Good News and Practice Updates

As we approach year THREE of Allen Acupuncture & Wellness, LLC, I wanted to communicate some important practice updates, including a new PHONE NUMBER and LOGO (see below).

First, things are going very well.

A pandemic doesn’t stop people from experiencing pain, and it only adds the the stress, anxiety, and inflammation many people feel in their bodies.

The good news is that the body is still able to heal (yes, even in a pandemic), and PEOPLE ARE GETTING RELIEF from their symptoms, from pain to anxiety to allergies and many more conditions.

Patients suffering with back pain, headaches, shoulder and neck pain, knee pain, etc… have had their pain relieved through acupuncture, cupping, tuina massage, injection therapy, and at-home therapeutic exercises. People with neuropathy have had their nerves “turn on” again. Just yesterday, a patient with a post-surgical drop-foot complication was able to lift the foot for the first time in over two months. Those suffering with digestive issues have found relief. And allergy symptoms have gone away.

Secondly, COVID PROTOCOLS at the clinic are WORKING.

COVID-19 Safety Protocols keep patients safe

There have been ZERO COVID transmissions at the clinic in almost 4 months. The MASKS, extra cleaning, patient social distancing, and air sanitizers will continue even when Palm Beach County moves into Phase 2. While I cannot guarantee a COVID-free zone, it is relatively SAFE to come in for acupuncture–safer than almost anywhere except your own home. I take the level of trust patients have to keep them safe VERY seriously and do everything I can to go above and beyond. (Click for more information about the COVID-19 protocols).

Third, the schedule is full almost every week.

Because I am spacing out patients, one per hour (two per 1.5 hours if in the same household) with cleaning time between, the schedule often gets MAXED OUT. There are people I am not able to “fit in” when they need to come in because of it. While it’s awesome so many people are finding relief through acupuncture, it means the 24-hour cancellation fee policy must be more strictly enforced. Please be patient. I am doing my best to accommodate everyone, but I also have a family that I like to see:)

Kids and Teens Welcomed Back!

Next, as of September 1, children and teens are welcomed back to the clinic as long as they can wear a mask while in the office. Parents are welcome to wait in the waiting room or observe the session. Siblings of the patient will be allowed in the waiting room on a case by case basis. All those entering the clinic are screened for COVID symptoms.

New Number, New Logo, New Catch-phrase.

Lastly, there is a NEW NUMBER for Allen Acupuncture, equipped with many HIPAA-compliant features, including texting. Please change it on your phones:

561-285-8562.

And here’s the NEW LOGO! The GREEN communicates the Vibrant Life and Growth that can be achieved. The flower illustrates a dimension of kindness and empathy patients will experience as part of their treatments. And the hexagon with its symmetry and structure highlights the logic, knowledge, experience I apply to treatments in order to get the BEST results patients need and want. There has been a full redecoration in the office to highlight the new LOGO (You can check out the photos and leave a review of Allen Acupuncture on Google).

This past year, I added another Board Certification Specialty to my name: FABORM, a Fellow of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine (Click for more information on ABORM). It illustrates a high level of learning and proficiency in the area of fertility and reproductive health. The board certification required hundreds of hours of additional classes and study as well as a very difficult exam in California.

So the new by-line (catch-phrase) for Allen Acupuncture is:

Natural Fertility. Natural Pain and Allergy Relief.

I hope to see you soon! Please reach out by email, phone or text: 561-285-8562.

May 7, 2020July 17, 2020

Reopening Clinic and Protecting Patients

I have had so many of my awesome patients texting, calling and reaching out on social media to see when the clinic is reopening.

You might be feeling like I am–yearning to get back to “normal”… But what will our new “normal” be? What does that look like for health and wellness?

Allen Acupuncture will be REOPENING on a reduced schedule May 15th!

Non-essential services are now allowed in Florida with COVID-19 screening and proper protective equipment. There is so much to get in place to insure patient safety that I will not be reopening until 5/15/2020.

I am so excited to reopen! I’m so happy to be able to help people feel better.

Once open, there will be NEW SAFETY MEASURES in place (details on the COVID-19 Protocols page). I am also available for “checking in,” telehealth (online) visits, herbal pick up hours, etc…

What treatments are patients are looking forward to most on reopening?

