What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of hair-thin needles into the body that affect the flow of qi (pronounced chee), our body's energy force. These points are found along the meridian pathways through which the body's energy or qi is thought to flow. Similar to the vast web of the NYC subway system, the web of the meridian system is directly connected with an organ and has specific actions and functions that maintain our health and wellness. When there is illness or pain, this is an indication that these channels and/or organs are out of balance. This imbalance disrupts the movement of qi, acupuncture restores the smooth flow of qi thereby creating balance and harmony in the body. A comprehensive health system, acupuncture has had thousands of years of success in treating a wide range of conditions. From a western perspective, the stimulation of acupuncture points regulates the level of hormones in the body, improves the overall body's immunity levels, stimulates the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and noradrenaline, stimulates the secretion of endorphins (your body's natural pain reducers), dilates the blood vessels, and affects the ability of the nervous system to perceive pain.
What is East Asian Medicine?
East Asian Medicine is a more inclusive term and is now the peferred term over Chinese Medicine and the outdated ‘Oriental medicine’. EAM encompasses all the styles of medicine that have developed across East Asian countries. TCM or Traditional Chinese Medicine refers to a specific style of practice. Niéve practices TCM, Japanese Acupuncture, Kiiko Mastumoto style of Acupuncture, Acupuncture physical medicine, thus she uses EAM to describe her practice.
What does it feel like?
Many first-time patients are concerned that acupuncture needles will feel like an injection like your doctor might give. They don't and won’t feel like that. Acupuncture uses sterile, single use, hair-thin, flexible needles that are hardly felt when inserted. Using gentle stimulation to move qi, a unique sensation called de qi is felt. Patients often describe de qi as a heavy, achy pressure, or spreading, traveling feeling. You may also feel an "electrical" sensation moving down the meridian pathways, though this is less common. Most patients find these acupuncture sensations deeply satisfying and leave the treatment feeling both mentally and physically relaxed, often with uplifted spirits. Many describe the feelings like an out of body experience, some even fall asleep.
What should I expect?
When you arrive for your first acupuncture appointment you will be given a comprehensive intake form. This form asks questions about your current state of health, past illnesses, and family history. These questions are important because the holistic approach of East Asian Medicine takes the whole you into account. Your current symptoms may not seem related to past health issues, but our bodies are complex landscapes and everything that happens to them leaves its mark. Everything is connected! After reviewing your intake form, we will discuss your condition, examine your pulse and tongue, palpate the abdomen and/or assess the area of injury, all diagnostic methods of EAM. The acupuncture points selected will depend on your condition, but you can expect approximately 1-20 needles each session. Once the needles are inserted, you will rest for 15-20 minutes with the needles in place. The initial treatment includes a full intake and an acupuncture treatment that usually takes about 90 minutes. Follow up sessions last between 45-60 minutes. A few things to consider before your treatment:
Be sure to eat something an hour or two before your treatment
Avoid the intake of caffeine or pain medications if possible
Wear loose fitting clothes or bring shorts and tank top
Bring a list of current medications/supplements you are taking
Is Acupuncture safe?
Yes! Acupuncture is significantly safer than taking tylenol and is used by millions of Americans every year. Acupuncturists are required to undergo extensive education, including detailed study of human anatomy amd physiology, training in Clean Needle Technique. Nieve is certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and is licensed by New York and Vermont state. As required by law, Nieve uses only sterilized, disposable, single-use needles to ensure your complete safety.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The benefits of acupuncture are cumulative, so more than one treatment is necessary. For acute conditions you can expect to have 5 to 10 treatments, but you will usually begin to feel relief after the first few. Chronic conditions may take longer to respond, depending on the type, severity, and duration of the condition. Preventive treatments, treatments for general well-being, or seasonal "tune ups" may also be scheduled on an as-needed basis.
Do you Accept Insurance?
I do not bill insurance directly. However, I am happy to provide a superbill that can be submitted for reimbursement through your insurance plan. All plans vary and depend on whether you have out-of-network acupuncture benefits. Some HSA/FSA plans will reimburse you if you don’t have the benefit or may be applied to your deductible. I accept HSA/FSA cards, credit cards, cash or check.