaining a foothold in Western healthcare. It also envisions ASA as a cultural bridge, with the potential to redefine healthcare if it can navigate the complexities of integration.
Verse 4: Balance and Resilience
“No stray stabs, each point precise,
Mind, body, soul — not left to dice.
Yin meets Yang, in balance we stay,
Harmony’s rhythm guides our way.
Worn-out souls, we help to heal,
Planting hope, restoring what’s real.
Climb is steep, but we don’t fall—
With dawn’s first light, we rise up tall.
No pills, no potions, earning our praise.
Acupuncture’s art, the time can’t erase.”
Outtro:
“Word…We love acupuncture forever y’all, this is DocJin, your favorite lyrical acupuncturist in the game, I
drop verses as precise as my pins and needles. Now let’s go drink up some gin and tonic laced with ancient
herbal wisdom, wrapped with hip-hop rhythms, Well, that’s it, that’s our story of the day, and we’re
STICKING to it… get it? hahah
Love y’all, peace OUT –“
mic-drop
Analysis:
This final verse 4 underscores the precision and intentionality of acupuncture from acupuncturists, both in practice (“each point precise”) and philosophy (“Yin meets Yang”). It positions acupuncturists as healers of “worn-out souls,” addressing modern ailments like burnout and disconnection. The absence of “pills, no potions” distinguishes acupuncture from pharmaceutical-driven Western medicine, emphasizing its natural, time-tested approach. The focus on “harmony’s rhythm” foreshadows ASA’s future as a stabilizing force in healthcare, promoting balance in an imbalanced world. The line “planting hope, restoring what’s real” suggests a legacy of healing that extends beyond physical treatment to fostering hope and authenticity, highlighting ASA’s impact on patients and its commitment to CM values. However, the “steep” climb also hints at upcoming battles—either regulatory, financial, or cultural—that the ASA must prepare for, reflects the ongoing challenges of advocacy and acceptance, but the resolve to “rise up tall” conveys ASA’s unwavering determination. This verse encapsulates ASA’s journey as one of hope, resilience, and authenticity, while rejecting pharmaceutical “pills and potions”, ASA affirms acupuncture’s natural healing based unique identity. Calling acupuncture an “art time can’t erase” which honors the tradition’s endurance.
Final remarks:
Over the past ten years, ASA has transformed skepticism into trust, forged a vibrant profession, and safeguarded the essence of CM. This anthem pays tribute to the practitioners whose dedication kept the flame alive, while envisioning a future where Eastern and Western healing unite in harmony. Bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary artistry, the song embodies ASA’s mission—seamlessly integrating CM into modern healthcare. It is both a reflection on the past and a bold call to action, championing unity, authenticity, and visionary progress. Now, as ASA stands at the threshold of a new era, the promise of broader recognition and meaningful policy reform shines on the horizon. Yet challenges persist—ensuring equitable access, preserving TCM’s integrity, and upholding rigorous standards. Growth must never come at the cost of compromise.
Rooted in Taoist principles yet ignited by modern passion, this anthem rallies the profession to move forward as one. ASA stands as guardian and guide—protecting the soul of CM while pioneering its rightful place in the future of global medicine.
From Google:
DocJin – A 4th-generation Chinese Medicine (CM) practitioner and hip hop enthusiast from Texas, best known for blending his expertise in acupuncture with his passion for rap to advocate for the profession and inspire unity for acupuncturists. DocJin is a rising figure within the contemporary acupuncture and CM world, using hip hop as a tool for advocacy and education.
“Acupuncture Anthem” and the ASA – DocJin began to gain recognition within the acupuncture profession for creating the hip hop track “Acupuncture Anthem ” for the American Society of Acupuncturists (ASA) 10th anniversary in 2025. With only moments’ notice, he wrote and played the song at the ASA conference to rally practitioners, honor the ASA’s achievements, and inspire resilience for the future. The song’s tone is both triumphant and grounded, acknowledging the ongoing challenges faced by acupuncturists in the U.S., such as regulatory hurdles and cultural misunderstandings Style and Message – DocJin’s rap lyrics first depict the celebration of the ASA’s decade-long journey and the unity among practitioners, while acknowledging persistent challenges, including skepticism from Western medicine and the need to maintain authenticity. Emphasis on holistic healing, bridging Eastern and Western medical traditions, and the enduring relevance of acupuncture. A call to action for practitioners to continue their clinical dedication, public education, research, and advocacy while adapting to a changing world.
Cultural Impact – The “Acupuncture Anthem” serves several purposes: It acts as a motivational rallying cry for the acupuncture profession, emphasizing endurance, unity, and the bridging of cultural divides. The song and its commentary highlight the importance of maintaining CM’s roots while innovating and integrating with mainstream healthcare. DocJin’s work exemplifies how contemporary artistry (hip hop) can be used to promote and preserve ancient healing traditions, making them accessible and relevant to a broader audience.
Dr. Louis Lei Jin, DAOM, Dipl. OM(NCCAOM), L.Ac (WI & TX)
Mobile (Call/Text): 1-262-993-8388
Email: louisleijin@gmail.com