A Patient-Centered Philosophy Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine
At Elemental Acupuncture, the foundation of care is empowerment. Dr. Bethany Leddy, DACM, MSOM, believes that the most meaningful healing happens when a patient is guided to restore balance within their own body — not simply managed with medication. Using the comprehensive tools of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), including acupuncture, herbal therapy, dietary counseling, and bodywork, Dr. Leddy helps patients address the root causes of their health challenges and build lasting vitality. With over 22 years of clinical experience, her practice is built on listening, learning, and crafting truly personalized care.
Request an AppointmentTreating the Root, Not Just the Symptoms
Western medicine often focuses on suppressing symptoms — managing high cholesterol with a statin, addressing pain with an anti-inflammatory, treating anxiety with medication. Traditional Chinese medicine takes a fundamentally different approach. Dr. Leddy works to identify the underlying pattern of imbalance that is generating your symptoms and corrects it at the source. For example, rather than placing a patient on a long-term cholesterol medication, TCM treatment strengthens the digestive system’s ability to process fats differently, while dietary education and lifestyle support give the patient the tools to create lasting change from within.
This principle applies to every condition Elemental Acupuncture treats — from pain and orthopedic conditions to fertility, digestive health, immune and inflammatory disorders, and oncology support. The goal is always to find the deepest layer of imbalance and provide treatment that creates real, durable improvement.
The Layers of Healing in TCM
TCM recognizes that the body operates on multiple levels. Your presenting symptoms are the most visible layer — pain, fatigue, digestive distress, or skin changes. Beneath these surface manifestations lies a deeper constitutional pattern, which represents the underlying condition of your body’s energy, blood, yin, and yang. As treatment progresses, this deeper layer becomes accessible and can be addressed, leading to more profound and lasting results. Dr. Leddy’s advanced training in pulse, tongue, and abdominal diagnosis allows her to assess both layers from your very first visit and track your progress through each stage of healing.
What TCM Can Help You Achieve
When you undergo treatment with Dr. Leddy, patients consistently report improvements in pain levels, energy, emotional balance, sleep quality, skin appearance, and overall vitality. Whether you are managing a long-standing chronic condition or seeking preventive care, Elemental Acupuncture provides a path forward rooted in both ancient wisdom and modern research. Services like moxibustion, cupping, gua sha, electrical stimulation, and reiki complement acupuncture treatment to address every dimension of your health. To begin your journey, call (646) 872-1181 or visit our New Patients page.
Frequently Asked Questions — Our Practice Philosophy
How is traditional Chinese medicine different from Western medicine?
Western medicine typically focuses on diagnosing and treating specific diseases or symptoms, often through pharmaceuticals or surgery. Traditional Chinese medicine looks at the whole person — their energy, emotions, diet, sleep, and relationships — and seeks to correct the underlying pattern of imbalance that is causing illness. This root-cause approach aims for lasting health rather than symptom management.
What can I expect to improve after treatment at Elemental Acupuncture?
Patients commonly experience reductions in pain, increased energy, improved sleep, better digestion, enhanced emotional wellbeing, and improved skin appearance. The specific benefits depend on your individual condition and goals. Dr. Leddy will outline realistic expectations during your initial consultation.
Does Dr. Leddy use herbal medicine in addition to acupuncture?
Yes. Dr. Leddy frequently combines acupuncture with Chinese herbal medicine and dietary counseling to create a comprehensive, multi-layered treatment approach. Learn more about the benefits of Chinese herbal medicine.
Will I have to make lifestyle changes as part of my treatment?
In most cases, yes. Lasting health often requires changes in diet, exercise, sleep habits, or stress management. Dr. Leddy works collaboratively with patients to identify realistic, sustainable changes that support their healing and prevent future illness.
How does TCM approach chronic conditions like high cholesterol or autoimmune disease?
Rather than suppressing symptoms long-term, TCM aims to correct the root imbalance causing the condition. For chronic conditions, treatment may take longer, but the goal is to reduce dependence on medication and restore natural body function over time. Visit our autoimmune disorders page to learn more.
Is Chinese medicine safe to combine with my current medications?
In most cases, acupuncture is safe alongside conventional medications. For herbal prescriptions, Dr. Leddy carefully reviews your current medications and health history to avoid any interactions. Always inform Dr. Leddy of all medications and supplements you are taking.
How do I schedule a consultation with Dr. Leddy?
Call our office at (646) 872-1181 or request an appointment online. We have offices in Tuckahoe, NY and Bryant Park, NYC.