ACUPUNCTURE

A flexible, adaptive approach to healing with over 2,000 years of continuous clinical use and documented history, acupuncture treatment is widely acknowledged as a gentle, relaxing, minimally invasive way to help bodies heal themselves, build immunity, and prevent illness from arising.

 
 

I currently offer the following Chinese medicine services:

01 75 minute in-office acupuncture sessions for new patients

02 75 minute and 1 hour in-office acupuncture sessions for established patients

03 45 minute in-office cupping and gua sha sessions for new and established patients

WHY CHINESE MEDICINE?

Chinese medicine excels at addressing the root causes of illness, uncovering why it even arises in the first place, and restoring and preserving a vibrant state in a gentle but effective way via acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, and more.

Clinical research shows that acupuncture is anti-inflammatory, lowers blood sugar, lowers blood pressure, increases circulation of blood and lymph, increases endorphins and opioids (natural pain killers), and prevents the chemicals that signal pain from even being formed. It also changes our brainwaves and nervous system state to those associated with self-repair.

While some of my patients are dealing with the symptoms of disease processes that have been formally diagnosed, many also are seeking safe, non-invasive treatment to improve their overall health and quality of life. They come in for support with things like insomnia, headaches, fatigue, fertility and perinatal support, anxiety depression, athletic injuries and recovery, seasonal allergies, and, this being New York, the physical and emotional effects of stress.

I also work with folks throughout their fertility and conception processes, including being under the care of a midwife planning for IUIs, a medical practice working towards IVF, and everything between and beyond. I would love the opportunity to support you as you create or grow your family.

This medicine is highly personalized — what is helpful for one person may not support another at all, because our constitutions and the life experiences that have shaped our bodies and health are all unique. Because Chinese medicine is so tailored, safe, and minimally invasive, it can be beneficial for people of all ages and most health situations.

VISIT THE FAQ’S TO LEARN MORE

  • “I'm so grateful to have found Align Acupuncture and Aimée. I couldn't recommend them more highly. First of all, the physical space of the office is curated in a way that elicits a release response from my body almost immediately after walking in, leaving the high energy of NYC outside and allowing for a recalibration.

    Aimée's knowledge, kindness and support has been instrumental to me and my health over the last 3 years. I've received in person acupuncture and taken some herbal remedies at her recommendation. I've had a few physical ailments that she's successfully supported me through, but even when I feel "fine," I do what I can to make appointments (through COVID and a relocation out of town - in person appointments are harder for me to schedule regularly). I always leave feeling a little lighter and refueled. Aimée is an amazing listener and truly attuned to her clients. My expectations of connecting to myself, feeling worthy, loved and supported are continuously met with each appointment and have me returning any time I get the chance.”

    — A.S.

  • “Joint pain is almost a given when you reach your 80’s. My hips and knee made it difficult to walk continuously for any distance. Aimee’s acupuncture has given me back that ability.”

    — E.L.

  • “I am pretty terrified of needles, but in her hands, I feel so at ease. I originally went to her for a hormonal imbalance, which she was able to balance after one session! Since then, I continue to see her, because, well, I feel amazing afterwards. She's helped heal my gut, and open me up emotionally and creatively in a way that has greatly helped my work. I've had breakthrough after breakthrough with Aimee...Her work in healing touch (no needles), is just as powerful. Aimee feels like a gift from the universe.”

    — FE.

  • “I discovered Aimee and her practice soon after I was diagnosed with Graves’ disease. And how lucky I was that I did. It was a scary time and I was not finding the holistic support my body needed from my doctors. A few weeks after seeing Aimee my crazy hormones started leveling off, I felt more grounded, less anxious and just overall stronger. My graves is currently in remission and Aimee has played a pivotal part in my journey back to health. A session with Aimee is like a visit to a cool spa and part therapy, part acupuncture part expert advice on pretty much anything life through ya you way. She is truly so talented, so intuitive, knowledgeable and so lovely. I usually leave her office feeling calmer, and happier. I am so grateful to her."

    — T.G.

