Acupuncture
The Acupuncture Center at Yoga Haven is dedicated to helping you achieve optimum health and balance.
What is Chinese Medicine?
Chinese medicine is a complete health care system that is thousands of years old. It has roots in China, Japan, India, and Korea.
How does it differ from "Western" Medicine?
Chinese medicine views the body as a microcosm of the world. Therefore the analogies we use to describe the conditions of the body are akin to those we find in nature. For example our bodies may be too hot, dry, cold, damp, or have wind. When there is illness or pain, the body is out of balance. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tries to re-balance the body's energy using acupuncture, herbs, diet food therapy, massage, heat therapy, or cupping. When the body is in balance, there is no illness, and there is no pain.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the placement of tiny needles along meridians in the body where Qi Chi), or life force travels. The points are chosen in accordance to a tailored diagnosis that may be revised at each visit. The points have been mapped out by the Chinese over a period of 2,000 years. The goal of the therapy is to restore the free flow of Qi. When the flow of Qi is blocked, the body may experience pain, or fatigue, or other forms of malfunction. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of energy or "QI" throughout the body. Qi moves through our bodies along "meridians" or pathways. When we are sick or in pain, the Qi in our bodies may become stagnated or deficient. TCM seeks to regulate and restore the harmonious energetic balance of the body. It produces its therapeutic effects by stimulating the body's own repair mechanism
and therefore, promotes the healing process.
Will my health insurance cover acupuncture?
It may. Some health care plans cover acupuncture. Review your insurance plan's benefits with your insurance provider. We will be happy to assist you in providing an insurance form for your treatments so you may get direct reimbursement from your insurance carrier.
What can your treat with acupuncture?
For many years Acupuncture was the main form of medicine in China, and is still used today in hospitals throughout China and Japan. The World Health Organization (WHO) has found acupuncture to be suitable in treating the following:
ORTHOPEDIC PROBLEMS, such as tennis elbow and other tendonitis, frozen shoulder, low back pain, neck pain and many degenerative (arthritic) and post-traumatic (sport and other injuries) joint disorders.
RESPIRATORY AND ENT DISORDERS, such as asthma, bronchitis, recurrent respiratory infections, rhinitis and sinusitis, toothaches, ringing of the ears, functional vertigo (like Meniere's) and TMJ.
ALLERGY PROBLEMS, including certain eczemas and seasonal allergies, manifesting as itchy eyes, runny nose and sinus headaches.
DIGESTIVE DYSFUNCTIONS, such as constipation, diarrhea, spastic colon, colitis, excessive acidity and gastritis.
GYNECOLOGY, such as recurrent cystitis, endometriosis, vaginitis and urethritis, menstrual cramps and PMS, menstrual irregularities, infertility, as well as aches and pains associated with the menstrual cycle or childbirth.
NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS, including most types of headaches, peripheral neuropathies, trigeminal neuralgia, Bell's palsy, post-stroke paralysis, sciatica, tremors and facial tics, and general pain.
NEURO-PSYCHIATRIC PROBLEMS, such as anxiety, tension, depression and insomnia.
What can I expect during my treatment?
Using the principles of oriental medicine, the acupuncturist will examine you by looking, listening, asking questions, and touching. This allows the acupuncturist to record a full case history. Once an evaluation is made, the acupuncturist may insert very fine acupuncture needles into a number of points on your body. The purpose of the needles is to stimulate acupuncture points; the needles do not inject any substance into the body. In some cases, acupuncture may be accompanied by electrical stimulation or the burning of moxa, a form of heat therapy. The acupuncturist may also use a variety of other techniques to enhance acupuncture treatment. The frequency and number of treatments vary with the type of condition, time of onset, severity of illness, the patient's constitution, as well as associated ailments occurring in the same person. Most conditions in our practice respond within 6-12 weekly treatments, but fewer or more sessions may be required at times. For very severe conditions, treatments may be advised at a rate of 2-3 per week initially and for those patients responding with an 80-90% improvement, longer intervals extending to 2-4 weeks may be suggested until complete resolution occurs. Estimated time per office visit is approximately 1 hour with needles left in place for 20-30 minutes. All needles are disposable and, due to their very thin caliber (8-10 times thinner than your average injection or blood-drawing needles) are barely felt by most patients and, if so, only momentarily. Once the needles are inserted, discomfort is usually not reported and the majority of patients doze off into a restful nap. For recent onset conditions, only 1 or 2 treatments may be required and for health maintenance, 2-4 visits a year are the norm. There are virtually no side effects to acupuncture except for minor changes in sleep, digestive or urinary functions and emotional state (transiently tearful and tired, or often giggly and full of energy). Minor bleeding after the needles are removed or a small "black and blue spot" may occasionally occur. For best results, refrain from exercise, big meals (3-4 course), alcohol and sex, 4-6 hours after acupuncture sessions, since any of these activities may change the energetic pattern resulting from the treatment.
Does it hurt?
Most patients do not feel any pain from the insertion of the needle. The needles used in acupuncture are much smaller then even the smallest hypodermic needle used in western medicine. Most patients report a feeling of tingling, distention, heaviness, either around the needle or up and down the meridian. During the treatment it is common to feel relaxed, and even to fall asleep.
What do you wear?
Depending on the points that need access, you will either wear your own clothing, (something loose is recommended), or a cotton hospital gown. Modesty is maintained as best as possible, and your privacy is always respected.
What should I do during the treatment?
If you have any concerns, ask questions. Your practitioner will explain the treatment to you and answer any questions you may have. Do not change your position once the needles are inserted, if you need to reposition yourself, let your practitioner know. Most importantly----Relax!
What about safety?
Needles are always sterile, single use, and disposable.
HERBS
Herbs may be used in conjunction with acupuncture or alone to treat many conditions. They are used to help the body heal itself. Formulas are customized to meet the patient's individual condition. Herbs are available as teas, pills, tinctures, and external preparations. Together, you and your practitioner decide which the most appropriate form is.
OTHER MODALITIES
In addition to acupuncture and herbs, the practitioner uses other tools when appropriate. These may include heat therapy, electrical stimulation, cupping, moxibustion, gua- sha, or massage.
HOW TO REACH US
Fiona Ma 917-299-8762 or email fionama72@gmail.com
Clayton Shiu 914-804-7562 or email claytonshiu@gmail.com
Initial sessions are regularly $125; Follow-up sessions are $80.