Acupuncture for Migraines

There’s no denying the recent times have been difficult for all. It’s stressful, and anything but normal to be secluded for this long. Unfortunately, with stress can come headaches — and those who suffer from migraines know this all too well.

Anyone who has ever suffered from migraines knows how debilitating they can be. They can last anywhere from a few hours to a multiple days, and often bring along other symptoms like nausea and vomiting.

While stress and diet are believed to potentially contribute to migraines, part of the frustration surrounding them is that the cause can be different in each patient, making them extremely difficult to prevent. And chronic migraines can lead to further issues like anxiety and depression.

Thankfully, there is one treatment that seems to be making a difference.

Florida-based, licensed acupuncturist Renee Sarra has been treating migraine sufferers with acupuncture. The treatment can be effective by managing the changes in the brain that migraines bring on. By doing a full body structure assessment, Sarra tries to identify what is bringing the migraines on, then treating through specific acupuncture points. In conjunction with massage therapy, Sarra says acupuncture helps patients relax. As she puts it, she’s trying to “get this fire, this energy out of the head.”

Recently, research conducted at the 254th Hospital in China seems to back up the effectiveness of acupuncture for not only treating migraines, but potentially preventing them. The study tested 120 total migraine patients between the aged of 18 and 70 who were divided into four groups. One group was treates with electroacupuncture in the projection zone, another was treated with conventional acupuncture applied to eight specific points.

Both groups were treated once per day over the course of 10 days, and in both groups, the treatment was successful when compared to the other groups (non-acupoint group and drug group). The Projection Zone group saw an effective rate of 93.3%, while the conventional acupuncture treatment saw an 86.7% success rate. 

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.

Happy Spring! Beat Your Allergies With Acupuncture

Spring has sprung! You know what that means. The arrival of warm weather, new spring threads, trees budding, flowers blooming, the return of baseball season. But unfortunately, for many of us, that also means the return of dry, itchy eyes, sneezing, congestion, runny noses—all that comes with seasonal allergies.

Nothing can be more frustrating than when allergies hit at an unexpected time and interfere with enjoying the newly arrived nice weather and all the opportunity it brings. The good thing is, there’s time to prepare before the worst of allergy season arrives. And we’re not talking about stocking up on the over the counter allergy meds you see in those lame commercials.

This year, prevent and treat your allergies with the holistic approach of acupuncture.

Acupuncture is a reliable and lasting remedy for allergies because it does two concurrent, crucial things. 1) It treats the symptoms brought on by allergies (those runny noses and itchy throats, etc.) and, 2) it addresses the imbalances in the body’s energy that lead the body to be susceptible to seasonal allergies in the first place. Diet, exercise, pollutants, stress and more can effect the Wei Qi in our body, which is our cellular and molecular defense system. As Dr. Maureen Lamerdin writes: “Wei Qi's function is to protect and defend the body against foreign substances. When the supply of Wei Qi becomes inadequate attacks from bacteria, viruses and allergens get through our Wei Qi's defense system thereby producing symptoms.”

So this year, make sure your Wei Qi’s defense system is operating at its optimal level. An acupuncture regimen will ensure that it is, and that you can enjoy all this coming spring has to offer free from allergies.

NYC Vet Performs Sidewalk Acupuncture Amidst COVID-19

In the midst of the current COVID-19 pandemic, a lot has changed in the way that we, and our pets, receive much-needed healthcare services — especially in hard-hit New York City.

The New York Post reports of Manhattan veterinarian Dr. Jeff Levy, who has taken is services to the streets, literally.

Unable to perform his in-home veterinarian care, he explained, “Some of my patients can’t cope with a break in their acupuncture treatments. These animals are in pain.”

He tells of Sonny, an 8-year-old pit bull, “whose back leg had to be amputated because of a malignant bone growth. She is receiving chemotherapy at a hospital, and I’ve been giving her acupuncture to ease her discomfort.”

Just last Tuesday, he actually treated her on a secluded area of sidewalk near his apartment in Midtown — following social distancing, of course.

He adds, “I just spent half an hour in my apartment with Muffin, a cat who is 21 and has a digestive disorder. His hello to me used to be a hiss. Now he relaxes with just one needle and snores.”

We love hearing these heartwarming stories of how acupuncture can help both humans and pets alike.

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.

Ways to Practice Self Care at Home

We’re entering the fourth week of self isolation, and while everyone’s experience is a bit different — we’re all in this together.

