Dr. Lixing Lao is a distinguished expert in the field of Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine, bringing over 40 years of clinical experience and research to the VUIM Clinic. As the President, Professor, and Chief Acupuncturist of the Virginia University of Integrative Medicine, Dr. Lao is dedicated to providing Whole-Person healthcare solutions to his patients.  

Current Roles  

• President and Professor: Virginia University of Integrative Medicine (VUIM)

• Director: Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM) Program at VUIM

• Elected Vice President: World Federation of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Societies (WFAS) 

• Immediate Past Secretary General: Consortium for Globalization of Chinese Medicine (CGCM) 

• Immediate Past Editor in Chief: Journal of Integrative Medicine 

• Associate Editor: Medical Acupuncture 

• Board Member and Former Co-President: Society for Acupuncture Research (SAR)  

Professional Experience  

Dr. Lao has held numerous prestigious positions throughout his career. As a full-professor of Family Medicine, he taught at the Center for Integrative Medicine of the University of Maryland School of Medicine between 1992 and 2013. In 2013, he became the Director of the School of Chinese Medicine at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), where he held the Endowed Professorship in Integrative Medicine from 2014 to 2019. Since October 2019, Dr. Lao has been serving as the President of VUIM, where he also teaches Acupuncture, Tuina (Asian Bodywork/Manual Therapy), Clinical Training, Research (evidence-based medicine), and advanced acupuncture courses in the DAOM program. Additionally, he mentors capstone projects for VUIM's Doctoral program students.  

Research and Publications  

As a well-known researcher in the Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine field, Dr. Lao has been the principal investigator and co-investigator of over 20 clinical trials and pre-clinical studies funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF) in Hong Kong. 

He has actively published over 300 journal articles and 20 book chapters and has been invited to give over 360 presentations at local, national, and international conferences. His contributions to Acupuncture research and methodology are widely recognized.  

Editorial and Board Roles  

Dr. Lao served as a Board member on the Maryland State Board of Acupuncture for five years. He was the Editor in Chief at the American Acupuncturist, American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AAAOM) in 2009. From 2010 to 2020, he was the Editor of the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (ECAM).  

Specialties and Treatment Philosophy  

Dr. Lao specializes in treating a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, stress-related disorders, and internal diseases. His approach to Acupuncture is deeply rooted in the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, emphasizing the balance of mind, body, and spirit. By integrating modern scientific knowledge with ancient healing techniques, Dr. Lao ensures that his patients receive personalized and comprehensive care.  

Personal Philosophy  

Dr. Lao believes that true healing extends beyond physical symptoms, encompassing emotional and spiritual well-being. His compassionate and patient-centered approach has earned him a reputation as a trusted and caring practitioner.