Written vs. Digital Acupuncture Health Care Records, Implications of Research on Children and Screens

By Patricia Burke of Safe Tech International, Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
A state licensing board for acupuncture will discuss medical records at its quarterly meeting in June.
Proposed rule changes would mandate that all records be ‘typed’ with a future push for digital-only records.
As typewriters are no longer in vogue, ‘typing records’ implies the use of electronic devices.
Some practitioners work within the mainstream medicine model and want to participate in insurance re-imbursement plans. But many practitioners of alternative medicine, including chiropractors and acupuncturists, have their own independent practices, and use hand-written record keeping, by choice.
Reports of cyberattacks of health care companies have exploded in the mainstream news.
In addition, emerging research regarding children, screens, and learning provide some important implications for why the FL acupuncture board would want to wisely step away from mandating record keeping on screens. In her blog posts Digital Tech and Education Part 1 and Part 2, Lyn McLean of EMR Australia outlined recent research Professor Tom Butler from the University College in Cork in Ireland.
“In his recent paper that reviews the latest research in neuroscience, cognitive psychology and education, Professor Butler says, ‘It is now apparent that Digital Technology has a “dark side” with negative consequences for society that often outweigh the benefits that it brings.’ Professor Butler explains that there are many reasons why digital technology is harmful – and not just for learning.”
The implications of this work can be applied to the question of whether or not electronic record keeping is an appropriate mandate for the profession.
1. Sleep Problems (and the Circadian Rhythm)
“All screens contain LEDs [light-emitting diodes] that emit artificial light frequencies that disrupt the body’s circadian rhythms and interfere with sleep. This can have negative consequences for the user, as sleep is important for memory and learning – as well as for health.
Butler says that ‘short-term sleep deprivation … affects cognition, vigilance, mood, behaviour, ability to learn, immune function, and general performance. Moreover, epidemiological studies associate poor sleep with long-term outcomes such as diabetes, obesity, depression, hypertension, and general mortality from all causes.’ Lack of sleep has also been linked to substance abuse in teens.” – Digital Tech and Education Part 1 and Part 2, Lyn McLean of EMR Australia
Acupuncture is directly linked to the distribution of ‘chi’ between the organ systems, and harmonization of the circadian rhythm. Mandating the use of typed records (which will transition many practitioners to using screens), would contradict the profession’s intent towards balance and health.
Until screen use’s deleterious effect on chronobiology and other related health issues are addressed, practitioners should be able to decide for themselves what form of record keeping they want to use. The acupuncture field could instead adopt an informed advocacy role with patients, teaching about the emerging risks associated with screens.
2. Vision Problems
“Digital device use also has negative effects on vision. According to Butler, ‘LED and CD screen design features such as refresh rate, luminance contrast levels, fluctuating light, backlighting, and contrast contribute to eye strain and visual fatigue – this has become known as computer vision syndrome.’ It can negatively affect legibility and comprehension and even contribute to the loss of retinal cells and macular degeneration.” – Digital Tech and Education Part 1 and Part 2, Lyn McLean of EMR Australia
The acupuncture field could adopt an advocacy role with patients, addressing the emerging risks associated with screens, including harm to eyesight.
3. Keyboards vs Pens: Learning and Memory
“Butler says that it’s pens, pencils and paper – not keys and keyboards – that give the best results when it comes to learning and remembering – and he provides the evidence.
There are intellectual benefits from physically writing letters and words. According to Butler, ‘The act of writing plays a pivotal role in learning. Typing keys on a keyboard does not have the same effect. Writing and typing involve different cognitive-neurological processes and outcomes in terms of neural circuitry.’
Multiple studies have found that university students perform better in exams when they take notes by hand rather than using a laptop.
Students who use computers in class learn less well and disrupt the learning of others.
People learn better when reading from paper rather than online texts. The reading of digital texts tends to result in more superficial processing and reduced comprehension.” – Digital Tech and Education Part 1 and Part 2, Lyn McLean of EMR Australia
Those practitioners who recognize that notetaking by hand enhances memory and learning should not be mandated to use screens.
4. Effects on Brain Function
Alarmingly, Butler says that using digital devices can negatively affect brain function. As we’ve seen it can impair memory and cognition, but it can also affect brain chemistry, contribute to psychological problems and affect general well-being.
‘Digital Technology applications may develop very narrow, non-transferable, cognitive and/or motor skills in children at the expense of more important reading, mathematical skills, interpersonal and problem-solving skills,’ he says. – Digital Tech and Education Part 1 and Part 2, Lyn McLean of EMR Australia
5. Cyberhacks and Lack of Privacy and Security
A sampling of recent headlines includes Cyberattack disrupts operations at major US health care network, A cyberattack forces a big US health system to divert ambulances and take records offline, Hospitals in at least 4 states diverting patients from emergency rooms after ransomware attack, and Damaging hacks expose the weak underbelly of America’s health care system
Technology, as currently designed, is not able to protect privacy. Should those clinicians who prefer not to expose their patients and practice to hacking risks have the choice?
