Chinese Medicine Involves the Use of Many Therapeutic Modalities
Each session is completely customizable and typically includes more than just Acupuncture
Acupuncture (Full Body)
Acupuncture is just one therapeutic modality that involves the insertion of thin, solid, single-use, sterile needles into the skin. Acupuncture needles may be placed in areas of tenderness or in any of the 360 traditional acupuncture points in order to induce a therapeutic effect. A variety of acupuncture styles are used such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Japanese styles and different microsystems (auricular, abdominal, and scalp). The insertion of these needles elicits a therapeutic response and can improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Acupressure
Acupressure works similarly to acupuncture, but does not include the use of needles to stimulate acupuncture points. Pressure is applied to the body via fingers, palms, and elbows to elicit a therapeutic response. This technique is useful for those who are either needle sensitive or afraid of needles. It is also used in the treatment of infants and young children.
Electro-Acupuncture
Electro-acupuncture is an acupuncture technique that adds a small TENS unit for further stimulation of the needles. Small clips attached to the acupuncture needles send electrical pulses through the clips. Frequency and intensity can be adjusted based on the condition and the patient’s comfort. This allows multiple needles to be stimulated simultaneously without the practitioner manually stimulating each needle. Although electroacupuncture is not appropriate for every condition, it may quicken the healing process in some conditions.
Cupping
Cupping uses suction to treat a variety of medical ailments. There are different types, including stationary cupping, slide cupping, flash cupping, and bleed cupping. Stationary cupping occurs when glass cups are simply suctioned onto the skin and retained during the treatment. Slide cupping involves sliding the cups back and forth on lubricated skin. Flash cupping is a dynamic form of cupping where the cup is placed on the skin for a few seconds, moved across the skin, and then removed quickly. It is similar to slide cupping, but the cups are lifted off of the skin more rapidly. Bleed cupping is where the skin is pricked with a small needle before a cup is placed over it. Old and stagnant blood is removed and new blood perfuses the area to facilitate healing.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion sometimes called, “Moxa,” involves burning a Chinese Herb – Artemisiae Argyi (English name: Mugwort) near the skin to provide penetrating warmth.
There are different types of moxibustion: direct and indirect
Pictured below is a moxa box in which four small compacted moxa sticks are lit and placed in a box which holds them slightly away from the skin. This provides a penetrating warmth to a larger area of skin. Pictured to the right is pole moxa. This is considered indirect moxa where pin pointed areas may be targeted. Moxa balls may be applied and burned directly on the head of the needle and stick on moxa or moxa cones can be applied directly to the skin - these are removed once a gentle sensation of warmth is achieved.
direct moxibustion
indirect moxibustion
Gua Sha
Gua sha involves gently scraping lubricated skin to perfuse an area with new and fresh blood. It allows for old and stagnant blood to come to the surface sometimes creating a light bruise.
Micro-Bleeding
Micro-bleeding is an old technique that involves pricking a specific area of the skin with a small needle to therapeutically remove a few drops of old blood. This allows the new blood to perfuse and nourish an area of stagnant injury.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal medicine involves the use of specific, individualized combinations of plant, mineral, and animal products into a water decoction. This is usually consumed as a tea or in pills to provide additional therapeutic benefits between patient visits.
External Chinese Herbs / Liniments
External Chinese herbs and herbal liniments are applied to the skin to treat a variety of conditions, including pain, joint deformities, and skin conditions. External herbs and liniments may also be used as a medium for cupping or gua sha techniques.
Tui na
Tui na is a form of Chinese medical massage that is performed while a patient is fully clothed or under a sheet. A variety of hand techniques are utilized including grasping, round rubbing, pressing, and rolling.
7 Star/Plum Blossom
This technique involves a single needle with seven small prongs at the end. The practitioner uses a gentle and rapid tapping method to quickly contact the skin and create gentle stimulation of the skin and underlying tissues.
Qi Gong
Qi gong is a type of gentle exercise that involves standing postures, breathing techniques, and focused intention. This may be stationary in specific positions or with slow, focused, and dynamic movements.
