Acupuncture is an exciting new frontier of medicine that has some pretty compelling benefits. If you are a CDPAP patient and are interested in acupuncture in New York City, then you are in luck.
NYC is one of the top cities in the country for acupuncture services. So we put together this comprehensive guide on the best acupuncture clinics and services in New York City.
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a medical technique that involves piercing the skin at strategic points with very thin needles. Acupuncture has been a component of traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and is commonly used in China to treat pain, mental issues, and a whole host of other conditions. Acupuncture is also commonly used for stress management and wellness therapies.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the practice of acupuncture is meant to stimulate and balance the flow of the body’s natural vital energy, also known as qi (pronounced as “chee”). Qi is believed to path through key intersections of your body, called meridians.
Acupuncture involves inserting needs to intersect with these meridians, to change the flow of energy through the body. Negative qi flow is believed to be associated with a whole host of physiological conditions, including pain, depression, anxiety, weakened immune system, trouble sleeping, and more.
In western medicine, acupuncture is viewed as a way of stimulating muscles and nerves to induce other physiological effects.
Many believe that acupuncture helps stimulate the production of endorphins and other hormones that have an analgesic (anti-pain) effect. It is also thought that acupuncture may help relax muscles and reduce body tension and improve blood flow, thus explaining any potential calming effect.
Although acupuncture is becoming more widespread in the West, many practitioners of western medicine remain skeptical of the practice and its claimed benefits.
How Can Acupuncture Help You?
Regardless of the theoretical mechanism of acupuncture (qi or neurology), there is some evidence suggesting that it can be an effective method of dealing with certain types of pain, nausea, gastrointestinal distress, and high blood pressure. The NCCIH claims that acupuncture has been proven to help with various types of pain, including lower back, neck, knee, and leg pain. There is also evidence that acupuncture can help manage headaches and migraines.
The WHO has also claimed that acupuncture has demonstrated benefits for managing and treating:
– Blood pressure
– Nausea and other discomforts from chemotherapy
– Certain gastric conditions such as ulcers
– Allergies
– Pain from sprains and ligament damage
– Reducing stroke risk
The WHO also says there is limited evidence suggesting acupuncture might be effective for managing
– Fibromyalgia
– Post-operative pain
– Soreness and stiff muscles
– Tourettes
– Pain from spinal damage
Aside from the purported benefits, acupuncture has been proven safe when done correctly and is commonly used in addition to other more traditional treatment regimens. In some cases, acupuncture might be a suitable alternative for those who cannot take medication or for whom certain medications have proven ineffective.
Also, acupuncturists tend to have training in other treatment modalities, such as herbal remedies and other methods from traditional Chinese medicine. Very often, acupuncturists offer multi-treatment services of which acupuncture is just one part.
Does Acupuncture Have Any Negative Side Effects?
Yes, acupuncture can have negative side effects. The most common side effects are very mild and include bleeding from needle spots, soreness in treated areas, and slight bruising.
Since it can cause bleeding, acupuncture is generally not recommended for anyone who has a bleeding or clotting disorder. As is the case with any kind of medical procedure, there is the risk of infection from tools like needles. Competent and licensed acupuncturists use sterilized needles every session and take the proper safety precautions.
Other more serious side effects are rare but can include dizziness, fainting, convulsion, nerve damage, or internal bleeding in treated areas. However, it should be mentioned that the odds of experiencing serious negative side effects are extremely low. FDA complications in the acupuncture field are rare given the fact that millions of people get treatments every year.
As such, the best way to reduce any complications is to make sure you are choosing a licensed and legitimate practitioner. You can find a professional by asking your general healthcare provider for recommendations or you can search for a list of licensed professionals in your area. In some cases, acupuncture services might be available at clinics that offer western medicine treatments as well.
What Schooling do Acupuncturists Need in NYC?
Acupuncturists in New York state must undergo extensive education and licensing before they can use the title “acupuncturist” or open an independent practice. In order to be licensed as an acupuncturist in New York, you must be at least 21, meet education requirements (more on those below) and be of “good moral character.”
Education requirements include at least 60 semester hours at an accredited college/university with required course work in the biosciences (e.g. biochemistry, organic chemistry, biology, etc.) and the completion of a state-approved acupuncture program that is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) or an equivalent accrediting agency recognized by the state department. This program must have at least 4,500 hours, of which those hours must include:
– At least 200 classroom hours of instruction in the biosciences, including biology, chemistry, anatomy, pathology, etc.
