How Acupuncture Can Help to Balance Your Hormones: A Natural Approach to Wellness

Hormones play a vital role in almost every function of the body, from mood regulation and metabolism to reproductive health and sleep patterns. When hormones are out of balance, it can lead to a variety of health issues, including fatigue, irregular cycles, weight gain, and stress. Acupuncture, an ancient practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), offers a natural and holistic approach to restoring hormonal balance and supporting overall well-being.

Understanding Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal imbalances occur when there is too much or too little of a particular hormone in the body. Common causes include stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, medical conditions, and environmental factors. These imbalances can manifest as menstrual irregularities, mood swings, fertility challenges, thyroid disorders, and even digestive issues.

How Acupuncture Supports Hormonal Balance

Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body to regulate energy flow, or Qi (pronounced "chee"). By enhancing circulation, reducing stress, and supporting organ function, acupuncture can help restore hormonal harmony in several key ways.

1. Regulating the Endocrine System

The endocrine system is responsible for hormone production and regulation. Acupuncture stimulates the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which helps modulate the production of hormones such as cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid hormones. By influencing these pathways, acupuncture can help bring hormones into balance naturally.

2. Reducing Stress and Cortisol Levels

Chronic stress is one of the leading causes of hormonal imbalances. High cortisol levels disrupt the production of reproductive hormones and thyroid function. Acupuncture is well known for its calming effects, reducing stress hormones and promoting relaxation. This, in turn, helps regulate other hormones that may be out of balance.

3. Supporting Menstrual Health and Fertility

For individuals dealing with irregular periods, PMS, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or fertility challenges, acupuncture can be a game-changer. By improving blood flow to the reproductive organs, regulating ovulation, and balancing estrogen and progesterone levels, acupuncture helps create a healthier reproductive system.

4. Enhancing Thyroid Function

The thyroid plays a crucial role in metabolism, energy levels, and hormonal balance. Acupuncture can support thyroid health by stimulating the nervous system and improving circulation, which may help those dealing with conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

5. Balancing Blood Sugar and Insulin Levels

Hormones like insulin play a key role in metabolic health. Acupuncture can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, making it a beneficial therapy for those dealing with conditions like diabetes, insulin resistance, or weight fluctuations.

When to Consider Acupuncture for Hormonal Balance

If you experience symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, irregular cycles, unexplained weight gain, or difficulty sleeping, acupuncture may be a valuable tool in your wellness routine. Many people see improvements after just a few sessions, but long-term benefits often require ongoing treatment.

What to Expect in an Acupuncture Session

During a session, a licensed acupuncturist will assess your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan. Fine needles are gently inserted into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and support hormone regulation. Many people find the experience relaxing, and some even fall asleep during treatment.

The Bottom Line

Acupuncture is a natural, non-invasive way to support hormonal balance, reduce stress, and promote overall health. Whether you're dealing with menstrual irregularities, fertility challenges, thyroid disorders, or other hormonal imbalances, acupuncture offers a holistic path to healing.

If you're ready to explore acupuncture for hormonal balance, we’re here to help. Contact us to learn more about how we can support your journey to optimal wellness!

Overindulge Over the Holiday Season? We're Here to Help.

Holidays are filled with fun, family, and food. If you’re now finding yourself feeling a bit bloated, exhausted, sluggish, or are even seeing the scale creep up a bit higher than usual, you’re not alone. We can help.

If you’re looking to lose a few unwanted inches or pounds, try our unique trademarked treatment, AcuSculpt. Combining acupuncture and massage, it can help you get back to your pre-holiday bod in no time.

A natural, alternative therapy to help in your weight loss efforts, the system was designed by NJ Acupuncture Center’s owner and main acupuncturist Ani Baran L.AC, AcuSculptÔ It’s scientifically targeted and aims to slim and tone using acupuncture immediately followed by a firm pressured massage.

First, acupuncture needles are strategically placed first within predetermined weight meridians as they work to stabilize qi, facilitate energy flow, and reduce leptin. Next, electro-acupuncture is used, as micrucurrent stimulation is sent between pairs of needles which targets the releasing of accumulated or difficult to target qui.

Next, it's time for the massage.  Instead of a traditional massage, a firm and stimulating massage is performed and helps to release retained gas, fluid and bloat in the abdomen area and the thighs.

