As the country moves toward reopening, reintegrating acupuncture treatments into your life will become an option again.
Just as businesses and community members are weighing their own personal choices amidst changing state guidelines, it is a personal choice whether or not you feel safe to visit an acupuncturist. As you weigh this choice, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Thanks to ASNY’s diligence (Acupuncture Society Of New York) as of May 15, 2020, Acupuncture has been listed as Essential Health Care Operations by the New York State Governor’s Executive Order 202. Offices are allowed to open as long as all applicable guidelines for safe practice are followed and have developed business safety plan. The restrictions have to be followed carefully and will be implemented to ensure the safety of the public, support tracking, tracing, and monitoring while minimizing risk of exposure. Patients are now again able to be supported for chronic pain, stress, emotional health and addiction.
If you’re interested in receiving treatment again, please reach out to me to see what policies I’m adopting as I integrate the ongoing nature of the coronavirus pandemic into my business.
In terms of your own safety, getting an acupuncture treatment can be compared to getting a massage in regard to the health and safety precautions to keep in mind. Because it is a one-on-one interaction, gathering in a place with lots of people is not really a concern. That said, in terms of social distancing, we will obviously not be able to maintain a six-foot distance from each other. However, we can agree to both wear face masks during your appointment. Studies have shown that both parties wearing a face mask is beneficial in preventing the spread of the disease, even when neither party is sick, because transmission can occur before you show any symptoms.
As for the acupuncture needles themselves, these do not present a danger to you, because they are sterile and single use. I open the needles from a sterile package just before using them on each patient, and dispose of them immediately after they’re removed. I can also change the bedding and pillows on my acupuncture table between each patient, as well as sanitize the front desk area and other frequently touched surfaces in my office. I also have the option of wearing gloves during your appointment, which can also hinder transmission and lower any potential risk.
To understand the specific steps I’m taking, please feel free to call my office.
For yourself, it is your responsibility to decide whether it is safe for you to schedule an appointment. While acupuncture can be great for mediating symptoms of colds and allergies, because of the uncertainty of the symptoms patients with coronavirus may experience, it may be best to practice extra caution during this time, and only schedule an appointment for long-term health conditions that do not cause you to experience any symptoms comparable with those described by coronavirus patients.
If you are feeling sick, staying home will help protect your community and the healthcare workers in your area.
Remember that traditional Chinese medicine is not just acupuncture. Extensive healing can come from lifestyle changes and the use of herbs, aromatherapy and nutrition.
If you feel like Telehealth is a better choice for you right now, please reach out to me to talk about options for virtual appointments. While I won’t be able to do everything I could in a regular appointment, like checking your pulse, I can still do a lot.
Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine are a great resource for anxiety and stress reduction, and given the stressful nature of these times, it can be a great option, so don’t shy away from reaching out to me to ask what is possible today.