TDP Heat Lamp
TDP heat lamps use a mineral plate to provide infrared heat to the body to warm and facilitate the body’s ability to heal itself.
Acu-Magnets
High-powered magnets are taped directly on the skin at specific acupuncture points to elicit a therapeutic outcome. The magnets have two sides (north and south), and are therefore able to supplement the body or reduce pathogenic influences that may be causing illness. This is another useful technique for those who are afraid of needles.
Eastern Dietary Therapy
Nutritional advice is given in the paradigm of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) based on both the condition and the individualized body. It takes into account the energetic
properties of food and how these properties impact the body. This advice differs from western nutrition because in TCM, there is no single diet that is perfect for everyone.
Lifestyle Advice
By using the fundamental principles of Chinese medicine, lifestyle advice may be given to help improve quality of life and ensure harmony in the body.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) been around?
TCM has been around for over 2,500 years and is considered the oldest practiced medical system on the face of the earth.
Do I need a referral from a doctor to come to Acupuncture?
No. In New York state, you do not need a referral from a doctor to come to Acupuncture! However, by law, we do not take the place of your medical doctor and we advise that you seek a medical doctor for the conditions for which you are seeking us.
Is TCM a “cure?”
Unfortunately, there is no magic bullet to wellness. In order to maximize treatments, diet and lifestyle changes are necessary for a potential “cure.” In some instances, TCM can help either way, but results are oftentimes potentiated by positive lifestyle changes.
How long is a treatment?
An initial visit treatment is about 90 minutes. This visit includes a detailed intake, treatment planning, and full acupuncture treatment. A return visit takes 60 minutes, this includes a brief intake and an acupuncture treatment which may or may not include other modalities of TCM such as cupping, gua sha, or tui na.
How does Acupuncture work?
Although some believe that Chinese Medicine – acupuncture especially – is very mystical, it was actually founded on common sense. The Chinese looked at the world – they observed nature, cyclical changes, and the elements and deduced something simple: Because the body is a microcosm of the universe, changes that occur in nature, can occur in the body as well. From this simple thought, the twelve channels or meridian system was founded. The twelve channels are believed to be the conduit through which the vital substance flows. Just to give a little background information: there are twelve rivers in China (not a coincidence twelve channels exist) and the Chinese observed what happened when a blockage occurred in one of the rivers – basically the water couldn’t make it downstream to sustain other villages. The same concept can be applied to the body. For example, if there is a blockage at the shoulder, problems may manifest themselves in the elbow or wrist. Why, you ask? Well, the impediment at the shoulder effects the downstream flow and consequentially the anatomy and physiology of the whole arm. There is a famous saying in Chinese that says, “Bu tong ze tong,” which is translated to mean, “Where there is pain, there is stagnation.” To break this down a little further, in Chinese Medicine, pain and disease is thought to be stagnation and it’s our job as acupuncturists to decipher why this stagnation is occurring in the first place. Back to the original question of how acupuncture works - The simplest answer is: acupuncture works by influencing the body beneath an inserted needle. We have various techniques that can be used to remove pathogenic influences, disintegrate stagnation, facilitate free flow, stimulate the functions of the organs, or direct vital substances to where it is insufficient.
Does Acupuncture hurt?
Merriam Webster describes a needle as, “a slender hollow instrument for introducing material into or removing material from the body (as by insertion under the skin).” Yikes – as if they need that last parenthesis. The word “needle” causes traumatic childhood flashbacks of nurses equipped with huge hollow hypodermic needles intentionally piercing the skin in order to inject a plethora of vaccinations. It only takes one injection or blood draw – the first – to know and further be conditioned that “needles” usually hurt! This is the very reason why people are fearful of acupuncture: since needles are involved, they assume serious pain will be inflicted. This is so far from the truth, in fact, acupuncture needles are about the width of one human hair. This denotes roughly 6-15 acupuncture needles can be inserted into the average hypodermic needle. They also have a rounded tip - not a cutting edge. What does this mean? While Acupuncture is not sensation-less, painful is not the most accurate word to describe it. The desirable sensation of an acupuncture needle is not sharp or stabbing. Oftentimes, many people will feel a variety of sensations including a heavy, dull, achey, or warm sensation. In addition, some may feel "traveling sensations" such as movement in other parts of the body, possibly even in locations where there are no needles located. Most people find acupuncture very relaxing; in fact, many people easily doze off for a nap while the needles are still inserted.