  • “Within minutes of entering your office, my nonstop, 3 day migraine started to dissipate, and it was completely gone well before you came back to remove the needles at the end of the session. My body felt amazing after our session. I cannot wait to see you again to continue experiencing the healing that acupuncture transmits.”

    — S.

  • “If you think acupuncture is all about back pain and fertility...you’re missing out!

    I feel like I just got a life upgrade...by the end of my acupuncture treatment, I felt like I had come home to and fallen in love with myself all over again.”

    — S.

  • “Aimee has been amazing! This experience has changed my life.  I have lived with migraines for many years and ever since going for acupuncture my life has so improved.  The practice is peaceful, clean and such a wonderful experience.  I highly recommend it!”

    — V.M.

WHAT HAPPENS IN A SESSION?

I believe that a healing session begins the moment the appointment is made.

Before meeting for the first time, you’ll complete a comprehensive health history that provides me with a picture of where you’re coming from, through the lens of Chinese medicine.

We will open your session by checking in about you, your life, and your health as it is now and as you dream it to be in the future. In addition to our conversation, I may also look at your tongue, feel your pulses, and/or palpate different areas of your body as part of the diagnostic process.

Then, you will lie down on the treatment table (usually warm from the amethyst biomat) and get comfortable. Most people roll up pants and sleeves so that acupuncture points on the lower arms and legs are accessible; it might make sense to remove tighter clothing like skinny jeans and use a sheet or towel to cover up. Treatment can happen either facing up or down, depending on what your body needs. If you have any preferences with respect to positioning or touch, those will be respected and included in your treatment plan.

A session usually includes the use of ethically sourced, organic or wildcrafted pure essential oils on acupuncture points (called Aroma Acupoint Therapy), followed by the insertion of acupuncture needles, followed by 20-30 minutes of rest. Many people find this to be very relaxing and meditate or nap, although it’s also common to feel energized or notice different sensations, energies, or waves of temperature change throughout your body. After you have rested, I will return to the room to remove the needles, and may do moxibustion, gua sha, and/or cupping at that time, or apply ear seeds.

We then close by checking in about how it went, and I may suggest Chinese herbal formulas, supplements (via Fullscript, feel free to create your account and check it out), essential oils, teas, or flower essence blends, all always optional. I may also recommend other practitioners or modalities if they would be a good fit for you.

*If your health insurance plan covers acupuncture, I am happy to provide superbills for your sessions so that you may seek reimbursement.

 

ADDITIONAL MODALITIES

Acupuncture is only one of the treatment methods that are used in Chinese Medicine.

 
 
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Gua Sha
Gua Sha

Gua sha is a traditional treatment method using the edge of a Chinese soup spoon, gua sha tool, or other similar blunt edge to lightly stimulate the surface of the skin, most often the neck, back, and shoulders. This technique increases surface circulation of blood, stimulates immune function, and increases the anti-inflammatory effect. Gua sha is used for muscle aches and pain, the common cold / flu, low immunity, detoxification, and internal organ disorders, such as liver inflammation due to hepatitis or lung conditions.

Cupping
Cupping

Cupping has been in continuous use around the world for thousands of years. Recent clinical research has demonstrated it to help with: Chronic low back pain / Many different pain conditions: think joint pain, muscle pain, headaches, menstrual pain, and digestive pain / Herpes zoster, better known as shingles / Breathing, whether alleviating asthma, cough, or the onset of a common cold / Fever reduction.

Moxibustion
Moxibustion

Moxibustion, also referred to as moxa, is the burning of dried mugwort on or near the skin. As old as acupuncture, moxibustion is used to build energy, warm the body, improve circulation, improve digestion, break up stagnation, and support a shift away from breech position in late pregnancy. Many people also experience moxa treatment as both stimulating/energizing, and deeply calming at the same time.

Herbal Medicine
Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal tradition is grounded in classical formulas that have been in use for up to 2,000 years. Herbal treatment can be used alone or with acupuncture or other modalities. I often look to herbal formulas to help rebuild energy after a stressful period or illness; support digestion; regulate the menstrual cycle; support emotional release and mood; reduce pain; and reduce the frequency and severity of colds, among other concerns.