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!

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!

What You'll Feel at your First Acupuncture Appointment

Yes, acupuncture uses needles. But no, acupuncture doesn’t hurt. We promise!

But if you can’t take our word for it, this week MindBodyGreen did an excellent feature that explains what to expect, and what you might feel at your first appointment.

Writer Sarah Reagan recounted her first acupuncture encounter where she was pleasantly surprised there was no pain. She explains, “First, it's worth noting that everyone responds to acupuncture differently. For me, certain needles, or filaments, caused a dull ache, but beyond that I didn't really feel them at all—partially because they are so thin. There were occasionally sensitive spots, like my knees and hips, but I've since been told that there was a purpose to those sensations.”

A licensed acupuncturist in Buffalo, NY, Toni Haugen, L.Ac, explains that while the acuneedles are inserted and adjusted, “I explain to the patients they may feel a mild, dull, and achy sensation that will immediately begin to fade," Haugen says. "It's a feeling that exists on the interior of the body and feels more like the body responding to stimulus and not like something has been inserted into the skin.”

Once inserted, the patient lays down and relaxes for 10-30 minutes while the healing happens. During this time, it’s not uncommon to feel slight tingling or heaviness, relaxation, warmth in the extremities, or relaxing or previously contracted or tight muscles.

As far as after the treatment? The writer explains, “After the filaments are removed, many people report feeling a bit dreamy—myself included. It doesn't feel like much at all to have the needles quickly pulled out at the end, and once you're done, you'll begin feeling the actual effects of the treatment (though not always immediately).”

Eager to experience acupuncture for the first time? Call us or book your first appointment online, today!

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.

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.

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!

Feeling Anxious Before an Operation? Acupuncture Can Help.

Facing an upcoming operation or procedure can be anxiety-inducing. With so many questions, uncertainties and concerns, it’s common to be feeling scared, nervous or anxious. It’s also quite normal to feel stressed out or worried about what your recovery will be like.

How will you feel? Will there be pain? What will your limitations be?

While we, unfortunately, can’t be there to hold your hand, you may be surprised to know that acupuncture can help you to relax and recharge both before and after an operation.

Here’s how.

According to a study published by Cision entitled Acupuncture and Surgery: Relieve Anxiety Before and Reduce Discomfort After, Dr. Constance Chen (a plastic surgeon and breast specialist) explains, “Acupuncture can effectively reprogram the body to switch from the 'fight-or-flight' stress response to rest and relaxation.”

She adds, “The precise mechanism that causes this effect isn't known but it may be due to acupuncture increasing the body's production of endorphins, the natural hormones that counteract inflammation, pain, and stress.”

The study further explains that in some studies, “ perioperative acupuncture has been found to reduce stress and anxiety before surgery, reduce the need for opioids during surgery, and decrease both pain and post-operative nausea and vomiting after surgery.

Perhaps even more interesting?

According to the article, acupuncture performed DURING surgery, “in combination with conventional anesthesia can reduce the dose of opioids needed and provide a more comfortable post-operative experience than anesthesia alone.” And then after surgery, “Acupuncture can help alleviate pain and reduce the amount of medication needed to control it. Post-operative acupuncture may also promote the recovery of the immune system, bladder function, and the gastrointestinal tract.”

This is just even more evidence of the incredible healing powers of acupuncture. If you’re facing an upcoming surgery and would like pre or post-operative acupuncture, call our office or click here to book an appointment today!

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!

Wrist Pain? Let Acupunture Help

With most of us spending more and more time on our laptops, tablets, smartphones and other devices, it’s no wonder we may be experiencing a surge in wrist and hand pain.

After-all, the curved and repetitive motions of typing and texting are unnatural to our bodies and can cause significant wear and tear.

Whether you’ve developed carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, arthritis, or are simply in discomfort — we’re here to help.

When seeking relief for wrist pain, your license acupuncturist will insert acuneedles at specific acupoints (located along the body’s internal meridians) and will restore the flow of qi — the energy that lies within your body. In doing so, circulation in the area will improve which means that blood flow will be restored, lessening inflammation and swelling and improving range of motion. Muscle spasms may soon begin to fade, too. Internal healing will begin within the first few minutes of treatment and will continue with subsequent appointments.