Whether you’ve settled in on a new routine by now or are getting more stir crazy by the second, we feel you. And we’re here to help.

In between the craziness of working, cooking, caring for the kids, cleaning, and sleep (or at least, trying to sleep….) it’s easier than ever before to be putting yourself last. Let’s change that.

Here are some of our favorite ways to practice self care — whether you’ve got 5 minutes or an hour.

1. Meditate — controlling your thoughts and freeing your mind of mental clutter can help with relaxation and anxiety.

2. Breathing exercises— learning to practice deep breathing and focusing on the breath can work. wonders for both y our mental and physical well being.

3. Turn off the screens. Chances are you’ve been logging more screen time than ever before. But, try to set boundaries. When you NEED to be on, be on. When you don’t, limit yourself to a half hour or so of. social media or news per day. And if it makes you more anxious, avoid it all together.

4. Exercise. There are a plethora of at-home workouts you can stream. from the comfort of your own bedroom. Even just 20 minutes of physical activity per day will keep you feeling better.

5. Acupressure. Yes, you can perform acupressure on yourself. Use our helpful tips to guide your practice.

6. Keep in touch. Be sure to speak with family and friends as often a s possible. Even though you can’t be physically together, you can be connected.

7. Take a warm bath. Submerge yourself in warm water, add some of your favorite essential oils or bath products. The warm water will have a calming and hydrating effect on your body, and provide you a much needed respite from the surrounding events.

Desk Neck? It's a Thing.

Chances are that during this COVID-19 pandemic, you’ve been self-isolating for nearly two weeks now. This means most of us are working from home which, unfortunately, probably means more time being sedentary and on screens which. Unless you have perfect posture, this can result in what we like to call “tech-neck” or “desk-neck.”

Neck pain is not fun, and it has a way of radiating throughout the body and affecting every facet of your daily life, even causing headaches, immobility, and even difficulty sleeping and relaxing. (And many of us are having trouble sleeping and relaxing right now as is!)

Thankfully, acupuncture and acupressure can help.

In many ways, acupressure massage can offer prompt relief of pain and increases mobility.

Here are three spots you can gently try to massage to find some relief.

Fengchi, GB20: this is located along the ear bone nestled in the groove back to where your neck muscles attach to your skull.

Hegu, LI4: this point is located on your hand, in between your thumb and pointer finger.

Jiaji (on the affected side): located along the vertebrae.

Pressing firmly but comfortably along the Fengchi and Hegu points for ten seconds, releasing for five, and repeating again for a series of 5 or 6 times can be an effective at-home exercise to practice.

Don’t let neck pain be, well, a pain in the neck. We’re here to help.

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.

At Home Acupressure for Sleep

In these unprecedented times, it’s no surprise that many of us may be having trouble settling our minds before we head off to sleep.

While you may have tried all the “rules” (no screens before bed, a dark quiet room, eye mask, ideal temperature of 68 degrees, etc.) there may be one thing you haven’t tried — at home acupressure!

Acupressure points can absolutely help you to relax and get a better night's sleep. With similar functionality to acupuncture, the acupressure points are aligned within meridians and when acupressure is properly applied, 

The best points associated with sleep improvement and relaxation are: 

Kidney 3 - this point is located at the back of the ankle, by the malleolus. It is best known for the treatment of anxiety, night sweats, fear, and menopause symptoms. It also helps to tone the kidneys. 

Yintang - this is point is right in between your eyebrows, also known as the third eye. Proper manipulation of this point will lead to help with insomnia, headaches, anxiety, and stress. 

Spleen 6 - this point is located on the inner side of your leg, right above the ankle.  It's important to note to never manipulate this point during pregnancy as it's a popular point for labor induction massage.  This point helps with insomnia, as well as menstrual and pelvic pain and disorders.

Heart  7  - Also called “Shen Men” this spot is on the inside of the wrist if your palm is facing up, and it's at the cross-section of the pinky. This is a great spot to work on if your heart and mind are facing stress, turmoil, uncertainty or anxiety. It will help to calm and relax the patient.

It's important to note that to be effective, acupressure must properly be applied. You can't simply press on points and expect to drift off to sleep. 

How To Do It

The best way to perform any 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.

Wishing you a restful night’s sleep.

Introducing: the HydraFacial!

We are so excited to announce our latest service — the HydraFacial.

