infocus-melissa-skelly; Acupuncture

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In simple words, what is Acupuncture and what are some of its benefits? Acupuncture is an ancient form of medicine that has been a part of Asian culture for thousands of years. It is a very safe and effective form of natural medicine and became legal in the United States in the early 1970's. Acupuncture is becoming more popular and many people are seeking treatment to avoid the over-use of medication and its nasty side-effects.

In Acupuncture, very thin, tiny needles are placed strategically on the body at specific points to help the body in its natural healing process. Often due to stress, intense physical demands, injury and bad eating habits, our bodies are compromised and we have "symptoms". This can be in the form of pain, or headaches, or digestive issues to name a few. Acupuncture helps by moving the blood and energy that may be stuck in certain places, and symptoms begin to disappear.

What is so wonderful is that Acupuncture can "treat" many symptoms at the same time because the entire body is a functioning whole. So, for example, a woman may come in because she is tired and heard Acupuncture may help her. After a few treatments, she may notice that her energy level has improved, but also that she is sleeping better, her headache is gone, and her neck pain has improved. This is priceless, and it's also what makes Acupuncture such an exceptional kind of medicine. We do not just treat the symptoms (the branch) we also treat the cause (the root).

The World Health Organization has recognized over 50 different conditions in which Acupuncture is appropriate. I have personally encountered only one instance where Acupuncture didn't have some effect. I suggest that if you have tried several medications, surgery or other treatments without success, you are a good candidate for Acupuncture.

What inspired you and what inspires you to practice Acupuncture? I was first introduced to Acupuncture during my undergraduate studies at The University of Delaware. I majored in Psychology and Philosophy and was an executive member of a student organization named "Students of Holistic Living." My personal experience with Acupuncture was outstanding and I knew almost immediately that this was what I was destined to do.

Even as a young girl I wanted to be a care-taker because my mother was a nurse; she inspired me to help others. I am continually inspired by each and every one of my clients to continue to practice Acupuncture. The medicine itself is so powerful, and to watch the healing process and happiness when someone feels better is truly a gift. I love my job, and enjoy meeting new members of my community.

What is your favorite success story (or stories) so far? Most of my stories are successful (thanks to the fact that Acupuncture is such a great medicine), but if I had to choose it would probably be a young boy I am helping right now. He is three years old, and at birth he was diagnosed with a neurological disorder called cerebral palsy. Within the first four treatments his complexion changed from a lusterless yellow to a nice healthy pink. Then he started sleeping through the night for the first time in his life. Each visit for Acupuncture has brought about significant changes in his functions. His mom and dad are so proud of and thankful. There has been a decrease in the number of seizures from about 20 per/day to maybe one or two, plus there has been a great amount of improvement in the strength, coordination and movement of his hands. He is taking a nap during the day (which gives mom some much needed rest), and he has had great improvement in his visual focusing. He sits on his moms lap during his treatment, sometimes naps, and even laughs when the needles are placed. It has been such a joy to see his success and functional improvements especially since his parents were told he would never be able to do many of the things he has already accomplished!

Who can or should receive Acupuncture? Everyone can and should! Children, young adults, and even the elderly can all benefit greatly from the natural healing powers of Acupuncture. Acupuncture is extremely safe. Therefore, it is often used to naturally ease pregnancy related symptoms or even the nausea and stress of someone undergoing chemotherapy.

Do healthy people receive treatments without any known symptoms? In other words, is it ever too early to receive the benefits of Acupuncture? Is it ever too late? What is so wonderful about Acupuncture is that it works to keep your immune system healthy and can prevent the occurrence of future illness. So even the most health conscious person can benefit greatly from Acupuncture. I usually suggest an Acupuncture treatment one time per month to keep the immune system strong. In addition, I suggest a "tune-up" treatment as the seasons change. This helps a person without any known "symptoms" to adjust to changes in the climate.

It is never really "too late" to have Acupuncture. But, the sooner someone comes in for treatment after their symptoms first appear, the faster they will see results. Unfortunately, most people do not seek Acupuncture as a treatment method until they've tried several other medications or therapies without success.

What does it feel like to receive Acupuncture (does it hurt) (do you get a sticker when your are done)? Acupuncture is a very pleasant experience. Most people have an "idea" of needles, often thinking of hypodermic needles that are used at the doctors office to draw blood or give an injection. Acupuncture needles are extremely fine. They are about the thickness of a single human hair.

Most people do not feel anything at all when the tiny needles are placed. Some people experience sensations like warmth or heaviness or even a "tingling". These are normal sensations with Acupuncture that happen as the blood and energy begin to move through the body. After a treatment is finished one may feel relaxed or even energized. The number one comment I usually get after someone tries Acupuncture for the first time is "Wow, I wish I had tried this sooner!"

How long is the average treatment (per visit and for overall healing)? Every Acupuncturist is different. Some practitioners may leave the needles in for only minutes at a time, while other treatments can last up to two hours. Children however, respond quickly to treatment. The needles are often placed for only a minute or so.