When performed over time, it AcuSculpt will stimulate metabolism, regulate your bowels and help fight against fluid retention, bloating and gas.  Of course, it’s not a quick-fix, and should be used consistently while being supplemented by a moderate and healthful diet.

You’ll be weight at the beginning of the treatment cycle, as your progress and weight loss will be monitored.

SO if you’ve found that you’ve had one (or ten) too many Christmas cookies or cocktails and are feeling more like Santa and less like Vixen, have no fear. AcuSculpt is here.

Is it Fall allergies, or COVID-19?

We love everything about fall. Except, the allergies.

Pumpkins, cool air, falling leaves, scented candles, warm sweaters - we can’t get enough! But with it comes snifles, sneezes, eye irritation and dryness that we could seriously do without. Especially during a pandemic.

So, if your nose is runny, throat is sore and you’re panicking wondering, “Is this my allergies or could I have COVID? We can try to help. Recently, NBC reported some key differences we felt were worthwhile to share.

The NBC reporter spoke to Pam Angelillo, an allergy nurse at UConn Health. She said, “Ragweed season is pretty high right now and that will last pretty much until the end of September into October until we start to get some colder weather.” Combine this with the fact that mold-related allergies become more problematic when wet leaves to fall, and it can be quite unpleasant.

Discerning between allergies and COVID-19 can be a bit difficult, as Angelillo said, “I think it’s going to be difficult for a lot of people,” says Angelillo. “Allergies will not give you a fever.“

Though, “According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some of the overlapping symptoms are a cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, headache, sore throat, and congestion or runny nose.”

Regardless of what YOU may think, though, it’s very important to note that the CDC encourages anyone who is exhibiting signs of COVID-19 to get a test to confirm a diagnosis.

To help alleviate allergy symptoms, NBC reports that, “Dr. Angelillo recommends over the counter medications, washing your linens frequently, taking a shower after any outdoor activity, and as nice as it may be to sleep with the windows open as it gets cooler at night, keep your windows shut.”

And, she advised wearing and washing your mask frequently can help keep pollen, which can exacerbate your allergies, at bay as well.

Oh, and don’t forget acupuncture!

If you test negative for COVID-19 and know you’re suffering from seasonal allergies, acupuncture can help to calm histamine reactions, restore healthy blood flow, and reduce inflammation. This can improve your allergy symptoms significantly. So call or click here to book an appointment, today!

Yes - Acupuncture Can Help with #2, Too.

Nothing is worse than a pain in the butt. Literally.

Though often not discussed, hemorrhoids are a problem that are believed to affect at least 50% of the US population at some time in their adult life. While most people keep them private, if you’re suffering — you’re far from alone.

Hemorrhoids can range from being itchy, to being extremely painful depending on the type (internal or external) and the size. Those who suffer from them are eager to find relief and treatment, and fast.  While conservative treatment is always recommended initially, unfortunately many patients need to undergo surgical treatment or repair known as a hemorrhoidectomy.

But before taking any of those steps, acupuncture can help.

Because a leading cause of hemorrhoids is inflammation and swelling (something acupuncture combats quite well) a simple, noninvasive treatment may be all you need for relief.

In fact, according to AcupunctureToday.com, in addition to the traditional approach of acupuncture treatment for hemorrhoids  —while utilizing one, or a combination of the Du Mai points 1 ,2 ,3, 4, 5 and 6 is effective, there is also a “One-Point, One-Minute Acupuncture” method that might do the trick, too.

Developed by Carolina Beth, LAC, the Dua Mai 4 point (also known as Mingmen or Life’s Gate) is utilized. Located within the lumbar region near the second lumbar vertebra, it’s a powerful point also known to be used for importance, menstruation issues, diarrhea, and back pain. Manipulation of this point via acupuncture “increases the vital Yang energy of the patient, a therapeutic effect, which is very useful in this treatment of hemorrhoids,” says Beth.

Using her technique, the point is manipulated for one minute only, with the needle being stimulated by steady movement back and forth for the entire sixty seconds.  Beth shares two case studies that demonstrated the reported effectiveness, including a 62 year old woman who struggled with hemorrhoids  since pregnancy at age 26. With only one session, she reported being free of any symptoms over the course of the next seven months.

If you are suffering from hemorrhoids, give us a call and make an appointment. While our approach might be a bit different — we are eager to help restore health and happiness to all our clients.

