Frequently Asked Questions.

  • Common conditions I treat include:

    -Low back pain/ Sciatica

    -Neck + Upper back tension

    -Anxiety + Stress

    -Insomnia

    -Fertility + IVF support

    -Gender affirming transition support

    -PMS, Endometriosis + PCOS

    -Dull skin, fine lines, + Acne Scars

    & Much, much more!

  • Acupuncture is the medical practice of inserting very fine single use sterile needles into various acupuncture points on the body to stimulate different responses from the nervous and immune system to treat a variety of health conditions. Acupuncture originated from traditional Chinese medicine and was developed over 2,000 years ago. Since then acupuncture has been highly researched and we now understand the biochemical mechanisms of how acupuncture works past the explanation of qi.

  • How does acupuncture work? We can also see overlapping neuro-anatomy where the acupuncture meridians of the body are located, this is not a coincidence as we now know that acupuncture works via the nervous system. The following are the 5 studied mechanisms of how Acupuncture works:

    Local Mechanism: The body has a complex response in the area of needle insertion. Once a needle is inserted into the tissue, there is a stimulation of specific fibers in the terminal network of the primary nociceptive afferent A-delta (including A-gamma and sometimes A-beta) and II and III muscle fibers. The stimulation of these fibers triggers the release of CGRP (Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide). CGRP is a powerful vasodilator. CGRP dillates the surrounding local capillaries leading to the release of other powerful neuropeptides. The neurochemical accumulation around the needle insertion site includes prostaglandins, red and white blood cells, glutamate, various excitatory amino acids, substance P and serotonin from local mast cells. This biochemical combination begins to down-regulate pain, reduce inflammation and trigger a healing process surrounding the local tissues of the insertion site, all while fighting infections and increasing local circulation. (Filshie & White, 1998; Marieb & Hoehn 2009; White et al., 2008)

    Spinal Segmental Mechanism: For this mechanism acupuncture stimulates enkephalins as well as the neurotransmitters serotonin and noradrenaline at specific spinal segments to yield different neurological outcomes. When these neurotransmitters are released at the dorsal horn of the spinal cord they have a general depressive effect on the dorsal horn, immediately reducing and modifying the signaling of pain. This means if we needle an area that is innervated by a cervical branch then it will not only have a depressive effect on that spinal segment but on the cascading spinal segments below the cervical spine. This effect takes about 10-20 minutes to develop unlike the local mechanisms of acupuncture, however the benefits outlast the duration of treatment and have been reported to last for several days! (Filshie & White, 1998; Marieb & Hoehn, 2009; White et al.; 2008).

    Endogenous opioid circuit (EOC) mechanism: Not only does acupuncture affect the dorsal horn, it goes further by affecting various cerebral tissue based on the acupoint. For example when we stimulate the famous acupoint LI-4 we stimulate nerve roots that eventually terminate in the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is significant because it is one of the largest manufacturers of beta-endorphins aka your body's natural pain killer. When the hypothalamus is stimulated by acupuncture, beta-endorphins are released and then travel to the PAG (aka your body's pain station). Beta-endorphins stimulate the PAG and depress all pain signaling that is being sent from the peripheral. There are three major groups of endogenous endorphins which are beta-endorphins, enkephalins and dynorphins. We now know that when we use electrical stimulation with acupuncture we can utilize specific settings ( hertz + frequencies) to target the release of these endorphins. (Filshie & White, 1998; Marieb & Hoehn, 2009; Rohen et al., 2003; White et al., 2008).

    CNS mechanism: In addition to the PAG region of the brain being stimulated as stated previously, there is neural activity involved with acupuncture in the cerebral cortex, stimulating the thalamus, amygdala and other centers of the brain. fMRI and other imagining has illustrated how acupuncture neurophysiologically affects multiple regions of the brain affecting the role of the immune system, drug dependency, endocrinology, nausea & vomiting, hypertension and diabetes.

