Welcome!
We're so happy you're here!
We're so happy you're here!
So, you're getting ready for your first appointment at CNYCA?
Here are some things to get you ready!
Here are some things to get you ready!
- Download your New Patient Paperwork here. It's great if you bring it with you but if you can't, make sure you come in about 15 minutes early to fill it out.
- Take a look at the homepage to familiarize yourself with our location.
- Try to arrive a few minutes early so you can settle in and use the restroom before your treatment begins.
- Wear loose and comfortable clothing. With community acupuncture, you'll be in a recliner with your sleeves rolled up and pant legs rolled up. Tight sleeves and pant legs make it difficult to access certain points we might need.
- Make sure to make enough time in your schedule. Your first appointment may last 1-1.5 hours. Follow-ups will likely be closer to an hour.
- Make sure you read over our clinic policies and disclosures.
Have questions? That's great! We love questions!
Here are some of the most commonly asked
questions and answers to get you started.
Don't see an answer to what you need?
Send Kari an email at CNYAcu@gmail.com
and she'll get back to you as soon as possible!
Here are some of the most commonly asked
questions and answers to get you started.
Don't see an answer to what you need?
Send Kari an email at CNYAcu@gmail.com
and she'll get back to you as soon as possible!
What does acupuncture treat?
Anything and everything. Next question. Seriously, though, some people and some conditions respond better than others but acupuncture can be helpful in alleviating symptoms associated with almost any ailment. Some common things people seek acupuncture for are pain, migraines, allergies, anxiety, asthma, insomnia, low-energy, depression, inflammation, food cravings, addictions, fertility, hot flashes, and much more.
What is Community Acupuncture?
Community Acupuncture is basically where you receive your treatments in a room with others. At CNYCA, we have 2 community rooms and each room has 3 recliners. So, you may have up to 2 other people in the room with you. Your appointment is yours, though. You book your time and your treatment begins with a quick chat with your practitioner, who then helps you get comfy in your chair. Once you're comfy, your points will be put in and then you'll rest until you or your acupuncturist feel you are "cooked" (usually 45min to 1 hour) and then your needles are removed and you're all set to return to the world!
How is community acupuncture different from private acupuncture?
With private acupuncture, you're on your own in a private room and your treatment takes place on a massage table. Some choose private appointments for their first time trying acupuncture and then move on to community appointments.
Does acupuncture hurt?
In Chinese medicine, pain means there's a blockage in your blood or energy flow. So, while for most points you might feel nothing more than a slight pinch, when you have a couple that you feel more, usually feels like a bit of a sting or a burn, you know those are points your body really needed.
Do you re-use your needles?
Never. Ever. Reusable needles have not even been legal in the US for decades. All needles are single-use and surgically sterilized. A new pack is opened, the needles are used in treatment and when they are removed they go right into the sharps container and then, when full, the sharps container fairy comes and whisks the sharps container away and magically takes care of the bio-hazard materials and leaving the world that much safer.
Does acupuncture really work?
Yes.
Oh, you wanted more info on that one? Okay, acupuncture can take time to work. It's about taking imbalances in the body that have, often times, been present and getting worse for years before any symptoms even develop and helping your body to find its balance again. While you often see indications that it is working in some way shape or form within 1 or 2 visits, it can take as many as 5 or 6 to see real progress. Everyone and every condition is different. So, if you didn't think it helped you quit smoking 20 years ago when you tried it, there's still a good chance it might help with your insomnia today. Just an example.
How does acupuncture work?
That's also not quite an easy one to answer. From a Chinese medicine perspective, it's all about balance and free flow. Symptoms and conditions are all the result of underlying imbalances and your qi (energy), blood and fluids, etc. not flowing properly through your body. Sounds weird? Don't worry, the more theory you learn, the more if actually kind of makes sense. It's a way of looking at our bodies and our health that is very different from our cultural paradigm. It looks at absolutely everything as interrelated and it's not just holistic in the sense that every part of your body is connected but that also that every part of your life has an impact on your health - your work, your family, your home, your leisure time, all of it.
