There are two ways to answer this…according if you are looking through a Western or Eastern system of medical theory.

In Eastern medicine, particularly Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and East Asian medicine acupuncture is based on the concept of Qi (pronounced "chee"), which is considered the vital life force or energy that flows through the body. According to TCM:

• Meridians: The body has pathways, known as meridians, along which Qi flows. Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles at specific points along these meridians to restore the balance of Qi.

• Yin and Yang: The body is governed by the balance of Yin (the passive, cool, and feminine force) and Yang (the active, warm, and masculine force). Illness is thought to arise from an imbalance between these forces. Acupuncture aims to restore this balance.

• Holistic view: The body is seen as a whole, with interconnected systems. Acupuncture treats the person as an individual, focusing on both the symptoms and the underlying imbalances causing them.

• Energy flow: It is believed that acupuncture helps to promote the free flow of Qi, improving circulation, relieving pain, and promoting healing by correcting blockages or imbalances in the body’s energy system.

In Western medicine, acupuncture is typically viewed through a more biological and physiological lens, often in terms of nerve stimulation and pain modulation. Although Western medicine doesn't embrace the concept of Qi or meridians in the same way, research into acupuncture has led to the development of several theories about how it might work:

• Nervous system stimulation: One of the main theories is that acupuncture stimulates the nervous system, which may trigger the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters that help alleviate pain and promote a sense of well-being.

• Pain gate theory: Acupuncture might stimulate nerves that "close the gate" in the spinal cord, blocking pain signals from being transmitted to the brain. This is similar to the way transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) works.

• Increased blood flow: Acupuncture may increase local circulation, which helps with tissue repair, reduces inflammation, and promotes overall healing in the body.

• Biochemical effects: Acupuncture is thought to affect levels of certain chemicals in the body, such as serotonin, which play a role in mood regulation and pain relief.

• Placebo effect: Some Western practitioners believe that the positive effects of acupuncture may be largely due to the placebo effect, where the patient’s belief in the treatment leads to actual improvement.

Acupuncture needles are the size of a strand of hair! Although each person has their own level of comfort tolerance, we would not describe acupuncture as painful. Some people feel anxious about needles and in that case, our practitioners can ease even the most anxious of patients with breathing techniques. The rewards of how you feel afterwards and acupuncture’s efficacy far outweigh any fear of needles.

After the first needle is inserted, Acupuncture stimulates the release of various neurotransmitters, including endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, GABA, acetylcholine, glutamate, and oxytocin, which contribute to its therapeutic effects and blissed out feeling.  

After all the needles are inserted and you are laying on the warm cozy table, relaxing, and slowly drifting to a meditative or half state of sleep, some people even fall into a deep asleep.

According to the classic Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) text the Huangdi Neijing (黄帝内经), references the concept of acupuncture in the context of harmony between heaven (the cosmos) and earth (the physical body).

We believe that the touchpoint of the place between conscious state and sleep state is the energetic plane “between heaven and earth”. This is the place we aim to take our patients during session, as it is the most relaxed and safe state that allows the body exponential healing. AKA a state of rest and digest, total surrender.

We look forward in assisting you to this state as well.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), acupuncture has been shown to be effective for treating a variety of conditions. While the WHO recognizes acupuncture's broad applications, they have specifically identified several conditions where it has strong evidence for efficacy. These include:

• Pain-related conditions: musculoskeletal pain, chronic pain, headaches & migraines, dental pain, temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), and post-operative pain

• Neurological disorders: nerve pain (such as sciatica), stroke rehabilitation (improving motor function), and facial paralysis (Bell's palsy)

• Gastrointestinal conditions: irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), nausea and vomiting (especially related to chemotherapy or pregnancy)

• Respiratory issues: sinusitis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis (hay fever)

• Mental health conditions: anxiety, depression, insomnia and sleep disorders

• Other conditions: menstrual disorders, infertility (as part of a comprehensive treatment plan), smoking cessation, and weight loss
  

Efficacy for acupuncture stems from clinical trial studies and evidence based practice (EBP).

It’s important to note that acupuncture may be most effective when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, and results can vary from person to person. For more specific guidance, especially for any medical condition, it’s best to consult with one of Moxi’s Licensed Acupuncturists to they may obtain a full health history and create a comprehensive treatment plan.

According to the Huangdi Neijing (黄帝内经), one of the most influential texts in (TCM), it views the person as a dynamic, interconnected system where balance and harmony are essential for health. It views the person as a complex, interdependent system where physical, emotional, and environmental factors are intimately connected. Health is about balance—whether in the flow of Qi, the harmony of Yin and Yang, the relationship between the Five Elements, or the synchronization of the body with nature.