    Neuromuscular mechanism: When we treat sports injuries in acupuncture we are typically needling the MFTRP or motor points of large muscle groups, which stimulates the neural compartments of those muscles. When we needle these points we are stimulating a specific neural loop, the PANS. These tracts have terminal endings throughout the limbic regions of the brain. When these acupuncture points are needled they have a profound effect in relaxing and “resetting” the tight, wound-up muscle bundle. The local neurophysiological mechanism produces those neural chemicals mentioned at the local mechanism which aids in the healing of the muscle being needled. When these muscles are in spasm they apply unnecessary pressure on the surrounding joints and tissues. When they are needled and reset, they release static tension, and the undue pressure disappears. This also helps to stimulate the muscles internal healing potential and fire neurons along the tract, leading to specific spinal segments and healing the entire “neural loop”

  • Since we all have unique bodies with unique needs, everyone's acupuncture experience is different. All acupuncture treatments begin with a discussion about your medical history. Additionally, you can expect to discuss your diet and lifestyle if it makes sense for the area of focus. Some orthopedic treatments include muscle testing as well. You can expect to receive acupuncture with the use of other modalities including e-stim, cupping, guasha, and manual massage. Acupuncture needles are typically in for at least 25-30 minutes, this time can be shortened if desired by the patient.

  • I advise all patients to eat a meal at least 2 hours prior to your visit. Ensuring that you’re properly hydrated is also very important. Please make sure all paperwork and forms are filled out and submitted at least 24 hours prior to your appointment. These forms will be emailed to you when you schedule your visit.

  • After acupuncture treatment proper hydration is key as well as eating a light or big meal. If you are coming in for an orthopedic treatment then I recommend avoiding exercise or any vigorous activity for the rest of the day. It’s best to receive acupuncture treatment post workout rather than before a workout.

  • Most patients feel little to no sensation upon insertion of the needles because they are so thin and are inserted in a very gentle and intentional manner. However, sensations can range anywhere, depending on the individual, to a slight pinch, a feeling of heaviness, warmth or in some rarer cases a sensation of temporary numbness, all of which are safe and normal. For trigger point orthopedic treatments when we are aiming to ‘release’ a muscle, stronger sensations are normal and expected, most will feel a quick spasm like feeling followed by a release during these treatments. It is also important to note that sensations differ depending on which areas of the body we are addressing; generally, for example we have more nerve endings on the extremities vs. the torso so stronger sensations are more likely to happen there. We will always communicate during the entire process to ensure that you are comfortable and feel safe.

  • This answer is different for everyone and each patient at Feel Good New York has their own curated treatment plan given at their initial session. However, it is important to note that effects of acupuncture treatment are cumulative, as the release of opioid peptides associated with acupuncture enhance gene expression. Typically this enhancement of gene expression decays after 3-5 days post treatment (White et al., 2008). This means the more often you receive acupuncture the more lasting and greater these benefits will be because of the cumulative effects of a larger release of opioid peptides. Opioid Peptides= Neuromodulators. Neuromodulators are small molecules produced naturally by the nervous system that keep our neurological system working properly, giving us feelings of euphoria and relief from pain.

  • Most patients experience the positive benefits of acupuncture after the very first treatment. However every body is different so results vary from individual. Typically, the more chronic or complex an issue is, the more sessions it will take to respond to treatment. And as stated earlier, the effects of acupuncture treatment are cumulative so it’s important to be patient and keep an open mind. :)

  • Yes, acupuncture is incredibly safe with very little instances of serious complications being reported. The most common complications are minor bruising and soreness at the sight of needle insertion. However it is key to receive treatment from a licensed acupuncturist or medical doctor that is certified in acupuncture because although rare, when not delivered properly there is a very small risk of serious adverse effects including infection, punctured organs, collapsed lung and injury to the central nervous system. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates acupuncture needles as medical devices for use by licensed practitioners and requires that needles be manufactured and labeled according to certain standards. For example, the FDA requires that needles be sterile, nontoxic, and labeled for single use by qualified practitioners only. (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health).

  • Licensed Acupuncturists undergo a three year master of science degree program with meticulous coursework as well as one year of treating patients in a hospital or clinical setting before graduating. After passing rigorous board examinations (two-three total) acupuncturists then apply to be licensed in the state of which they plan to practice. Many acupuncturists continue their education and receive a doctorate. This comprehensive education is the reason why adverse events and serious complications of acupuncture are so rare. We are well trained to avoid such instances and take serious precautions to practice with intention and care.

  • You can wear whatever you’d like, but feel free to bring shorts and a tank top to change into if necessary. You will always be given privacy to change and draped as needed.

  • I accept insurance as an out of network provider, I’m currently not in network with any insurance providers. However, a super bill can be provided upon request and you may submit that to your insurance carrier for reimbursement. I also accept FSA/HSA as a form of payment.

  • Yes I do! I am available for in home treatments as well as events where I perform group acupuncture sessions, mini acupuncture sessions and/or ear seeds! Please email Hello@feelgoodnewyork.com for more info!