MORE THAN A TREATMENT - A PHILOSOPHY OF HEALTH
Practiced in Asia for thousands of years, and long associated with Eastern spirituality and Taoism, Acupuncture is a cornerstone method of Traditional Chinese Medicine ("TCM"). Ancient sages believed that all living beings are interconnected through the energy field of Qi (pronounced "ch'ee"), the life-giving force of the Universe, and that living harmoniously with your Qi flow is the key to physical and emotional well-being. When your Qi is out of balance or alignment, or the flow of Qi stagnates, illness and disease result. During an Acupuncture treatment, the practitioner places very fine, sterile single-use needles at prescribed points on the body along specific pathways (called "meridians") in order to restore, re-direct, unblock, and balance the flow of Qi.
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The remarkable effectiveness of Acupuncture and other TCM modalities in treating a variety of health conditions and improving general wellness has been well documented and studied by Western medical science. Our nervous system runs, in a sense, on electricity generated within the body. Acupuncture needles stimulate these electrical impulses between nerve endings, and in doing so the practitioner unlocks the body's natural healing abilities. Western science is only now beginning to observe and comprehend what has been known to Chinese healers more than three thousand years ago.
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Although the primary tool of Acupuncture is the needle, most patients find the treatment itself to be painless, and many report feeling relaxed, even sleepy. Because Acupuncture is holistic, mind-body medicine, the physical aspects and benefits of the treatment are only part of the story. Upon your first visit, before any treatment can begin, we will sit down for a comprehensive consultation and health assessment, which will cover your medical and family history; diet stress and activity patterns; and other information which I can then use to develop a well-rounded treatment plan uniquely tailored to your health needs. When combined with proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle changes, the healing impact of Acupuncture is remarkable, and undeniable.
In addition to different Acupuncture techniques, I use other TCM modalities, such as:
Moxibustion – external herbal therapy in which a plant-based substance (usually consisting of the herb mugwort) is burned to provide heat stimulation at acupuncture points.
Cupping – a kind of “reverse massage” where special glass or plastic suction cups are applied on various parts of the body to draw out toxins and stimulate the immune system. This type of treatment is popular among elite athletes.
Electrical Stimulation – a “high-tech” take on traditional acupuncture, uses an electrical machine (similar to a TENS unit) to apply a small amount of electrical current to acupuncture needles to direct energy flow between specific points.
Gua Sha – a traditional skin care and rejuvenation treatment using a set of shaped jade tools.
Diet and Nutritional Counseling – helping you reach your goals faster by developing healthful eating habits and a mindful attitude towards food.
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ABOUT NATALYA VOLOKH, L.Ac.
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Natalya Volokh is an experienced and compassionate TCM health care provider. A New York State Licensed Acupuncturist for over fifteen years, she received her Master's Degree from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (now the Pacific College of Health & Science) and also holds a Psychology degree from CUNY Hunter College. She is skilled in a variety of Acupuncture and TCM modalities, and is certified in Clean Needle Technique. Natalya believes that health is as much a state of mind as it is a physiological concept, and has worked tirelessly to educate her patients about making the right nutritional, lifestyle and self-care choices. In addition to being a dedicated TCM practitioner, Natalya is also an avid foodie and cooking enthusiast who is always curious about Gut-Brain interaction, which is a critical idea in Chinese medical philosophy.