Black Maternal Health Week: ElevateHer, Centering Pregnancy, and Heartwise

Posted on April 17, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Black Maternal Health Week takes place annually from April 11th to April 17th.

Founded and led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, this week-long campaign aims to build awareness, activism, and community-building to amplify the voices, perspectives, and lived experiences of Black mothers and birthing people.

Black Maternal Health Week highlights the importance of addressing the inequities of maternal and infant health.

According to data from the New York City Health Department, Black non-Hispanic women are about five times more likely to die from a pregnancy-associated cause than white non-Hispanic women.

This is due to the unfortunate number of disparities and challenges women in minority populations, such as Black women, may face pertaining to accessing prenatal care, including transportation issues, low socioeconomic status, lack of insurance, low education levels, and disparities in rural and urban healthcare access.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center has three services to address these disparities: ElevateHer, Centering Pregnancy, and Heartwise.

ElevateHer is a comprehensive pregnancy program designed to support women throughout their pregnancy and postpartum journey. By taking a “whole person” approach, the program ensures that the health and well-being of the mother and baby are addressed. The program focuses on the health literacy of expectant and postpartum mothers by providing comprehensive, integrative healthcare education.

Heartwise care is an example of comprehensive integrative care, as it is designed to raise awareness of the heightened risks of cardiovascular disease related to pregnancy complications.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women in the U.S. It is also the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S., which accounts for about 26.5% of such deaths. Approximately 1 in 3 pregnancy-related deaths are due to cardiovascular problems, with higher risks observed in Black women compared to their Hispanic or White counterparts.

Conditions, such as preterm delivery, hypertension, diabetes, etc., can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease by two to four times later in life. To combat this, the ElevateHer program partners with Jamaica Hospital’s award-winning cardiology department for patients to have the appropriate follow-ups in group settings.

In addition to ElevateHer and Heartwise, the Centering Pregnancy program, an innovative prenatal model, is designed to promote the overall health and well-being of mother and baby.

Unlike traditional one-on-one prenatal visits, this approach incorporates small group sessions to receive medical care, education, and emotional support, to foster meaningful relationships between participants and clinicians.

After an initial private visit with a provider, participants in the centering pregnancy program, all of whom are in similar stages of their pregnancy, meet in a small group setting for their prenatal appointments, where participants share with and learn from each other during their pregnancy. Each of the ten-centering prenatal care group sessions is approximately 90 minutes long. This group dynamic gives each of the participants the advantage of having more time with their provider.

At the beginning of the session, our facilitator will guide each patient to get weighed, have their blood pressure checked, and record their values for the provider to review. The provider will listen to the baby’s heartbeat and review the pertinent patient-specific information. After this information is collected, the 8-12 participants will form a circle and begin the fun and interactive educational session.

If you would like to learn more about these services, you can schedule an appointment with an OB/GYN at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Women’s Health Center. To learn more, please call (718) 291-3276.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Tetanus Shot

Posted on April 15, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

A tetanus shot is a vaccine that reduces your risk of getting tetanus or lockjaw, a painful and potentially fatal bacterial infection.

The incubation period of tetanus ranges from 3 to 21 days after infection. Most cases occur within 14 days.

Symptoms can include:

Jaw cramping or the inability to open the mouth
Muscle spasms often occur in the back, abdomen, and extremities
Sudden painful muscle spasms, often triggered by sudden noises
Trouble swallowing
Seizures
Headache
Fever and sweating
Changes in blood pressure or a fast heart rate

The bacteria that cause tetanus can be found in the environment on metals and in soil. Because of this, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a series of Tdap or DTap shots in childhood and boosters every ten years. These shots also protect against other bacterial infections, such as diphtheria and pertussis.

Tetanus shots work by training the immune system to identify threats, so it has the tools to fight them when it encounters them again. These shots are known as a toxoid vaccine, which means they contain a weakened version of the toxin released by Clostridium tetani, the tetanus-causing bacteria. The toxoid creates an immune response that protects you if you are exposed to these bacteria in the future.

