FAQ

FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a treatment take?
Your initial visit will be about one to one and one half hours which involves a detail interview and evaluation as well as a treatment. Follow-up visits will take approximately 1 hour.

How much does a treatment cost?
The fee for your initial visit starts at $145 and up. Follow-up visits starts at $100 and up. Certain discounts may apply for seniors over 65 y.o., college students and veterans discounts, etc. 
Some insurances are covering for acupuncture at various percentages. Currently, Empire NYSHIP, Cigna, BlueCross BlueShield, etc. are coverage for acupuncture. If you have insurances, allow our expert office biller check for coverage eligibility.

What should I wear?
We recommend that you wear comfortable, loose clothing with under garments. Treatment gowns are also available. Please avoid wearing any perfume or strongly scented lotion. For facial rejuvenation treatments, please do not wear any make-up.

What will a treatment be like? Does it hurt?
Treatments are performed on a massage table. At the beginning of the session, Jennifer will first interview then examine you. Examination will most likely involve looking at your tongue, taking your pulse, and palpation depending on your condition. For first time patients, Jennifer will explain step by step what she is doing. The average number of needles inserted in the course of a treatment varies from 4 to 20. Most treatments require retaining the needles after insertion for 15 to 30 minutes. Sometimes the needles are removed immediately depending on the specific treatments.

For most people receiving treatment is quite relaxing. When the needle initially penetrates the skin, you will feel a small pinch. After the needle is inserted, Jennifer will stimulate it to encourage the arrival of Qi to that acupuncture point. The arrival of Qi (pronounced Chee) may feel similar to a dull or heavy ache, a tingling, a numbing, warmth or an electrical sensation. On rare occasions, the needle sensation may be painful. Inform Jennifer if you feel any discomfort such as a sharp pain. She will adjust the needle and you will be fine. Rarely is there any bleeding from the needle insertion point.

What is an acupuncture needle?
Acupuncture needles are very fine steel or gold filaments which can easily fit through the opening of a blood drawing needle. The needles are applied in strategic locations to affect a change in the energetic flow of the body. The needles Jennifer uses are sterile and disposable. No needles are ever reused even on the same patient. There is no medication on the needles. 

How many acupuncture points are there?
There are 359 standard acupuncture body points. There are additional points on the ear and scalp which have their own system of points.

Is acupuncture always successful?
No, acupuncture is not always the top choice for all conditions. The ER is more appropriate for conditions that require immediate strong medical interventions. Although, acupuncture can relieve pain within minutes, not all conditions respond immediately.

However, almost all patients benefit from an appropriate course of acupuncture treatments.

What conditions are not appropriate for treatment?
Some conditions which are not appropriate for treatment in an outpatient setting include seizure disorders, acute infection, traumatic injury, hemorrhage, malignant tumors, psychosis and myocardial infarction. It is a general recommendation that all patients visit their physician for a diagnosis prior to treatment.

Do I need to be sick to get acupuncture?
No, you do not need to be sick to get acupuncture. Acupuncture emphasize on prevention. For health maintenance or preventative care, Jennifer recommends 4 treatments per season or 12 treatments per year.

How often will I be treated/ How many treatments will

I need?

How often you need treatment depends on the type of condition, its severity, how long you have had it, and how your body responds to the treatments. For the average conditions, Jennifer recommends one treatment a week preferably for at least three to six consecutive weeks. Most conditions may show significant improvement in three to twelve sessions. Some conditions may show significant improvement within minutes.

What is moxibustion?

Moxibustion is a heat treatment using the Chinese herb Artemesia vulgaris, commonly known as moxa. Moxa can be burn near the skin at the same energy points that are used with needles. Certain conditions are more responsive to treatment with moxa.


What kinds of pulses are taken in acupuncture?

Acupuncture pulses are a qualitative reflection of the six major energy systems of the body. They are taken on both wrists in three locations. The information obtained goes far beyond the heart rate information obtained by conventional Western medicine pulse taking.


Do I need to do something to prepare for a treatment? How will I feel afterwards? Can I go right back to work?

Patients are encouraged to leave plenty of time both before and after their treatment. Rigorous exercise, sexual activities, eating a full meal, and consuming alcohol should be avoided immediately before and after a treatment for at least 1 hour.


How one feels afterwards varies greatly from patient to patient and from session to session. Some treatments may leave the patient relaxed and energized; others may leave with a desire to rest.


Should I stop seeing my doctor since I am coming for acupuncture?

No, I do not recommend anyone to stop seeing his/her doctor when coming for acupuncture. It is the patients’ responsibility to continue seeking routine standard conventional medical care from their physician(s). Open communication between all practitioners is encouraged in order to give more comprehensive care.


How do I make an appointment?

Please call Jennifer at (631) 403 3254


What are Jennifer's qualifications and experience?

Jennifer is a third generation acupuncturist, treating with acupuncture for the past 24 years after graduating from the New York College for Wholistic Professions in Syosset New York. She has travelled to the Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China to further her education and clinical experience. 


She is licensed as an acupuncturist by New York State and is certified by the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. She began he acupuncture practice in Manhattan until she relocated to Suffolk County. Long Island.


Jennifer has her bachelor of science in Biology and Medical Technology degree from SUNY Stony Brook. Prior to becoming a licensed acupuncturist, Jennifer worked as a clinical laboratory scientist doing research at Pall Corporation in Port Washington, New York. Before that she was a microbiologist atSt. Francis Hospital in Port Washington, New York.


Do all acupuncturists have the same qualifications?

No. Licensed acupuncturists are certified by the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. This requires 3-4 years of specialized postgraduate study. Other licensed medical practitioners, such as doctors and chiropractors, may include acupuncture in their practice, with as little as 300 hours of non-clinical training.

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