In only 3 steps and 30 minutes, literally everyone, regardless of skin type or tone, can benefit from this state of the art facial because it does the three things that all healthy skin needs: cleanses, extracts, and hydrates.

The Treatment

The HydraFacial treatment only takes 30 minutes from beginning to end. Using state of the art, “vortex fusion” technology and super serums crafted with the most nourishing ingredients, you’ll leave our center feeling and looking radiant.

First, your skin will be gently exfoliated revealing a smoother, cleaner surface.

Then, your skin will be thoroughly cleansed as debris is painlessly suctioned from your skin (seriously — it’s painless. It feels like a little vacuum for your face) and then nourished with intensive moisturizers.

Finally, your skin will receive a VIP treatment of antioxidants, peptides, and other glow inducing serums to leave you looking fresh and vibrant.

What it Helps

Think of the HydraFacial as your one-stop-shop for virtually any skincare goals (or problems) you may have. This includes:

·      Fine lines

·      Wrinkles

·      Elasticity and firmness

·      Improved texture

·      Brown spots

·      Tone

·      Vibrancy

·      Cleansing oily and congested skin

·      Minimizing the appearance of pores

After Treatment

Immediately following your treatment, you can resume your normal daily routine. You can even put on your makeup right after, though we have a feeling you’ll feel glowing and confident regardless.

Results

You’ll see visible changes in your skins tone and texture after your first treatment, but like most worthwhile skin treatments, consistency is recommended. We believe that one treatment per month will best help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, brown spots or sunspots, and improve congested skin. Just 30 minutes a month will deliver your healthiest skin yet!

Book Today!

Contact our office at (201) 668-0343 to book your HydraFacial and customized skincare consultation today!

Want to see a HydraFacial in action? Watch this video.

Coronavirus and acupuncture: What you need to know

You’ve no doubt heard: it seems to be a matter of when, not if, COVID-19—better known at the Coronavirus—will spread here in the United States. The breakout of the viral infection began in Wuhan, China, and has spread across the world, increasing in numbers particularly in Italy and Iran. But with the virus’s gestation period and the difficulty of properly testing and quarantining those who may have been exposed, the virus is expected to make its way around the world, and spread from there…to our shores too.

First a few important things. For now, people should practice proper hygiene, and if they think they may be sick at all—especially with any flu-like symptoms—should see a doctor immediately. Anyone who is feeling ill should not come in for acupuncture services.  

 Secondly, acupuncture will not cure or prevent the Coronavirus.

However, having a properly functioning immune system can only help in case of any viral infection. And if the virus does indeed spread, many people will be scrambling to try and do everything they can to boost their immune systems. At that point, however, it may be too late.

This is one of the reasons why, as we’ve described before, it’s smart to make acupuncture a consistent part of your wellness routine. Acupuncture helps regulate the body’s energy, or qi, increasing bloodflow which helps the body’s general immune system health, and ability to ultimately fight infections. Acupuncture also helps strengthen the body’s most important organs, like the liver and kidneys, which must be functioning properly in order for our immune systems to be at their best.

Having regular acupuncture sessions built into your wellness routine will help your immune system operate at its peak. This cold and flu season may almost be over, but as we know from the news, unexpected things happen all the time. It’s best to be prepared, and to keep your body prepared. Acupuncture is one of the best ways to do so.

Boost Your Immunity with Acupuncture

You’ve no doubt heard: it seems to be a matter of when, not if, COVID-19—better known at the Coronavirus—will spread here in the United States. The breakout of the viral infection began in Wuhan, China, and has spread across the world, increasing in numbers particularly in Italy and Iran. But with the virus’s gestation period and the difficulty of properly testing and quarantining those who may have been exposed, the virus is expected to make its way around the world, and spread from there…to our shores too.

First a few important things. For now, people should practice proper hygiene, and if they think they may be sick at all—especially with any flu-like symptoms—should see a doctor immediately. Anyone who is feeling ill should not come in for acupuncture services.  

Secondly, acupuncture will not cure or prevent the Coronavirus.

However, having a properly functioning immune system can only help in case of any viral infection. And if the virus does indeed spread, many people will be scrambling to try and do everything they can to boost their immune systems. At that point, however, it may be too late.

