Plan Your Visit

Learn about our treatment style, read our FAQ’s and what you can expect on your first visit to Morningside Acupuncture.

 

About Our Acupuncture Treatments

Thank you for considering us in your journey to better health and well-being. We foster a collaborative approach to healing that is patient centered and supported by us (the acupuncturist) but ultimately directed by you (the patient).

Our treatment style differs from many other acupuncturists because we incorporate 3 styles of acupuncture into each treatment, including dry needling and trigger point style acupuncture which is very effective for muscular pain and tightness.

 

Our acupuncture treatments incorporate Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Dry Needling & Trigger Points, and Electroacupuncture

 
 

What to Expect During Your Morningside Acupuncture Visit

 

Wondering what to expect on your first acupuncture visit? Our FAQ's will answer all of your questions.

  • We are conveniently located at 900 West End Avenue, NYC. Our first floor office makes it very accessible. Visit our Location page for more information.

  • The common conditions treated at this clinic include acute and chronic injuries, muscular pain and tightness, back pain, neck pain, knee pain, shoulder pain, hip pain, stress and anxiety, emotional and physical trauma. Here is a longer list:

    - Acute & Chronic Injuries
    - Muscular Pain & Tightness
    - Back Pain
    - Neck Pain
    - Knee Pain
    - Shoulder Pain
    - Hip Pain
    - Stress & Anxiety
    - Emotional & Physical Trauma
    - Digestive Problems
    - Headaches & Allergies
    - Sleep Disorders
    - Menstrual Irregularities & Issues
    - Fertility Issues
    - Chronic Colds & Bronchitis

  • Acupuncture treatments incorporate various aspects of Chinese medicine including cupping, moxibustion, gua sha, electroacupuncture, infra-red heat lamp, and herbal liniments.

    We practice several styles of acupuncture including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Acupuncture Physical Medicine (APM), Japanese Kiiko Matsumoto style (KM), Trigger Point release, Dry Needling, and Sports Acupuncture. We use whatever is appropriate for each treatment and blend elements of each style to maximize results.

    Visit our Services pages for more details.

  • Acupuncture uses hair thin, solid needles that are about 10 times thinner than the common hollow hypodermic needle we are used to. In many cases you won’t feel anything when the needle is inserted and in other cases you may feel a dull, achy, tingling, or spreading sensation around the needle which usually dissipates after a few seconds.

    It is common for people to feel more relaxed during acupuncture as it has been shown to help regulate the nervous system. Many patients fall asleep during treatments and generally report an increased sense of well being after a treatment.

  • Initial treatments include a comprehensive intake that assesses overall well-being followed by an acupuncture treatment and herbal recommendation if needed (cost of herbs not included in the treatment). The treatment plan and recommended frequency of treatment will be discussed at the end of each treatment.

  • Treatments generally range from 45-60 minutes and depend on the condition being treated and the modalities used during the treatment.

  • Like many private acupuncture offices in NYC, we are an out of network provider. We do not accept insurance directly but will work with you to make the insurance reimbursement as easy as possible by providing a bill for services that you can use to process your claim through insurance.

    We work with most insurance companies that provide acupuncture benefits as an out-of-network provider. Payment is due at the time of each treatment and we can provide an itemized superbill for possible insurance reimbursement after each visit.

    We recommend calling the number on the back of your insurance card prior to treatment to determine what type of acupuncture coverage you have in advance. If you have any questions about the process, we are happy to help.

  • Initial and Follow-up Treatments: $250

    Treatments generally range from 45-60 minutes and depend on the condition being treated and the modalities used during the treatment.

  • Please try to eat a light meal at least one to two hours before treatment so you don’t feel overly hungry or lightheaded. Try to avoid coffee and stimulants right before a treatment as they counteract some of the relaxing effects of acupuncture.

  • Wear loose and comfortable clothing - something like shorts and a t-shirt or tank top. Treatments may involve accessing points on the chest, abdomen, back, or upper thighs so wearing comfortable clothes that allows access to those areas is best.

  • Try not to schedule too much right after the treatment and avoid strenuous activities. If you plan on exercising the day of the treatment it should be before the treatment rather than after.

    It is important to try to take it easy after an acupuncture session so that the treatment can settle into the body. Drink extra fluids, eat a good meal, and try to get a good night of sleep following the treatment to maximize the benefits of acupuncture.

    If there was dry needling or trigger point release done during the treatment, it is common to experience muscle soreness in the areas that were worked on for up to 24-72 hours after treatment.

    Treat trigger point release soreness like you would workout soreness, so take it easy on those areas while they are still sore. You can do things like use muscle cream, take a epsom salt bath, use a heating pad, drink extra water, get extra rest, and do light exercise to help improve circulation.

    We are always available to answer any questions you may have before or after your acupuncture visit.

  • Most conditions should see some change in symptoms in 5-10 treatments but that can vary based on the duration and severity of the condition. Some conditions will see an improvement in just one treatment.

    Acupuncture works as a series of treatments. A standard course for most conditions will be 1-2 treatments per week for the first month (4-8 treatments) and then we will reassess the frequency of treatment from there based on how you are doing. You cannot have acupuncture treatments too close together but if they are too far apart progress can be slowed.

    Getting frequent and consistent treatments at the beginning of treatment is the key to recovery and harnessing the lasting effects of acupuncture for optimal health.

  • There are many ways acupuncture can benefit your fitness routine. Acupuncture prevents sports- and exercise-related injuries, accelerating recovery post-injury, and relieving tight, sore muscles. ⁠

    Ultimately, when and how often you receive acupuncture will depend on which of these benefits you're aiming for. ⁠

  • Visit at least once a month to release accumulated muscle tightness from your workouts.⁠

    If you are a high-level athlete, or are training for an event (e.g. marathon, powerlifting competition), weekly sessions may help ward off an injury during peak training periods.⁠

  • As a general recommendation, it’s a good idea to get acupuncture in conjunction with physical therapy 1-2 times per week for 4-12 weeks. However, the specifics will ultimately depend on the nature and severity of your injury. ⁠

    We will work with you to design the best regimen for your injury.⁠

 

We are always available to answer any other questions you may have before or after your acupuncture visit.

 

 Acupuncture Treatments in NYC

Ready to schedule your appointment? 📞 Call or text us today at (917) 830-4440 or click the button below.