Although you do not need to have a "problem” in order to receive an acupuncture treatment or treatment plan, if you plan to utilize your insurance benefits towards acupuncture services, it is helpful to consider that most insurance companies have certain medical necessity guidelines for acupuncture coverage. These are based on clinical trials that have proven acupuncture effective. Examples being low back, neck pain, shoulder pain, headache & migraine, stomach pain, TMJ, etc.

When we provide patients with a comprehensive benefits and eligibility breakdown we include what your specific insurance guidelines are.

The number of acupuncture sessions a person needs can vary widely depending on several factors, including the condition being treated, the severity of the issue, the individual's overall health, and how well they respond to the treatment. A good rule of thumb is:

Acute Conditions:

For conditions that are recent or have been present for a short period (acute pain, a recent injury, or a cold), acupuncture might require fewer sessions. Typically, patients may start with 1–2 sessions per week for the first week or two. After that, the frequency may be reduced depending on how the patient responds. In many cases, 4 to 8 sessions could be sufficient to see improvement in an acute condition.

Chronic Conditions:

For chronic conditions (think long-term pain, digestive issues, stress, or chronic fatigue that persisted 3 months or longer), acupuncture treatment requires more sessions. Patients might start with 1–2 sessions per week for several months, often around 8 to 10 treatments, depending on the response. At which point, reassessment is required to measure progress/decline and a new treatment plan given.

Menstrual Regulation and Fertility (including IVF support):

For chronic conditions (think long-term pain, digestive issues, stress, or chronic fatigue that persisted 3 months or longer), acupuncture treatment requires more sessions. Patients start with 1–2 sessions per week for 3 months, with feedback given with each cycle (less painful period, 28 day cycle, high egg count on retrieval, etc). Herbs can also be incorporated for expediated menstrual results (painful/heavy periods). Customized treatment schedules are adopted for patients at Moxi when going through any stages of the IVF process.

Preventative or Maintenance Care:

Some people choose to continue acupuncture for general well-being, stress management, or to maintain health. In such cases, treatments may be scheduled biweekly or monthly. These sessions are more about maintaining balance and preventing imbalances from becoming problematic. Maintenance treatments are not covered by insurance.

Long-Term Conditions or Severe Imbalances:

For more complex or deeply ingrained issues, such as long-term chronic illnesses or emotional imbalances, acupuncture may need to be part of a long-term treatment plan. In such cases, people may need ongoing treatments over months, with the frequency tapering down as symptoms improve.

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique used to treat muscular pain and dysfunction. It involves inserting acupuncture needles into trigger points or tight muscle bands. Unlike Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the concept of Qi (vital energy) flowing through meridians, dry needling is grounded in modern anatomical and neurophysiological principles.

Benefits of Dry Needling:

• Pain Relief: Dry needling can effectively reduce muscle pain and discomfort, particularly for conditions like muscle strain, chronic pain, headaches, myofascial pain syndrome, and tendonitis.

• Improved Range of Motion: By focusing on muscle tightness and trigger points, dry needling can increase flexibility and improve range of motion.

• Muscle Relaxation: The technique helps relieve muscle tension, which can be beneficial for conditions like back pain, neck pain, and shoulder stiffness.

• Faster Recovery: Dry needling can be used to speed up recovery from acute or chronic injuries, as it helps reduce inflammation thus promoting healing.

• Decreased Muscle Spasms: By stimulating the muscles, dry needling can help release spasms and reduce the pain associated with them.

In New York State, dry needling, which is considered a form of acupuncture, is legally restricted to licensed acupuncturist and physicians.

Dry needling is commonly used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, they including:

• Chronic neck or back pain

• Shoulder pain

• Tension headaches or migraines

• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Tennis elbow

• Myofascial pain syndrome

• Sports injuries (e.g., muscle strains, ligament sprains)

• Shin splints

• Sciatica

Gua sha is performed using a smooth, flat tool (like a jade or quartz stone) to apply pressure and repetitively scrap along the skin (usually a large muscle). The skin is typically oiled to reduce friction. The technique can also be applied to other areas of the body and has become a very popular practice for natural beauty on the face.

During the treatment, red or purple marks, called "sha", may appear on the skin, which are induced broken capiliaries. This increased bruising allows the body to send collagen and increased blood flow and circulation. The markings fade within 3-7 days.

Benefits of Gua Sha include:

• Increased Circulation: Gua sha is believed to stimulate blood flow in the body, which can help with muscle recovery, inflammation, and detoxification.

• Pain Relief: It is often used to relieve muscle pain and tension, especially in the back, neck, and shoulders. Some studies have shown it can be effective in treating conditions like chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and myofascial pain syndrome.