This is one of the reasons why, as we’ve described before, it’s smart to make acupuncture a consistent part of your wellness routine. Acupuncture helps regulate the body’s energy, or qi, increasing bloodflow which helps the body’s general immune system health, and ability to ultimately fight infections. Acupuncture also helps strengthen the body’s most important organs, like the liver and kidneys, which must be functioning properly in order for our immune systems to be at their best.

Having regular acupuncture sessions built into your wellness routine will help your immune system operate at its peak. This cold and flu season may almost be over, but as we know from the news, unexpected things happen all the time. It’s best to be prepared, and to keep your body prepared. Acupuncture is one of the best ways to do so. 

Growing Incidence of Chronic Diseases is Increasing Demand for Acupuncture

We always love to report to our readers the latest trends and research surrounding the field of acupuncture, and this time is no different.

As Yahoo! Finance reported earlier this month, the global market study on acupuncture was recently released, with a bold takeaway that certainly doesn’t surprise us. — the incidence of chronic disease diagnosis is increasing, and as such, so is the demand for acupuncture.

The study examined a multitude of factors that provided exclusive information and insight into how the acupuncture market will perform over the next ten years.

The report is available here and offers promising information and forecasting for our practice, and for our passion for helping our patients.

Beat Spring Allergies by Getting Acupuncture Now

Who doesn't love spring? The weather is warmer, the colors pop, birds are chirping and days are longer.

But with that, especially for allergy sufferers, comes an increase in pollen and other allergies causing sneezing, sniffling, itchy eyes, headaches, and an overall sense of feeling not-so-great. Right? 

If you're tired of the same allergy-fighting routine and are looking for a more holistic approach, be sure to give acupuncture a try. As CNN reports, acupuncture treatment just might be an antidote for allergies. 

The article cites a study published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, where researchers examined 422 people who tested positive for pollen allergies and had allergic nasal symptoms such as a runny nose. They were then divided into three subgroups, one which  received 12 acupuncture treatments and took antihistamines as needed, a second group which received 12 fake acupuncture treatments  and took antihistamines as needed, while the third who only took antihistamines for symptoms.

After two months, patients were asked to report their symptoms as well as how much medication they used. The results? The participants who received the real acupuncture treatments with their antihistamines showed a greater improvement in their allergy symptoms and less use of antihistamines compared to the other groups.

It's long been known that acupuncture can help with pain and inflammation, which are two symptoms of allergies. The ancient procedure can also help repair the flow of qi throughout the body,  along the meridian pathways. In session, be sure describe the symptoms to your practitioner so they can strategically place the acuneedles at targeted points. 

If you find yourself suffering from seasonal allergy symptoms, come on in and give treatment a try. You have nothing to lose (except your stuffy nose, that is!) 

Sleep Next to a Snorer? How Acupuncture Can Save Your Nights...and Help Your Partner

There’s nothing better than a good night’s sleep. And there’s nothing worse than a bad night’s sleep. And it can be particularly frustrating when the only thing keeping you from a nice a restful slumber is the person next to you—the one you love enough to share a bed with—won’t stop snoring.

But here’s the thing about sleep apnea. While it can be really irritating for the person who is being kept up by loud snoring, the person experiencing it can see everything from their own sleep and energy levels being affected, to worse medical conditions developing down the road. Sleep apnea can lead to depression, reduced concentration and memory, and even come cardiac and metabolic conditions. That’s because sleep apnea results in the body taking in less oxygen, which the blood needs for our body’s most important processes to function properly.

Many people who are diagnosed with sleep apnea try a CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure) machine, which has proven to be helpful for some people with certain levels of sleep apnea. But whether one suffers from minor or major sleep apnea, research shows that acupuncture is more effective than a CPAP machine at helping eliminate sleep apnea.

We know that acupuncture helps improve blood circulation, and it also helps to improve blood oxygen levels. Acupuncture can also help reduce stress, anxiety and depression, and other conditions that affect sleep generally. It stands to reason than acupuncture would be an effective treatment for sleep apnea, and the research confirms: “In the studies included in this analysis, acupuncture consistently improved all measures used to assess the effectiveness of treatment [of sleep apnea],” it says.

So don’t spend another night on the couch because your partner is snoring up a storm. Tell them to come on in and receive acupuncture treatment. You’ll be doing both of you a big favor!

Acupuncture and Depression

Recently, Bustle explored something very near and dear to our hearts — the relationship between acupuncture and mental health. Specifically, the relationship between acupuncture and depression.