One of the most important factors, pain relief, will soon follow suit.

In addition to acupuncture, proper posture (maintaining a natural curvature of the wrist while typing), stretching, and hydration should be practiced as well. A hand and wrist massage daily is always a great idea too, as is avoiding overuse. (Which is easier said than done these days!)

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The Power of Combining Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care

Here at NJ Acupuncture Center, we truly believe (and have seen plenty of evidence!) in the power of both acupuncture and chiropractic care.

Though the origins and science behind the two treatments are fundamentally different, they are complementary therapies that, when combined, can yield truly powerful results.

Here’s how!

Chiropractic Adjustments

The basis behind chiropractic care is using manipulated movements to adjust areas of the body, mainly the spine, to restore natural alignment and reduce pain, supporting immunity and the ability to heal from within.

Acupuncture Treatments

Rooted in the basis of Eastern Chinese Medicine, acupuncture involves the process of inserting tiny, hair-thin acuneedles into specific acupoints along the body’s meridian —aimed at restoring the flow of qi and balancing energies within the body.

Together

When combined, a dual-modality treatment of acupuncture and chiropractic care can be powerful. Because acupuncture and chiropractic adjustments often treat the same conditions, a more comprehensive approach to pain management can be dynamic, and more effective than either treatment alone.

Let’s say you’re struggling with lower back pain. While an adjustment can restore the alignment and trigger the body’s internal healing response, acupuncture will work simultaneously to restore blood flow and circulation, rebalance energy, reduce inflammation, and heal more quickly.

A Lesson in Acupuncture Vocabulary

We all may be finding ourselves with some extra time on our hands right now as we shelter in place, which many means some extra time for reading!

We were so happy to see this recent piece in Allure, that covers all the terms acupuncture patients should know.

We love seeing new patients, and know for many that their first time receiving acupuncture can be a bit overwhelming or confusing, and appreciated the time Allure took to spell out some of the most important terms.

Knowledge is power, and before your next treatment, be sure to brush up on your acu-vocabulary to make the most of your experience.

Here are the terms they clarified, as well as a few others we happen to think a e important, plus some extra information, too!

As always, please contact us with any questions — we love working with our patients to educate and empower!

Acupuncture

The practice of acupuncture is essentially the act of, “painlessly piercing the skin with ultra fine stainless steel needles, which penetrate anywhere from .5 to 1 inch deep, depending on the treatment. The needles, and their precise placement, are believed to realign one’s energy force (see “qi”) by prompting a healing response within the body. The practice was first documented in approximately 100 B.C.; today more than 10 million treatments are administered annually in the United States. And that number might be poised to explode; as of this year, Medicare will cover acupuncture for those seeking relief from chronic lower back pain.”

Assisted Reproductive Therapy (ART(

One of our favorite conditions to treat is infertility — as we truly believe in the power of acupuncture on helping women to conceive. In the medical world, fertility treatments are often called ARTs or Assisted Reproductive Therapies. This includes IVF and IUI.

Distal Points

Distal points are points on the body that may be manipulated that are not located near the area of body hat is of concern. Two points can be distal, “meaning they fall along the same energy pathway (aka, meridians) and are therefore believed to be connected.”

Fascia

Fascia is the, “collagen-rich connective tissue that surrounds and connects muscles and organs.” It is believed acupuncture works to help support healthy fascia which can result in pain relief and increased mobility.

Meridians

This is the essential part of acupuncture — the, “conceptual pathways along which energy moves throughout the body.” All acupoints (the physical locations where acuneedles are inserted) fall along different meridians. “ There are hundreds of acupoints in the body, but the hands, feet, and ears, in particular, are hot spots.”

QI

This is a big one — it is the basis of much of eastern and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM.) Qi, essentially, is the body’s energy force. When it is blocked or not flowing properly, your inner imbalance is thrown off which can lead to a slew of health issues. Acupuncture aims to restore the balance of qi.

i

Acupuncture and Herbs has Proven to Be Effective

Based upon research carried out in China and released via HealthCMi, research has proven that acupuncture and herbs, when combined, are quite powerful in the fight against COVID-19.

