Acupuncture for No Fault / Personal Injury Protection Cases in Point Pleasant, NJ

no-fault-state

“Let my no fault / personal injury protection insurance experts take care of the details, while you and I focus on your recovery.”  Rob Vena, Licensed Acupuncturist, Point Pleasant, NJ

Being involved and injured in an automobile accident can be an extremely stressful situation, and working with insurance companies can be very confusing and aggravating. If you are covered by no fault or personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, your insurance company will most likely pay for a variety of different medical treatments to help with your recovery; including acupuncture treatments. Such coverage is provided regardless of who was at fault in the accident.

What Is No Fault Insurance?

No fault insurance is a special type of coverage that is seen more and more frequently today as a type of auto insurance coverage. Simply put, with no fault insurance, it does not matter who was “at fault” in the accident. No fault auto insurance covers the cost of consultations as well as treatments and cuts out the need to go through the other party’s insurance provider in order to be compensated or reimbursed for medical expenses. No fault insurance saves everyone time because coverage usually kicks in before fault is even determined in most cases. It also saves you money and allows you to get the treatment you need right away.

In some cases, and when necessary, no fault insurance will cover acupuncture treatments for up to five times a week. Not only does no fault insurance save time and allow you to get the help you need, but no fault acupuncture treatments can decrease your recovery time by speeding up the healing process. Acupuncture is proven to be effective in reducing pain and stress, and this can ultimately help ease your suffering throughout the healing process.

A no fault acupuncturist can provide a wide variety of different acupuncture techniques for an array of different conditions ranging from minor to severe. He/she will determine the ideal course of treatment required for each individual case.

Acupuncture can help treat various types of accident-related injuries. It can help relieve pain and swelling while promoting healing and dramatically reduce stress levels. Bruises, broken bones, head trauma, whiplash, back and spine injuries, and muscle damage are just a few of the many conditions that can be helped with acupuncture.

When To See An Acupuncturist

If you are covered by no fault insurance, you may be eligible to reap the benefits of acupuncture treatment with no out-of-pocket expense. Low back pain, neck pain, postoperative pain, and post-traumatic stress disorder can all benefit from regular acupuncture treatments. If you are experiencing mild to severe pain from an auto accident or surgery following an accident, several visits a week can be a viable alternative to using potentially harmful and addictive pain medications to manage your pain. One added bonus, is that acupuncture has none of the potentially harmful side-effects of medications.

Sometimes it can take a few days following an accident for soreness to arise. Even if it’s just a minor fender-bender, you can still end up with low back, shoulder or neck pain due to your spine being impacted. Along with physical injuries, accidents also result in increased levels of stress. There are so many aspects of an accident that you may have to deal with in the aftermath. Severe accidents can even result in the development of PTSD, which in its most severe form, can be debilitating. No fault Acupuncture treatments can be effective for all of these conditions.

  • Blood flow: Any type of injury from a bruise to a slipped disc in your back can benefit from improved blood flow. Everything your body needs for recovery and healing is found in the blood, so boosting blood flow to the area of injury increases the presence of a plethora of healthy substances. Oxygen in the blood promotes healing and there are also pain-relievers, anti-inflammatory substances, and even substances that prevent infection in your blood.
  • Natural pain relief: Pain after an accident comes in all shapes and sizes. Your body’s natural pain-relievers work faster and provide longer-lasting relief than over-the-counter medications and even some prescription pain-killers. These natural pain-relievers are promoted using acupuncture and acupuncture has no side-effects. It can help with pain ranging from minor to severe, whether it is associated with an injury or surgical procedure.
  • Relaxation and stress-reduction: One of the greatest benefits of no fault acupuncture treatments is significant stress-relief. Stress comes along with any accident, regardless of the severity, and stress can impact your day-to-day life and negatively affect your well-being in surprising ways. Acupuncture stimulates the endocrine system, which generates a feeling of calmness. It also prompts the production of serotonin, which will lift your spirits. You will most likely leave your no fault acupuncturist’s office feeling pain-free and relaxed.

A no fault acupuncturist is skilled and committed to providing quality treatments for all of his/her patients. Whether you were in a minor accident, leaving you with bumps and bruises, or if you were in a major accident involving surgery – acupuncture can help. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may need only one visit per week or you may need several to experience the greatest results. An acupuncturist can help get you back on your feet and feeling your best in no time.