In a biomedical sense, there's really a lot we do not know. We know if causes endorphins to regulate. We know it has neurochemical implications that we do not understand. We know it causes a micro-inflammation locally where needles are inserted, that triggers the body's healing response. We know that there is a measurable difference in the surface temperature and the electro-conductivity of the skin in active acupuncture points, inactive acupuncture point and non-points but we really have no idea why. Well, in Chinese medicine we know why but not in biomedicine. There isn't a lot of money out there for research into complementary modalities, either, so findings are slow to come to light.
Will I be in a room with others?
More than likely. Unless you booked a private room, in which case, it will definitely be just you and your practitioner.
Do I have to get undressed?
Nope. Even though there are points all over the body, in the recliners we mostly use points from the elbows down, the knees down and maybe the top of the head and neck.
How do you treat my back pain if I'm in a recliner and you can't access my back?
Excellent question! Confession time. I was really concerned about this when I switched over to community acupuncture. But, what I found was that in almost all cases, treatments are just as effective using the distal points (the points away from the site of the pain). Actually, some people respond even better to the distal points. But, in cases of severe stenosis or scoliosis, it's sometimes better to work locally and alternate private and community appointments.
I am afraid of needles. Do you think I should still try acupuncture?
That is actually an incredibly common fear and I've only had a couple of people in all of my years who were willing to try it and could not go through with it. It's a really hard thing to imagine having done and if you do it, it probably won't be like anything you were expecting. Almost everyone finds it incredibly relaxing, even those who have trouble relaxing!
Do you accept insurance?
No. But if you need a superbill with all of the codes for insurance, we can get you one.
Can I use my FSA or HSA?
Definitely. If you have a card, that's great, you can use that for payment. If you have an account but no card, we'll get you a superbill to submit.
How long is a treatment?
Plan on about 1 to 1.5 hours for a first visit and 45min to an hour for follow-ups.
How many treatments will I need?
That really depends. The very loose and general recommendation is always to plan on coming once a week for at least 4 weeks and see how that goes.
I'm not good at sitting still or relaxing, can acupuncture still help me?
Relaxation is a benefit of acupuncture but not a necessity for acupuncture to be effective. Some tips and tricks if you are not one to be able to relax, bring some sort of an e-reader and read a book (rooms are dim so a regular book is hard to read) or bring in your headphones and listen to your own music, a meditation or an audiobook.
I'm afraid I'll be distracted if there are others in the room can I be alone?
For that, you'll definitely need to book a private appointment. But you can always bring headphones and listen to your own music or a meditation. That often helps people focus on their own healing immensely.
What happens if I have to go to the bathroom in the middle of treatment?
It has happened. You go to the bathroom before your treatment starts but then all of the sudden, right in the middle, you have the sudden and intense urge to go. Preferably, try to wait until your practitioner comes to check on you and she can remove your needles very quickly. It is very rare for this to happen, even with women who are 9 months pregnant. But do not worry if it does happen because acupuncture helps to detox the body and reduce inflammation and swelling the way the body excretes these waste products is through urination. So, if it does happen to you, know that your body is doing a good thing and trying to get rid of some of the junk it's been holding onto!
What happens if I have to cancel at the last minute?
Everyone has things come up in life. Everyone gets one free pass on the late-cancel thing. After that, it's a $20 fee. If you don't show up and don't let us know, it's an automatic $20 fee. If you're one to have to cancel often, it's probably best to not book your appointments in advance and to wait and see how your day is shaping up and make an appointment at the last minute versus making an appointment and having to miss it and pay for a treatment you were not able to get.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Cash, check and charge (including FSA and HSA cards (and AMEX and Discover, too)).
Do you do cupping?
Nope. No time for it really. And, I'm so out of practice, you would not want me to do it on you if we did have time. I have several wonderfully skilled people I can recommend for this.
I'm pregnant. Can I still do acupuncture?
Definitely! Just let your practitioner know if you are or could be pregnant as there are a few points we avoid during pregnancy. Acupuncture is an excellent way to maintain health during pregnancy and mitigate some of the more pesky symptoms associated with pregnancy such as headaches, insomnia, nausea, sciatica, heartburn and more. Acupuncture is also wonderful for birth-prep. Your practitioner can give you more info on the treatment plan for this.
Do you do acupuncture on children?
