By Jamie Jablonowski, MPH, BSN, RN
Sitting in a dark room on a heated bed, I found myself having needles inserted into my forehead, hands, neck, feet and ear by Tan Wai Hui, a licensed acupuncturist. This is my first experience with acupuncture, and the visit proved both therapeutic and educational.
Hui’s clinic is part of Eastpointe Integrated Healthcare in Atlantic Highlands. He primarily sees patients for pain and recounts many successful cases.
Acupuncture has its roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and involves inserting thin needles into the skin at strategic points on the body. As Hui described, this is a way of balancing “chi” or energy throughout the body. “The Chinese believe that energy and blood is necessary for proper movement for life force in the body,” he explained.
“When you have an injury, such as whiplash, blood accumulates in that area, and there’s inflammation. The cells are stuck there, and you have pain. Then heat comes because things aren’t moving well. Acupuncture helps disperse things that are stuck, called stagnations.” Hui continued by describing how they use needles on specific acupuncture points to move stagnation away, break up adhesions and scar tissue, and bring new blood to the area.
Many people may have fears about acupuncture, especially around needles. Hui displayed the needles, showing that some are very thin, about 1-1.4 inch long and about 0.16mm in diameter. He placed these side by to side to bigger needles used for larger parts of the body, such as the glutes or hip.
Michael D. Beys, L. Ac., DACM, of Acupuncture Health Services in Shrewsbury is a licensed acupuncturist with a doctorate in the study of acupuncture and herbal medicine who has been in practice for 20 years. His practice focuses primarily on fertility and women’s health, pain management and the treatment of those with substance abuse disorder. Regarding needles, Beys said, “We don’t like to call them needles. We like to call them filaments because needles evoke primitive medicine, a primitive memory of getting stabbed by your pediatrician.”
Regarding the needles or filaments, Beys stressed the importance of technique, describing that while needles are being used, the insertion should be relatively painless. He also highlighted the importance of infection control and explained, “A licensed acupuncturist is trained in clean needle technique to avoid cross-contamination and infection. We’re trained to get rid of the needle. We never reuse them.”
Acupuncture has increased in popularity in recent years. In 2017, the American College of Physicians (ACP) recommended that physicians and patients can use non-drug therapies such as heat, massage, spinal manipulation and acupuncture to treat acute or subacute low back pain. In general, the effectiveness of acupuncture is difficult to measure in scientific studies; however, due to the few side effects and contraindications, many practitioners recommend acupuncture as an addition to medical and therapeutic treatments prescribed by your doctor.
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are few risks associated with acupuncture, though it is important to go to a certified professional practitioner who uses sterile needles. Common side effects associated with acupuncture include soreness and minor bleeding or bruising where the needles were inserted. Those who may not be ideal candidates include anyone with a bleeding disorder, a pacemaker or women who are pregnant as according to Mayo Clinic, it is thought that acupuncture may stimulate labor. While special consideration needs to be taken during pregnancy, all three practitioners interviewed for this article promoted the use of acupuncture to promote fertility.
Beys has extensive experience treating patients in recovery from drugs and alcohol with acupuncture. He stated there are specific protocols in place to help clients manage the physical cravings associated with withdrawal. “It gives people a huge break from their physical symptoms,” he said. Beys stressed the importance of client engagement and the desire to stay sober played a role in the success of treatments. Beys desires to take this program one step further in the future to help clients past the acute withdrawal phase to relapse prevention.
In Ocean, Melissa Skelly is a licensed acupuncturist, owner, and director of The Zen Den with a mission to bring acupuncture to those in the community that may not traditionally have access. Not all insurance plans cover acupuncture, and Skelly has helped reduce costs for clients by offering group sessions. While COVID-19 has created some new barriers, she has quickly adjusted by investing in additional space for private rooms, making the groups smaller, and placing barriers between patients in addition to social distancing.
Skelly stated she treats all aspects of fertility, both male and female on a daily basis, regardless of whether the intention is to conceive naturally or with the support of assisted reproductive technology. “The process of fertility, especially now, is very stressful. Acupuncture helps manage stress and calm the nervous system,” explained Skelly. She added, “Most of the clients receiving acupuncture during the process say ‘I don’t know how I would have done this without acupuncture. It helped me stay calm throughout the process.’ ”
When choosing a practitioner, Skelly suggested finding someone who makes you feel comfortable. Acupuncturists can differ in their specialties and the setting in which they practice. She recommended referrals from friends and family can be helpful to find the right practitioner for you.
The article originally appeared in the April 1 – 7, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
