With the blare of honking horns, constant construction and fighting for a spot on the subway (all before getting to work), simply getting around in NYC can be pretty stressful. Over time, this cumulative trauma to manifest symptoms such a insomnia, depression and susceptibility to injury.

One solution proven to release such unneeded pressure is acupuncture. For thousands of years, this far eastern discipline has as been effectively used for the treatment of back pain, headache, migraine, and sports injuries. However, acupuncture provides more than pain relief. It is helpful in treating anxiety, insomnia, digestive problems, abdominal, menstrual cramps, weight control, infertility and much, much more.

Although acupuncture has become widely accepted and available in North America in the last 10 years, there are still many questions surrounding it’s use.

In order to learn more, we sat down for a few questions with our newest expert, Acupuncturist Catherine Cusumano:

1. Talk about your background in relation to acupuncture and how you got started.

I went to massage school in 1996, when I was living in Seattle, WA. A few months after I started my private practice I stated having pain in my hands. Someone recommended acupuncture to treat it. I tried it and it worked very well. I decided that I could do more professionally if I added acupuncture to my skill set. After relocating back to NYC in 2001 I earned my Master’s degree in acupuncture.

2. For someone who is not familiar with acupuncture, why would someone voluntarily puncture their skin with needles?

I rarely think of acupuncture in that context. I look at it from the stand point of conductivity and the flow of energy. We all have an energetic frequency that establishes, even in Western medical terms that we are in fact, alive (i.e. brain wave, EKG). When a person experiences an imbalance in the body (i.e. asthma, constipation, sciatica) the body will continue to look for a state of balance or homeostasis until it finds it.

Acupuncture needles are stainless steel. As I see it, I am a conduit of energy and so are the people I treat. I am using a hair-fine piece of steel to connect my energy to theirs with the intention of restoring balance to the affected system or part of the body. It is a matter of moving the energy in the right direction to help the body restore its own balance.

3. What are some of the physical benefits one notices after experiencing acupuncture for the first time and over a period of time?

My professional experience indicates that people usually feel very relaxed and have a feeling of “calm alertness” after the first few treatments. This is not to say that one loses that feeling after a while but that it extends for longer periods of time so the experience of it isn’t “new” with each treatment.

“The squeaky wheel get the grease” really applies here. When something that has been troublesome for some time is resolved other things that have been “quiet” may surface. It is natural for the body to seek level ground from which to operate. However, there are no side-effects with acupuncture. If nothing else surfaces that requires attention, when you’re done, you’re done. Acupuncture will not cause imbalances when administered correctly by a licensed acupuncturist.

4. How often does one need to experience acupuncture to achieve results?

It really depends on what is being treated. With a Western model of treatment, we have been sold on the idea that we are supposed to feel better right away. However, just because one is no longer in discomfort does not mean the root of the problem is resolved.

Acupuncture does not mask symptoms. The more chronic a condition the more likely it is that it may take some time to resolve. With muscular/bone issues (sciatica, neck pain, etc.) change for the better is often dramatic and fast. A few treatments is usually all that is required if there is no underlying weakness like a herniated disk and the like. For organ related issues like bronchitis or asthma the period of treatment can be longer as the body resets itself to a more balanced state.

5. One thing you mentioned straight away was the way acupuncture helps bring the body in to balance. Talk a bit more about this and how acupuncture can supplement a diet and exercise regime?

Acupuncture reduces and can eliminate joint and muscle pain that causes discomfort and the desire to stay still.

Good digestion and elimination are very important to maintain a healthy body weight. So is controlling cravings, both physical and emotional cravings that can sabotage the best laid dieting plan. Acupuncture can help with all of these things as well as improve sleep, enhance relaxation and help people feel an overall sense of well-being.

6. Talk about some of the different clients you see and how acupuncture has helped improve their health?

A large portion of my clients are suffering physical pain due to accidents, injury and overuse of a limb or joint. The response to treatment does vary depending on the history of the injury. As important as receiving treatment is what people do outside the treatment room. If you follow the recommendations that I offer you can expect to experience a significant reduction in discomfort, possibly elimination of pain altogether.

I have also successfully treated menstrual irregularities, insomnia, depression and anxiety, migraines and digestive difficulties. For a full list of what can be treated with acupuncture so to my website.

7. Talk a bit about the significance of different insertion points on the body?

To say that acupuncture can’t exacerbate a condition is to imply that it can’t resolve it. This is completely false. Point location is very important because specific points can either calm a condition or irritate one. An extremely important aspect of our training in acupuncture is understanding point location and indication for use.

Example: Spleen 6, located on the inside of the lower leg three finger-breathe or cun above the ankle is indicated for diarrhea. However, it is contra-indicated during, pregnancy as it stimulates the uterus to contract. Without proper training, using this point could cause a problem during the first term of pregnancy.

8. For someone new to acupuncture, how much pain or what type of sensation should they expect from the first treatment?

Again, it depends on what one is being treated for. If you come to me to treat depression, anxiety or insomnia I am going to use an extremely gentle style of acupuncture that utilizes very thin needles. There is little sensation upon insertion and the only other sensation may be a slight heaviness in the limbs being needled and an overall sense of calm.

If I am seeing you for muscle and skeletal treatment the sensation can be more intense. I may employ trigger point release which causes the muscles being treatment to fasciculate or twitch. It can feel like being snapped with a rubber band. It’s quick and then it’s over. It may be followed by a post-workout soreness sensation as the muscle resets itself.

9. What should customers expect from their first visit?

I do a complete health history intake. We cover digestion and elimination, respiratory function, diet, sleep, stress level and management and the like. Once I have a clear sense of direction for treatment, the first treatment is done. The total time is about 1 hour 15 minutes.

10. Is acupuncture covered by insurance?

It depends on the riders that your company chose with your policy. Contact your insurance provider to find out if they cover Out-Of-Network acupuncture
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