Is Acupuncture safe for me? What are the risks?
Acupuncture is considered a minimally invasive procedure. While there are some risks, typically for most people, the benefits outweigh the risks. Minimal risks of acupuncture include: bruising, numbness, tingling, pin point bleeding at the site of insertion, dizziness or fainting. More severe and unusual risks of acupuncture include nerve damage, organ puncture, or infection. Single use, sterile needles are used in order to prevent infection and your acupuncturist is well trained to needle properly over the chest and abdomen to avoid organ puncture. It is important to tell your acupuncturist if you suspect you're pregnant because this will change which points are selected for acupuncture treatments. The risks and benefits of other modalities such as cupping, gua sha, and herbal medicine will be discussed before administration of these techniques. Your acupuncturist encourages questions and your comfort is our upmost priority.
Is Acupuncture safe for my children?
For acupuncture treatments, children have the same risks as adults. However, if the child is scared or sensitive to needles, we have many other types of modalities that can be used for their condition. Typically for children, we begin acupuncture treatments slowly, by only selecting a few points.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments is dictated based on the condition and constitution (See What is constitution?). Typically one full course of treatment is ten treatments - however, this may not be enough for chronic conditions. As mentioned above, diet and lifestyle changes will facilitate changes more rapidly.
Do I have to be ill to receive treatment?
No! This is the beauty of Chinese Medicine because it can be used for prevention of disease as well - especially during seasonal changes.
How are Chinese Herbs different from Western Herbs?
Chinese herbs are typically prescribed in a "formula." This means that multiple herbs are used together to perform a particular action on the body. Typically Western Herbs are individually prescribed. Furthermore, there are different forms of administration of Chinese Herbs such as raw herbs, granules, or prepared products. Raw herbs are just that - they need to be cooked in a water decoction for 35-40 minutes before they are strained and the water is consumed. Granules are consumed as a tea. They are a concentrated powder form of herbs, which are scooped into water and stirred to dissolve. Prepared products are usually taken as pills; however, other prepared products may be used topically in the form of tinctures or liniments.
Do you take insurance?
While Avenue Acupuncture does not bill insurance, we are happy to provide a super bill with all the information needed to file a claim with your insurance provider. As always, payment is due up front.
What are your credentials?
Our owner and acupuncturist Danielle Talley has a Masters of Science in Acupuncture and a Master's of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. She is a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.). Christina LeBoeuf has a Doctorate degree of Natural Medicine and Humanitarian Services and a Diplomat of The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). She obtained her Doctorate degree from the World Organization of Natural Medicine, her Master's Degree in Oriental Medicine and Bachelor of Health Science from Atlantic University of Oriental Medicine in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
What’s the difference between a Certified Acupuncturist and a Licensed Acupuncturist?
Other Services
Facial Rejuvenation
Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation - 60 minutes
Facial Rejuvenation is a natural anti-aging treatment involving the insertion of 50-75 acupuncture needles into the face to decrease the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and folds. This service also includes Celluma LED light therapy, specialized cupping techniques, facial massage, and application of MyZen Skin Care Products. We recommend one treatment weekly for ten weeks for best results.
other services
Celluma LED Light Therapy
“Light Emiting Diode (LED) therapy is the application of light energy to tissue to obtain therapeutic benefits. The energy is used to improve cellular performance. Light therapy is known for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties and has a variety of applications across many medical fields. Research has shown that low level light therapy can: increase circulation, accelerate tissue repair, kill acne bacteria, decrease inflammation, improve skin tone, texture and clarity, ease muscle and joint pain, stiffness, spasms, and arthritis.”
How Does it Work?
