In October 2025, I traveled to Copenhagen, Denmark, to study AcuNova — a modern acupuncture system for eye conditions — directly under Jon Boel Jr., the current head of Boel Acupuncture and son of the founder, John Boel Sr., who developed AcuNova more than 20 years ago. Since then, the AcuNova system has shown remarkable results for individuals with age-related macular degeneration and other eye diseases. It was a rare opportunity.
This training was the final AcuNova training, personally taught by Jon Boel Jr., following a long pause that began before the COVID pandemic. I felt incredibly fortunate to learn from him and to bring this knowledge back to my patients here on Long Island.
What Makes AcuNova Unique
AcuNova (also known as Acupuncture 2000) is a form of micro acupuncture that combines traditional acupuncture principles with modern discoveries in neurophysiology.
It focuses on specific “micro-systems” in the body — particularly the hands, feet, and head — that influence the optic nerve, retina, brain, and blood circulation to the eyes.
Unlike traditional eye-area acupuncture methods based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, AcuNova acupuncture treatment never uses needles in the eye area.
Instead, it works by stimulating precise points that help activate the body’s natural ability to improve blood circulation and nerve communication to the visual system. These points are not typical acupuncture points.
At Boel Acupuncture’s Copenhagen location alone, their senior acupuncturist treats 300–400 patients each week, most of whom seek help for conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, diabetic retinopathy, or other degenerative eye diseases. People travel from around the world to receive this care. They achieve remarkable results, with 70-80% of patients with degenerative eye conditions reporting noticeable improvements.
My Mission: Helping Those With Few Options
In modern Western medicine, there are limited treatment options for many chronic eye conditions once they have progressed beyond a certain stage.
Patients are often told to “wait and see” — or that nothing more can be done.
As an acupuncturist with over 17 years of clinical experience, I sought to change that narrative — to offer patients hope, comfort, and meaningful support through natural, science-informed care.
My mission with AcuNova is simple: to help those who have few options left and still want to take positive, proactive steps for their eyes and quality of life.
How the AcuNova Treatment Works
The AcuNova acupuncture protocol is gentle, precise, and completely safe for the eyes.
During each session, very fine needles are placed on specific points on the hands and feet — areas that correspond to the eyes and the brain’s visual centers. These points help stimulate the body’s natural ability to increase blood flow and improve nerve communication that support healthy vision.
The initial course of treatment typically consists of 10 treatments, with two treatments administered per day for the first two weeks (10 days), allowing the body to respond and establish momentum.
After that, the frequency and number of sessions are adjusted based on your progress.
Each treatment lasts about 30–45 minutes and is performed while you relax comfortably. Many patients describe the experience as deeply calming — both for the eyes and the mind.
What I Took Away From the Training
During my time in Copenhagen, I learned not only the technical details of AcuNova acupuncture, but also its more profound philosophy — the belief that the body has an extraordinary capacity to repair itself when the nervous system is properly stimulated.
In the AcuNova treatment protocol, each treatment session aims to re-establish communication between the brain and the affected area, gently reminding the body how to heal.
The program included intensive hands-on training, patient observation, and real-time feedback. Seeing patients’ vision and comfort improve before our eyes was both inspiring and humbling.
A Modern Approach Rooted in Compassion
AcuNova is not a replacement for ophthalmologic care; it works in conjunction with conventional treatment to help the body function at its best.
Some patients notice clearer vision or improved light sensitivity, while others experience reduced eye strain, better sleep, or greater overall ease.
Each experience is unique — but the potential for improvement is real.
At Kimura Acupuncture in Williston Park, I now offer AcuNova eye acupuncture as part of a comprehensive approach that combines modern acupuncture methods, nervous system support, and individualized care.
If you or someone you love has been told there’s little more that can be done for their vision loss, I invite you to explore what AcuNova may offer.
Even small improvements can make a big difference in how you see — and live — each day.