There are many reasons to get a tetanus shot, including:

Within 48 hours of getting a wound that is deep and/or contaminated with dirt, feces, or saliva. You will need a booster shot if you haven’t had one in the past five years
During the first trimester of pregnancy, you can protect your baby from pertussis in their first months of life
As part of the childhood immunization regimen. The CDC recommends an initial five-shot series between the ages of two months and six years old, and a booster shot between 11 and 12 years old
Every 10 years after your initial series of shots

You shouldn’t get a tetanus shot if you or your child has an allergic reaction, seizures, or a decreased level of consciousness after getting a tetanus shot in the past. Do not get a tetanus shot until you speak with your healthcare provider. They can make a recommendation as to what is safe for you.

Before you get a tetanus vaccine, it is important to tell your healthcare provider if you have:

Life-threatening allergies
Guillain–Barré syndrome
Suffered from seizures in the past
Had severe pain or swelling after getting a tetanus shot in the past
A condition that affects the nervous system
Recently had transplant surgery

It is also important to tell your healthcare provider about any medications you take, as certain medications, such as corticosteroids, cancer treatments, and immunosuppressants, could interact with the tetanus shot.

Like most vaccinations, there is a chance of side effects. However, the side effects of a tetanus shot are usually mild. The most common side effect is muscle soreness in the arm. Other side effects include:

Swelling, pain, and redness at the injection site
Headache
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Low-grade fever
Fussiness or irritability in babies

Children and babies rarely experience serious side effects from the DTap vaccine. If they do experience side effects, they would include:

Fever over 105 degrees Fahrenheit
Seizures
Swelling of an entire arm or leg
Continued, inconsolable crying that lasts for more than a few hours

If you or a loved one is experiencing any symptoms relating to tetanus, you can receive treatment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

Posted on April 10, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder occurs when a person unknowingly, physically acts out their vivid, often bad dreams with vocal sounds and sudden, often violent arm and leg movements during REM sleep.

People don’t normally move during REM sleep, which is a normal stage of sleep that occurs many times during the night.

About 20% of a person’s sleep is REM sleep, the usual time when dreaming occurs, primarily during the second half of the night.

REM sleep behavior disorder may be linked to neurological conditions, such as:

Lewy body dementia
Parkinson’s disease
Multiple system atrophy

The onset of REM sleep behavior disorder can be gradual or sudden, and it can worsen over time. Episodes of the disorder occur occasionally or several times a night.

Symptoms of REM sleep behavior disorder include:

Movements, such as kicking, punching, arm flailing, or jumping from bed, in response to action-filled or violent dreams, such as being chased or fighting off an attack
Noises, such as talking, laughing, shouting, emotional outcries, or even cursing
Being able to recall the dream if awoken during the episode

Usually, the nerve pathways in the brain that prevent muscles from moving are active during normal REM sleep, which results in temporary paralysis of the body. However, in REM sleep behavior disorder, the nerve pathways no longer work, causing a person to physically act out their dreams.

There are several risk factors associated with the development of REM sleep behavior disorder, including:

Having a certain type of neurodegenerative disorder
Taking certain medications
Having narcolepsy
Being male and over 50 years old

Additionally, recent evidence indicates there may also be several specific environmental or personal risk factors for REM sleep behavior disorder, including:

Occupational pesticide exposure
Farming
Smoking
A previous head injury

REM sleep behavior disorder can cause various complications, including:

Injury to yourself or your sleeping partner
Distress to your sleeping partner or other people living in your home
Social isolation for fear that others may become aware of your sleep disruption

To diagnose REM sleep behavior disorder, a healthcare provider reviews your medical history and symptoms. The evaluation can include:

Physical and neurological exam
Nocturnal sleep study
Talking with your sleeping partner

A healthcare provider uses the symptom criteria in the International Classification of Sleep Disorders, Third Edition (ICSD-3). The criteria include:

You have repeated times of arousal during sleep where you talk, make noises, or perform complex motor behaviors, such as punching, kicking, or running movements, that often relate to the content of your dreams
You recall dreams associated with these movements or sounds
If you awaken during an episode, you are alert and not confused or disoriented
A sleep study shows you have an increase in muscle activity during REM sleep
Your sleep disturbance is not caused by another disturbance, a mental health disorder, medication, or substance abuse

REM sleep behavior disorder can be the first indication of the development of a neurodegenerative disease, such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy, or dementia with Lewy bodies.