Anxiety, Stress, Insomnia, and Depression. Many of you have expressed the emotions you feel during this “Stay Home” time. These can contribute to insomnia. Acupuncture can help!
Pain. Some of you are suffering with pain and missing your acupuncture treatments.
Fertility. People have been waiting to get back to improving their health so they can have the child they have been dreaming of.
Allergies. Patients have been struggling with allergies and are looking forward to their NAET-like treatments to clear their allergy.

Looking forward to reopening, I have added safety layers to the clinic. I have purchased PPE (personal protective equipment), hand sanitizers, AIR SANITIZERS, and cleansers.

I’m doing all of this to PROTECT YOU. And we all need to protect each other.

We can protect each other by wearing masks.

The latest data shows 50% of people with COVID-19 have NO SYMPTOMS. Another 30% have very mild (cold-like) symptoms. Another 20% have severe symptoms and may require hospitalization. And as of this blog post, approximately 2% of documented cases die.

The truth is that we have to assume that we are all asymptomatic carriers of COVID-19. And this disease is spread by respiratory droplets–not just from coughing but speaking, singing, and laughing as well. So to protect each other, we will wear masks in the clinic. Everybody. All the time.

Is reopening SAFE?

There is NO WAY to guarantee a COVID-19-Free Zone. There is ALWAYS risk involved in leaving the house. Most of us have braved the Virus to go shopping for essentials or to go to doctor’s visits. Because of the additional risk, patients are required to sign an additional COVID-19 Waiver in order to receive treatment.

Anyone who is a “vulnerable individual” should STAY HOME unless it becomes medically necessary to come in. See the CDC info on what makes someone “vulnerable”.

Patients will be PRE-SCREENED before coming. If a person experiences ANY COVID-19 symptoms, there will be NO cancellation fee in this case. Once at the office, patients will be screened for virus symptoms before entering the office.

Once the clinic reopens, there are new, SHORTENED office hours with only one patient per hour (except for 2 family members). This is to allow for disinfection of surfaces and air between patients.

We are going through this together, slowly and safely. When you see me, you may not see my smile under my mask, but I have learned to smile with my EYES:)

If you would like to set up an appointment, please visit the COVID-19 Protocols page before calling or texting 561-285-8562.

March 21, 2020July 17, 2020

Coronavirus Closing & Telehealth

Coronavirus has already changed our world.

While COVID-19, the Coronavirus, is spreading exponentially throughout our world, country, and community, we have all had to find a new “normal”. I hope this post/email finds ALL of you practicing “social distancing”, washing your hands many MANY times a day, avoiding touching your face, and with a healthy fear/respect for this disease.

For almost 3 months, we’ve watched coronavirus march across our planet, irrespective of age, celebrity, borders, or health. It’s sobering to watch the numbers climb daily (CLICK HERE to see the current world info, and HERE to find the current Florida count). We all must do our part and stay put!

To that end, the Governor announced yesterday that all non-essential medical services are suspended until further notice. That includes acupuncture, physical therapy, chiropractic, and any other service that doesn’t “save a life” or prevent death. Indeed, this means that the clinic is CLOSED until further notice…

It’s a good thing, really, because with so many untested people in our county alone, we don’t really know who might have COVID-19 and who doesn’t, who might have touched something you’re touching or coughed in the hallway before you came into the building…? It is MUCH safer for everyone to stay home.

Allen Acupuncture is HERE for YOU during Coronavirus!

There are options to continue care.

Many insurance companies pay for Telehealth.

I am able to do Telehealth visits using a variety of platforms. We could use Zoom or Skype (for new or current patients), or even a phone call (if you are a current patient). The main rule is that you must RESIDE in Florida, where I have my medical license. These visits will be shorter and at a reduced cost.

Telehealth Acupressure.

We can go over/demonstrate acupressure points you can massage on yourself to help boost your immune system, get rid of pain, improve digestion or sleep… There are many ways I can teach you through our Telehealth visit–after all, I was a teacher for almost 20 years!

Herbal Prescriptions.