– At least 600 hours of instructional hours in acupuncture instruction covering the basic techniques and methods of the discipline
– At least 650 hours of supervised clinical work on topics including diagnosis, treatment administration, needling technique, electroacupuncture, and acupuncture hygiene, among other categories.
Those who wish to become acupuncturists must also complete the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine’s Point Location exam and Foundations of Oriental Medicine exam.
Once the applicant has completed all the previous requirements, they can apply for licensure through the New York State Department of Education. In order to maintain licensure, acupuncturists must complete at least 60 hours of continuing education courses every 4 years with at least 2 modules on ethics and 2 modules on safety.
So as you can see, acupuncturists in the state of New York go through extensive training, education, and licensing before being allowed to practice.
What Can I Expect From an Acupuncture Treatment?
The typical session starts with the acupuncturist taking your vitals and asking some questions about your health and family history. They might also do a physical examination to see which parts of your body might be most in need of treatment.
Once the acupuncturist has decided, you will lie on the table while they stimulate your pressure points and nerves with needles. In general, the needles are left in for about 5-10 minutes, potentially longer depending on the kind of treatment you are getting.
Once the needles are removed, your acupuncturist might move on to a different treatment or end the session, depending on what your treatment regimen is. Other treatments might include herbal remedies, massage, or oil treatments. Electroacupuncture is a relatively new growing field that involves the use of electrical stimulation through acupuncture needles.
The number of treatments you will need depends on your condition and its severity. Some patients experience immediate relief after an acupuncture session while for others it may take a few sessions to really feel results. You can work out a specific treatment schedule with your acupuncturist, based on your specific needs.
10 Best Acupuncture Offices in NYC
1. Olo Acupuncture
Olo Acupuncture is a clinic that has been around since 2011 and was founded by Japanese immigrant Yuka Hagiwara. Hagiwara decided to pursue acupuncture studies after she spent time with Tibetan refugees in India and got her graduate degree in San Francisco from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
The practice has a full team of licensed acupuncturists who also provide other traditional Chinese treatment modalities, including moxibustion, cupping, microneedling, and massage. Patients can reserve individual rooms for treatment or partake in a community healing experience.
Olo Acupuncture charges a flat $120 for an initial consultation and treatment, and $105 per consultation and treatment afterward. You can also purchase individual treatments for $65 each. This flat pricing is very transparent and competitive. Olo Acupuncture also takes certain types of health insurance. You can check on their website to see if your insurance is accepted.
2. Adachi Acupuncture & Herb Clinic
Adachi Acupuncture & Herb Clinic was founded by Masayuki Adachi, a state-licensed and board-certified herbalist. Adachi completed his Master’s degree at the Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture program at Touro College and completed his clinical training at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. Adachi has worked with clients for rehabilitation, post-stroke issues, labor & delivery. Adachi began working as a professional acupuncturist in 2013 and has since treated thousands of patients.
At Adachi Acupuncture and Herb Clinic, the focus is on combining traditional Japanese techniques with Dr. Tan’s Balance method. Sessions also typically involve herbal medicine treatments aimed at treating anxiety, stress, allergy, pain, and digestive dysfunction.
3. LES Acupuncture and Bodywork
LES Acupuncture and Bodywork is run by Ansgar Lee and Adam Rey, two acupuncturists who are both licensed for the practice in the state of New York. Both Lee and Rey are graduates of the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine and have extensive experience with the administration of acupuncture and other treatment modalities. LES Bodywork’s mission is to provide their community with affordable and quality care from accredited professionals. LES Bodywork focuses on holistic medicine and has treatment regimens for allergy relief, asthma symptoms, pain relief, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and more.
LES Bodywork charges by treatment and has services ranging from $40 for a single herbal treatment to over $200 for acupuncture visits. They also offer therapeutic massages in 60 and 90-minute intervals as well as cupping treatments. LES Bodywork is currently an out-of-network provider with Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Cigna, and Aetna.
4.The Yinova Center
The Yinova Center was first opened in 199 and has been serving the Flat Iron and Brooklyn Heights location for over 20 years. The practice is owned and run by husband and wife team Jill Blakeway and Noah Rubinstein, both of whom have their doctorates in Acupuncture and a degree in Chineses Medicine. The Yinova Center stands apart because it combines both western and Chinese treatment modalities, with an emphasis on gynecology, obstetrics, men’s health, and pediatrics. The Yinova Center employs a highly trained team or licensed professionals to administer services.
