Acupuncture

METAMORPH
103 MAJESTIC DRIVE
DIX HILLS, NY 11746
631-858-0500

WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?

	Traditional Chinese believe that health can be achieved through the balance of energy flow (Qi, pronounced "chee") in the body. Disease, or the absence of health is the consequence of the disruption of that balance. Acupuncture uses very thin and disposable needles to promote flow where energy is sluggish and to reduce flow where it is excessive.
	Acupuncture focuses on a holistic, energy-based approach to the patient rather than a disease-oriented diagnostic and treatment model.
	Western scientists have concluded through countless controlled experiments that the release endorphins and serotonin are responsible for the effects of acupuncture on pain, inflammation, emotional imbalance, and cravings.

Dr. Romero after needling a physician-classmate suffering from nasal congestion and headaches. Lady on left is the professor.

One of the outpatients at the Chendu University Hospital of TCM

A group of physicians discussing a case with their preceptor. We were taught Traditional Chinese Medicine.

In China, reusable needles are still being used. Only disposable needles are used in the United States.

WHAT ELSE ARE USED IN ACUPUNCTURE?

Cupping is a technique of drawing excess energy from the body. Although simple in principle, the acupuncturist must be knowledgeable in its use as it can cause undue fatigue and illness.

This man, though smiling, suffered from shoulder pain. Cupping was applied to draw out "heat".

This patient has lower back pains and spasms. The box contains moxa, a plant that slowly emits heat when burned.

Radiant heat from a lamp is used to increase energy and thus reduce sluggishness in a patient with chest colds.

Moxa cigars are used to increase energy flow. In this case, heat was used to promote flow and reduce back spasms.

Electrical stimulation is a popular means of adding energy to the needles.

Cups, bulbs, moxa sticks and needles before treatment.

WHO CAN PERFORM ACUPUNCTURE?

Not all physicians are allowed to perform acupuncture. New York State requires its physicians to undergo 300 hours of training, half of it as classroom work and half in supervised practical application. Dr. Romero traveled to the center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, in southwestern China. He trained at the Chengdu University Hospital for TCM where only acupuncture, herbs, and Tui Na (traditional Chinese massage) are used. He is very pleased to add acupunture to the many valuable services he provides.

WHAT IS A MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURIST?

Most acupuncturists are not medical doctors, or if they are, they are not licensed to practice medicine in the United States. Physicians who train to be acupuncturists understand the profound contribution of alternative medicine to Western medicine. The medical acupuncturist has the distinct advantage of being able to combine western and eastern medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of physical or mental ailments.

HOW MANY SESSIONS ARE NEEDED?

Traditional Chinese Medicine prescribes about 3 treatments a week until the ailment is satisfactorily cured. In the United States, 2 sessions a week for 10 weeks is a common "bundle".

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Our center encourages our patients to enroll in a 2-by-10 weeks bundle. This is because acupuncture builds on previous treatments, Deep discounts are offered for this bundle.
Acupuncture Fees

WHAT ARE THE SIDE-EFFECTS?

Acupuncture is generally benign. There are minor side-effects like swelling, mild bleeding, or headaches. Infections and perforation are rare.

IS ACUPUNCTURE COVERED BY MEDICAL INSURANCE?

Many health plans have recognized the value of acupuncture and have been reimbursing patients. Dr Romero will help you submit claim forms that reflect your medical condition.

Hospital parking lot.

Dr. Romero with the Great Wall in the background.

DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?

There are still a lot of skeptics out there. The fact that acupuncture is one of the fastest growing alternative medicine modalities speaks for its usefulness. Many times you would hear someone say, "The only thing that worked for me was acupuncture." I believe that anything that works will continue to be used. For 5000 years, acupuncture has been used to alleviate pain and promote health.