Acupuncture and Wellness Information
ACA Acupuncture and Wellness centers provide patients with a wealth of knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). We are happy to demonstrate and explain the philosophy and theory that make TCM effective to our patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
We would like to hear from you and answer your questions related to TCM and our services.
Please email your questions to ACA: CONTACT US
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is based on over 3,000 years of studying every aspect in the body: internal and external anatomy, the flow of Qi (energy), etc. TCM modalities include acupuncture, Chinese herbs, moxibustion, cupping, and Qigong. The foundation for TCM is that Qi (pronounced “Chee”), or the life energy, flows through the body. This energy flows in channels known as meridians that connect all of our major organs. When there’s blockage or imbalance of qi, there’s pain or illness. TCM practitioners utilize their modalities to remove blockage or imbalance to treat illnesses.
Does acupuncture work?
The World Health Organization recognizes almost one hundred diseases, symptoms, or conditions for which acupuncture is effective. Much of the research on acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine is being conducted by universities, research institutions, and the National Institutes of Health. There is increasing scientific evidence proving the efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of medical ailments, including chemotherapy-induced nausea, autoimmune disorders, chronic back pain, hypertension, and allergic rhinitis.
How many acupuncture treatments do I need?
The number of acupuncture treatments you need depends on the complexity of your illness, your general health, and whether it is a chronic or recent condition.
What conditions does acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture can treat a wide range of conditions. It is particularly effective for pain relief and for post surgery and chemotherapy associated nausea and vomiting. In addition, both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recognize that acupuncture can be helpful as part of a treatment plan for many illnesses which includes but not limited to: addiction (such as alcoholism), asthma, bronchitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, digestive issues, facial tics, fibromyalgia, headaches, irregular periods, low back pain, menopausal symptoms, menstrual cramps, osteoarthritis, sinusitis, IBS, stroke rehabilitation, tendonitis, tennis elbow, and urinary problems such as incontinence.
Can I get acupuncture when I am treated with conventional medicine?
You can safely combine acupuncture with other conventional treatments. However, it is important for your primary care physician to be aware of, and to monitor, how your acupuncture treatment may be affecting your conventional therapies. Often your medication may need to be adjusted while your condition improves during your acupuncture treatments.
What conditions are treated by Chinese herbal medicine?
Like acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine treats a full range of human diseases such as acute illness like the flu and the common cold to chronic illnesses. Herbal medicine can also help to maintain or create balance and health before disease sets in.
Does my medical insurance cover Chinese medical treatments?
Acupuncture is currently covered by many major insurance companies in the United States. However, acupuncture coverage varies greatly depending on the company and individual plan. It is important to check with your insurance company to see what coverage your plan offers. We accept Empire BCBS, Oxford, United Health Care, Cigna, Aetna, and others. Please call us to find out if your acupuncture treatments can be covered by your insurance.
Patient Resources
TCM theorizes that the more than 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body connect with 12 main and 8 secondary pathways, called meridians. Chinese medicine practitioners believe these meridians conduct energy, or Qi, between the surface of the body and internal organs.
Conditions Appropriate for Acupuncture Therapy
Digestive
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Hyperacidity
- Indigestion
Emotional
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Nervousness
- Neurosis
Eye/Ear/Nose/Throat
- Cataracts
- Gingivitis
- Poor vision
- Tinnitus
- Toothache
Gynecological
- Infertility
- Menopausal symptoms
- Premenstrual syndrome
Miscellaneous
- Addiction control
- Athletic performance
- Blood pressure regulation
- Chronic fatigue
- Immune system tonification
- Stress reduction
Musculoskeletal
- Arthritis
- Back pain
- Muscle cramping
- Muscle pain/weakness
- Neck pain
- Sciatica
Neurological
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Neurogenic
- Bladder dysfunction
- Parkinson’s disease
- Postoperative pain
- Stroke
Respiratory
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Common cold
- Sinusitis
- Smoking cessation
- Tonsilitis
ACA Acupuncture and Wellness Locations
We have multiple locations throughout New York City, including Queens and Northern New Jersey.
Payments and Insurance
More and more major insurance carriers recognize that acupuncture is a powerful medical treatment to help their members to heal from pain and various illnesses. It’s non-invasive, has no side effects, and is very cost efficient. Please check with your employer and insurance company to request that your policy includes acupuncture coverage.
ACA Acupuncture and Wellness centers accept major insurance including Empire BCBS, Oxford, United Health Care, Cigna, Aetna, and others. Please call us to find out if your acupuncture treatments can be covered by your insurance.
All ACA Acupuncture and Wellness centers accept payments in major credit cards.
Please ask us about discounted package rates.
Get in Touch
Newsletter Sign Up
LOCATIONS
MANHATTAN
Washington Heights
Union Square
Upper East Side
Columbus Circle
Financial District
Grand Central
Herald Square
Nomad (Grand Opening on 10/8/2024)
Midtown East (Coming soon)
Carnegie Hill (Coming soon)
Upper West Side (Coming soon)
QUEENS
Bayside
Long Island City (Sven) (Coming soon)
Long Island City (Athena) (Coming soon)
NEW JERSEY
Englewood
CALIFORNIA
San Jose
ACA Franchise Opportunities
The over $4 billion US acupuncture market offers a great opportunity with over 10% annual growth rates and a continuing flow of new patients interested in the benefits of acupuncture.