Acupucture and Telehealth: Does it work? Mar. 2023

‍Acupuncture is an ancient practice that has been used for centuries to treat various ailments. However, many people wonder if it's possible to receive acupuncture remotely. The answer is yes - remote acupuncture sessions are now available for those who want to receive treatment from the comfort of their own home.

Kyleen Lee, a leading acupuncturist in Edmonds, Washington State stated that she has successfully provided virtual visits to patients mainly for Herbal work. She has also done medical intake and tongue diagnosis over a remote connection. “Coaching about proper nutrition and lifestyle also works well remotely.” See kyleenlee.com >>

During a remote acupuncture session, the practitioner and patient connect online or over the phone. The practitioner can offer guidance and healing techniques to the patient to promote well-being and prevent disease. However, there are some cases where acupuncture should not be used, including active infections, malignancy, and severe neutropenia.

While acupuncture is commonly associated with needles, acupuncturists offer more than just needling techniques. They can also provide movement therapy, dietary advice, breathing exercises, body awareness techniques, knowledge of herbs, and self-acupressure. These techniques promote a holistic approach to healing and can be accessed through telehealth services during and after the pandemic.

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In conclusion, acupuncture therapy and associated techniques focus on mind and body, promoting a holistic approach to healing. Telehealth offers access to these techniques during and now post-pandemic. Healthy lifestyle changes are essential for promoting an improved quality of life, increased lifespan, and disease prevention. Telehealth may also cost less than office visits and offers unique convenience for those seeking to promote well-being from the comfort of their own home.

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US DOD Telemedicine/Telehealth/Virtual Care

Telehealth is changing how healthcare is delivered within the US Department of Defense (DOD). The pandemic has accelerated the expansion of telehealth capabilities, leading to the development of sustainable solutions that meet the healthcare needs of the DOD's beneficiaries. The following are key points:

I. Telehealth in Emergency and Remote Locations

• Telemedicine and satellite communications enable active duty service members to receive expert medical help regardless of their location.
• The US military uses telehealth globally to aid civilians during natural disasters.

II. Telehealth in Puerto Rico

• During Hurricane Maria, US Army mobile medics and nurses provided critical care and specialty virtual health encounters.
• Remote medical support was provided from providers at BAMC, Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center, Naval Medical Center San Diego, and the US Naval Ship Comfort.

III. Telehealth in Europe

• The Regional Telehealth Department at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center provides telehealth services.
• Telehealth services include more than 40 specialties, resulting in improved patient and provider satisfaction.
• Telehealth has saved more than 2,300 work and school days, 1.5 million dollars in travel costs, and more than 900,000 kilometers.
• The LRMC telehealth operation accomplished 2,600+ virtual visits in a 12-month period, a 160 percent increase from the previous year.

IV. Telehealth on US Navy Hospital Ships

• Telehealth technology enabled remote access to specialists who are not on staff in hospital ships.
• The US Navy hospital ship Mercy transmitted the first-ever portable telemedicine broadcast from a ship at sea.

V. Telehealth in the Post-COVID-19 World

• Telehealth is a core health care capability that is here to stay.
• Telehealth requires people, processes, and technologies to work together to create healthcare access solutions for beneficiaries worldwide.
• Key stakeholders involved in the development of sustainable solutions include the Defense Health Agency markets, the Virtual Medical Center, the Connected Health Branch's Virtual Health Clinical Integration Office, the TRICARE private sector care network, and military services and interagency partners such as the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• The 2017 National Defense Authorization Act required the DOD to expand telehealth across a wide spectrum of services and specialties and across all direct and private sector care networks.
• The ultimate goal is to create an integrated, comprehensive, high-quality, and reliable telehealth capability that reaches from forward deployment to fixed medical facilities, community settings, and to DOD partners such as the Department of Veteran Affairs.
• Pre-planning, collaboration, and effort are essential in fielding telehealth capabilities in the MHS.

VI. Conclusion

• Telehealth has had a significant impact on the lives of active duty service members and veterans, reducing the cost of caring for them and enabling the military to aid disaster-stricken regions of the country and the world.
• Telehealth is a powerful force multiplier that delivers great health outcomes, supports a ready medical force, and enhances beneficiary satisfaction.
• The path forward is to continue to expand telehealth capabilities while planning for sustainable long-term growth of telehealth.

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