129 E 90th Street #1W,
New York, NY,
10128

(646) 609-4250

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I see an Acupuncturist?

Acupuncture is an effective treatment for anything from pain and anxiety to hormonal imbalance and low immunity. Acupuncture can also help you maintain health and prevent illness. To learn more about what we treat, see our Acupuncture page.

How many treatments will I need?

It depends on the person, severity of condition, and type of issue. Everyone’s treatment plan is individually designed at Naturna. Ask your practitioner during your initial consult with us for a guideline.

How frequently are treatments spaced?

Treatments are recommended at least 1 to 2 times per week in the early stages of treatment. This may be more frequent for some conditions.

How long does the session last?

The initial is 1.5 to 2 hours and the follow-ups are 45 minutes to 1.25 hours. If you are crunched for time, please let us know so that we can best accommodate you.

Does Acupuncture hurt?

At Naturna we practice a very gentle approach and most of our patients tell us that they feel very little, if anything at all.

Are the needles safe?

The needles we use at Naturna are one-time use only and come out of a sterile package. They are not allergenic so they cause no reactions.  They are never inserted deeply enough to cause damage to any part of the body. In short, they are quite safe.

Are there any side effects to Acupuncture?

Sometimes, following a treatment, one could experience one or more of the following: tiredness, euphoria, more relaxation, slight headache, temporary increase in pain. Most of the time patients feel relaxed and at ease leaving their Acupuncture session.

What should I wear to my appointment?

You can bring a pair of comfortable shorts and tank top/t-shirt OR we will provide you with a hospital gown or towel.

What kind of training do Acupuncturists receive?

The minimum training is three years full time to become an acupuncturist and four to five years to become a Doctor of Chinese Medicine. All our Acupuncturists at Naturna are licensed by the State of New York, registered, and insured.

Do I need to bring my other medical results, like lab test, MRI's etc?

We would love to see these results if you have them available. Often, you can call your doctor’s office and have them emailed to you or directly to us. Although they are helpful, it is not 100% necessary as we have our own means for diagnosis.

Do you treat partners for fertility?

Of course! 30%-50% of fertility issues are caused by male factor. Studies show that treating the male partner can result in higher live pregnancy rates.

Can babies receive Acupuncture?

Yes, we treat infants as young as a few weeks old. Babies and children, in fact, react very fast to treatment. The effects are often miraculous. We tend to use “Moxibustion” a lot on children as it is a very gentle treatment. We also use the smallest sized needles available and do not need to leave them in the skin – babies and children tend to move around more than adults so we quickly and gently put them in and out rather than leave them in for an extended period of time.

Will you work with my primary Care doctor, OB, midwife, doula, etc.?

Absolutely. As an Integrative practice, we pride ourselves on partnership with others in related fields.

Are your lab test recognized by doctors?

It depends on the doctor. MDs who practice Functional Medicine will recognize these tests.

Do herbs taste bad?

Indeed, some of them do! Luckily, we have options for those who prefer not to drink the “earthy” tea. Herbs come in tea, tincture, powder, and pill forms.

Do herbs or vitamins have any side effects?

Occasionally, you may experience any of the following: fluorescent urine, mild nausea, gas, constipation, etc. Your practitioner will let you know which supplements could have this effect and counsel you on how to adjust the dosage or timing of taking to eliminate that effect.

If I do Nutritional Counseling, will I have to stop eating all my favorite foods?

Of course not! However, you might be asked to modify some food habits and we will give you plenty of options to replace the things that aren’t serving you. We will work with you on what fits best.

What if I don't have time to cook?

We are lucky to live in a city with many options for the “kitchen impaired.” We’ll guide you in these options. However, we will encourage you to try some simple lifestyle changes at home and give you the tools to do so.