The first treatment takes about an hour, it combines an interview and the practitioner will ask about the main complaint, medical and family history and the functioning of various body systems. The acupuncturist then takes the pulses at 12 locations, 6 on each wrist, to read the quantity and quality of the energy flow through the 12 channels (pathways). The first treatment is based on these findings and also diagnostic tools. The next visits are shorter in duration and you will be asked how you felt since the last treatment and the pulses will be taken again.

The number of treatments one needs will depend on the duration, severity, nature of the complaint and if life style factors may be impeding treatments are all issues that affect the number and frequency of treatments. Treatment usually begins with twice a week at first, for severe cases, but usually once a week is sufficient until the improvement has been maintained. Then the treatments are gradually spread out further until a periodic check-up is needed. To help reduce the number of treatments the practitioner may suggest dietary and life style modifications.

Acupuncture needles are typically not much thicker than hair, much finer than those used for injections. In many instances the insertion of the needle may be painless; it is the contact between the needle and the qi (energy) at the acupuncture point site that causes some discomfort. This feeling can be described as a dull ache, tingling, warmth, heaviness, or a feeling of energy moving up and down a channel; it usually lasts a second or two.

The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture’s effectiveness for over 40 common disorders, such as:

1. Ear, nose and throat disorders: Toothaches, earaches, sinusitis, rhinitis, laryngitis.
2. Respiratory disorders: Colds and flu, bronchitis, asthma, allergies, emphysema.
3. Gastrointestinal disorders: Food allergies, nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, ulcers, colitis.
4. Circulatory Disorders: Hypertension, high cholesterol, arteriosclerosis, angina pectoris
5. Urogenital Disorders: Cystitis, stress incontinence, neurogenic bladder, prostatitis, prostatic hypertrophy
6. Gynecological Disorders: Menstrual irregularly, endometriosis, PMS, infertility, menopausal syndrome
7. Musculoskeletal Disorders: Tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, TMJ, sciatica, low back pain, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia
8. Psychoemotional and Neurological Disorders: Depression, anxiety, insomnia, headache, migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, intercostals neuralgia, post-stroke paralysis, dizziness, tinnitus

Fees are payable at the time of service. Licensed practitioners in the State of New York have passed a national examination administered by the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture. Acupuncture performed by such licensed practitioners is now covered by some insurance companies. We will work with you to assure that you receive the maximum benefits to which you are entitled. I do accept most major credit cards.