An initial consultation at the Yinova Center costs $150 with follow-up consultations $100 afterward. The Center offers individual massage services and also has memberships that give a set amount of free treatments per month. The Yinova Center does not process insurance at their offices but they can provide a billing code so insurance can reimburse you.
5. Soho Acupuncture Center
Soho Acupuncture Center is run by Diem Truong and Freddy Alva, Both of whom are licensed acupuncturists and herbalists in the state of New York. Truong received his degree in Oriental Medicine from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine and seeks to integrate western diagnosis and modalities into traditional Chinese medicine practice. To that end, Soho Acupuncture offers traditional acupuncture services sliding cupping and massage work, herbal medicine treatments, and facial rejuvenation acupuncture sessions. They also offer herbal or acupuncture consultations only for $60.
6. Hima Acupuncture
Hima Acupuncture is run by Snow Xia and was established back in 2017. Xia comes from a family of Chinese medicine practitioners and was inspired to go into acupuncture medicine due to her own positive experiences with acupuncture treatments. She shifted from a career in finance and obtained her master’s degree in acupuncture at the New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Xia has treated hundreds of patients and has been recognized for her outstanding work in the field.
Hima Acupuncture offers moxibustion services, telemedicine services, and consultation and follow-up appointments in addition to the core acupuncture services. Services can be purchased in cash or Hima accepts some forms of insurance. Hima Acupuncture specializes in the treatment of skeletal pain, migraines, lethargy stress, and digestive issues, as well as diet and lifestyle modification.
7. Juhi Ash Center
The Juhi Ash Center was first opened in 2019 and was founded by Juhi Singh, a Chinese herbalist and acupuncturist who holds her degree from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in New York. Singh has been featured in national publications and TV shows and is one of the most well-known practitioners in the entire state. Her treatments focus on chronic pain, allergies, depression, insomnia, stress, and more. Center treatments span from traditional acupuncture to homeopathy, herbal medicine, and more. The Juhi Ash Center employs a professional team of acupuncturists, internal medicine doctors, cardiologists, nutritionists, and surgeons who can provide comprehensive healthcare services.
8. Acuworx
Acuworx is an acupuncture firm that focuses on integrating the 2,000-year-old practice of traditional Chinese medicine with modern evidence-based practice. Acuworx was founded in 2016 by Panos Ioannou, a licensed acupuncturist who received his master’s in Chinese medicine and has over 18 years of experience in the field. Panos and his team have treated thousands of individuals and helped them reach better health. Accuworx offers acupuncture treatments for a wide range of conditions, including neck pain, back pain, headaches, seasonal allergies, digestive issues, and more. Acuworx also performs treatments directed at fertility and improved athletic performance.
9. Prinz Acupuncture
Prinz Acupuncture is headed by Erika Prinz Freed and was founded in 2012. Freed was a professional ballet dancer who turned to acupuncture after sustaining injuries and going through treatments. She received her degree in acupuncture medicine at Tri-State College and completed her post-graduate training in Beijing, China, where she specialized in acupuncture and moxibustion. Her treatments are tailored for musculoskeletal pain, injury recovery, women’s health, fertility treatments, and facial rejuvenation treatments. Prinz-Freed has been ranked as one of the top acupuncturists in NYC for 5 years in a row.
10. Acupuncture Remedies
Acupuncture Remedies was founded by Iris Netzer Greenfield in 2006 and has been frequently named one of the top 10 acupuncture clinics in the city. Netzer-Greenfield received her master’s degree in Oriental Medicine from Samra University in Los Angeles and is certified in Chinese herbology. She has over 0 years of experience working as an acupuncturist and combines elements of Chinese and Japanese-style treatments.
In addition to acupuncture services, Acupuncture Remedies offers tui na treatments, cupping, moxibustion, gua zha, and gynecological treatments for fertility. Acupuncture Remedies also offers cosmetic acupuncture to improve skin conditions and reduce visible signs of aging.
Conclusions
If you are interested in acupuncture services, then we would highly recommend researching what avenues are available near you Acupuncture is rapidly increasing in popularity as a treatment modality for all kinds of issues, including pain, mental conditions, injury recovery, and more. So if you are looking for acupuncture services in NYC, then this guide can get you started on the right foot.