6. Wireless and Lack of Science-based Exposure Limits
Clinicians who are forced to type their patient records and who do so during treatment most likely do not have hard-wired access through-out their facilities.
The FL acupuncture board may be holding a presumption of safety towards wireless devices and digital technologies. There may also be an assumption that all acupuncturists will be comfortable owning and using a wireless device (screen or ipad).
As reported by the Environmental Health Trust, on August 13, 2021, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled in the historic case EHT et al. v. the FCC that the December 2019 decision by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to retain its 1996 safety limits for human exposure to wireless radiation was “arbitrary and capricious.” The court held that the FCC failed to respond to “record evidence that exposure to RF radiation at levels below the Commission’s current limits may cause negative health effects unrelated to cancer.” Further, the agency demonstrated “a complete failure to respond to comments concerning environmental harm caused by RF radiation.” The court found the FCC ignored numerous organizations, scientists and medical doctors who called on them to update limits and the court found the FCC failed to address these issues:
impacts of long term wireless exposure
impacts to children,
the testimony of people injured by wireless radiation,
impacts to wildlife and the environment
impacts to the developing brain and reproduction.
No qualified health care provider would prescribe a medication to a child that had only been tested on an adult-sized model, and that had not been tested or re-evaluated since 1996.
7. Computers
Even without the focus on wireless exposures, as EMF consultant Keith Cutter asks, “Are Computers Safe from an EMF Perspective? What can TEMPEST teach us?” “I have clients who cannot interact with computers in any fashion or talk on a phone—even a landline. Others who are not as affected must resort to extreme measures to use a computer or interact with other technological devices.” “If electromagnetic poisoning is indeed cumulative, we must be vigilant and proactive in protecting ourselves and our loved ones. Let us strive for a balance that prioritizes our well-being, fostering a harmonious existence with nature and minimizing interaction with technology.”
“TEMPEST is a codename referring to investigations and studies of compromising emanations (CE), which are unintentional signals that can be intercepted and used to reconstruct the data being processed by electronic devices. It’s existence proves that there are considerable emissions beyond the immediate vicinity of the devices, certainly beyond the room in which the workstation resides.” – Keith Cutter
8. Accessibility, Accommodation, Genetics, and Addressing Marginalization and Discrimination
Many health care practices offer Wi-Fi in their offices, with patients on cell phones filling the waiting rooms. On the other side of the equation, there are informed practitioners who post signs asking patients to turn off their devices. The offices are hard-wired, with landline phones.
Which practices are more progressive? In terms of inclusivity and risk management, the answer is clear.
The Electrosensitive Society in Canada is dedicated to helping people who have electro-hyper-sensitivity. They offer Information for health care practitioners here.
Wireless poses an accessibility barrier for an unacknowledged portion of the patient population, and may also create an obstacle for practitioners.
In fact, conversations are occurring amongst patients who can no longer access treatment, who recognize that acupuncture must be delivered in a stable electromagnetic environment, for example, free from smart meter transmissions, and not proximal to wireless infrastructure including antennas, for safety. This is because the needles can act as antennas for artificial manmade frequencies. (See the story here of an injury sustained during a treatment: EMF/RF/EHS and How I Broke My Nose on the Acupuncture Table) Can the efficacy of a treatment protocol be protected in a polluted environment?
(Note: Some EHS patients request Moxa as an alternative to needles).
In May of 2022, “TCM Treatments for EMF Sensitivity | Acupuncture CEU Course” was taught by Wisconsin acupuncturist and functional medicine practitioner Michelle Meramour, Dipl.Ac.. An introductory overview (1 hour 18 minutes) of the interactive day-long professional CEU training is available free online here. Michelle begins by explaining that there are measurable genetic predispositions towards electrical sensitivity. She provides acupuncturists with background on Western RF research, including Martin Pall’s work on voltage gated calcium channels, before introducing a model of EMF injury and illness progression based in Chinese Medicine. At about 45 minutes into the video, she describes the progression of six stages of EHS from the Chinese Medicine perspective, as disharmony moves through six meridian pairs.
Michele describes a genetic predisposition to electrical sensitivity.
Mandating device use discriminates against sensitized practitioners.
Hopefully, instead, the acupuncture profession could be a trailblazer in inclusivity, promoting training for practitioners, and advocating for science-based exposure standards and protected electromagnetic environments in the office and in the homes of patients.
9. Device Addiction – in Practitioners and Patients
Cigarettes were once promoted by industry to treat a sore throat. In the 1960’s physicians often entered a treatment room with a pack of cigarettes, and the causal link between many symptoms and smoking was ignored. Many informed advocates recognize that history is repeating itself as cigarettes have been replaced with a cell phone in the shirt pocket, stored near the heart.
The United Brain Association states “Digital addiction is a harmful dependence on digital media and devices such as smartphones, video games, and computers. Some psychologists believe that addiction to electronic devices and media should be classified similarly to substance abuse disorders. Studies have found a strong correlation between high-frequency digital media use and mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.”