• Boosting Immune System: Gua sha is thought to help move stagnation and improve lymphatic drainage, which may support the body's ability to fight off illness.

• Facial Benefits: When used on the face, Gua sha is said to improve blood circulation, promote lymphatic drainage, and reduce puffiness. It has become popular in the beauty world for its potential to enhance skin tone, reduce wrinkles, and promote a glowing complexion.

• Stress Relief and Relaxation: Many find gua sha to be relaxing, as it can help release tension in tight muscles and improve overall well-being.

Use caution with the following when considering gua sha:

(~) Gua sha should not be used on broken or irritated skin.

(~) If you have certain health conditions (like blood clotting disorders), consult with a healthcare provider before using gua sha.

(~) The marks left on the skin can be tender and may take a few days to fade (do not perform before a major event or if you plan to wear a backless dress anytime soon)

Cupping is another traditional therapeutic technique that falls under the umbrella of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It involves placing special cups on the skin to create suction.

The suction assists in various health benefits including:

• Improved Blood Circulation: Cupping is thought to stimulate blood flow to the area where the cups are placed, promoting healing and helping to relieve muscle stiffness or tension.

• Pain Relief: Cupping is often used to treat chronic pain conditions such as back pain, neck pain, and arthritis. It’s thought to help by relaxing tight muscles and improving blood flow.

• Relaxation/Stress Relief: Cupping can have a deeply relaxing effect, helping to reduce stress and anxiety by releasing physical tension and promoting better circulation.

• Increased Oxygenation: The suction from the cups can encourage the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the tissues, potentially helping with healing and recovery.

• Detoxification: Cupping is believed to expel toxins from the body.

• Skin Health: Cupping has been used in some cultures to improve skin conditions, such as acne, by increasing circulation to the skin and supporting detoxification.

• Respiratory Conditions: Cupping may be used in the treatment of respiratory conditions like asthma or bronchitis by helping to improve lung function and clearing congestion.

One of the most distinctive features of cupping therapy is the circular marks left on the skin after the cups are removed. These marks can range from pink to dark purple in color, depending on the type and severity of the condition being treated. The marks fade within 3 days to a week. The marks are not bruises but rather the result of increased blood flow and the breaking of small blood vessels under the skin.

The practice of cupping gained worldwide attention during the 2016 Summer Olympics, when athletes like Michael Phelps were seen with cupping marks.

Herbal consultations are consults focused on customized herbal prescriptions and remedies for you and a condition you are looking to address with herbs only. The practitioner will ask many questions as well as take your pulse and look at your tongue. The consult does not include the price of the herbs , supplement or remedies prescribed.

Herbal Consults last approximately 30-45 mins. They are automatically included in an Acupuncture treatment if you see a practitioner that is trained and licensed to prescribe herbs, just make sure you make it known that you want to be given an herbal remedy at/during your next session.

The herbs we sell at Moxi source its raw materials from farmers who adhere to Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) and Good Handling Practice (GHP) guidelines defined by the USDA.

These guidelines ensure that the herbs are produced, packed, handled, and stored safely to minimize risks of microbial food safety hazards. KPC goes beyond USDA audits by testing all herbal raw materials before they enter the manufacturing process, checking for species identification, heavy metals, pesticides, sulfur dioxide, aflatoxins, and aristolochic acid.

This rigorous approach ensures that their products are safe for consumers, environmentally responsible, and most of all we feel great sending home to our patients.

All of our practitioners are licensed to practice within the state of New York and have completed 3200+ hours of training to become a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.)

Equally all of our practitioners have qualifications and credentials that are above and beyond what is required to practice their craft. You can read more about each practitioner, their special interests and certifications under the Team Directory.

To learn more about each states licensing requirements and to confirm or find a Licensed Acupuncturist in your state click here.

Acupuncturists work in private offices, clinics, spas and hospitals. Only a licensed acupuncturist or a physician or dentist certified in acupuncture may provide acupuncture services. 

• Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) is a licensed health care professional who, based on the concepts of oriental medicine, maintains the health of patients and evaluates and treats their illness and pain. In NY State they are required to have a Masters Degree and complete roughly 3200 hours of training, including at least 400 hours of supervised experience. This is the equivalent to 6 years of medical schooling.

• Certified Acupuncturist (C.A.) is a licensed physician or dentist who has completed at least 200 hours of instruction in acupuncture and at least 100 hours of supervised experience. This is the equivalent to four (4) weekend workshops.

We recommend working with an acupuncturist that holds board certification with a reputable organization such as NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine), which has an online, searchable directory of its members.

In NY State, confirm your acupuncturist is licensed here.