In my practice, the average treatment time is between 30-60 minutes. I ask everyone to be a participant in their healing process and to judge when they feel "done". Some days you may be in a rush and need a quick energy boost, other days you may choose to nap for an hour or so.

For overall healing, Acupuncture is definitely a process. While most people feel some relief just after one treatment, it may take several treatments over the course of a few weeks to achieve optimal results. The more acute the situation the fewer sessions needed. Likewise, someone with a long-term chronic condition may need more treatments.

Within the field of Acupuncture, do you have a specialty or a niche? Not necessarily. I can say that I have had great success with women's issues and pain management. However, I consider myself a general practitioner and enjoy helping people with all kinds of experiences and health concerns. I do include different styles of Acupuncture and adjunct therapies which include Auricular (Ear), Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kiiko Matsumoto Japanese Acupuncture, Worsley Five-Element, Tui Na Massage, Cupping, Gua Sha, Moxibustion and Electric Stimulation.

From the perspective of your clients, what are some things that separate you from other Acupuncturists? Definitely the comfort of my center and affordability of treatment. The office is warm, relaxing, comfortable and inviting. The space is kept very safe and clean. Many people ask if they can stay all day/night after their Acupuncture.

I also strive to make Acupuncture treatments affordable so people can come as often as they need to get the best results. The number one complaint from the perspective of clients in NJ and across the country, is that Acupuncture can often be expensive (ranging from $75-$150 per treatment). Many do not complete a full course of treatment as suggested by their Acupuncturist because it's expensive! Currently, only a few health insurance plans are covering acupuncture. When it is covered, the number of reimbursed treatments is sometimes restricted.


To tackle this issue, I've joined a growing network of acupuncturists across the country that are creating affordable treatment centers for their communities. I accomplish this by practicing acupuncture in a group setting. I have comfy reclining chairs set up in a healing space where people come to relax and get their Acupuncture.
To learn more about how "Community Acupuncture" is making Acupuncture treatment more accessible and affordable, you can visit my website www.seninstitute.com .





What other areas of life are you passionate about? How do these things serve to enhance your work as an Acupuncturist? I am a huge advocate of living a well-balanced, healthy lifestyle. First, I make sure I drink plenty of water and get enough rest. This keeps me well hydrated and full of energy throughout the day. Then I take steps to prepare nutritious meals by eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, fish, nuts, and grains everyday. I take a Tai Chi class weekly to reduce stress and keep my mind and body flexible. I also get therapeutic massage, chiropractic adjustments, and acupuncture at least twice a month to support my immune system.

I enjoy learning about natural ways to keep our minds and bodies happy and healthy so that I can share this useful information with my patients. I know that by keeping myself healthy I will be able to offer my knowledge and services to those who are in pain, have a stubborn illnesses, or to those who simply need support and guidance while on their own path to wellness.


What are some other things that you would like people to know about you and your practice? We also offer Medical and Thai Yoga massage as well as private acupuncture sessions. Our massage therapist (Ralph Angersbach) has had extensive training in Thailand and incorporates traditional Thai techniques into his medical background and knowledge of the body. He has been practicing massage therapy for over 13 years and continues to help those who have sports injuries, migraines, structural imbalances, sciatic neuralgia, and chronic pain (to name a few!).





We offer both community and private acupuncture sessions in order to accommodate the different needs and comfort levels of individual clients. Many of our clients choose to do a combination of both private and group treatments, while others prefer one setting over the other. Acupuncture works regardless, therefore I leave this up to the patient when deciding what type of treatment they would like to have.

In the future we hope to have special classes which may include Meditation, Tai Chi, and Yoga. We also hope to offer massage seminars, continuing education courses, and Acupuncture demonstrations. Keep checking our website for updates.

Oh yes and what does SEN institute mean? Well, we chose the name Sen Institute because SEN are the energy lines or pathways that are used in both Thai Massage and Acupuncture. We felt it was appropriate to tie the two ancient arts together and the name just seemed perfect!

Where do you offer your services? We have a private center named Sen Institute in the lovely town of Manasquan, New Jersey. Our location is close to Belmar, Point Pleasant, Sea Girt, and Brick. We are an easy 10 minutes off parkway exit 98. The center is located at 170 B Main Street on the corner of Rt. 71 and Main Street. (This is one block from NJ transit Manasquan station and directly in front of the bus stop for those who prefer public transportation. )

How can people contact you to receive your services? The best way is to call the office at 732-414-9423. I can also answer questions or book appointments via email at seninstitute@me.com. The website is also a wonderful tool to get to know Sen Institute a little better, find answers to frequently asked questions, and see if acupuncture or massage can benefit you (www.seninstitute.com)

Any parting words? My best advice to is be your own health care advocate. Find a doctor, chiropractor, acupuncturist, etc. that fits your needs. If you are not completely satisfied with how you are treated, and/or if each of your concerns are not addressed, you have a right to find another practitioner.
Also, including different forms of alternative medicine into your regular health plan is a great way to stay healthy now and is a great way to prevent the need for future medications and/or surgery.