Does acupuncture hurt?

You may feel a small prick on the insertion of the needle if you feel it at all. If it feels sharp or stingy just let your practitioner know, the needle just needs adjustment. Other sensations you may feel which people can associate with pain (only because it’s a new stimulus) are the following: achy, throbbing, itching, twitching, heavy feeling, or traveling feelings. Those sensations are totally normal and are actually good sensations to have. It is an indication you are feeling the movement of Qi.

How long is a treatment

The first treatment is about an hour and a half with paperwork and initial intake. You usually sit with needles for no more than 30 minutes. Occasionally you may sit with needles longer but it’s rare. Follow-up appointments are about an hour. We do a bit of catch up, you have some acupuncture and you may also have cupping, gua sha, or Kinesio taping during your hour appointment.

what CAN I expect DURING MY FIRST ACUPUNCTURE APPOINTMENT?

Your first session includes a detailed consultation about your health, followed by a personalized acupuncture treatment using fine needles at specific points on the body to rebalance energy and promote healing.

How do I know if acupuncture is working?

Acupuncture has a cumulative effect. The closer together treatments are and frequency is where you will see the best results and quickest. I usually say 6 treatments before you formulate any conclusions. If something has been going on for over a month you are looking at things that are becoming chronic. Chronic conditions will take more time and treatment. Age and underlying chronic health issues will affect how quickly you will see results. If it is an acute condition it may take significantly less time to see results. It isn’t uncommon to see results within one treatment but that doesn’t always mean that it’s “fixed”. The relaxation and overall feeling of wellness effect of acupuncture are usually felt within the first treatment. 

How does acupuncture work?

The biggest question of all and unfortunately, we still don’t have the best answers to satisfy inquiring minds.  There are many theories.  From a biomedical perspective, it is thought that the “meridians” are like fiber optics and the point of the needle insertion sends information along these channels stimulating different regions of the body and helps the “ network” communicate.   years ago these “meridians” or “channels” were thought to be invisible.  Then they were finally captured under a high-power electron microscope and they do have legitimate structure.  As far as the Traditional Chinese theory the “meridians” move qi and blood.  The channels that pass through organ systems and extremities can be utilized with knowledge. With a proper understanding of point selection and pattern diagnosis, practitioners use the system to regulate the body.  

What if I am afraid of needles?

It is very common.  So don’t worry.  From a young age, you learned sharp things cause pain.  That is a normal response to the concept of willingly putting needles in your skin.  The first thing to understand that it’s more of a “pin” than a needle.  It’s a little thicker than a shaft of your hair.  It's nothing like the hypodermic needles you know from the doctor’s office.  I often start with light treatment for those who have needle fear.   Or I do the treatment on the back.  The back tends to be less sensitive and you don’t have to see anything.  The treatment tends to be so relaxing while it is happening that after the needles are inserted, you drift away and the fear tends to diminish.  I also give everyone a “panic button”.  If you need me, you call me and I will be right there for you.  Sometimes just knowing there is a way out or that you have the ability to communicate calms much of the fear.  

WHAT IS CHINESE MEDICINE AND HOW DOES IT WORK

Chinese Medicine is a holistic system that views the body as an interconnected whole. It seeks to restore harmony and balance by understanding both the physical and energetic imbalances that cause illness or discomfort.

HOW IS ANGELA’S APPROACH DIFFERENT FROM OTHER ACUPUNCTURISTS?

Angela blends Traditional Chinese Medicine with a modern understanding of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics to make treatment more relatable, grounded, and effective.

WHAT IS CUPPING AND WHAT DOES IT DO?

Cupping uses warmed glass cups to create suction on the skin. This increases circulation, releases muscle tension, and promotes detoxification.

WHAT IS GUA SHA AND WHEN IS IT USED?

Gua Sha is a gentle scraping technique that promotes blood flow and lymphatic drainage. It’s commonly used for muscle stiffness, tension, and immune support.

WHAT IS ELECTRO-ACUPUNCTURE AND IS IT SAFE?

Electro-acupuncture involves attaching a gentle electric current to acupuncture needles. It enhances stimulation to targeted areas, especially useful for pain or neurological issues—and it’s completely safe when administered by a trained practitioner.

DO YOU OFFER FACIAL OR COSMETIC ACUPUNCTURE?

Yes, facial acupuncture and microneedling are available to help improve skin tone, reduce fine lines, and support natural collagen production—without invasive procedures.

WHAT IS MICRONEEDLING AND HOW DOES IT BENEFIT THE SKIN?

Microneedling creates tiny micro-injuries on the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production. It helps with texture, firmness, acne scars, and fine lines.

WHAT IS BREATHWORK AND HOW IS IT USED IN YOUR SESSIONS?

Angela guides patients through a 45-minute one-on-one breathwork practice using a three-part active breathing technique that supports emotional release, stress relief, and nervous system regulation.

DO YOU USE HERBAL MEDICINE IN TREATMENTS?

Yes. Angela formulates custom herbal blends tailored to your internal imbalances. Herbs may be used to support digestion, sleep, immunity, emotional health, and more.

WHAT CONDITIONS CAN ACUPUNCTURE AND CHINESE MEDICINE HELP WITH?

Acupuncture can help with a wide range of concerns including chronic pain, stress, anxiety, digestive issues, sleep problems, hormonal imbalance, and overall wellness.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

This varies per individual. Some feel better after one session, while chronic conditions often require a series of treatments. Angela will create a plan based on your specific goals.

CAN I COMBINE ACUPUNCTURE WITH OTHER WELLNESS PRACTICES?

Absolutely. Acupuncture complements many healing modalities such as red light therapy, breathwork, massage, and psychotherapy.

HOW DO I BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH ANGELA?

You can schedule an appointment by calling Angela at 646-522-1559 or email at elegantmedicine@gmail.com.

If you have anymore questions, please contact me. I’m always happy to explain anything.