Acupuncture in Ocean County, NJ

Patients seen by appointment only.

Acupuncture for Back Pain in Point Pleasant, NJ

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Acupuncture for Back Pain in Point Pleasant, NJ

Acupuncture for Back Pain

It has been estimated that nearly 80% of people will deal with low back pain during their lifetime. With so many people suffering from this problem, it is no surprise that acupuncture has become a popular form of treatment.

Research now shows that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for all kinds of back pain issues.

Acupuncture vs. Traditional Treatments

Reviews of medical studies show acupuncture to be a viable treatment option for back issues and can provide sciatica pain relief as well . In fact, these studies indicate that acupuncture provides more effective pain relief than conventional back pain treatments. Both the American Pain Society and American College of Physicians recommend acupuncture when more traditional medical methods fail.

Why Acupuncture Works for Back Pain

The roots of acupuncture can be traced back over 2,500 years to ancient China. The practice involves the insertion of very thin needles into various energetic points located all around the body. According to traditional Chinese medical theory, there are over 365 acupuncture points on the human body. A form of energy known as Qi (pronounced chee), flows through the pathways, or meridians, that connect these points like a grid. Needles inserted into the appropriate points along these meridians help to correct imbalances or clear blockages of this energy, leading to pain relief and better overall health.

On a more scientific level, some experts feel that the relief comes from stimulation of the central nervous system, triggering chemicals that release into the brain, muscles and spinal cord. It is believed by some, that these chemicals either create an overall sense of well-being within the body or may actually alter the way the pain is felt and/or experienced.

Others believe that acupuncture speeds up electromagnetic signals in the body. These signals can stimulate chemicals, such as endorphins, that reduce pain and may even affect the body’s own immune system cells. Other theories suggest that acupuncture releases natural opioids from the brain or that it may even change the brain’s chemistry altogether through the release of neurohormones and neurotransmitters throughout the entire body.

All of these are ways in which pain is reduced.

What to Consider With Acupuncture

Acupuncture is rapidly becoming one of the most popular forms of lower back pain treatments. It interesting to note that the FDA has removed acupuncture needles from the “experimental medical devices” category and now regulates the practice of acupuncture within the United States.

Whether it’s for low back pain, sciatica pain relief,  or other back issues, always take some things into consideration and do your research before seeking treatment. It is best to seek a licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac.), who is certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). It is also advised to see what others have to say about any acupuncturist you might be considering.

Patients seen by appointment only.

Acupuncture for Back Pain in Ocean County, NJ

Does Insurance Cover Acupuncture in New Jersey?

Does My Insurance Cover Acupuncture?

One of the most frequently asked questions I get from friends, family, and prospective patients alike is, “Does insurance cover acupuncture treatments in New Jersey?”

The good news is, that many insurance companies do in fact cover acupuncture services these days. And now, more acupuncturists than ever are accepting insurance as payment. So if you have insurance, you just might be covered for acupuncture benefits.

Here at Rob Vena Acupuncture in Pt Pleasant, NJ we accept insurance provided acupuncture is covered by your plan.

It is important to note however, that although your insurance company may offer full- or partial-coverage for acupuncture services, it does not necessarily mean that they will pay for your treatments. You should fully understand your insurance coverage before visiting your acupuncturist.

Patients seen by appointment only.

Acupuncture in Pt Pleasant, NJ

Nutrition and Prostate Health / Acupuncture in Point Pleasant, NJ

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can do a great deal to slow prostate growth, restore normal urinary function, and alleviate other symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

In addition to regular acupuncture treatments and administration of herbal formulations, one’s diet plays a key role in maintenance of a healthy prostate.

