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How can I prepare for my sessions and what should I do afterwards?

It is best to have eaten 1-3 hours before receiving acupuncture; you do not want to be hungry, nor too full. 
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Some people feel energized after treatments, while others feel relaxed and a little dozy. I encourage patients to hydrate after treatments and to prioritize rest so that the effects can be fully assimilated.

How does acupuncture work?

Chinese Medicine focuses on interconnectedness - the connectivity of different bodily symptoms, our emotional and spiritual lives, and the natural world around us. Acupuncture is one of the primary tools within Chinese Medicine, which has existed for over 3,000 years. Acupuncture works within the body’s channel system, allowing us to target different organ systems at various levels of the body. We use needles to move qi (our body’s energetic intelligence) where it’s stuck, nourishing it where it’s deficient and sedating it where it’s in excess. From a biomedical perspective, acupuncture increases blood circulation to areas of the body and brain and activates various mechanisms of the nervous system. These mechanisms can modulate hormones, down-regulate inflammation, and encourage the release of our body's endogenous opioids (hello, pain relief!). 
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By accessing the parasympathetic nervous system, acupuncture allows us to sink into ‘rest and digest’ as opposed to springing into ‘fight or flight’. This encourages the body to approach homeostasis and activate its innate healing pathways. For New Yorkers in particular, acupuncture can serve as a wonderful reset for an overstimulated nervous system.

Will does acupuncture feel like?

Common sensations include a dullness or heaviness at the site of insertion, muscle twitch,  a feeling of warmth, tingling or spreading. If a needle causes discomfort, please let me know and I can make adjustments or remove it. 

The micro-fine needles are about a hair's width, and nothing like the needles you see at the doctor's office. They are sterilized, single-use and filiform.

Do you accept insurance? What bout HSA/FSA cards?

I do accept FSA and HSA benefits cards.
I am not in-network with any insurance companies, although I can provide you with a superbill for you to submit to your insurance. Coverage varies with each policy, but you may be reimbursed through your out-of-network coverage.

What is your cancellation and lateness policy?

I have a 24-hr cancellation policy. Patients that no-show or cancel within 24 hours of their appointment will be charged the full fee of their appointment.

 

Lateness happens! I try my best to accommodate patients that are running up to 15 minutes late, though I will have to shorten the treatment. If you are more than 15 minutes late, I cannot guarantee that I'll be able to treat you. Please email flossiemccallacu@gmail.com to let me know if you are running behind schedule. ​

What is your COVID-19 policy?

COVID-19 is still an ongoing public health concern which I take seriously. Please do not come to the clinic if you have cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms, or are testing positive. See a list of symptoms here. Please also refrain from coming in if you have knowingly been exposed to COVID-19 within the past 14 days. If you have any questions regarding your status, you can email flossiemccallacu@gmail.com.
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Masks are optional for patients. Please let me know if you’d like me to wear a mask.

Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy? What about for children?

Acupuncture is safe during pregnancy and is wonderful at treating conditions such as morning sickness, fatigue, low back pain and sciatica. Additionally, acupuncture in the final weeks of pregnancy is terrific at preparing the body for labor.

Acupuncture can be used in children and babies, who are usually quick to respond to treatments. We typically use fewer needles, as children are more sensitive. 

Acupuncture can also treat animals, although this requires a separate license in NY.

How long will it take for me to feel better?

This one depends on the individual and their condition. Acupuncture is cumulative, so treatments build upon each other. 

Treatment schedules are designed during your initial appointment.

What is Reiki?

Reiki was developed as part of the spiritual lineage of the Usui system of natural healing. It translates to “universal loving life force.” In Reiki sessions we work within your etheric field to remove energetic blockages and allow for your body’s natural healing process. Reiki is transmitted through palm healing, either via light touch or hovering hands above the body.

Is your space accessible? Can you make accomadations?

My office building has an elevator and the treatment room can accommodate a wheelchair. The bathroom can fit a wheeled device and has grab bars.  I can treat patients in their wheelchair if a treatment table is inaccessible; additionally, I am available for home visits.
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My intake form has a section to select or list specific mobility, environmental or communication needs. Please let me know if you are sensitive to certain sounds/smells/lights; need to bring an interpreter or care person to your appointment; require large print forms, or any other accommodations. I am learning how to make my practice more accessible and am eager to make the treatment experience safe and welcoming for each individual.

Can acupuncture help with _____?

My answer will most likely be yes!

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The WHO and the NIH released the report, “Acupuncture: Review and Analysis of Reports on Controlled Clinical Trials.” They state that the following conditions can be positively impacted by acupuncture. If you have a question about a condition that is not listed, please reach out so I can address your specific situation.

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Psychological Conditions

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • OCD

  • PTSD

  • Somatization disorder

  • Hypersomnia

  • Insomnia

 

Neurological Conditions

  • Headache and migraine

  • Trigeminal neuralgia

  • Facial palsy (early stage, within three to six months)

  • Paresis following stroke

  • Peripheral neuropathies

  • Meniere’s Disease

  • Nocturnal enuresis

  • Cervicobrachial syndrome

  • Neurogenic bladder dysfunction

  • Intercostal neuralgia

  • Disc problems

 

Musculo-skeletal Conditions

  • Muscle pain, swelling, stiffness and weakness

  • Localized traumatic injuries, sprains, strains, tendinitis, contractures

  • Arthritis

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Work and sports related injuries

  • Low back and/or neck strain

  • Osteoarthritis

  • “Frozen shoulder”, “tennis elbow”

  • Sciatica

 

Respiratory System Conditions

  • Acute sinusitis

  • Acute rhinitis

  • Common cold and allergies

  • Acute tonsillitis

  • Acute bronchitis

  • Bronchial asthma

 

Conditions of the Eye, Ear, Nose & Mouth

  • Acute conjunctivitis

  • Central retinitis

  • Myopia (in children)

  • Cataract (without complications)

  • Toothaches, post extraction pain

  • Gingivitis

  • Acute and chronic pharyngitis

 

Gastrointestinal Conditions

  • Spasms of esophagus and cardiac

  • Irritable bowel and colitis

  • Gastroptosis

  • Acute and chronic gastritis

  • Gastric hyperacidity (i.e. acid reflux)

  • Chronic duodenal ulcer (pain relief)

  • Acute duodenal ulcer (without complication)

  • Acute and chronic colitis

  • Constipation

  • Diarrhea

  • Acute bacillary dysentery

  • Paralytic ileus

 

Gynecological Conditions

  • Infertility 

  • PMS

  • Dysmenorrhea

  • Menopause syndrome

  • Benign irregular menstruation

  • Benign amenorrhea

 

Cardiovascular Conditions

  • Essential hypertension

 

Other Conditions

  • Withdrawal from street and pharmacological drugs

  • Appetite suppression

“I came to Flossie to help with my anxiety and pain, and I truly feel like a new person.”
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