Policies
Cancellations
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please notify Middle Village Acupuncture 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment time by texting the practice at 917-924-2808.
Lateness
Please arrive on time and ready for treatment at your appointment time. If this is your first visit, plan to arrive 15 minutes ahead of your appointment time to complete intake forms. If you are late, appointments will still end at the scheduled time.
Masking
Masking is encouraged, but optional. If you are feeling ill, please reschedule the appointment.
Attire
Come dressed in loose, comfortable clothing that you're able to roll up to your elbows and knees. You can change clothes in the treatment room. If you're unable to bring loose clothes, a sheet will be provided.
Cell Phones
Please keep the reception area and treatment space quiet. Set your cell phones on silent or airplane mode. No phone calls should be made in the reception area or treatment room.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncturists insert points along pathways (also known as meridians) in the body in order to facilitate the flow of energy. An obstruction of energy within the body causes imbalances that often manifest in pain, discomfort, and compromised health. Acupuncture helps to release these areas of obstruction to ensure a smooth flow of energy throughout the body. From a western medical perspective, acupuncture influences the physiological functions of the body by releasing pain relieving endorphins. By creating a micro-trauma at the point of insertion, the needle signals the body to release white blood cells, platelets, fibroblasts and other healing chemicals to promote tissue repair. Acupuncture can help promote circulation, support immune system function and stimulate hormonal glands.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture is not painful, but you may feel a fleeting pinch, a sensation of heaviness, or a slight pressure around the inserted point. Mostly, acupuncture is deeply relaxing. Many patients fall into a restful sleep while on the table.
Are the needles safe?
The acupuncture needle is designed to glide smoothly through muscle fibers and is therefore, very thin and flexible. This makes the needle minimally invasive, causing little to no trauma to the body. All acupuncture needles used at Middle Village Acupuncture are sterilized, pre-packaged, and one-time use only. After use, they are disposed in a bio-hazards waste container.
Is there medicine in the needles?
Acupuncture needles are made with surgical stainless steel. They do not contain any medications or liquids.
Are there side effects to acupuncture?
Though this does not happen often, you may occasionally notice bruising or a raised bump where the needles were inserted. This can occur when a needle is close to a blood vessel. If there is a bump, massage it gently and it will soon disappear. Bruises, though not common, are a normal side effect of acupuncture and will fade away in 1 – 2 weeks.
How many sessions do I need?
While many come in once a week for a treatment to maintain health and prevent ailments, it generally takes coming in once a week for 2- 3 sessions to resolve a single issue. Chronic ailments may need a longer time.