Treatment for REM sleep behavior disorder may include physical safeguards and medications.

Physical safeguards make it safer for you and your bed partner.

Medications such as melatonin and clonazepam can be prescribed to help treat REM sleep behavior disorder.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of REM sleep behavior disorder, you can consult with a neurologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7246.

Why Do People Get Recurring Sinus Infections?

Posted on April 9, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

A sinus infection, also known as acute sinusitis, is the inflammation of the tissues in your sinuses. It can make breathing through the nose difficult and cause swelling in the area around the eyes and face. It may also cause a headache or a throbbing pain in the face. Other common symptoms of a sinus infection include:

A runny nose with thick yellow or greenish mucus
Post-nasal drip
A stuffy nose
Pain, tenderness, swelling, and pressure around the eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead that gets worse when bending over
Ear pressure or pain
Pain or pressure in your teeth
Fever
Cough
Bad breath
Headache
Tiredness
A changed sense of smell

Common acute sinus infections usually don’t last long and clear up easily. Recurrent or chronic sinusitis, on the other hand, is when a person has four or more separate infections within one year, with each infection lasting at least 10 days with symptom-free intervals between them. This may often be a signal that an underlying issue needs to be addressed.

Recurrent sinus infections can have many underlying causes, which can often include a variety of factors working together:

Structural issues that affect sinus drainage, such as nasal polyps or a deviated septum
Infections that are difficult to clear due to bacterial infections that develop after a viral illness, which include Staphylococcus Aureus and antibiotic-resistant strains like MRSA
Health conditions or treatments that weaken the immune response or affect sinus function, such as:
- Asthma
- COPD
- Cystic fibrosis
- Immunosuppressant medications, chronic illness, or high stress levels may reduce immune effectiveness
- Dental infections that spread to nearby sinuses, which contribute to persistent or recurrent infections that have been overlooked

To diagnose recurrent sinus infections, a healthcare provider may perform a nasal endoscopy, order a CT scan, or conduct an allergy test

Identifying the underlying cause of recurrent sinus infections allows your healthcare provider to customize a treatment plan to help prevent them from occurring.

Treatment options for recurrent sinus infections vary based on your condition and may involve:

Medications such as nasal corticosteroid sprays, saline irrigation, antibiotics, and antihistamines or allergy medications
Surgical interventions such as straightening a deviated septum, removing nasal polyps, or performing endoscopic sinus surgery
Addressing biofilms and resistant infections
Lifestyle tips to help prevent recurrent sinus infections, such as quitting smoking
Managing allergies
Using a humidifier
Practicing good hand hygiene
Supporting your immune system with a balanced diet, regular exercise, sleep, and stress management

If you or a loved one is suffering from recurrent sinus infections, you can make an appointment with an ENT doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. Please call 718-206-7110.

The New 2026 Cholesterol Guidelines

Posted on April 7, 2026 by Xavia Malcolm

Approximately 1 in 4 adults in the United States has high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. Elevated LDL cholesterol increases the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. The longer an individual has high LDL cholesterol, the greater their lifetime risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke, both of which remain among the leading causes of death in the United States.

Experts agreed that stricter and clearer guidelines were needed to address these trends. Furthermore, new scientific evidence showed that earlier, more personalized, and more aggressive management of cholesterol can prevent cardiovascular disease and complications more effectively over a person’s lifetime.

In response to these findings, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC), in collaboration with nine other leading medical organizations, updated the guidelines for managing cholesterol and other blood lipids for the first time since 2018.

According to the AHA, a major focus of the new guidelines is earlier intervention through healthy lifestyle changes. These include maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco products, prioritizing healthy sleep habits, and taking cholesterol-lowering medication when recommended by a healthcare professional.

The new guidelines strongly emphasize the importance of preventing cardiovascular disease earlier by identifying individuals at higher risk sooner and implementing screening and interventions at younger ages. Adults aged 30 and older are now included in the risk assessment group, instead of the previously recommended age of 40 and older.

