In Chinese Medical Theory the saying goes like this, “Tong zhi tong, bu tong zhi tong.” This principle translated essentially means: where there is blockage, there is pain, where there is no blockage there is no pain. Pain in Chinese Medicine is a blockage of energy (qi) and blood in the muscles, meridians, and joints. When you injure yourself the blockage of blood is obvious, you get a bruise. The blockage of energy is the tightness and soreness you feel in the muscle or joint. Acupuncture works to free the blockage of qi and blood by inserting needles into specific points along the area of pain and injury, as well as the corresponding meridians. By inserting needles into the muscle which is injured, the muscle is stimulated to release its contraction and relaxation is felt almost immediately. By inserting needles in acupoints along the meridian which corresponds to the joint or muscle in the entire area is freed of blockage and the pain is reduced even further. Bio-medically pain can be caused by a number of factors: traumatic injury, repetitive motion injury, joint degeneration, stress, anxiety, depression, a build up of toxins in the muscles and joints, and inflammatory responses. Together we will locate the cause of your pain, the affected area and make it better. As well as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine taken internally or used topically can also be helpful to reduce pain. Stretches will also be shown and given to each patient to help put the power of healing back into the patients hands and expand their understanding of their physical body. Most patients will feel some reduction in pain after the first treatment. More recent injuries and acute pain take a shorter time to heal depending upon the severity of injury, generally 2-5 treatments. Patients with more chronic pain often receive a great deal of relief after the first visit, but require more regular follow-up visits to eliminate the pain completely, generally 5-10 treatments. Patients with various kinds of arthritis and disc degeneration will require long term care in order to manage their pain, generally an initial round of 10 weekly treatments and then bi-weekly to monthly sessions.
“Bethany is a warm, friendly and intelligent healer. After years of yoga practice contributed to tight shoulders and other problems, her treatments fixed me right up! She not only helped me on a physical level but also helped me to move forward in emotionally in my life in many ways. Do not waste your time with anyone else, Bethany is the best!”-Claudia F
“A few days after I badly sprained my ankle Bethany treated my injury with Acupuncture and I was pleased to see an immediate improvement in range of motion and decrease in pain.”-R. Merrie Handfinger, D.C.
Acupuncture radically decreased severe pain and inflammation inmy knee. It worked when nothing else did. I’ve since successfully used itto heal other pains and injuries. Bethany is exceptionally knowledgeable andcaring. She explains how everything works and why she chooses various treatments.She was highly recommended to me, and I have since recommended her to manyfriends and colleagues. There’s no downside to acupuncture – no drugsor side effects, just relief. Christine Youngberg (age 50)
For years I wanted to try acupuncture, but wasn't able to make time. Then in 2010 I suffered a herniated disc in my back and was experiencing terrible pain down the right side of my leg. Acupuncture was really helpful in providing me with relief on a regular basis, and in addition I discovered that it could do so much more. It also helped me to treat tightness in my neck from sitting at a desk, as well as allergies during the spring. Bethany is very personable and is extremely thorough in her treatment. Sometimes the needles can be a bit painful due to my injuries, but Bethany is great about making sure you are comfortable. After each session, I feel refreshed both mentally and physically. I'm going to be moving out of New York in a couple months, and I can say that I will miss my sessions with Bethany!-Jason, 32
Bethany changed my life. Her personalized approach and technique were just what I needed to finally find relief from constant pain related to Scoliosis and carpal tunnel. I am grateful to have found her.