Yes and no. Kids often do not have all of the layers of imbalance that we, as adults, have. So, they can very often move energy very quickly. It's rarely necessary to use needles on children younger than 11 and acupressure can be used effectively. Once a child enters those pre-teen years, if they are okay with having acupuncture, then it can be used with a shorter duration. Treatments typically last about 20-30 minutes. As the child gets older, retention time tends to get longer. But I've had some teenagers come in and sleep for hours :-)
Do you do acupuncture on animals?
I wish! In NY State you must be a veterinary acupuncturist to work on animals or be a vet tech who is certified in acupuncture and working under the supervision of a veterinarian.
I'm coming in for sinus issues. Do I have to have needles in my face?
You don't have to but it might be really helpful. There are plenty of great sinus points that are not on the face - the top of the head and the hands are quite effective. But if symptoms are really severe, local points work best. If you have a sinus infection, the local points will likely be very sensitive but usually symptoms improve considerably after treatment.
Will I bleed?
Sometimes. Rarely. If you need to. People on multiple blood thinners do not bleed any more than those who are not on any. They do not bruise more than others, either. We have to say that bleeding and bruising is a possible side-effect of acupuncture, but, in truth, we see it as diagnostic and therapeutic. If a point bleeds, and it's usually just a very tiny little bit, if it is bright red, it's indicative of heat being released (think sinus infection or inflammation) but if it's dark purple blood, it's indicative of old, stuck blood that needs to be moved out for the fresh, nourishing blood to move through (think old injury that never healed quite right and always let you know when it's going to rain).
Will the needles leave a mark?
Not usually, although you might have a slight bit of redness that will dissipate within hours. Bruising is always possible but is not common even in those who easily bruise.
What are the side-effects and what might I feel after treatments?
As noted above, bleeding and bruising. Sometimes, you can feel tired after treatment. You always want to drink plenty of water after treatments to help your body with the detoxing. You may feel a bit light-headed after treatment so it's always good to take your time getting up. Every once in a while, you'll see an increase in symptoms for a day or so before things improve. You might have more vivid dreams for a few nights after treatment. You might have more energy. You might sleep incredibly soundly. If you're in for pain relief, it might take a day or so for the treatment to "kick in." You might feel happier and have a better, overall sense of well-being. Mostly good stuff. All efforts are made it make sure your acupuncture is as safe and relaxing as it possibly can be.
Can I exercise after treatment?
Definitely. Follow what your body is telling you. If you have a surge of energy after treatment, go ahead and use it. If you feel tired, try to give your body the rest it needs. Just make sure to drink lots of water and mind what your body is telling you and you can't go wrong!
I'm interested in learning more. Where should I look?
There are a lot of great resources out there. There are a ton of websites and journals. But if you're looking for a book or two that make the complex theories of Chinese medicine practical and easy to understand the two best ones that have been written are The Web that Has No Weaver by Ted Kaptchuk and Between Heaven and Earth by Harriet Beinfeld and Efram Korngold.
Anything and everything. Next question. Seriously, though, some people and some conditions respond better than others but acupuncture can be helpful in alleviating symptoms associated with almost any ailment. Some common things people seek acupuncture for are pain, migraines, allergies, anxiety, asthma, insomnia, low-energy, depression, inflammation, food cravings, addictions, fertility, hot flashes, and much more.
What is Community Acupuncture?
Community Acupuncture is basically where you receive your treatments in a room with others. At CNYCA, we have 2 community rooms and each room has 3 recliners. So, you may have up to 2 other people in the room with you. Your appointment is yours, though. You book your time and your treatment begins with a quick chat with your practitioner, who then helps you get comfy in your chair. Once you're comfy, your points will be put in and then you'll rest until you or your acupuncturist feel you are "cooked" (usually 45min to 1 hour) and then your needles are removed and you're all set to return to the world!
How is community acupuncture different from private acupuncture?
With private acupuncture, you're on your own in a private room and your treatment takes place on a massage table. Some choose private appointments for their first time trying acupuncture and then move on to community appointments.
Does acupuncture hurt?
In Chinese medicine, pain means there's a blockage in your blood or energy flow. So, while for most points you might feel nothing more than a slight pinch, when you have a couple that you feel more, usually feels like a bit of a sting or a burn, you know those are points your body really needed.
Do you re-use your needles?
