Frequently Asked Questions

Are acupuncture, herbal medicine, and homeopathy appropriate for me?
Please look at our complete list of treatments located to the left. There you can see the range of conditions we treat at the Olympus Center. Our techniques applied individually or in combination provide effective treatment that is tailored to your individual needs. Each of these natural therapies can treat almost any condition.

ACUPUNCTURE
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a technique in which fine-gauge filaments, or needles, are inserted into specific acupuncture points along energetic meridians on the body. It has been practiced for thousands of years and treats chronic and acute disease. The first comprehensive scholarly text was written over 2000 years ago, and encompasses a prior oral tradition which historians cite as having begun several thousand years ago. We may compare this to the oral traditions which preceded the written versions of such Western cultural milestones as Beowulf and The Odyssey. Acupuncture resolves symptoms by affecting the body’s internal organs, the immune and hormonal systems. As it treats specific symptoms, pain, and stress, acupuncture acts at a deep physiological level to achieve its benefits.

Does acupuncture hurt?
Our patients typically experience a mild sensation with the insertion of the fine gauge needles. They feel warming, mild tingling, or pressure, but rarely do they feel pain, and any sensations are usually brief and easily tolerable. Most patients look forward to the experience of each treatment. Our patients find it very relaxing and sometimes fall asleep.

Is acupuncture safe?
Yes. All needles used in acupuncture are sterile and used only once, then disposed to eliminate risk of infection. It’s very important to find a licensed practitioner whom you feel comfortable with.

What should I expect during my first visit?
This includes a comprehensive evaluation and consultation pertaining to your primary complaint, additional symptoms and health issues. It lasts for an hour and depending on the complexity of your situation, it may or may not include acupuncture. That day, typically herbs are prescribed at the first visit. The session also includes a physical exam including pulse and tongue diagnosis and where appropriate, an evaluation of body mechanics, spinal alignment, musculoskeletal issues, meridian and abdominal palpation. After your diagnosis and a treatment plan are discussed, we will perform an acupuncture treatment which may include acupressure and other body work techniques. Certainly this first visit will include an acupuncture treatment if you suffer from acute or severe pain.

HERBAL MEDICINE
What is herbal medicine?
Herbal medicine includes the use of medicinal  plants, in formulas, or individually, called simples. It includes the historical sophisticated traditions of China and Ayurveda (East Indian), as well as the many folk traditions around the world. The therapeutic actions of herbs range from being superfoods like ginseng to plants that strengthen and stimulate organs of the systems like milk thistle or echinacea, to plants that detoxify or treat infections. We use different parts, depending on the herb: roots, rhizomes, leaves, flowers, seeds.

Chinese herbal medicine, like acupuncture, is thousands of years old. Each originated long before their respective scholarly texts 2000 years ago. Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture present the 2 major medical systems of Chinese medicine. Compared to the Western herbal tradition, Chinese medicine has the advantage of a continuous scientific and scholarly tradition, which includes classical texts of formulas. In Western herbal medicine we have a high level of biochemical and physiological understanding of individual herbs, but there is not a consensual encyclopedia of formulas. Therefore, in my practice I adapt and combine Chinese and Western herbs according to principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulation. Through TCM we also develop techniques and  skills to diagnose disease and modify the traditional formulas to adapt to the  individual’s needs and clinical presentation.

At the same time Western herbs are just as potent and effective as Chinese plants grown in Asia and both systems are supported by modern scientific knowledge. We often utilize Western herbs with Chinese herbs using principles of formula-modification to best serve the patient.

Is herbal medicine safe?
Herbal medicine is very safe when administered by a trained professional with extensive clinical experience. While simple issues can be addressed by the lay person, even such cases and certainly any situation that is chronic or serious is best dealt with by a professional. Herbs do not have the kind of side effects such as those caused by pharmaceuticals. A well constructed formula might affect digestion, for instance, but a simple adjustment will resolve that situation. Most of the herbs used in our practice are of the "superior" category, meaning they are safe for pregnant and nursing women. A trained professional is mindful that being natural does not guarantee safety: We have been trained to administer herbs safely.

HOMEOPATHY
What is homeopathy?
It is a safe, effective and holistic system of medicine which is gentle and non-toxic, yet often provides profound healing effects. Developed over 200 years ago, it enjoys a popularity worldwide. It was a predominant system of medicine in the 19th and early 20th  century in the United States, and has re-emerged over the last 30 years as an important therapy. In fact, the AMA was formed 1 year after and in reaction to the American Homeopathic Medical Association. Many intellectuals and artists such as Henry James and Mark Twain used these methods. Homeopathy has maintained a major presence in the medicine of Europe, India and South America. The Queen of England today continues to be treated with Homeopathy to this day.

Homeopathy treats the whole person, affecting mind, body and emotions. The medicines are made from herbs, minerals and other natural sources in serial dilutions and are recognized and approved by the FDA. The homeopathic medicines, also known as remedies, are selected according to the person's overall make up and not just their primary symptoms. For instance, 10 different patients with asthma will likely be prescribed 10 different remedies based on the individual's mental, emotional, and physical characteristics, as well as the specific presentation of their asthma.

INSURANCE
Do you accept insurance?
Typically the patient pays at the time services are rendered. Since we are a group practice, coverage is variable but many of our services are reimbursable depending on your plan. We do participate in a few plans and some accept a co-pay. Contact us at 212.337.0511 for more information.