Experience The Qi Center

After filling out your health history, I´ll go ahead and review it with you. I´ll also request you to complete any additional information using assessment data pertinent to Traditional Asian Medicine. I want to ensure that you feel safe and comfortable with me as soon as you walk through my door. We´ll discuss your needs and goals, and I´ll create a customized treatment plan. This will include an estimated number of visits, fees, your responsibilities, etc.

Education is a very important part of the therapeutic process. It is our job to teach you everything we can about healthy living and thereby give you the tools needed to remain healthy for a lifetime. In addition to prevention, the Qi Center promotes the acceptance of responsibility for one’s own life and health. TCM is about treating the whole person, not just your pain symptoms or labeled disease. You grow to understand and recognize the patterns of health and wellness rather than merely the absence of disease.

Acupuncture is applied using very thin and delicate ‘needles.’ These safe, sterile needles are much thinner and far more comfortable than hypodermic needles used to draw blood. They are disposed of after one use. It is said that acupuncture is not painful, nor is it entirely painless. Everyone can describe differently the sensation felt. Some say it feels like a dull ache; others describe a warm tingly feeling. Once the practitioner ‘sets’ the needles, the sensation is no longer felt. The needles are left in for about 20-30 minutes, then removed. Most people describe a deep and lasting relaxation after their treatment.

The whole idea behind acupuncture is to rebalance the energy system. The acupuncture points are said to be like entryways into the energy system. Lying on pathways called channels, acupuncture points are like unseen rivers that carry the Qi throughout the body.

When seeking an acupuncturist / Asian medicine practitioner, be very mindful of their training background and how many hours of training they received. Make sure they are fully licensed by the State in which they’re practicing.

Certain healthcare practitioners such as Western physicians and even dentists receive certification in acupuncture with only 350 hours of training. While this could help with regards to pain management during the actual treatment process, this doesn’t qualify them as acupuncturists or Asian medicine practitioners. 

To be fully licensed by New York State, a licensed acupuncturist must complete a rigorous, three year Master-level training program and pass a national certification examination. 

There is no reason why you shouldn’t visit your primary healthcare provider. The best healthcare is one that combines the strengths of Western and Eastern medicine. When working in tandem, both modalities can amplify the healing process.

Absolutely. Since acupuncture is very relaxing, it is a valuable tool to promote and maintain health. The amazing thing is that Asian medicine is all about restoring the body back to a calm, balanced state – so eventually, you will experience stress relief. And by visiting my office regularly, the better the results will be. Each treatment is customized to suit your needs. If you’re seeking stress-relief, coming to The Qi Center is certainly a serene, quiet, calming refuge. 

But remember – acupuncture isn’t the only treatment you can receive! By visiting my treatments page, you can get a clear idea of other services I offer.

On a practical note, please be aware that it is your responsibility to come promptly to your appointments.

On a more personal note, it´s important to be aware that the road back to health is a two-way street. By developing a mutually trusting partnership, we work together in order to ignite your vitality and wellness.

My role is to help the body restore itself as well as to educate and cheer you on as you explore your path to health and wellness; your role is to continue to educate yourself, ask questions and set an intention to heal. 

The Qi Center is an “out of network” provider for most health insurance plans. Please contact me to provide insurance information and I will verify if your policy covers acupuncture and Asian medicine.

I will never turn away anyone who cannot afford treatment. If there are financial concerns, please discuss them with me and we will negotiate a payment plan.

Appointments must be cancelled at the very least 12 hours in advance – preferably 24 hours if possible. If an appointment is cancelled less than 12 hours in advance and I´m unable to fill your appointment time, or if the appointment is forgotten (you do not come to your session), there will be no charge provided it´s the first time. After that, please be aware that I do charge a $20 cancellation fee. 

The Qi Center is open by appointment only on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Office hours are listed on top of this page.

You can see and schedule appointment hours here.