We can discuss your history and symptoms. I may ask for your temperature, heart rate, or even to see your tongue. These pieces of information help me make a holistic diagnosis so that I can prescribe the right herbal formula to help you. Natural herbs are a FANTASTIC way to help your body heal while the clinic is closed. ALSO, there are herbs which help to boost the immune system, clear phlegm, lessen pain, and treat many other conditions. I can “drop ship” herbs to patients through several companies, or order “custom” formulas (teas) specially made for a patient’s symptoms and diagnosis.

Medical Advice.

I may have insight as to helpful supplements for your wellness, when to go see your primary care, or even if you should consider testing for coronavirus. In the state of Florida, I am a Primary Care Provider… I have to know who and when to refer my patients for care.

Group Classes.

There may be opportunities for ONLINE group classes to learn at-home treatments for various conditions. STAY TUNED for more information…

MEANWHILE…

Here’s my Wellness “To Do” List:

Follow CDC guidelines for coronavirus. Right now, hand washing, social distancing, and staying home are at the top of their guidelines. These change almost daily, so stay current on their advice.
Get good sleep. This arms your immune system to fight, should you need to. In one bit of research on fighting the coronavirus, Melatonin may play a role in the immune response for this virus, so get some sleep!
Lower your stress and anxiety. Some of you may need to do a Telehealth session with me to help, but going on a walk outside (away from people), doing yoga or meditation at home are also great options. Turn OFF the TV or news if it’s raising your anxiety, get off the couch, and GET MOVING.
Eat HEALTHY. It has NEVER been so important! Our temptation when stressed is to eat unhealthy, fatty or sugar-laden foods. Drop the chip and have some soup, steamed veggies, or fresh fruit. Try to STAY AWAY from raw vegetables which weaken digestion (read a previous post about that HERE). Try NOT to eat after 6 or 7pm to allow your body to optimize digestion.
Take supplements. With coronavirus, there is a discussion as to whether Elderberry Syrup is helpful or not, and I will keep you posted as we learn more… But we do know they have been using Vitamin C in high doses to help those who are sick in China. We also know that taking Vitamin D, Zinc, and B complex are all helpful to keep the immune system in top shape.
Try Essential Oils. There are many that show anti-viral capability. Each brand has its own anti-viral mix. Most of you who have been in the office know I use Healing Solution’s “Health Shield” in my diffuser along with their “Breathe Blend” (from Amazon). I can think of no better pairing to help boost our lungs and kill viruses in the air of our homes. You can make your own hand sanitizer with essential oils, too (see Facebook video, although some information is outdated now).
Do something new, or something you haven’t had “time” to do. Restart that hobby you’ve been missing, read a book, write an encouraging note, finish that project, Kon-Marie your house… Choose to do something that brings you joy:)
Pray, connect with others, and have a positive attitude. All three of these have been shown to help people and to even help the body heal. Prayer can help us stop cycles of anxiety and bring peace in the midst of chaos. Prayer can help us have a positive attitude, which can make all the difference when we’re stuck at home. Reach out to others. Call a friend, family member or neighbor to make sure they have what they need emotionally, physically, spiritually. There are so many churches and houses of worship having online services, small group studies, etc… It’s easier than ever to connect on a deep level with others. Some us are alone while we wait, and others have a full house. We can be a beacon of light to one another in these times and mindfully connect with others on social media.

And if you suspect you have COVID-19?

Do you have sore throat, fever, chest tightness, or cough? It’s a very scary thought! Here’s the CDC symptoms “checker” website. PLEASE DO NOT SHOW UP AT YOUR DOCTOR’S OFFICE! Here’s the CDC’s Guidance for “What to Do if you might have Coronavirus”…

The Florida COVID-19 Call Center is available 24/7 | 1 (866) 779-6121 | COVID-19@flhealth.gov; Here’s the link for contacting your Florida County’s Board of Health .

Hopefully, we will check in with one another over the next couple of weeks. My prayer is that all of you stay healthy and well while we wait.

Please feel free to reach out at 561-285-8562, sara@allenacupuncture.com, on Facebook: Allen Acupuncture, or Instagram: Allenacupuncture. I’m happy to answer any questions or help you get started using Telemedicine!