Below are some dietary and nutritional suggestions for maintaining a healthy prostate:

Foods to Avoid

  • Coffee, alcohol, corn oil and canola (use olive oil instead)

Foods to Limit

  • Dairy products (especially butter and margarine)
  • Spicy foods
  • Red meats

Recommended Supplements & Foods

  • Vitamin C: Red & hot chili peppers, guavas, bell peppers, fresh thyme & parsley, kale, mustard greens, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, kiwi, papaya, oranges, tangerines, and strawberries
  • Zinc: Oysters, toasted wheat germ, veal liver, sesame seeds or tahini, low-fat roast beef, roasted pumpkin seeds & squash seeds, dried watermelon seeds, dark chocolate & cocoa powder, lamb (mutton), and peanuts
  • Selenium: Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, fish (tuna, halibut, sardines, flounder, salmon), shellfish (oysters, mussels, shrimp, clams, scallops), meat (beef, liver, lamb, pork), poultry (chicken, turkey), eggs, mushrooms (button, crimini, shiitake), grains (wheat germ, barley, brown rice, oats), onions, and brown rice
  • Lycopene: Tomatoes, guava, watermelon, pink grapefruit, dried parsley & basil, persimmons, asparagus, liver (Pâté), chili powder, and red cabbage

Other GOOD foods include; mackerel, trout, spinach, chicory, pumpkin, berries, cherries, apricots, peaches, bananas, pears, grapes, green tea, and red wine (in moderation).

Remember: VARIETY is the spice of life!

Eat a wide variety of foods containing essential vitamins, minerals & nutrients… and, ORGANIC foods are always better. It is also important to exercise regularly and to avoid stress as much as possible.

NOTE: There are some studies, which have shown that patients who used the western herbal supplement ‘Saw Palmetto’ did not endure side effects such as decreased libido and impotence compared to those using the drug Finasteride. There are no known drug interactions with saw palmetto, and reported side effects are minor and rare.

Patients seen by appointment only.

Acupuncturist in Ocean County, NJ

Acupuncture 101 by Jersey Shore Acupuncturist Rob Vena

As a practitioner of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, I am often asked questions about what it is that I do. By far, the most common questions that I am asked are; “What is acupuncture?” “Is it safe? “Does it hurt?” “What can it treat?” and “How can I find a reliable acupuncturist in my area?”

In this article, I have outlined answers to these questions in an effort to introduce you to and familiarize you with this amazing healing art. It is my hope, that this medicine will one day be as familiar to westerners as it is to the peoples of Asia who have long benefited from its effectiveness in preventing disease and promoting health and well-being.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is just one facet of the much broader field of Chinese Medicine – all of which is rooted in the philosophy of Taoism.

Underlying the practice of this ancient medicine is a unique view of the human body and of health. This view greatly differs from Western medical thought, and is based on the concept that we human beings are microcosms of the larger universe – firmly positioned between heaven and Earth, linked with nature, and subject to her forces. The aim of this medicine is not in treating health problems in isolation, but rather in addressing the individual (body and mind) as a whole, while taking one’s surrounding environment into consideration, and bringing it all back into harmony to create a balanced state of health.

Acupuncture originated in China over 5,000 years ago and stands strong as one of the oldest healing practices in the world. Over the past several thousand years, more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with all other modalities of healing combined.

Acupuncture promotes the body’s natural healing abilities. It is a modality of healing that involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific body points located along channels of energy known as meridians. The meridian system connects all of the major organs and body parts, and circulates the body’s vital life energy, known as Qi (pronounced ‘chee’).

According to Chinese medical theory, illness arises when the cyclical flow of Qi through the meridians becomes unbalanced or blocked. Acupuncturists use the point/meridian system to access and activate the Qi, to promote the body’s natural healing abilities and restore balanced health.

Is it Safe?

Acupuncture is a safe and effective natural therapy. It has been safely employed on billions of patients for thousands of years. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of acupuncture needles by licensed acupuncturists in 1996 and require that they follow strict safety guidelines. Modern acupuncture needles are sterile, single-use, disposable, and should never be reused.

Does it hurt?

Acupuncture needles are tiny, thin, and flexible, and the sensation caused by insertion varies from patient to patient. The needles are 25 – 50 times thinner than hypodermic needles. So thin in fact, that several acupuncture needles can fit inside the middle of a hypodermic needle. Most people feel nothing at all upon insertion of an acupuncture needle, while others may experience a brief moment of discomfort as the needle penetrates the skin.

What can it treat?

Patients may see an acupuncturist for any number of conditions ranging from musculoskeletal to fertility issues.

