Frequently Asked Questions

Many people expect the needles to be similar to hypodermic needles used in a Doctor’s office. This is not the case. The needles used in Acupuncture are flexible, very thin, hair like solid filiform needles. In many instances a patient may feel a slight sensation at the acupuncture point or may feel nothing at all. In other instances, it may be necessary to obtain greater stimulation on a point to produce the desired effect. You might feel an achiness or heaviness, or a tingling sensation either around the needle or it may travel along the affected energetic channel. In most cases the sensation is mild and passes very quickly. Patient’s find acupuncture treatments to be both energizing and deeply relaxing. They usually leave the treatment feeling a sense of tranquility and euphoria of both mind and body.

Yes. Millions of Americans benefit from Acupuncture every year. The risks of acupuncture are low if you have a competent, certified acupuncture practitioner.

My extensive post-graduate Master’s degree of training at the NY College of Health Professions included detailed study of human anatomy and physiology, as well as extensive clinical internship hours in the Acupuncture student clinic. I have certification in Clean Needle Technique and have passed comprehensive national board examinations administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). I am licensed by New York State Office of the Professions. I use pre-sterilized, single-use needles to ensure your safety. Licensed Acupuncturists practice Universal Precautions like all other medical providers and adhere to OSHA Safety Standards.

The first appointment takes 1 1/2 hours. Subsequent appointments last for 1 hour.

This varies depending on the severity and if the condition being treated is acute or chronic issue. Treatments are customized to one person at one moment in time. The number of treatments required depends on the depth of the condition, its longevity and the overall health of the patient. The benefits of acupuncture are cumulative. In general, you should feel some results within one to two treatments, with a larger shift for the better happening around treatment four – six. A typical acupuncture series lasts for at least twelve treatments. Appointments are then scheduled further and further apart after the optimal response has been achieved. In acupuncture, we seek to resolve the root cause of a problem so that your body can use its natural healing abilities to keep your systems in balance.

You will have a comprehensive interview talking not only about your chief complaint, but about your overall health and familial history, as well as all of your health issues and concerns. Your pulse and tongue will be checked since in Traditional Chinese Medicine, they are a reflection of the whole body. A treatment plan will be customized to your particular case, followed by the acupuncture treatment and may include the use of other modalities. You can wear comfortable clothing. If needed, a gown will be provided.

No. You may find your medication working more effectively as acupuncture restores your internal balance and taps into your body’s natural healing abilities. For this reason it is advisable to tell your physician that you are receiving treatment.

Acupuncture works by activating the body’s own healing powers, so it can be beneficial for many health conditions. Below are some common conditions I can treat, but please feel free to contact me about your specific health needs.

• Stress, depression, anxiety
• Boost the immune system for optimal health
• Infertility, complications during pregnancy, impotence, loss of libido, PMS, menopause, fibroid, cyst, yeast infections, prostate issues
• Fatigue, insomnia, easily distracted, hair loss, Anorexia/Bulimia
• Facial rejuvenation, acne
• Allergies, asthma, flu/cold, catch cold easily, itching, hay fever, sinusitis
• Ear ringing, hearing loss, voice problems
• Herpes, shingles, facial paralysis, numbness, tingling
• Hyper or hypotension, headaches, migraines
• Digestive problems, reflux, GERD, IBS, constipation, chronic diarrhea, Diabetes, Crohn’s disease
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Arthritis, all pain problems
• Smoking, drug/alcohol problems
• Hypo or hyper thyroid, adrenal gland issues
• ADD, ADHD
• General balancing, circulation improvement
• Side-effects of chemo therapy
  And much more!