Know the Different Types of Acupuncture

Acupuncture continues to grow across the world as a popular treatment for pain and symptoms of a number of diseases and conditions. Most of the time when you hear that someone has received acupuncture, you have one thing in mind. However, the term “acupuncture” has sort of become a catch-all for many different types of treatments that are available to patients. Since acupuncture is an ancient treatment, there have been updates and iterations over the years. Now, many different forms of acupuncture are out there, with their own strengths at treating different conditions. It’s always good to be informed, so we’ve put together a list for you of the most common types of treatments that often fall under the “acupuncture” umbrella.

Body Acupuncture – This is what likely comes to mind when you hear the word acupuncture. Tiny needles inserted into certain points and meridians along the body that regulate the flow of energy and promote healing.

Ear Acupuncture – Traditional Chinese Medicine says that the ear contains acupuncture points that can heal every area of the body. So, many acupuncturists will focus their acupuncture in the ear, using the same needles as in the body, whether on its own or in conjunction with body acupuncture points.

Electroacupuncture – Particularly useful for treating pain, electroacupuncture uses small clips on top of regular acupuncture needles to send an electric current in between two acupuncture needle points. The extra stimulation can improve the flow of energy between the points, helping heal pain.

Acupressure – Utilizing the knowledge of acupuncture points and meridians, acupressure pinpoints these same areas to heal pain, but uses massage and pressure instead of inserting a needle. Many acupuncturists will teach patients the proper areas, since patients can perform it themselves at home.

Moxibustion – When small amounts of herbs are placed on top body acupuncture needles and then lit, giving the area an extra boost of warmth.

Cupping – Usually done in tandem with acupuncture, cupping uses rubber or glass cups that are suctioned onto specific areas of the body. This can help when traditional body acupuncture needs a little bit of a boost when energy along a certain point has become stagnant. Cupping can leave marks on the body where the cup has suctioned on, but they are temporary.

Reasons to Incorporate Acupuncture in your Fall Routines

The kick-off of fall looks quite different than most of us remember. Back to school is … different. Football Sundays look…different. Pretty much everything is not what we’re used to and if you’re anything like us, you’re craving a sense of normalcy.

Let us help.

By incorporating acupuncture into your fall routine, you’ll not only be practicing self-care by prioritizing your health and wellness but you'll likely also reap these benefits, too.

• Relaxation.

• Alleviation of symptoms of anxiety and depression.

• Improved circulation.

• Reduced pain.

• Improved digestion.

• Better sleep.

• Improved mood.

• Reduction in allergy symptoms.

• Alleviate menstrual symptoms and pain.

• Help assist your fertility efforts.

• Strengthen the immune system.

If you’re looking to incorporate acupuncture into your self-care routine, we would love to help. Call or click here to book your appointment today!

HGTV Star Credits Acupuncture for Her Third Pregnancy

In a clip from her new show Christina on the Coast, HGTV star Christina Anstead said, “I know some people are going to think that all of this is a bit out there, but let me tell you, it works.”

What was she talking about? Acupuncture, of course.

Yep, Christina credits acupuncture for helping her to achieve her third, healthy pregnancy that resulted in her soon-to-be one-year-old son, Hudson.

In a recent article from People Magazine, Christine previously told them she “ 'didn’t think I could get pregnant anymore” ‘ because of her PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) diagnosis Her first child was conceived naturally with her ex-husband, Tarek El-Moussa, but her second came after two failed IVF treatments and a miscarriage. She added that while she can’t be 100% sure acupuncture was the solution her body needed, People reports she said that she found the practice’s stress-reducing effects “fascinating.”

She also said, “‘When I first worked with Sheila [her acupuncturist'] I told her I was having a lot of trouble getting pregnant, and then I had polycystic ovaries, and Sheila told me she could get me pregnant, and six days later I conceived Hudson.’”

In the episode, Christine tries to convince her best riend Cassie Zebisch to give acupuncture a try, and after a bit of convincing, she obliges.

The end result? She was relaxed and quiet within a few minutes.

We love helping women achieve their fertility goals, as well as turning non-believers into believers!

Call us or email us today to schedule your appointment!

Can Acupuncture Help Coronavirus Patients?

While right now there is no known cure for COVID-19, a new study suggests that acupuncture just might be able to help with the symptoms.

According to FOX News, a new study out of the Harvard Medical School found that acupuncture helped reduce inflammation in mice and improved their ability to help cope with cytokine storms — an overly aggressive immune response which has been found to lead to lung inflammation, pneumonia, and death in some COVID-19 patients.”