Some of the major benefits of Acupuncture are that it is a holistic approach to health and healing, assists in preventing disease, and provides drug-free pain relief.

Acupuncture can effectively treat many common ailments. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) currently lists quite a few conditions that have been proven through clinical trial to be effectively treated by acupuncture:

Adverse reactions to chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy

Allergic rhinitis (including hay fever)

Biliary colic (gallstones)

Depression (including depressive neurosis and depression following stroke)

Dysentery, acute bacillary

Dysmenorrhoea, primary

Epigastralgia, acute (in peptic ulcer, acute and chronic gastritis, and gastrospasm)

Facial pain (including craniomandibular disorders)

Headache

Hypertension, essential

Hypotension, primary

Induction of labour

Knee pain

Leukopenia (a decrease in the number of white blood cells)

Low back pain

Malposition of fetus, correction of

Morning sickness

Nausea and vomiting

Neck pain

Pain in dentistry (including dental pain and temporomandibular dysfunction)

Periarthritis of shoulder

Postoperative pain

Renal colic (pain caused by kidney stones)

Rheumatoid arthritis

Sciatica (pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg caused by injury to or compression of the sciatic nerve)

Sprains

Stroke

Tennis elbow

* Preceding information taken from World Health Organization http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/d/Js4926e/5.html

Other Commonly treated conditions include: Acne, ADD/ADHD, Addiction (Smoking Cessation, Drug/Alcohol Problems), Allergies, Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma, Back Pain, Cancer Related Fatigue, Chronic Diarrhea, Common Cold, Constipation, Crohn’s Disease, Dental Pain, Depression, Digestive Disorders, Facial Pain, Facial Rejuvenation, Fatigue, Flu, Gallstones, Gastritis, GERD, Gynecological Disorders, Hair Loss, Headache, Hypertension & Hypotension, IBS, Immune Disorders, Infertility, Insomnia, Irregular Menstruation, Joint Pain, Kidney Stones, Menopause, Migraines, Morning Sickness, Orthopedic Disorders, Nausea & Vomiting, Neck Pain, Neuropathy, Sciatica, Stress, Pain Syndromes, PMS, Postoperative Pain, PTSD, Reflux, Respiratory Disorders, Rosacea, Sinusitis, Skin Problems, Stroke Rehabilitation, TMJ, Ulcers, Weight Loss / Weight Gain, Women’s Health Issues, and much more.

How can I find a reliable acupuncturist in my area?

The best guideline for choosing an acupuncturist is to ask friends and family for referrals. Once you have found an acupuncturist in your area, you should verify his/her qualifications. Be sure to check for state licensure and training credentials.

Not all states require an acupuncturist to be licensed, but an acupuncturist must possess a certificate of course completion from an accredited institution such as the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncturists (NCCAOM). You can find or verify an NCCAOM certified practitioner in your area online at http://www.nccaom.org/.

Rob Vena is a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) in the States of New York and New Jersey and is nationally board certified in Oriental Medicine (Diplomate Oriental Medicine) by the NCCAOM. He completed the intensive 4-year Master of Science of Traditional Oriental Medicine (MSTOM) program at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in New York City and currently practices Acupuncture in Pt Pleasant, NJ.

Click on the link below to see this article as published in the The Jewish Standard (New Jersey, January 2012):

Patients seen by appointment only.

Acupuncture in Pt Pleasant, NJ

Cupping Therapy Explained by Jersey Shore Acupuncturist Rob Vena

Cupping Therapy is the method of using glass or plastic cups to create localized pressure by a vacuum.

The Chinese have been using this technique since ancient times by using heat inside glass or bamboo cups.

The suction from the cups can penetrate deep into your tissues causing the tissues to release harmful toxins. It triggers the lymphatic system, clears the blood vessels, and stretches and activates the skin.

Cupping therapy has been found in ancient records dating back 3500 years and is still used today.

In this office, cupping therapy involves the application of glass cups and heat to create a vacuum effect on specific areas of the body in order to promote circulation, relieve pain, and revitalize tissues. The appearance of a “reddish, elevated, millet-like skin rash’ (aka petechiae) results.

It is important to note, that this modality does not involve burning of the skin.

Patients seen by appointment only.

Acupuncturist in Ocean County, NJ

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