I just got back from from being re-trained in my smoking cessation program with Penny Warren Todd of Crofton Acupuncture, located in Crofton Maryland. I have to say that I am very excited about this program and look forward to helping others choose to be smoke-free! This program is the most comprehensive and supporting program I know of. Her e are some interesting facts from the program:

• Other programs provided by national groups have a 20-25% success rate, most people attend 3 or 4 times before finally quitting smoking.

• The TobacuFree program is closer to 95% successful.

• The TobacuFree program is gauranteed! I know, I have said this before and stand by my word on. But what it shows is that we are committed to helping you reach your goal, regardless of the costs involved.

If you or someone you know is struggling with health issues due to smoking, or just want to finally QUIT FOR THE LAST TIME, call the office to make an appointment to start today!

Morton’s neuroma (or Morton’s metatarsalgia) is a condition that affects the nerves between the toes. Standing, even for a short time, becomes painful and the person feels burning, numbeness and parathesia.

A patient came to the office recently complaining of this condition. After an examination and discussion of her treatment plan, she was treated with Kiiko Style Japanese Acupuncture. After just one treatment we were able to eliminate the pain for 10 days. While this is a rare case of recovery, it shows that the results from acupuncture are immediate and long lasting.

Did you know that approximately 3 million couples are considered infertile?

Did you know that Acupuncture can increase your chances of conceiving a child by up to 40%?

Did you know that studies have shown that Acupuncture and herbal medicine can enhance your chances of a successful IVF?

We work with Ob/Gyn and Reproductive Endocrinologists to provide you with the BEST POSSIBLE opportunities for a successful pregnancy.

Please call the Atlantic Center now at 732.775.0033 for a free consultation about how Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine can help you increase your chances of conceiving, carrying and delivering a healthy baby!

Recent research suggests acupuncture may provide relief to people afflicted with fibromyalgia. In a pair of studies by two separate research groups, similar results showed a significant improvement for participants in terms of pain and other symptoms. The positive results could lead to a greater acceptance of acupuncture from primary care physicians and specialists in musculoskeletal disorders who treat this common condition.

Although it is often difficult to diagnose, numbers show that close to 4 percent of the population suffers from fibromyalgia. Symptoms of the disease include widespread pain, fatigue and interruptions in sleep patterns, irritable bowel syndrome and headaches. Patients have also complained of depression, chest pains, dizziness, and anxiety. A specific cause for fibromyalgia is still unknown, but some factors that may contribute are chemical changes in the brain, an injury or trauma, or a viral or bacterial infection.

The first study1, led by Betsy B. Singh, PhD, from the Southern California University of Health Services, recruited 24 participants from the Orange County and Los Angeles areas. After a baseline assessment was completed, the candidates received 16 acupuncture treatments for eight weeks, with a three- to four-day break between treatments. The second study,2 headed up by David P. Martin, MD, PhD, from the Mayo Clinic, differed from Singh’s primarily in that it used a control group. The two groups, consisting of 25 applicants each, were treated six times within a two- to three-week period. Both groups’ acupoints were swabbed with alcohol and then covered with a bandage. The control group’s bandages were affixed with a needle that stuck out of the bandage but did not pierce the skin.

Although both studies showed marked improvement for the participants, the researchers emphasize that more studies need to be performed. The findings certainly provide positive evidence of the potential for acupuncture to effectively treat fibromyalgia. As research such as this continues to support the efficacy of acupuncture and Oriental medicine, it will open the door between Western and Eastern medicine a little wider.

Reference

1. Singh B, Wu Wen-Shuo, Hwang San Hong, et al. Effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine 2006;12(2):34-41.
2. Martin D P, Sletten C D, Williams B A, Berger I H. Improvement in fibromyalgia symptoms with acupuncture: results of a randomized controlled trial. Mayo Clinic Proceedings 2006;81(6):749-757.

So many people ask me if acupuncture is covered by insurance that I thought I would post some information on the subject. The short answer is IT DEPENDS. It depends on the insurance policy you have purchased - or the policy purchased for you by your employer. Many insurance companies are now covering acupuncture but you really need to check with your carrier and get the details about your policy.

If you are someone taking charge of your healthcare, the last thing you need is a surprise bill in the mail because you were not sure what to expect from your insurance provider.
First, as a consumer of health insurance, you have a right to know what is covered on your policy. Your insurance card usually has a contact phone number on the back, call them directly and ask them the following questions:

1. Does my policy cover acupuncture treatments?

2. How many treatments are covered per year? In some cases there is no limit to the number of treatments, in other cases the provider may limit treatment to 10 or 20 total treatments in a plan year.
3. Does my policy cover 100% or some portion of the treatment? Somtimes, a policy will only cover 80% of the cost of the treatment, regardless of the cost.
4. Is there a deductible? A deductible is the portion not covered by the insurance coverage. For example, one person was told he had a $300 deductible. This means he has to submit $300 in acupuncture costs before the insurance company will pay for treatment.

5. Does my policy cover the condition for which I am seeking treatment.

Once you have these questions answered, you’ll be in a much better position to understand what your insurance coverage can do for you.

The following is from the Journal of Chinese Medicine…

“An analysis of Canadian patients who had self-referred to acupuncturists for treatment for low back pain (LBP), found that they made significantly fewer visits to their physician for LBP care in the year following treatment (1.55 versus 4.45 in 1999, 1.41 versus 7.17 in 2000 and .86 versus 4.04 in 2001) compared to LBP sufferers who had not received acupuncture. They consequently required significantly less physician expenditure (around 25% of the cost of LBP care in the general population). (12th Annual Symposium on Complementary Health Care, 19-21 September 2005, Exeter, UK).”

The Shark River Cleanup Coalition is sponsoring a cleanup tomorrow, May 6, 2006. Here’s a chance to help clean up a beautiful part of the area and have a great time with some great people. Check out the Shark River Cleanup Coalition. The site has not been updated lately but shows some great photos of the area - a good reason to lend a hand and help bring the Shark River back to it’s pre-pollution glory.

I’ll be there with a few friends in kayaks looking for junk in the water. The shoreline cleanup starts at 9:30am and the water cleanup is at 1:30!