The findings came as no surprise to acupuncturist Sara Reznikoff, who said, “Acupuncture is fantastic at triggering the body’s innate healing abilities, helping with inflammation and calming the nervous system. I have seen great results at my practice, treating patients with post-COVID-19 symptoms.” And, “I’m glad that acupuncture is being considered in the fight against COVID19 — anything that helps.”

The specific results of the study showed that mice who were experiencing a cytokine storm had a 40% better chance of survival when they received electroacupuncture.

Acupuncture also worked great as a preventative practice for them, as mice who were treated with acupuncture BEFORE experiencing a cytokine storm had lower levels of inflammation than those who did not, and their survival rate increased significantly from 20-80%.

While there is more to learn about acupuncture’s role in helping COVID-19 patients, the results are promising.

At NJ Acupuncture Center, we, unfortunately, do not treat actively sick patients. (Though you can practice at-home acupressure for symptom relief!) However, after testing negative for COVID-19, we can help you treat any lingering symptoms and help you to feel yourself again.

How Does CBD Help?

CBD is having a serious moment. For nearly 2 years now the CBD has taken over the wellness industry, and for good reason! It’s a natural, powerful way to heal.

Here at NJ Acupuncture Center, we are firm believers in the powers of CBD, and thats why we also offer it (complementary!) in our therapies.

Short for cannabidiol, CBD is a popular natural remedy used for many ailments — ranging from stress, pain, sleep problems, and more.

Better known as CBD, it is one of the 100+ compounds that can be found in the marijuana plant Cannibis, yet it’s absent of THC which is the ”drug” or mind-altering component. It’s extracted and then mixed with a carrier oil to be applied to the skin, or ingested.

Plus, since it doesn’t contain THC, it’s completely safe, and legal.

CBD has many positives, and the two that we are most excited about here at NJ Acupuncture Center are its pain relieving properties, as well as its impact on anxiety and depression.

Pain

Medicinal marijuana is commonly used in places it is approved, but what about CBD? Recently, it’s been discovered that it is quite effective, too.

Studies have shown that those with chronic pain may find relief in using CBD, because it impacts endocannabinoid receptor activity within the body. In fact, Healthline reports, “Several human studies have found that a combination of CBD and THC is effective in treating pain related to multiple sclerosis and arthritis.”

Mood

Emotional and behavioral struggles that affect so many, those who suffer from anxiety and/or depression can benefit, too.

Luckily, the use of CBD oil has shown to be effective in helping to alleviate symptoms naturally. According to Healthline, “In one study, 24 people with social anxiety disorder received either 600 mg of CBD or a placebo before a public speaking test. The group that received the CBD had significantly less anxiety, cognitive impairment and discomfort in their speech performance, compared to the placebo group.”

It has also shown to have positive antidepressant-like effects in several animal studies, and it’s believed CBD can help to increase serotonin.

Be sure to ask us about CBD and how we can incorporate it into both your treatments and your daily wellness routines.

Acupuncture and Cytokine Storms

One of the most recent acupuncture studies has just revealed promising results — acupuncture was shown to activate “different signaling pathways that triggered either a pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory response in animals with bacterially induced systemic inflammation.” Essentially, the treatment was shown to dampen a potentially fatal “cytokine storm” which is defined as a “severe immune reacting in which the body releases too many cytokines into the blood too quickly.”

Having a large amount of cytokines released at once can be quite harmful, and is usually the result of an infection, an autoimmune disorder, or other diseases. It can also occur after treatments that include immunotherapy.

Why was this study important?

We are constantly looking for scientific data to back up what we already know to be the true power of acupuncture. This is another positive piece of evidence, albeit in mice.

According to Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News, the lead investigators out of this Harvard study believe, “that the experiments will help to define the neuroanatomical mechanisms underlying acupuncture, and offer a roadmap for harnessing the technique to help treat inflammatory diseases.”

They said, ““Our findings represent an important step in ongoing efforts not only to understand the neuroanatomy of acupuncture but to identify ways to incorporate it into the treatment arsenal of inflammatory diseases, including sepsis.”

We look forward to following more on this, and are proud that our practice has once again proven to be effective in healing and health.

Holistic Ways to Handle PMS

We’ve spoken about how powerful acupuncture can be for female and reproductive health, so we love when we see it getting the attention it deserves.

