Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture
Acupuncture can be defined in the classical Chinese tradition as the insertion of sterile, extremely thin needles into strategic points in the body. Acupuncture balances the flow of energy or qi through meridians (pathways in the body). Modern medicine has also described acupuncture as having a direct effect on the nervous system, circulatory system, and fascial planes of the body.
What Acupuncture Treats
Chinese medicine and the system of acupuncture is a complete form of medicine that can treat a wide range of ailments, conditions and chronic pain, including, but not limited to:
- Adverse reactions to radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy
- Allergic rhinitis (including hay fever)
- Biliary colic
- Depression
- Dysentery, acute bacillary
- Dysmenorrhea, primary
- Epigastralgia, acute
- Facial pain
- Headache
- Hypertension, essential
- Hypotension, primary
- Support for the induction of labor
- Knee pain
- Leukopenia
- Low back pain
- Malposition of fetus
- Morning sickness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Neck pain
- Pain in dentistry
- Periarthritis of shoulder
- Postoperative pain
- Renal colic
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sciatica
- Sprain
- Tennis Elbow
(This list was compiled and approved by World Health Organization.)
If you have any questions about whether or not acupuncture treats your condition, contact me here.
Patient PRAISE
What you can expect at your first session:
During this consultation, we will discuss what areas we can work on together and which modalities will best support you in your goals, including office treatment, herbs, seasonal foods, exercise, rest hygiene, breathing and/or mindfulness practices.
As for the treatment itself, I use a variety of modalities in my office, including needling, acupressure, essential oil therapy, moxibustion, gua sha, cupping, and trigger point needling.
If you have any questions about whether or not acupuncture treats your condition, contact me here.
Virtual Wellness Sessions
Frequently Asked Questions
Acupuncture can be defined in the classical Chinese tradition as the insertion of sterile, extremely thin needles into strategic points in the body. Acupuncture balances the flow of energy or qi through meridians (pathways in the body). Modern medicine has also described acupuncture as having a direct effect on the nervous system, circulatory system, and fascial planes of the body.
Each person may experience acupuncture differently, but most feel minimal to no discomfort upon needle insertion, as the needles are extremely thin and inserted with care and intention. Once the needles have been inserted, the vast majority of my patients experience no discomfort, but rather deep relaxation and rejuvenation that extends beyond the treatment room.
The most common side effects are feeling rested and energized. Adverse side effects are uncommon. Dizziness and light-headedness are possible. Eating ahead of time usually prevents this. Occasionally one may bruise or feel sore.
This can vary depending on each patient and their unique condition. Patients often report immediate relief from certain symptoms, though root causes often require more time and treatments. If it is an acute problem, it may only take 1-3 sessions. More chronic conditions may take longer, though results should become apparent after a few sessions. I craft specific treatment plans for each case, but everybody responds differently. And many patients prefer to come in weekly or biweekly as part of their optimal health and self-care regimen.
I completed my Masters and Professional Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (PCOM.) I completed over 5,000 hours of classroom instruction and supervised clinical experience. I received National Board Certification in Chinese herbalism, Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory and Bioscience. I passed both my national licensure exams and California licensure exams, and I am licensed in both New York State and California. (In California, Acupuncturists are trained as General Practitioners. PCOM’s curriculum is based on California’s standards.) To maintain my license, I complete 50 hours of continuing education every 2 years.
I accept all insurance plans that cover out-of-network acupuncture treatments. We will verify your insurance coverage prior to your visit. Please complete this form before your first visit so that we can understand the range of your coverage with your particular carrier.
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please email me at abby@abbypaloma.com or cancel/reschedule online.
Your appointment time is reserved just for you! All appointments must be rescheduled or cancelled more than 48 hours for NYC patients, and 24 hours for Hudson patients in advance of the appointment time. If not, you will be charged a cancellation fee equal to the cost of the session. Please make changes to your appointment on the booking platform or by emailing abby@abbypaloma.com.