Speaking to various doctors and practitioners, it spoke of what we already know to be true, but love to hear it time and time again — that acupuncture can, and does help those struggling with a depressed mood.

We know that maintaining a balanced flow of qi can work wonders for mental health, and can release positive-feeling endorphins as well as a calming effect, too.

Bustle spoke with Dr. Josh Klapow Ph.D, a clinical psychologist, who also explained how acupuncture can be a helpful treatment for depression because it can reduce muscle tension, soothe the central nervous system, and improve your mood. It's also an excellent way to take time out of your day for yourself.

Though, Dr. Klapow said that studies have found that acupuncture isn't an effective primary treatment for depression, but rather is most effective when used in conjunction with other options as well. (Like therapy, exercise, dietary changes, etc.)

The article also explored research that has been performed looking into the matter — some positive and some less so.

Some of the more affirming studies included a review study published in the British Journal of Midwifery in 2018 which, “looked at 1,592 studies of depression and acupuncture to see if there was evidence that acupuncture might help postpartum depression." Only three studies fit the bill, and only one of those three showed that acupuncture might be as effective as the antidepressant fluoxetine hydrochloride (Prozac) for treating PPD. The other two studies didn't show much difference, but it certainly didn't seem as if acupuncture did any harm.”

We believe that giving acupuncture a try is ALWAYS worth it — as it quite literally can’t hurt, and can only help.

Acupuncture and Alzheimers: How Acupuncture Can Help the Brain

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most difficult conditions for anyone to live with, because not only does it affect the person inflicted with it, but the effect on family and loved ones can be profound. An estimated 5.5 million people in the United States suffer from Alzheimer’s, with most of them being over the age of 65. 

There is no cure for Alzhiemer’s. But acupuncture can help both treat those who are suffering from Alzheimer’s—and can potentially help in prevention of the disease developing. 

As we learn more about what causes Alzheimer’s we’re learning how acupuncture earlier in life, before symptoms appear, might be able to help prevent Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia from forming. “The two main etymologies of Alzheimer’s are phlegm stasis and kidney deficiency.,” writes Kari Cobb, LAc, in Acupuncture Today.  Protein buildups outside and inside the neurons in the brain cause damage and the eventual death of neurons, which causes the memory loss that fuels dementia and Alzheimer’s. 

But we know that our body is interconnected, and that when one part of the body is not properly functioning, it can be due to issues in other areas of the body that are important to our overall health. One of those areas is the kidneys—as Cobb writes, “The kidneys store essence to generate marrow and the brain is the sea of marrow.” That means that maintaining healthy kidneys can go a long way towards potentially preventing later issues to the brain down the line, including Alzheimer’s. In terms of treatment, again, acupuncture cannot cure Alzheimer’s. But acupuncture has shown to improve “calculation ability and short-term memory.”

Hopefully one day there will be a cure or proven prevention for Alzheimer’s disease. Until then, maintaining a healthy core function of our body through acupuncture is an effective, holistic potential prevention method. 

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.

Acupuncture Can Aid in Uterine Fibroid Reduction

Uterine Fibroids are incredibly common, but that doesn’t mean that they are harmless. Far from it.

Fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that occur in women generally during childbearing years. They can vary in size and exact location, and there can be one growth or many; a good number of women do not even realize they have fibroids, because they may have one a single one or they are not large in size. In those cases, fibroids can go undetected because they cause no symptoms.

In other cases, however? Fibroids can be a serious detriment to quality of life. Among the symptoms of fibroids are increased menstrual bleeding, elongated menstruation cycles, back and/or leg pain, pain and pressure in the pelvic area, constipation, and more.

Fibroids causing fertility issues isn’t common, but they can up the risk of certain pregnancy complications, such as placental abruption, fetal growth restriction and preterm delivery.

There is no cure for fibroids, and any medications will only help the symptoms. Acupuncture, on the other hand, may be able to help the root cause. While there is no way acupuncture can fully remove fibroids, a study has shown that it can help reduce their volume, which lowers the risk that the fibroids will result in the worst of the possible symptoms.

Along with an herbal treatment, participants in the study were administered acupuncture at 9 specific points. for a total of 30 minutes a day for three months (aside from when the patient was menstruating). The results showed that fibroid volume was significantly reduced in the group that was administered acupuncture.

Fibroids can’t be prevented, but they don’t have to ruin your life, either. If you or someone you know is suffering from uterine fibroids, we’re here to help.

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.