Recently, acupuncture was included in SHAPE Magazine’s guide entitled “Holistic PMS Treatments to Help You Get a Handle On Your Hormones.”

Writer Jillian Dara reported that nearly 90% of all women experience symptoms of PMS during the luteal phase of their menstrual cycles, with symptoms ranging from the actual bleeding phase and cramps, to bloating, fatigue, headaches, breakouts and mood changes.  The hormone fluctuations can be no fun, but there are ways to manage that don’t include medications or hormonal replacement.

OF COURSE acupuncture is one. Acupuncture will help manage pain, promote relaxation and mood, restore circulation to reduce inflammation, and help with hormones.  But other treatments can be used in conjunction with acupuncture to help get through PMS, too!  When used together, it can be even better.

Exercise, nutrition, supplements, and CBD products were also recommended in the article, and we always recommend these to our patients as well.

By now you know that what you eat has a direct effect on your health, as does exercise and making sure you move your body each day in ways that feel right for you. We’re strong supporters of CBD and believe in its health benefits, as does Angela Le, D.A.C.M., L.A.C., a doctor of Chinese medicine and founder of Fifth Avenue Fertility Wellness.

Le who was quoted in the article as saying, “"In general, CBD helps with mood imbalances, improves resilience, and can relax the smooth muscle to minimize uterine cramps [when ingested or applied topically.]”

If you suffer from the symptoms of PMS, you don’t have to. Schedule an appointment today for consultation, acupuncture and CBD oil massage to help alleviate your symptoms and improved health!

Expecting? Here's How Acupuncture Can Help Your Pregnancy Symptoms

Whether you’re newly pregnant or are in the throes of an uncomfortable third trimester, you know all too well the ups and downs of pregnancy.

Sure, it’s a total miracle that we are grateful for. But that doesn’t mean it is easy on our bodies!

Whether you’re struggling with prenatal anxiety, aches and pains from the added weight and pressure of your baby, pregnancy-related insomnia, nausea, restless leg syndrome, or a few other symptoms, we’re here to help.

Yes, acupuncture can and does help relieve many of the physical and mental woes that come along with the pregnancy territory.

According to the famed What to Expect website, science has studied that can relieve the following pregnancy symptoms:

• Morning sickness (acupuncture points around the rest can be targeted. to help reduce unpleasant nausea and vomiting that might come along, especially in the first trimester.) 

• Lower back and pelvic pain (You're bound to have some aches and pains as your uterus expands and you're gaining weight. According to the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, acupuncture can help relieve this by targeting points on the ear. In fact, a study revealed that 80% of women in a group who had this type of treatment had a clinically significant reduction in pain, compared to 56$ of women who had "fake" acupuncture, and 36% of women who received no treatment.) 

• Depression (Hormones are bound to make your emotions feel a little out of whack, but actual depression while preggo is fairly common too, affecting nearly 25% of women. In a study from the journal titled Obstetrics & Gynecology, a clinical trial revealed that 65% of  clinically depressed pregnant women who received acupuncture specifically for depression responded to treatment, while only 44% of women who received general acupuncture or massage responded.) 

• Headaches (Restoring the balance of qi and blood flow can help to relieve the pain brought on by pregnancy-induced headaches.)

• Sleep Problems (Though pregnancy is exhausting, many women find it difficult to sleep. Acupuncture can help people restore their sleep cycles and get meaningful rest, whether they are pregnant or not.) 

There is a slew of other supportive articles too.

Here, WebMD outlines how acupuncture can help with pregnancy-related pelvic pain,

And here, Shape magazine discusses the safety of acupuncture while pregnant — where our very own Ani Baran, LaC is quoted!

If you’re looking to ease some of your pregnancy aches, pains, and symptoms, give us a call or click here to book today.

The Benefits of Massage When Paired with Acupuncture

Acupuncture is excellent on its own, but it's even better when combined with a massage!

We're excited to announce that as of this week, all new clients will receive a free, 30-minute massage on us.

When combined, acupuncture and massage are effective at restoring circulation, pain management, promoting relaxation, providing an improved range of motion, and more!

As outlined by the American Institute of Alternative Medicine, “Acupuncture and massage therapy have been shown to provide effective forms of stress relief. This can help improve emotional and mental well-being and ease symptoms associated with specific mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression.”

