faqs:

What is acupuncture? Is it safe? Does it hurt? Are there any side-effects? 
Acupuncture involves the insertion of sterile, one-time use only needles into parts of your body. The depth and angle depends on the body part, and safety is always our number one concern. The needles are hair-thin; the patient usually experiences no pain on insertion or a tiny pinch. Side-effects may include some bruising, or (if you're afraid of needles or haven't eaten) fainting.  You may also feel some tingling, distention, or tightness after insertion. We diagnose based on a theory of the Meridian system in TCM, which provides an alternative roadmap to the body and understanding of its physiology. Each point regulates a different set of functions in our body and hence, selection of points depends on what the individual needs at the moment of treatment.

What are the Meridians/Channels?
Glad you asked. 

Is acupuncture for everyone?
Though most patients seek out acupuncture when they are suffering from an ailment affecting their normal daily life, most of us operate in a state of sub-health in our day-to-day. We may not even notice it. Since acupuncture is a way to balance your body and return it to optimal functioning. It's easy to see why acupuncture is effective for so many conditions. Acupuncture is safe and applicable to many conditions. Please inquire with us to find out more.

Why is it taking so long to see results?
Sometimes acupuncture work instantly, and sometimes it's a constant uphill battle. How long before you see results really depends on your body's condition, and what you are trying to achieve. For young or relatively healthy individuals who have an acute condition (e.g. sprained an ankle), you may only need 1-2 treatments (1-2 weeks) to see results. If your body is weak (chronic condition), or perhaps you're older, your body may have to wait longer to muster up the energy to heal.  The affects of acupuncture is cumulative, and for more chronic conditions. we recommend giving it at least a month before you see clear results. We devise individualized treatment plans for all of our patients and work with you on achieving your health goals.

Do all acupuncturists practice the same thing?
There are many schools of acupuncture and herbal practice, so it's not quite as simple as just sticking a needle into someone's body. Some styles may work well with some conditions, while results are not as pronounced with others. While the style is important, finding the right practitioner is crucial as well. The right person will receive and process information from you properly and be able to translate that to better results.

I've heard some scary stories about herbal medicine. Is it safe?
Herbs are considered supplements in New York State so therefore the state does not regulate their distribution. If you have someone who is untrained and just prescribing herbs symptomatically (or without knowledge of the potential effects of the herbal formula or individual herbs), there may well be a problem. However, herbal medicine is an indispensable part of TCM and for certain patients, we highly recommend trying it out. This is why we always recommend that if you are interested in trying out herbal medicine, you should always find a practitioner who is trained and has experience in dispensing herbal medicine. (Yes, Sze is trained in herbal medicine)