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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

Pregnancy related insomnia? We can help with that, too.

Anyone that has ever been pregnant can probably relate all too well to pregnancy related-insomnia, and exhaustion.

But according to recent findings published by Nature and Science of Sleep, acupuncture can improve sleep quality in pregnant women. How? By possibly increasing melatonin secretion, this article in Psychiatry Advisor explains.

Explaining the study, the article hilights a study performed by Saeedeh Foroughinia, MD, of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Shiraz University Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran, and colleagues. They conducted a, “randomized, parallel, single-blinded, controlled trial on 72 pregnant women with insomnia. “

The women were assigned randomly to receive either 10 sessions of acupuncture over the span of 3 weeks, or the “control” group which instead received sleep education and sham or “fake” acupuncture.

The results?

The 26 patients who received real acupuncture treatment significantly improved in both the PSQI score ( Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index ) and 6-sulfatoxymelatonin levels (the main metabolite of melatonin in urine).

We’ve long known how acupuncture can help improve sleep habits, but this is reassuring for anyone experiencing pregnancy insomnia, too!

Researches noted, “Acupuncture efficacy could be attributable to its regulatory effect on various neuroendocrinological pathways.”

They added, “It has been shown that stimulation of certain acupoints resulted in a change in a wide range of neuroendocrinological mediators, such as norepinephrine, melatonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and β-endorphin.”

If you’re having trouble sleeping while expecting (or not!) call or click here to book your 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!

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 Indigestion

Just yesterday, the New York Times ran a feature on the power of acupuncture in aiding symptoms of digestive distress.

A newly published study out of China showed promising results of the impact acupuncture can have on something called postprandial distress syndrome, or P.D.S.

PDS is known as a type of chronic, ongoing indigestion with symptoms including an unpleasant sense of fullness after eating that can also be accompanied by pain and burning in the throat and stomach.

The New York Times expalins, “he study, in the Annals of Internal Medicine randomized 228 otherwise healthy patients with P.D.S. to receive either acupuncture three times a week for four weeks, or a sham treatment that looked similar but did not involve the accurate placement and manipulation of needles. All the participants completed questionnaires about their symptoms — fullness, bloating, pain, burning, and so on — before and after the treatments.”

The end result?

Of the group that received true acupuncture, 83% showed some benefits from the treatment, as opposed to 52 percent within the control group. Of the group that got actual treatment, 28% “ achieved complete elimination of post-meal fullness, bloating and early satiation, compared with 17 percent of those who received the placebo treatment.”

This study seems to further prove what we have already known (and seen firsthand) — that acupuncture can work wonders for many ailments, including uncomfortable digestion symptoms.

If you are suffering from gastrointestinal distress and would like to try acupuncture for some relief, please call our office to schedule a consultation and initial appointment!

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!)

.

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.