Of course, the therapies are successful on their own. But when they are combined, their efficacy has been shown to increase even more.

The AIAM explains, “Acupuncture and massage relieve stress by restoring a healthy flow of energy, or qi, throughout the body. Acupuncture does so through the use of needles placed in specific parts of the body, while massage therapy targets certain muscles and other parts of the body in order to relieve tension.”

Plus, who couldn't use a calming, therapeutic, massage right now?

To book your first appointment and free 30-minute massage,  click here, or call us at (201) 668-0343.

Virtual Acupuncture? During COVID-19, Anything Goes

Here at NJ Acupuncture, we keep up with all things acupuncture. So we were pleasantly surprised when we saw a recent article in Bustle that discussed a virtual acupuncture experience.

While we wholeheartedly believe in the power of real, authentic in-person acupuncture and are offering safely following all COVID-19 precautions, we were so interested in this experience.

Here’s what happened.

Pre-pandemic Bustle writer Kaitlyn Wylde had intentions of seeking acupuncture treatment for her chronic migraines. Given the circumstances now, however, she opted for Virtual Acupuncture via Zoom. (Something we don’t provide or recommend, but a fascinating experience nonetheless.)

While Zoom-ing with a Philadelphia based acupuncturist, she was, directed in performing self-acupuncture, “placing stickers with itty bitty needles attached to my feet, ears, and knees.”

She explained, “Despite Mavros' best efforts at letting me know if I was hot or cold as I moved the screen down to my legs, I was never exactly confident that I got the right spot.”

The acupuncturist also noted that while virtual acupuncture “still has positive effects” it is “undeniably different.”

Once placed, Kaitlyn was instructed to take a 30 minute nap, then remove the sticker-needles. The results?

She said. “When I awoke from my late-morning snooze, I did feel as though my migraine had loosened up a bit. After my first experience with acupuncture, I can see the benefit of doing it in person; I kept finding myself wanting to surrender to the treatment.” She said while she did awaken feeling better, she was confident she’d be more comfortable if she was able to see her acupuncturist in person.

If you’re considering acupuncture, please know our office is providing a safe, sanitized space for all your acupuncture needs.

Backache? You're Not Alone. Improve your WFH Posture.

As we approach over four months of working from home, quarantining, and social distancing, the community at large can agree that we’ve never done so much sitting in our lives.

Whether you’re sitting at your desk, working from your couch or bed, or are binging in Netflix, our now more-sedentary-than-ever-before lifestyles can wreak havoc on our musculoskeletal system (and more) and cause physical pain. When you factor in lack of movement, changes in nutrition, stress, lack of routine, and missing out on social opportunities it can feel as though your life has been turned upside down (because it has!) The last thing you need is a back or neck ache on top of it.

Ergonomics (pretty much how you sit when you’re working) is super important, especially now that we’re at home. How you sit can directly impact your posture, circulation, and pressure on your joints and muscles.

A recent post by Time magazine highlighted these issues in their April post titled, “Getting Back Pain While Working From Home? An Ergonomics Expert Offers Advice.” They offered the following 10 tips.

1. View your computer screen with a straight neck.

2. Put your screen sideways to a bright window.

3. View any paper documents with a straight neck.

4. Put your keyboard and mouse or touchpad at a comfortable height in front of you.

5. Don’t use a soft, squishy wrist rest.

6. Alternate between typing/mousing and using voice input.

7. Sit back in your chair.

8. When sitting, rest your feet flat on either the floor or foot support.

9. Limit the time you work on your bed.

10. Avoid prolonged standing for computer work.

You can also look into purchasing posture-friendly supports, and try to change up where you work from time to time. Be sure to take lots of water breaks, walking around your home to get in some movement, or even set a timer on your phone to go off every 20 minutes, reminding you to move and take a breath!

As you incorporate these new tips, we at NJ Acupuncture Center are here to help you heal and minimize your existing back and neck pain. Call or click here to schedule an appointment today!

Manage Your Migraines with Acupuncture

With approximately 28 million Americans currently suffering from migraines, we are proud to offer acupuncture care that is aimed at helping manage migraine pain, frequency, and intensity.

A recent post by the Journal Advocate one again hi-lights the power of acupuncture, especially when combined with chiropractic care, to help patients in managing their migraines. Their most recent article addresses the issues with current treatment methods for migraines.

