Answers to Common Questions About Our Services
Acupuncture is an ancient healing practice from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves inserting very thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body. These points lie along pathways called meridians, through which vital energy (Qi) flows. By stimulating these points, acupuncture helps restore the balance of energy, promote natural healing, relieve pain, and improve overall well-being.
Most patients are surprised by how painless acupuncture is. The needles used are extremely thin - about the width of a human hair - much thinner than injection needles. You may feel a slight tingling, warmth, or mild sensation when the needle is inserted, but this is typically not painful. Many patients find acupuncture sessions deeply relaxing and some even fall asleep during treatment.
Yes, acupuncture is very safe when performed by a licensed, trained practitioner. We use only sterile, single-use disposable needles, eliminating any risk of infection. Our acupuncturists are licensed by New York State and certified by the NCCAOM, ensuring they meet the highest standards of training and practice. Side effects are rare and usually minor, such as slight bruising at the needle site.
Acupuncture can effectively treat a wide range of conditions including: chronic and acute pain (back, neck, shoulder, knee), headaches and migraines, arthritis, sciatica, fibromyalgia, stress and anxiety, depression, insomnia, digestive disorders, allergies and sinus issues, women's health issues, fatigue, and many more. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes acupuncture as effective for numerous conditions.
The number of treatments varies depending on your condition, its severity, and how long you've had it. Acute conditions may respond quickly, sometimes within 1-3 sessions. Chronic conditions typically require more treatments - often 6-12 sessions or more. During your initial consultation, we'll assess your condition and provide a recommended treatment plan. Many patients experience improvement after just a few sessions.
A typical acupuncture session at our clinic lasts approximately 45 minutes. This includes time for consultation, assessment, the treatment itself (usually 20-30 minutes with needles in place), and follow-up discussion. Your first visit may take slightly longer as we conduct a comprehensive health assessment to develop your personalized treatment plan.
Chinese Medical Massage, also known as Tui Na, is a therapeutic massage technique that's an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Unlike relaxation massage, Tui Na focuses on specific problem areas using various techniques like pressing, kneading, rolling, and stretching. It works on muscles, tendons, ligaments, and acupressure points to relieve pain, improve circulation, and restore balance to the body.
While both aim to promote relaxation and relieve muscle tension, Chinese Medical Massage (Tui Na) is specifically therapeutic and based on TCM principles. It focuses on energy flow through meridians and targets specific health conditions, not just muscle relaxation. Tui Na uses a wider variety of techniques and often includes work on acupressure points. It's commonly used to treat musculoskeletal issues, injuries, and internal conditions.
Our Chinese Medical Massage sessions are approximately 55 minutes. This allows adequate time to thoroughly address your specific concerns and provide comprehensive treatment. The session is tailored to your individual needs and can focus on particular problem areas or provide full-body therapeutic treatment.
Cupping is an ancient therapy where special cups are placed on the skin to create suction. This suction draws blood to the surface, promoting circulation, reducing inflammation, and releasing muscle tension. Cupping can leave circular marks on the skin that typically fade within a few days to a week. It's particularly effective for back pain, neck pain, muscle stiffness, and respiratory conditions.
Gua Sha is a traditional technique that involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool to improve circulation and release stagnation. The scraping motion creates light petechiae (small red marks) that typically fade within a few days. Gua Sha is effective for chronic pain, inflammation, muscle tension, and boosting immune function. Many patients find it provides immediate relief from muscle tightness and pain.
Both cupping and Gua Sha are generally very safe. The most common "side effect" is temporary marks on the skin - circular marks from cupping and reddish marks from Gua Sha. These are normal and indicate the treatment is working to improve circulation. The marks typically fade within 3-7 days. Some people may experience mild soreness similar to after a deep tissue massage, which usually resolves within a day or two.
Chinese herbal medicine uses natural plant-based ingredients - including roots, bark, flowers, seeds, and leaves - to create customized formulas that address your specific health needs. These formulas are based on thousands of years of clinical experience and are tailored to your individual constitution and condition. Herbal medicines can be taken as teas, capsules, or powders and are often used alongside acupuncture for enhanced results.
To prepare for your first visit: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that can be rolled up to access arms, legs, and abdomen. Eat a light meal 1-2 hours before your appointment (don't come on an empty stomach or too full). Bring a list of current medications and supplements. Bring your insurance card and photo ID. Arrive a few minutes early to complete any paperwork. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before your appointment.
Yes, we accept many major insurance plans including NYSHIP, Northwell Direct, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Aetna. Coverage for acupuncture varies by plan, so we recommend calling your insurance or our office to verify your specific benefits before your first visit. We also offer competitive self-pay rates and can provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement.
Your first visit begins with a comprehensive consultation where we discuss your health history, current symptoms, lifestyle, and treatment goals. We'll conduct a TCM assessment which may include examining your tongue and pulse - traditional diagnostic methods. Based on this assessment, we'll explain our findings and recommended treatment plan. If time permits, we may begin treatment during this first visit. You'll leave with a clear understanding of your condition and how we can help.
You can schedule an appointment by calling us at (516) 888-0868 (call or text), emailing [email protected], or filling out the contact form on our website. Our friendly staff will help you find a convenient appointment time. We welcome both new and returning patients and strive to accommodate your scheduling needs.
We understand that schedules can change. We ask that you provide at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for an appointment. If you're running late, please call us as soon as possible so we can try to accommodate you.
Yes! Our clinic is fully bilingual and we're happy to provide services in both English and Chinese (Mandarin). We want all our patients to feel comfortable communicating their health concerns and understanding their treatment plan. 是的，我们提供中英双语服务，确保您能够充分表达您的健康问题并理解治疗方案。
We're happy to answer any additional questions you may have