Other new recommendations for the management of cholesterol include:

Using the new Predicting Risk of Cardiovascular Disease EVENTs (PREVENT™) risk calculator, a new tool to assess risk earlier in adults ages 30-79 years. The PREVENT™ tool estimates a person’s risk of developing heart disease over the next 10 and 30 years.
Testing for lipoprotein (a) in all adults at least once in their lifetime. Lipoprotein (a) is a genetic biomarker for heart disease.
The consideration of additional testing to improve cardiovascular risk assessment. These tests include a non-contrast coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan and Apolipoprotein B
Cholesterol screening in children who may have high cholesterol due to lifestyle habits or inherited conditions, such as familial hypercholesterolemia. Guidelines recommend that screening begin for children aged 9 to 11 who have not previously been screened.
Clear targets for LDL cholesterol. Doctors now aim for LDL levels below 100 mg/dL in most patients without risk factors, below 70 mg/dL in those at high risk, and below 55 mg/dL in individuals with heart disease.

The guidelines also advise against taking supplements to lower cholesterol due to insufficient evidence and safety risks.

The primary objective of the new cholesterol guidelines is to reduce LDL cholesterol levels significantly in order to decrease an individual’s overall and lifetime risk of heart attacks and strokes. This approach is personalized and based on individual risk factors. Individuals can apply these guidelines to improve their health by understanding their risk for cardiovascular disease, consulting their healthcare providers for recommended screening tests, comprehending their cholesterol levels, adopting healthier lifestyle choices, and taking any prescribed medications as directed by their doctor.

To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.

Why Spring is A Good Time to Rebuild Healthy Routines

Posted on April 3, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Spring has finally arrived, and with it comes warm weather, blooming flowers and trees, and longer days. It is a time for renewal and rejuvenation, and as we thaw out from winter, we may realize that spending most of our time indoors has caused us to fall into sedentary habits, such as binging comfort foods, not exercising, and other sluggish routines.

However, spring is the perfect time to refresh your health goals, rebuild healthy routines, and establish new habits. Here are some ways you can reset for the season:

Spring cleaning usually relates to deep cleaning our homes and decluttering our closets. However, it can also be a great way to reset your mindset. A clutter-free environment can help encourage mental clarity, productivity, and relaxation. You can start spring cleaning by organizing your workspaces, donating unused clothes and items, and deep-cleaning busy areas to create a space that feels new and cheerful. You can also declutter any digital spaces, such as emails, phone apps, and limit screen time, which can promote a more mindful relationship with technology.

Warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours make springtime the perfect time to take advantage of the sun. It allows us to enjoy its benefits, as it can boost our mood and energy. The spring sun recharges us with the vitamin D we were lacking after a cold and dreary winter. The sun also helps regulate circadian rhythms, which improves sleep and overall well-being. Even taking a short daily walk during the daytime can increase mental clarity and reduce stress. It is important to note that you should put on sunscreen, wear sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and garments with long sleeves and pants while outside to help prevent skin cancer.

Spring is a great time to assess your work-life balance and make the necessary adjustments that support your well-being. If you suffered from seasonal affective disorder or felt burnt out during winter, spring is an opportunity to rebalance work and life for less stress. Prioritize self-care and set boundaries. Make time for activities that bring you joy and happiness, such as engaging in your favorite hobbies, socializing with friends, or spending time with family. It is also important to schedule breaks, time outdoors, and moments of relaxation. A healthy work-life balance can increase mental clarity, motivation, and happiness, which can help you enter spring with restored energy and focus.

Warm spring weather provides the perfect temperature to move your workout outdoors. The standard minimum recommended time for moderate-intensity physical activity is 150 minutes per week. Whether it’s a morning jog, yoga in the park, evening walks, or gardening, it will do as long as your muscles are activated, and you do it consistently. Exercising in the sunshine adds a mood-enhancing benefit, as being amongst nature helps reduce cortisol levels, which improves heart health.

The longer days of spring may also benefit sleep health. The natural light of the sun during the day helps regulate the body’s melatonin production and improve your sleep quality and energy levels. Create a relaxing evening routine by winding down with calming activities such as reading, meditating, or gentle stretching. Try to avoid consuming caffeine or heavy meals late in the evening, as they can disrupt restfulness.