“The most common treatment for migraine involves drugs and medications that cause a number of unpleasant side effects like nausea, dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, etc. These medicines just suppress the symptoms of migraines; they do not eliminate the root cause of the problem. Thus, if the patient stops taking the medicines or forgets to take them on time, the attacks return and are often more severe in nature.”

As acupuncturists, we believe in treating the root of the problem while also helping to manage symptoms.

By restoring the balance of qi within the body, stimulating circulation, reducing inflammation and promoting less stress and feel-good hormones, acupuncture can help make your migraines more manageable and thus, improve your quality of life.

If you or someone you know suffers from chronic migraines and hasn’t yet tried acupuncture, a migraine-free future may be just a treatment away.

Read more on how acupuncture helps migraines, here.

Acupuncture for Cancer Pain

Unfortunately, the incidence of various cancers throughout the country is consistently increasing and is quite common. In 2018 alone it was estimated that 1,735,350 new cases of cancer would be diagnosed in the United States and that 609,640 people would die from the disease.

A cancer diagnosis can turn your life upside down, with many medical appointments, treatment sessions, therapies, side effects, and symptoms. One of the more common and heartbreaking symptoms is pain which can significantly alter your quality of life.

We are very grateful that acupuncture can help with cancer-related pain, and research supports that it can, too.

A recent study published by JAMA Oncology included over 17 trials across 1,111 patients battling various cancers who received acupuncture and acupressure treatment. The results showed that these alternative therapies are associated with reduced cancer pain and decreased use of pain medications, which can have unpleasant and sometimes dangerous side effects of their own.

(In fact, decreased use of pain medications is one of our driving forces here at NJ Acupuncture Center — as we witness the growing opioid epidemic and are dedicated to improving patients’ pain without pharmaceuticals. )

If you or a loved one are struggling with cancer-related pain, we are ready and willing to help support you along your journey.

How We're Keeping You Safe

At NJ Acupuncture Center we are fully committed to keeping you safe and healthy throughout these unprecedented times. Here are some of the precautions our offices are taking to ensure the healthiest environment possible during your acupuncture treatments.

• Masks. All staff and patients are required to wear masks at all times in our facilities.

• Monitoring Vitals. All patients and staff will be required to have their temperature and oxygen levels checked.

• Sanitizing. All high touch points (door knobs, light switches, restroom handles and sinks, etc.) will be routinely sanitized using hospital-grade disinfectants throughout the day. Hand sanitizer is readily available throughout the offices as well. All tables are sanitized in between patients with fresh paper barriers, too.

• Trusted staff. All of our staff at NJ Acupuncture Center take your health seriously while at work, and at home. Our staff is fully committed to following state guidelines on social distancing both professionally and personally.

• Adjusted scheduling. We have adjusted our scheduling to provide more time in between patients for sanitizing, as well as to reduce the amount of patients in our waiting room at any given time. To comply with social distancing, there will be no more than one person seated in our waiting area at once.

Both our Bayonne and Jersey City locations are open to serve you, Monday - Friday, 10AM-5PM. Book your next appointment by clicking here.

Acupuncture for Acne, Again!

At NJ Acupuncture Center we are firm believers in the healing powers of acupuncture for skin problems — especially acne. We’ve seen the results for ourselves, but it always feels good to see it covered and discussed elsewhere.

Just last week, Women’s Health interviewed experts on the topic. Here are some highlights from the article, which was shared as part of their Acne Week 2020 series.

Facial acupuncture could help acne by addressing underlying causes like hormonal imbalances.

As we’ve previously explained, acupuncture can help with a slew of hormonal issues that are related to women’s health and for many, this encompasses skin issues as well. By restoring the balance of Qi, reducing inflammation, and promoting relaxation and less stress, acupuncture can help restore the balance that may enable the skin to clear.

Identifying the Root Cause

In order to best treat the patient, it’s imperative to uncover the root cause. Then, it can be treated in a targeted way. The article explains, “In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the region of your face where you’re breaking out (think: your chin vs. your cheeks) can be an indicator of the root cause,” so a thorough initial assessment is key.

It Requires Consistency

Like most good things in life, acupuncture treatment for acne will require a bit of consistency in order to provide lasting improvement. Similar to what the article states, we recommend coming in once to twice a week for about 2-3 months, and then twice a month maintenance treatments over time.

If you’re struggling with acupuncture and are interested in pursuing a minimally invasive and holistic approach, call to schedule a consultation and appointment today!