The Beijing Health Commission reported that 87% of COVID-19 patients in Beijing received traditional Chinese medicine treatment (acupuncture and herbs), and documented that the total effective rate for patients receiving TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) treatment is 92%.

The report also stated, “The spokesperson added that there are many similar cases and that Chinese medicine has “played an active role in improving the cure rate and reducing the mortality rate.”

For more on these findings, find the whole study report here.

While we can not treat ill or presumed ill patients at our facilities, it is extremely reaffirming and comforting to know that traditional Chinese medicine, once again, is helping those who need it the most.

Acupuncture is an extremely powerful health and wellness tool and we are so proud to provide it within our community.

Stay healthy and stay well.

Using more screen time than ever before? Acupressure can help your eyes.

While most of us are now under self-quarantine and practicing social distancing, a lot of us may find that like it or not, we’re spending more time glued to screens than ever before.

Some of it may be inevitable - we’re working from home, watching the news, checking Twitter for any updates or news during these unprecedented times. But it may be affecting our bodies an a variety of ways, especially our eyes.

Thankfully, acupressure can help. And, you can do it at home!

The Points

Four of the most popular eye acupressure points for eye related issues include:

ZanZhu: located along the inner-eye area, next to the nose. This point is known to relieve red, itchy or painful eyes, excessive tear production, allergies, headaches and more.

Si Zhu Kong: a common point located at the end tip of the brow (away from the eye) that is known to help relieve headache and migraine pain

Cheng Gi Point: located directly under the eye and centered to the eye area, this point is especially helpful for those suffering from conjunctivitis

Vang Bai Point: Located to the left side of the center o the forehead, just above the left eye, this point is helpful to relive headaches, eye twitching, and even glaucoma

How to Perform Self Acupuncture

The best way to perform any facial acupressure, including eye acupressure is to do so first, carefully, and then with firm enough pressure to be effective. This should never be painful, but you should feel a sense of acute pressure in the area you are applying acupressure to.

For a gentler but still effective approach, massaging these points in a circular manner is a relaxing way to ease into the practice. Then,  I typically hold a point for ten to fifteen seconds, then release for about the same amount of time, and then repeating at the same point between 6-10 times, depending on the affliction.

The Benefits

It is believed that certain eye acupressure points can improve vision problems such as nearsidedness and nightblindness. I have not had any patients seek treatments for these ailments so I can’t speak to personal experience, though I know many have had success improving these issues via acupressure and acupuncture.

The benefits of massaging these areas near the eye are endless. They relieve tension and headaches, provide a sense of relaxation and can help alleviate twitching or weakness, too.

Especially in a time when we are constantly looking at our devices — it’s so important to take care of our eyes. Acupressure is a great, noninvasive way to give our eyes a bit of TLC and help them recover from the stressors of the day.

In Response to Opiod Abuse, Medicare Will Now Pay For Acupuncture

Two weeks ago, we mentioned that acupuncture is now considered a covered benefit for Medicare patients who are being treated for low back pain. While there are specific criteria for patients who will receive treatment, more information has emerged as to WHY Medicare will now be fronting the bill — largely in part due to the opioid crisis.

Alex Azar, Secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has said in a statement, “Expanding options for pain treatment is a key piece of the Trump Administration’s strategy for defeating our country’s opioid crisis.”

He added, “President Trump has promised to protect and improve Medicare for our seniors, and deciding to cover this new treatment option is another sign of that commitment. Medicare beneficiaries will now have a new option at their disposal to help them deal with chronic low back pain, which is a common and sometimes debilitating condition.”  

As Forbes also reported, Kimberly Brandt, the Principal Deputy Administrator of Operations and Policy for CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) has said, “We are dedicated to increasing access to alternatives to prescription opioids and believe that covering acupuncture for chronic low back pain is in the best interest of Medicare patients,”

She also added, “Over-reliance on opioids for people with chronic pain is one of the factors that led to the crisis, so it is vital that we offer a range of treatment options for our beneficiaries.”

At NJ Acupuncture Center, we are fully committed to combating the opioid crisis and believe in the power of acupuncture in regards to pain management and relief. We applaud those who are working tirelessly to provide alternatives, and we are proud to work among them.