In the same way that plants use chlorophyll to convert sunlight into energy, high intensity light emitting diodes (LEDs) utilizing specific, proven wavelengths of light can trigger a natural biostimulatory effect in human tissue. Research has shown that light emitting diode (LED) or phototherapy can increase circulation, accelerate tissue repair, kill acne bacteria, decrease inflammation, improve acne prone skin, skin tone, texture and clarity, decrease under eye wrinkles as well as ease muscle and joint pain, stiffness, spasms, and pain associated with arthritis.
Research indicates that cells absorb particles of light (photons) and transform their energy into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the form of energy that cells utilize. The resulting elevation of ATP is then used to power metabolic processes; synthesize DNA, RNA, proteins, enzymes, and other products needed to repair or regenerate cell components; foster mitosis or cell proliferation; and restore homeostasis. Simply put, the LED phototherapy source provides compromised cells with added energy so the cells performance is enhanced. For example, fibroblast cells will increase collagen and elastin production in connective tissue to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in our skin and increase the rate of wound healing.
Specific wavelengths of light energy, when properly absorbed, up-regulates compromised cells. The light (photons) energy is absorbed by photoacceptors in the mitochondria and used to create adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The ATP produced then stimulates various metabolic processes which can result in the repair and regeneration of cell and tissue components. In an article, “Therapeutic Light” - by Chukuku S. Enwemeka, PT, PhD, FACSM, he wrote “other reported mechanisms of light- induced beneficial effects include modulation of prostaglandin levels, alteration of somatosensory evoked potential and nerve conduction velocity, and hyperemia of treated tissues. The resultant clinical benefits include pain relief in conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, tendonitis, ankle sprain, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction, shoulder and neck pain, arthritis, and post- herpetic neuralgia, as well as tissue repair in cases of diabetic ulcer, venous ulcer, mouth ulcer, fractures, tendon rupture, ligament tear, torn cartilage, and nerve injury”.
Blue Light Therapy for Acne
diminishes acne bacteria
clears existing breakouts
restores skin’s healthy appearance
Red Light Therapy for Anti-aging & Hair Restoration
increases collagen and elastin production
reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles
improves skin firmness and resilience
Near Infrared Therapy for Pain & Wound Healing
reduces inflammation and increases circulation
relieves arthritic, muscle, and joint pain
reduces stiffness and muscle spasm
CELLUMA Frequently Asked Questions
What is Celluma LED light therapy and what is it used for?
Non-invasive low level light therapy is an FDA approved treatment for acne, wrinkles, pain and wound healing.
How is it different from the traditional heat lamp used at the office?
Celluma is a different light technology that was created based on NASA researched light emitting diode (LED) technology. The celluma also gives options for Blue Light (acne fighting); Red Light (wrinkle reducing); and Near Infrared Light (pain reducing/wound healing/hair restoring). The heat lamp used in the clinic is strictly near infrared, but it does not use LED technology.
How does it work?
The energy provided by Celluma is utilized by our cells to increase cellular metabolism. This results in the up-regulation of a variety of metabolic processes including increased blood flow/circulation, a decrease in inflammation, a decrease in pain and an increase in the cells that promote healing and tissue repair and regeneration. In addition, Blue Light Therapy works by killing the acne-causing bacteria at the source, beneath the skin’s surface. Red Light Therapy works by stimulating fibroblast proliferation causing an increase in collagen production.
How long does it take?
Sessions are 30 minutes and changes begin to occur quickly - between 1-2 sessions; for best results it is recommended that a course of treatment be used over a 6-12 week period, followed by maintenance treatment. It can also be used in combination with Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation.
Are you offering a package price for Celluma?
Yes. LED Series: 12 treatments for $480. Celluma can also be added on for any existing patient’s session for an extra $40
Are there any harmful side effects?
No - it is minimally invasive when used as intended.
Are there any preparations required for use?
The skin should be clean, dry, free of clothing, makeup, or anything else that could deflect light away from the skin.
Is Celluma LED light therapy available to those who are not currently patients?
YES! Anyone can come in and try light therapy as a standalone treatment. Currently, we are not taking new patients for Acupuncture.