Spring is the time for new beginnings, which makes it an excellent time to focus on mental wellness. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, deep breathing, or journaling, can help decrease stress and gain clarity. Take a few minutes each day to practice gratitude, as it can change your mindset and improve your emotional well-being. Think about establishing seasonal goals that fit your values, whether it is improving your fitness, learning a new skill or language, or creating more balance in your life. Connecting with nature, practicing self-reflection, and letting go of old habits can refresh your outlook, which can help you feel more grounded and at peace.

This season of renewal is a great time to make dietary changes. Trade in heavy, processed foods for seasonal fruits, vegetables, and lighter meals that support digestion and energy. Focus on eating foods that are rich in nutrients, such as berries, leafy greens, citrus fruits, and lean proteins. It is also important to hydrate. Increase your water intake and try drinking herbal teas or lemon water to support natural detoxification. Evaluate your eating habits and identify areas where there can be improvement. Decrease your consumption of excess sugar, refined carbs, and artificial additives. Replace them with foods that are rich in fiber, healthy fats, and lean proteins. Add more fermented foods such as yogurt and kimchi, as they can also promote gut health, boost digestion, and immunity.

Spring can be a seasonal reset, as it allows you to feel more energized, balanced, and refreshed. Incremental changes such as spending more time outdoors, improving your diet, prioritizing rest, and tidying up your space can make a major impact on both your physical and mental well-being. Embracing renewal and positive habits can help you enter spring rejuvenated, filled with happiness, vitality, and personal growth.

IBS Awareness Month

Posted on April 2, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

April is observed as IBS Awareness Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common disorder that affects the large intestine.

Researchers are unclear of what exactly causes IBS, but they categorize it as a neurogastrointestinal (GI) disorder. Neurogastrointestinal disorders, also known as gut-brain interaction, involve problems with how the gut and brain coordinate to help the digestive system work. This communication challenge between the brain and gut can cause:

Dysmotility

Visceral hypersensitivity

Other potential causes of IBS may include:

Gut bacteria

Severe infections

Food intolerance

Childhood stress

IBS affects approximately 15% of the U.S. population, causing abdominal pain and changes to the frequency of your bowel movements. Other symptoms of IBS include:

Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between the two

Feeling like you are unable to empty your bowels after pooping

Cramps

Excess gas and bloating

Mucus in stool that makes it look whitish

If a person has IBS, they may notice when certain things trigger symptoms. A trigger doesn’t cause IBS itself, but it can cause or worsen symptoms to flare up. Common IBS triggers include:

Periods

Certain foods

Stress

Researchers categorize IBS based on how a person’s stool looks on the days when they’re having flare ups. Most people with IBS may experience days when they have normal bowel movements and days when they experience abnormal ones. The bowel movements on abnormal days define the type of IBS they have. The types of IBS include:

IBS with constipation (IBS-C)- most of the stool is hard and lumpy

IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D)- most of the stool is loose and watery

IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M)- stool is both hard and lumpy and loose and watery

Post-infectious IBS- generally occurs after an infection in the intestines, and stool is either similar to IBS-D or IBS-M, with a smaller number of cases presenting stool as IBS-C

To diagnose IBS, a healthcare provider will get a full medical history by asking about your symptoms. Depending on your symptoms, they may need other tests to confirm a diagnosis. These tests include:

Lab tests

Imaging tests

No specific therapy works for everyone who has IBS. However, most people with IBS can find a treatment plan that works best for them. Typical treatment options for IBS include:

Modifying your diet

Exercising regularly and trying relaxation techniques

Therapy

Medications

No matter what form of IBS you are experiencing, working with a gastroenterologist can help you manage your symptoms effectively. You can schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001.

Managing Seasonal Allergies If You Have Asthma

Posted on April 1, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Spring has finally sprung, and with it comes growing grass, blooming trees, and flowers. The season of renewal also comes with seasonal allergies due to the spreading of grass, tree, and flower pollen, as well as mold spores.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever affects many people who have pollen allergies. About 26% of adults and 19% of children are affected by seasonal allergic rhinitis.

When a person who suffers from seasonal allergies inhales pollen, it causes allergic reactions in the eyes, nose, sinuses, throat, and lungs. Seasonal allergic rhinitis can also affect those who suffer from asthma, a chronic condition that causes the airways to become narrow and inflamed and can also cause extra mucus to be produced.

