Pacific College of Oriental Medicine News & Events

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Oriental Medicine Newspaper

NEWS RELEASE

August 12, 2004

For More Information Contact: Rebecca Wilkowski, Phone: (800) 729-0941

Cruise Line Launches “Acupuncture at Sea” Program

Luxury cruise line Celebrity Cruises recently became the first cruise line to offer acupuncture on board their ships. The cruise line ran a pilot acupuncture program in the fall of 2003, and is now expanding their “Acupuncture at Sea” program to be available on five of the ten ships in its fleet.

Celebrity Cruises has employed highly skilled licensed acupuncturists to provide top care to their passengers. One of their newest acupuncturists scheduled to join the ship “Millennium” is recent graduate of Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (Chicago), Ernie Costello.

Because the idea of offering acupuncture is relatively new Costello is looking forward to promoting the many benefits of acupuncture to a captive audience.

“For many people onboard, acupuncture is just something they have heard of but never experienced,” said Costello. “This is their chance to try it. I have the opportunity to provide passengers with a strong positive first experience to acupuncture and Oriental medicine that will hopefully encourage them to seek out such care when they return home.”

Costello attended Pacific College of Oriental Medicine because he felt inspired to learn as much as possible about Oriental Medicine after receiving successful acupuncture treatments for a shoulder injury several years ago.

“I am excited to be exploring the world, treating patients, and educating others on Oriental medicine,” said Costello. “I feel very prepared as a practitioner thanks largely in part to the extensive clinical hours and opportunity to see patients that I was afforded at Pacific College.”

Between two to four acupuncturists are scheduled to work on board each ship with treatments centered on pain management, smoking cessation, weight-loss and stress management. In addition to treating patients, the acupuncturists will also be presenting (free?) lectures on acupuncture, feng shui, nutrition and herbs.

Acupuncture has been cited by the World Health Organization to treat over 43 conditions including pain, arthritis, asthma, upper respiratory conditions, digestive and urinary disorders, insomnia, depression, and addictions. Acupuncture increases the circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids, reduces muscular tension, relieves pain, and releases endorphins. By keeping the body balanced, acupuncture can both restore and maintain health.

For more information on the use of acupuncture on Celebrity Cruise lines, please contact Pacific College at 800-729-0941.

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