While many individual practitioners sustain a balanced relationship with technology, as Professor Tom butler noted, ‘It is now apparent that Digital Technology has a “dark side” with negative consequences for society that often outweigh the benefits that it brings.’ Yet many hold an unfounded presumption of safety.
Parents worldwide are beginning to challenge the ‘dark side’ of tech, especially regarding effects on mental health in children.
Mandating that practitioners interact further with addictive design, including digital technology and screens, contradicts the intent of healing professions.
10. Concerns for Environmental Justice – Drunk on Wireless
In addition to the personal reasons why a practitioner might prefer the option to take written notes via pen and paper, informed advocates recognize that tech industries have unleashed a wave of consumption of resources and energy, electronic waste, human rights abuses, and cultural inequities.
From mining for rare earth minerals to the grotesque water consumption required for data centers, to the harm to nature and health caused by poorly sited proximal infrastructure, a portion of the population is already seeking to withdraw from the “wireless everywhere” paradigm. Moving to an unnecessary device-driven record keeping paradigm will add to the planetary burden posed by technology. Learn more here: https://katiesinger.substack.com/
Aligning with Core Values; ‘The Psychic Break’
The Center for Story-based Strategy notes, “There is a moment they term a ‘psychic break’ that is the process or moment of realization whereby a deeply held dominant culture narrative comes into question, oftentimes stemming from a revelation that a system, event, or course of events is out of alignment with core values.”
In June, in Florida, the acupuncture licensing board will face a test in discernment regarding technology and healing.
Hopefully, they will recognize that the acupuncture profession is in a unique position to recognize how artificial EMF exposures impact the electromagnetic fields of the body, and to begin educating their patients.
An Example of Engaged Advocacy
For example, see Acupuncture Today’s: EMF Exposures: Adverse Effects on Patient Health and Outcomes by Kathy Veon, DAOM, AP, CCN
“Daily exposures to EMFs have grown exponentially in the past several decades with the introduction of wireless technologies such as cellphones, cell towers, 5G and other wireless technologies that use radiofrequency (RF) radiation as the primary method for transmitting data. Developing and implementing safe exposure limits and educating the public on the potential hazards of overexposure may be necessary to avoid unintended overexposures and the ensuing health consequences.
As health care practitioners, we play an important role in the ability to recognize, diagnose and treat unintended overexposures. For example, we have a duty to inform patients of the possible negative impacts of habits, behaviors and environmental exposures which may affect health outcomes. We can also educate patients on appropriate food and water intake, reducing or eliminating exposures to environmental toxins and chemicals, smoking, drug and alcohol use, stress and poor lifestyle habits, in order to help them prevent illness or heal.”
There are several considerations for how overexposure to EMFs may cause damage and induce various illnesses or diseases including oxidative stress, cellular signaling, and underlying genetic predispositions. Studies have indicated that EMF exposure can alter voltage gated calcium channels (VGCCs) and produce undesirable results, affecting neurotransmitters such as glutamate, GABA and acetylcholine, which produce neuropsychiatric effects and lead to anxiety and depression.” []
At my own practice, I have turned my treatment and consultation room into a Faraday cage by using professional remediation products to block all EMFs from entering the room. Patients must turn all wireless devices to “airplane mode” and turn off all antennas before entering the room. Many patients notice the difference and often comment on how “peaceful” and “good” it feels in the room compared to just a few feet away in the hallway.” – Kathy Veon
Late Lessons from Early Warnings: ‘Misplaced Certainty About the Absence of Harm‘
The European Environmental Agency has outlined “Late Lessons from Early Warnings, Science, Precaution, Innovation.” “The ‘Late Lessons Project’ illustrates how damaging and costly the misuse or neglect of the precautionary principle can be, using case studies and a synthesis of the lessons to be learned and applied to maximising innovations whilst minimising harms.” “[] three common themes emerge: there was more than sufficient evidence for much earlier action; slow and sometimes obstructive behaviour by businesses whose products endangered workers, the public and the environment; and the value of independent scientific research and risk assessments.”
The summary states, “The scientific elites have also been slowly losing public support. This is in part because of the growing number of instances of misplaced certainty about the absence of harm, which has delayed preventive actions to reduce risks to human health, despite evidence to the contrary.”
Acupuncturists do not deserve to lose public support – due to ill-advised mandates.
The licensing board for acupuncturists practicing in FL has many good reasons for rejecting the idea of mandating typed patient records – to be on the right side of history.
June Meeting
The information for the June 21, 2024 General Business Meeting for the Florida Board of Acupuncture is here. The agenda will be posted 2 weeks prior. Members of the public are invited to attend and to provide comments. (Email contact is not offered)
Mailing Address:
Department of Health
Board of Acupuncture
4052 Bald Cypress Way Bin C-06
Tallahassee, FL 32399-3252
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