Medicare Will Now Cover Acupuncture for Low Back Pain

As of January 21st, the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) announced that acupuncture to treat low back pain will now be a covered benefit under section 1862(a)(1)(A) of the Social Security Act. 

The benefit will encompass up to 12 visits within 90 days for covered Medicare beneficiaries if they meet the following criteria. Chronic low back pain (cLBP) is defined in their terms as pain that:

• Lasts 12 weeks or longer;

• Is nonspecific, meaning that there is no diagnosis of a metastatic, inflammatory, infectious, etc. disease)

• Is not associated or resulted from from surgery or pregnancy

On top of the initial 12 visits within 90 days, a patient may also be eligible for eight more sessions for those patients who are demonstrating a marked improvement in their symptoms. However, a maximum of 20 treatments may be administered a covered benefit per year.

And, if a patient is not showing signs of improvement or worse, is somehow regressing, their treatment must be discontinued.

The treatment must also only be performed by a qualified provider CSA defines qualified providers as: “Physician assistants, nurse practitioners/clinical nurse specialists (as identified in 1861(aa)(5)), and auxiliary personnel” that meet all applicable state requirements and have:

• Masters or doctoral-level degree in acupuncture or Oriental Medicine from a school accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM); and

• current, full, active, and unrestricted license to practice acupuncture in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e. Puerto Rico) of the United States, or District of Columbia.

Finally, the announcement states, “Auxiliary personnel furnishing acupuncture must be under the appropriate level of supervision of a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner/clinical nurse specialist required by our regulations at 42 CFR §§ 410.26 and 410.27.”

To find out exactly what this means for you, call us today to see what benefits you may have under your insurance and if acupuncture is considered a covered benefit for you. If not, don’t fret! We also offer affordable cash rate options for those without coverage — so that healthy healing is accessible to all.

NBA Star Gives Eye Acupuncture a Try

Basketball fans were given a special “treat” this week when NBA player Bismack Biyombo of the Charlotte Hornets shared a boomerang on Instagram of himself receiving eye-acupuncture.

👀👀👀🧐🧐 pic.twitter.com/od9Tk8woVK

— Bismack Biyombo (@bismackbiyombo) January 13, 2020

Well, not actually in his eyes of course — but within the surrounding eye area that is home to many sensitive acupuncture points.

In the video, you can see tears streaming down his face, a common reaction to acupuncture around this area — and that is a good thing! It means it’s working.

Why on earth would he receive acupuncture around his eyes, you may ask? Let us explain…

Anyone who is suffering from an eye condition including vision problems, light sensitivity, floaters, dried eyes, excessive tearing or swelling, and pain can benefit from this treatment. (When provided by a licensed acupuncturist only, of course.)

As Verywell Health explains, the following acupuncture points aim at treating a variety of eye ailments:

The following areas are focused on during acupuncture for eye health.

• Jingming (UB-1) - Jingming means "bright eyes" and is located in the inner corner of the eye. This point is thought to bring Qi and blood to the eyes and to help eye problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, night blindness, conjunctivitis and blurry vision.6

• Zanzhu (UB-2) - The Zanzhu point is in the crease at the inner end of the eyebrow. This point is the focus when patients complain of a headache, blurred vision, pain, tearing, redness, eye twitching, and glaucoma.7

• Yuyao - Yuyao is the in the middle of the eyebrow right above the pupil. This point is used for treating eye strain, eyelid twitching, ptosis (upper eyelid that hangs low), cloudiness of the cornea, redness, and swelling.8

• Sizhukong (SJ 23) - The Sizhukog area is located in the hollow area at the outside part of the eyebrow. It is thought to be a point where acupuncture can be performed to help eye and facial pain including headaches, redness, eye pain, blurred vision, eye toothache and facial paralysis.9

• Tongzilia (GB 1) - The Tongzilia is located on the outside corner of the eye. This point is thought to brighten the eyes. Manipulation of this point also helps treat headache, redness, eye

If you are suffering from eye issues and would like to give acupuncture a try, please contact our office to schedule your free consultation and first appointment.