Holistic Ways to Handle PMS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There is a slew of other supportive articles too.

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

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

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

The Benefits of Massage When Paired with Acupuncture

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overindulge during Quarantine? Let us help.

The past four months have brought unprecedented circumstance, and have turned our lives upside down. For many of us, COVID-19 has made our routines that we knew and loved and thrived with seemingly nonexistent. We are working from home, caring for our children, not leaving our houses, missing our friends and for many — our healthy habits may have taken a hit.

Whether you’ve gained a few pounds from overindulging or lack of exercise while quarantined (which is totally understandable!) or are looking to take control of your health and your body in new ways, we’re here to help!

Acupuncture for Weight Loss

Scientists have found that acupuncture and weight loss are related in the way that acupuncture treatments can help to reduce leptin, the hormone which regulates fat storage and increases ghrelin, the hormone which controls meal initiation.

Additional findings have concluded that acupuncture for weight loss also helps in liver functionality (the part of our body which is also responsible in part for effective digestion, breaking down fats and absorbing nutrients).

Cyro-Slimming

Our coveted cryo-slimming device uses thermal shock which preserves the surrounding non-fat tissue, resulting in a much more dramatic slimming effect.

The device we use is incredibly safe (or else we wouldn’t use it!) and each session lasts about 30 minutes alternating between heat, a longer period of cold, and then heat again. This is all done manually by our technician and feels like a massage.

Results will vary from client to client, but scientific research and clinical trials have proven this approach reduces fat cells. The cells are destroyed during the treatment, and most are then eliminated from the body within 2-3 weeks. We typically will provide treatment once every two weeks, to allow enough time for elimination and your metabolism to send the fat cells out on their merry way.

Call us or click here to book your next acupuncture or cryo-slimming session!

BRAVO Star Eva Marcille "Mesmerized" by Hydrafacial

This week, we were thrilled to see Real Housewives of Atlanta star Eva Marcille posting on Instagram not once, but twice, —all about her hydrafacial experience.

Got my entire life this morning @dermatologyconsultants thank you so much I reunited with @rh_aestheticworld and was blessed by @the_atlanta_aesthetician for my hydra facial and dermplaning!!!! Thank you so much, I'll be back ASAP

Omg ! Y'all - I'm still mesmerized by my experience yesterday with @the_atlanta_aesthetician and @rh_aestheticworld at @dermatologyconsultants in #marietta ! My skin this morning was even better than yesterday! The #glow is all the way real ! Go see my friends Ray and Jamesa for your HydraFacial! You can thank me later ! 💋@hydrafacial #hydrafacialnation

The day after her treatment, she captioned her video “Omg ! Y’all - I’m still mesmerized by my experience yesterday” where she received dermaplaning and a hydrafacial.

She added, “My skin this morning was even better than yesterday! The #glow is all the way real.”

If you want to achieve your own glow, call or click here to schedule your hydrafacial appointment

Virtual Acupuncture? During COVID-19, Anything Goes

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

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

Here’s what happened.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. View your computer screen with a straight neck.

2. Put your screen sideways to a bright window.

3. View any paper documents with a straight neck.

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

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

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

7. Sit back in your chair.

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

9. Limit the time you work on your bed.

10. Avoid prolonged standing for computer work.

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

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

Manage Your Migraines with Acupuncture

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more on how acupuncture helps migraines, here.

Acupuncture for Cancer Pain

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hydrafacials and Cryoslimming are Back!

We are thrilled to announce that beginning next week we will be offering Hydrafacials and Cryoslimming again! (In addition to acupuncture and massage, of course!) We can not wait to give your skin and body the extra TLC it deserves after quite some time spent at home. As always, we'll be taking every precaution for your health and safety. We can't wait to see you!

About the Hydrafacial: 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.

About Cryoslimming: This non-invasive method alternates between using warm and cold treatments applied directly to the skin that works to breakdown fat cells and reduce body fat.

Call or click here to book today!

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!

Acupuncture for Immunity

We strongly believe in all the healing powers of acupuncture, especially the effects it can have on one’s immune system.

So, it comes as no surprise to us that acupuncture businesses across the country may be seeing an increase in the number of patients seeking immune system support.

In a recent piece published by News 4 San Antonio, local acupuncturists reported seeing an uptick in their patients in recent weeks — and we can’t say we’re surprised!

The article explains, “Medical experts say serious complications from COVID-19 are more likely in people with weakened immune systems. Acupuncture advocates say it can help strengthen immune systems by increasing both red and white cell counts.”

While local acupuncturists weigh in on their personal experiences, too.

Chasity Brown, owner of Essence Acupuncture & Wellness in the area explained, “Acupuncture has been around for over 4,000 years,” She also added, “We’ve seen over time (it) has been very beneficial to boost immune function and to prevent illnesses."

We couldn’t agree more.

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 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!

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!)

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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.

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Having Trouble Going? Acupuncture Can Help

We all know the saying, “When you gotta go, you gotta go”.

But for many among us, having to go can be an unpleasant and painful process. Irritable Bowl Syndrome (IBS is the most common gastrointestinal disorder, affecting nearly 15% of the population. However, IBS is also one of the most underreported disorders in the country, as many people don’t even recognize the symptoms of IBS, or think that they are a problem than can be treated. IBS can cause recurring abdominal pain and discomfort, along with irregular frequency of bowel movements and consistency of stool.

Especially with all that is going on in the world right now, it is not uncommon for stress and anxiety to affect our bowel function and manifest in digestive discomforts. While a number of medical treatments that can help aid the symptoms, thankfully one alternative method has been proven to be most effective against one of the most common forms of IBS.

A recent study performed in China at Yiwu Central Hospital has shown acupuncture to be an effective treatment of IBS-D, the form of the disorder associated with diarrhea. Along with receiving herbal medicines, the test group was administered acupuncture at 7 key points, with the needles remaining in place for 30 minutes. The points were chosen because they’re known to benefit the liver and spleen—in particular, soothing the liver and strengthening the spleen. This helps firm the intestines, which prevents diarrhea from occurring.

The treatment was found to be effective and improve the symptoms in over 90% of the patients; in addition, it was found to completely cure the symptoms in nearly 35% of patients! If you or anyone you know is suffering from the symptoms of IBS, acupuncture could be the solution. Balancing the energy in the body helps in all facets of life, even the ones we don’t talk much about.