Allergic asthma can be triggered by inhaling mold spores and pollen from trees, flowers, and grass. If a person who suffers from asthma inhales pollen, it can cause their airways to narrow and become swollen, which makes it difficult for them to breathe.

Asthma symptoms include:

Wheezing

Shortness of breath

Chest pain or tightness

Coughing

Common treatments for asthma include:

Nasal corticosteroid sprays

Antihistamines

Immunotherapy or allergy shots

If you suffer from seasonal allergies or asthma, there are several ways to manage allergies and reduce your exposure to pollen, including:

Using the air conditioner

Sleeping with the windows closed

Keeping track of the air quality and pollen counts

Taking your asthma medications as prescribed

Using an air purifier

Washing clothes and bedding regularly

Showering after being outdoors

Staying indoors when the pollen count is high

If you are experiencing symptoms related to seasonal allergies or asthma, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.

Happy National Doctors’ Day

Posted on March 30, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Today, March 30th, 2026, is observed as National Doctors’ Day.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center would like to celebrate the dedicated and compassionate physicians who strive every day to provide high-quality care to their patients and to the community. Jamaica Hospital would like to recognize them and show our appreciation for all that they do for our hospital, our patients, and our community.

Integrative Health: Acupuncture

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Integrative health combines modern and holistic medicines that can help prevent the onset of disease, address existing chronic conditions, and promote healing in patients.

This approach places the patient at the center of a treatment plan, considering the physical, emotional, and social needs of that individual.

Treatment plans may also include the use of conventional medicine, such as prescriptions, to manage chronic health conditions, as well as therapies and practices, such as acupuncture.

Acupuncture is a technique in which practitioners insert fine needles into the skin to treat health problems. The needles can be manually manipulated or stimulated with small electrical currents, which is called electroacupuncture.

Originating from traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture has been in use in some form for at least 2,500 years, gaining worldwide popularity since the 1970s.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), acupuncture is used as a therapeutic technique in 103 out of 129 countries that reported data.

Data from the National Health Interview Survey showed that the use of acupuncture by adults in the U.S. more than doubled between 2002 and 2022. In 2002, 1% of adults in the U.S. used acupuncture. In 2022, that percentage rose to 2.2%.

National survey data suggest that acupuncture is most used for back, joint, and neck pain in the U.S.

It isn’t fully understood how acupuncture works. However, there is evidence that shows that acupuncture may have effects on the central nervous system, effects on other body tissues, and placebo effects.

Studies done in animals and humans, including studies using imaging procedures to see what is happening in the brain, have shown that acupuncture may affect nervous system function.

Acupuncture may have direct effects on the tissues where the needles have been inserted, which has been seen in connective tissue.

Research has shown that acupuncture may be beneficial for several pain conditions, including knee pain resulting from osteoarthritis and postoperative pain. Acupuncture may also help relieve joint pain associated with the use of aromatase inhibitors, which are drugs used in people diagnosed with breast cancer.

An analysis of data from 20 studies (6,376 participants) of people with painful conditions (back pain, osteoarthritis, neck pain, or headaches) showed that the beneficial effects of acupuncture continued for a year after the end of treatment for all conditions except neck pain.

Acupuncture doesn’t only treat painful conditions. It has also been studied for at least 50 other health problems. There is evidence that indicates acupuncture may help relieve seasonal allergy symptoms, stress incontinence in women, and nausea and vomiting associated with cancer treatment, and may also help relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life in people with asthma, but it has not been shown to improve lung function.

Auricular acupuncture is a type of acupuncture that involves stimulating specific areas of the ear. Research on auricular acupuncture for chronic back pain and cancer pain has had promising results.

Relatively few complications from using acupuncture have been reported. However, complications have resulted from the use of nonsterile needles and improper delivery of treatments. When not delivered properly, acupuncture can cause serious adverse effects, including infections, punctured organs, and injury to the central nervous system.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates acupuncture needles as medical devices and requires that they be sterile and labeled for single use only.

If you are interested in learning more about any of our integrative health services, events, or classes, or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us at (718) 206-5675.