Conditions Acupuncture Can Treat
Greg Wims (Host): Welcome back to Montgomery Matters. I’m here again with acupuncturist Hong Ji from East West Wellness Center. In Part 1, we talked about how acupuncture works. In this segment, we’ll focus on specific conditions acupuncture can help.
Acupuncture for Pregnancy and Labor
Greg: Earlier you mentioned that you’ve worked with pregnant women. How can acupuncture help during pregnancy?
Hong: Yes, I’ve treated many pregnant patients. In fact, just before coming here today, I received a call from my office. A patient who had been past her due date canceled her appointment—because she delivered her baby last night.
This was her second pregnancy. Her first was very difficult; she went 10 days past her due date, endured heavy medication to induce labor for three days, and eventually needed her water broken with a large needle before labor began. She was frightened to go through that again.
She came to see me three days past her due date. I treated her on Monday, again on Tuesday, and by Wednesday night she delivered naturally. She and her husband were thrilled, and it was wonderful to see acupuncture support her labor.
Does Acupuncture Interfere with Medication?
Greg: That’s amazing. But what about women taking medications—does acupuncture interfere?
Hong: No. Acupuncture is natural and doesn’t interfere with medication. The needles are tiny and contain no medicine. They simply stimulate points along the meridians to activate the body’s own healing response, such as releasing endorphins for pain relief.
I often advise patients to continue their prescribed medication when starting acupuncture. Over time, as their condition improves, many are able to reduce or even stop their medication under their doctor’s guidance. I’ve seen this with patients managing headaches, digestive problems, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Acupuncture for Stress
Greg: Let’s talk about stress. You mentioned earlier that acupuncture helps kids with stress and focus. What about adults with work-related stress?
Hong: Everyone experiences stress, but when it becomes overwhelming, it can cause problems—headaches, insomnia, digestive upset like bloating or burping. Acupuncture helps restore balance, reduce stress, and improve sleep and digestion.
Acupuncture for Eye Health and Glaucoma
Greg: Do you see patients with vision issues like glaucoma?
Hong: Yes. I’ve treated patients with high eye pressure, cloudy vision, or blurred sight. Stress can contribute, but hereditary factors also play a role.
For these patients, I place needles around the eyes to stimulate the nerves, along with other points based on their symptoms. Many notice clearer vision within five or six treatments. Eye pressure is usually measured by their doctor every three to six months, and some patients see measurable improvement at their next checkup.
Acupuncture for Athletes and Injuries
Greg: Sports are a big part of life here in Montgomery County. Do you treat student athletes?
Hong: Yes. Recently, a middle school student injured her ankle in gym class. Her mother, a patient of mine, brought her in right away. After just one treatment, her pain improved significantly.
I also treat professional and adult athletes—soccer players, swimmers, and people with back or head injuries from contact sports. Many return to their sport quickly after acupuncture.
One example: an 11-year-old girl was hit in the head while playing with her brother. Despite multiple tests like MRI and CT scans, nothing showed up, but she continued to suffer headaches. After one acupuncture session, her pain improved for three days. With four total treatments, her headaches disappeared completely, and she returned to swimming and soccer without issues.
Do Younger Patients Heal Faster?
Greg: From what you’ve described, it sounds like younger patients recover faster. Is that right?
Hong: It depends on overall health. Younger people often respond more quickly because they haven’t been on long-term medications. Commitment also matters. I recommend new patients start with two sessions per week, since the effects of acupuncture last about 72 hours. After that period, symptoms may return, so frequent sessions at the beginning work best. Later, we move to maintenance sessions every week or two.
Supporting Overall Wellness
Greg: At East West Wellness Center, you emphasize whole-person health. Do you recommend other practices along with acupuncture?
Hong: Yes—exercise, a balanced diet, and stress reduction. Stress affects people differently; some handle it well, others struggle. Acupuncture helps, but lifestyle habits also play an important role in long-term wellness.
Greg: Thank you, Hong, for sharing more about how acupuncture supports so many conditions—from pregnancy to eye health to sports injuries. This has been Montgomery Matters. I’m Greg Wims. We’ll see you next time.