Never. Ever. Reusable needles have not even been legal in the US for decades. All needles are single-use and surgically sterilized. A new pack is opened, the needles are used in treatment and when they are removed they go right into the sharps container and then, when full, the sharps container fairy comes and whisks the sharps container away and magically takes care of the bio-hazard materials and leaving the world that much safer.
Does acupuncture really work?
Yes.
Oh, you wanted more info on that one? Okay, acupuncture can take time to work. It's about taking imbalances in the body that have, often times, been present and getting worse for years before any symptoms even develop and helping your body to find its balance again. While you often see indications that it is working in some way shape or form within 1 or 2 visits, it can take as many as 5 or 6 to see real progress. Everyone and every condition is different. So, if you didn't think it helped you quit smoking 20 years ago when you tried it, there's still a good chance it might help with your insomnia today. Just an example.
How does acupuncture work?
That's also not quite an easy one to answer. From a Chinese medicine perspective, it's all about balance and free flow. Symptoms and conditions are all the result of underlying imbalances and your qi (energy), blood and fluids, etc. not flowing properly through your body. Sounds weird? Don't worry, the more theory you learn, the more if actually kind of makes sense. It's a way of looking at our bodies and our health that is very different from our cultural paradigm. It looks at absolutely everything as interrelated and it's not just holistic in the sense that every part of your body is connected but that also that every part of your life has an impact on your health - your work, your family, your home, your leisure time, all of it.
In a biomedical sense, there's really a lot we do not know. We know if causes endorphins to regulate. We know it has neurochemical implications that we do not understand. We know it causes a micro-inflammation locally where needles are inserted, that triggers the body's healing response. We know that there is a measurable difference in the surface temperature and the electro-conductivity of the skin in active acupuncture points, inactive acupuncture point and non-points but we really have no idea why. Well, in Chinese medicine we know why but not in biomedicine. There isn't a lot of money out there for research into complementary modalities, either, so findings are slow to come to light.
Will I be in a room with others?
More than likely. Unless you booked a private room, in which case, it will definitely be just you and your practitioner.
Do I have to get undressed?
Nope. Even though there are points all over the body, in the recliners we mostly use points from the elbows down, the knees down and maybe the top of the head and neck.
How do you treat my back pain if I'm in a recliner and you can't access my back?
Excellent question! Confession time. I was really concerned about this when I switched over to community acupuncture. But, what I found was that in almost all cases, treatments are just as effective using the distal points (the points away from the site of the pain). Actually, some people respond even better to the distal points. But, in cases of severe stenosis or scoliosis, it's sometimes better to work locally and alternate private and community appointments.
I am afraid of needles. Do you think I should still try acupuncture?
That is actually an incredibly common fear and I've only had a couple of people in all of my years who were willing to try it and could not go through with it. It's a really hard thing to imagine having done and if you do it, it probably won't be like anything you were expecting. Almost everyone finds it incredibly relaxing, even those who have trouble relaxing!
Do you accept insurance?
No. But if you need a superbill with all of the codes for insurance, we can get you one.
Can I use my FSA or HSA?
Definitely. If you have a card, that's great, you can use that for payment. If you have an account but no card, we'll get you a superbill to submit.
How long is a treatment?
Plan on about 1 to 1.5 hours for a first visit and 45min to an hour for follow-ups.
How many treatments will I need?
That really depends. The very loose and general recommendation is always to plan on coming once a week for at least 4 weeks and see how that goes.
I'm not good at sitting still or relaxing, can acupuncture still help me?
Relaxation is a benefit of acupuncture but not a necessity for acupuncture to be effective. Some tips and tricks if you are not one to be able to relax, bring some sort of an e-reader and read a book (rooms are dim so a regular book is hard to read) or bring in your headphones and listen to your own music, a meditation or an audiobook.
I'm afraid I'll be distracted if there are others in the room can I be alone?
For that, you'll definitely need to book a private appointment. But you can always bring headphones and listen to your own music or a meditation. That often helps people focus on their own healing immensely.
What happens if I have to go to the bathroom in the middle of treatment?
It has happened. You go to the bathroom before your treatment starts but then all of the sudden, right in the middle, you have the sudden and intense urge to go. Preferably, try to wait until your practitioner comes to check on you and she can remove your needles very quickly. It is very rare for this to happen, even with women who are 9 months pregnant. But do not worry if it does happen because acupuncture helps to detox the body and reduce inflammation and swelling the way the body excretes these waste products is through urination. So, if it does happen to you, know that your body is doing a good thing and trying to get rid of some of the junk it's been holding onto!
