acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient healing art that has been practiced for over 3,000 years, originating in China as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. This time-tested therapy involves the precise insertion of ultra-thin, sterile needles into specific points along the body's energy pathways, called meridians.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, your body contains a vital life force called "Qi" (pronounced "chee") that flows through twelve main energy pathways or meridians. When this flow becomes blocked or imbalanced due to stress, injury, illness, or lifestyle factors, symptoms and disease can occur. Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points along these meridians to restore the smooth, balanced flow of Qi, allowing your body's natural healing mechanisms to function optimally.
Why Is It Effective?
Modern research has shown that acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins (your body's natural painkillers), improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and helps regulate the nervous system. It encourages your body to heal itself naturally, rather than simply masking symptoms. This holistic approach addresses not just your immediate concerns but also supports your overall health and wellbeing.
What to Expect During Your Acupuncture Session
Understanding the treatment process helps you feel comfortable and prepared. We've created a detailed guide that walks you through each step of your visit, from arrival to post-treatment care. Learn more about what to expect during your treatment.
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Session Length
New patient appointments: 1.5 hours (includes comprehensive consultation and treatment)
Follow-up appointments: 30 minutes
Pediatric appointments: May be shorter depending on the child's age and treatment needs
The Treatment Experience
During your acupuncture session, you'll lie comfortably on a treatment table while your practitioner gently inserts hair-thin needles at carefully selected points on your body. Most adults find this deeply relaxing and many even fall asleep during treatment. Children often have more flexibility in positioning and can do whatever feels comfortable for them.
What does it feel like? Ideally, you shouldn't feel anything during needle insertion, though occasionally there may be a slight pinch. Once the needles are in place, you might experience sensations like tingling, warmth, or a feeling of heaviness—all normal responses that indicate your body is responding to treatment.
What's included: Each acupuncture session includes one manual therapy treatment (typically Tui Na massage, though cupping, gua sha, or moxibustion may also be used). Additional manual therapies can be requested for an extra fee. If appropriate for your condition, you'll also receive a customized herbal prescription at no additional cost.
What Can Acupuncture Treat?
Women's Health: Fertility and infertility support, menstrual irregularities, PCOS, endometriosis, menopausal symptoms
Neurological Conditions: Headaches, migraines, neuropathy, stroke rehabilitation
Immune & Autoimmune Disorders: Chronic infections, allergies, autoimmune conditions
Vestibular Disorders: Dizziness, vertigo, balance issues
Digestive & Gastrointestinal Issues: IBS, acid reflux, bloating, constipation, food sensitivities
Mental & Emotional Health: Anxiety, depression, stress management, insomnia
Musculoskeletal & Pain Conditions: Chronic pain, arthritis, back and neck pain, sports injuries, postoperative pain
Circulatory Conditions: High blood pressure, poor circulation
Respiratory Conditions: Asthma, chronic cough, allergic rhinitis
Hormonal Imbalance: Thyroid disorders, adrenal fatigue, metabolic issues
General Wellness & Preventative Care: Immune support, stress reduction, seasonal tune-ups
Conditions with Strong Research Support
While acupuncture can address many health concerns, research shows particularly strong evidence for treating chronic pain conditions (including low back pain and osteoarthritis), postoperative and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, migraines and tension headaches, cancer-related fatigue, menopausal symptoms, and certain fertility challenges. Studies have also found acupuncture effective for chronic pelvic pain, depression when combined with conventional treatment, and pregnancy-related nausea.
When to Consider Other Options
Most conditions can be effectively addressed through acupuncture and Chinese medicine, but certain situations may require in-person evaluation or alternative treatment approaches. If you have questions about whether acupuncture is right for your specific condition, please call us at 212-753-2442 to discuss your needs with one of our practitioners.
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Your Treatment Plan
How many sessions will I need? Treatment plans are highly individualized based on your condition and how your body responds. Some patients experience significant improvement within 3-5 visits, while others with chronic or complex conditions may benefit from weekly treatments for several months. Treatment frequency typically starts at once or twice per week for acute or serious conditions, gradually decreasing to biweekly or monthly sessions as your condition stabilizes.
Long-term wellness: Even after your primary concerns are resolved, many patients continue with periodic "tune-up" treatments for preventative care and ongoing wellness support.
Treating multiple conditions: Chinese medicine views the body as an interconnected whole, so we often address multiple conditions simultaneously. In fact, sharing all your health concerns with your practitioner—even those that seem unrelated—helps create a more complete picture and more effective treatment plan.
Our Practitioners & Treatment Styles
All three of our practitioners - Moshe Heller, Lucia, and Eyal- are licensed acupuncturists who perform traditional acupuncture, though each brings their own unique expertise and approach:
Moshe and Lucia integrate Japanese-style and Five Element acupuncture into their traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice. Moshe has developed his own distinctive style over more than 30 years of practice, incorporating teachings from renowned instructors including Kiiko Matsumoto, Alex Tiberi, Julian Scott, and Zeev Rosenberg. Lucia has studied extensively under Moshe and also incorporates Master Tung style techniques into her work.
Eyal works primarily with the Stems and Branches school of thought, offering a different perspective within the TCM framework.
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What to wear: Loose, comfortable clothing with sleeves that can easily roll up above the elbows and pant legs that can roll above the knees. We provide towels for draping if you prefer to undress for easier access to treatment areas.
Before your appointment: Avoid consuming anything that could stain your tongue (like coffee, strong teas, or brightly colored foods) immediately before your session, as tongue color and texture are important diagnostic tools. It's also best to arrive sober and uninfluenced by substances that could interfere with diagnosis.
After your treatment: You may feel pleasantly relaxed or slightly sleepy immediately after acupuncture, though this typically fades within a few minutes to hours. You can resume your normal activities afterward. It's important to drink plenty of water after treatment to help your body flush out toxins and support the healing process.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Pediatric & Non-Invasive Options
We offer specialized pediatric acupuncture services tailored to children's unique needs. For patients who prefer needle-free approaches or for whom traditional acupuncture isn't suitable, we also provide non-invasive treatment methods.