What happens if I have to cancel at the last minute?
Everyone has things come up in life. Everyone gets one free pass on the late-cancel thing. After that, it's a $20 fee. If you don't show up and don't let us know, it's an automatic $20 fee. If you're one to have to cancel often, it's probably best to not book your appointments in advance and to wait and see how your day is shaping up and make an appointment at the last minute versus making an appointment and having to miss it and pay for a treatment you were not able to get.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Cash, check and charge (including FSA and HSA cards (and AMEX and Discover, too)).
Do you do cupping?
Nope. No time for it really. And, I'm so out of practice, you would not want me to do it on you if we did have time. I have several wonderfully skilled people I can recommend for this.
I'm pregnant. Can I still do acupuncture?
Definitely! Just let your practitioner know if you are or could be pregnant as there are a few points we avoid during pregnancy. Acupuncture is an excellent way to maintain health during pregnancy and mitigate some of the more pesky symptoms associated with pregnancy such as headaches, insomnia, nausea, sciatica, heartburn and more. Acupuncture is also wonderful for birth-prep. Your practitioner can give you more info on the treatment plan for this.
Do you do acupuncture on children?
Yes and no. Kids often do not have all of the layers of imbalance that we, as adults, have. So, they can very often move energy very quickly. It's rarely necessary to use needles on children younger than 11 and acupressure can be used effectively. Once a child enters those pre-teen years, if they are okay with having acupuncture, then it can be used with a shorter duration. Treatments typically last about 20-30 minutes. As the child gets older, retention time tends to get longer. But I've had some teenagers come in and sleep for hours :-)
Do you do acupuncture on animals?
I wish! In NY State you must be a veterinary acupuncturist to work on animals or be a vet tech who is certified in acupuncture and working under the supervision of a veterinarian.
I'm coming in for sinus issues. Do I have to have needles in my face?
You don't have to but it might be really helpful. There are plenty of great sinus points that are not on the face - the top of the head and the hands are quite effective. But if symptoms are really severe, local points work best. If you have a sinus infection, the local points will likely be very sensitive but usually symptoms improve considerably after treatment.
Will I bleed?
Sometimes. Rarely. If you need to. People on multiple blood thinners do not bleed any more than those who are not on any. They do not bruise more than others, either. We have to say that bleeding and bruising is a possible side-effect of acupuncture, but, in truth, we see it as diagnostic and therapeutic. If a point bleeds, and it's usually just a very tiny little bit, if it is bright red, it's indicative of heat being released (think sinus infection or inflammation) but if it's dark purple blood, it's indicative of old, stuck blood that needs to be moved out for the fresh, nourishing blood to move through (think old injury that never healed quite right and always let you know when it's going to rain).
Will the needles leave a mark?
Not usually, although you might have a slight bit of redness that will dissipate within hours. Bruising is always possible but is not common even in those who easily bruise.
What are the side-effects and what might I feel after treatments?
As noted above, bleeding and bruising. Sometimes, you can feel tired after treatment. You always want to drink plenty of water after treatments to help your body with the detoxing. You may feel a bit light-headed after treatment so it's always good to take your time getting up. Every once in a while, you'll see an increase in symptoms for a day or so before things improve. You might have more vivid dreams for a few nights after treatment. You might have more energy. You might sleep incredibly soundly. If you're in for pain relief, it might take a day or so for the treatment to "kick in." You might feel happier and have a better, overall sense of well-being. Mostly good stuff. All efforts are made it make sure your acupuncture is as safe and relaxing as it possibly can be.
Can I exercise after treatment?
Definitely. Follow what your body is telling you. If you have a surge of energy after treatment, go ahead and use it. If you feel tired, try to give your body the rest it needs. Just make sure to drink lots of water and mind what your body is telling you and you can't go wrong!
I'm interested in learning more. Where should I look?
There are a lot of great resources out there. There are a ton of websites and journals. But if you're looking for a book or two that make the complex theories of Chinese medicine practical and easy to understand the two best ones that have been written are The Web that Has No Weaver by Ted Kaptchuk and Between Heaven and Earth by Harriet Beinfeld and Efram Korngold.