Frequently Asked Questions
-
No, I do not take insurance. I am not in network with any insurance providers for Acupuncture. Additionally, at this time, New York does not license Naturopathic Doctors.
-
Yes, I do! Simply use your HSA or FSA card to book your session like you would a debit/credit card.
-
Yes, payment is processed when you book a session with me online. This is what reserves your spot.
-
My clinical specialties are:
PCOS, Fibroids, Acid Reflux, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Leaky Gut, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Anxiety, Depression, Chronic Stress, Pain Management, Insomnia
-
I am frequently told by new patients that sessions with me are unlike any other sessions or appointments they’ve ever had. New patients frequently give me the feedback that they get back so much more than they ever thought possible from sessions with me.
With that said, sessions with me are unique, immersive, multi-sensorial, and deeply transformative. We spend a significant amount of time building rapport and getting to know each other. We discuss everything from your health goals, your ancestral history, your experience with your own healing journey, your limiting beliefs & mental roadblocks, your self-care practices, your support systems & communities, and so much more. I hold space for you to express whatever it is you feel you need to release or reclaim. My space is safe, nurturing, and non-judgemental. Depending on your session type, we move on to bodywork, where you are invited to set your intentions and tune in to your body’s innate capacity to heal itself. I believe that you are the expert of you and you are your own best healer. My role is to use my clinical expertise to support you, to serve as your partner in your healing journey, and ultimately, to encourage you to be your own best healer.
-
As a naturopathic practitioner, I use a combination of herbal medicine, clinical nutrition, and lifestyle counseling. I have also done extensive additional training in Mindfulness, Homeopathy, Hydrotherapy (via the Kneipp Institute in Germany), Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine, Astrology, Craniosacral, and various psychology modalities. When appropriate and indicated, I incorporate a variety of healing modalities I’ve learned through my various travels and studies with world-renowned practitioners from all over the world.
You can read about all the session types I offer here.
-
Unfortunately, I cannot be your primary care provider. Although I was trained to be a primary care provider in school (Naturopathic doctors are primary care providers in Washington state, where I received my education), New York does not license naturopathic doctors at this time. With that said, many of my patients think of me as “their holistic primary provider”. This means that they have care established with their licensed PCP, but see me at least once per year for a holistic wellness checkup.
-
Absolutely! I actually encourage this. There is a place for both modalities in your wellness and I believe you get optimal care when you integrate naturopathic medicine with conventional medicine.
-
Time, undivided attention, and a holistic care plan. A naturopathic medicine session with me will not replace your conventional medical care, but it will complement it.
-
No. Homeopathy is a healing system originally developed in Germany, which is based on the theory that “like cures like”. Homeopaths use very tiny amounts of substances to stimulate the body’s healing process. Naturopathy or naturopathic medicine is a system of holistic medicine that incorporates a variety of healing modalities, including herbal medicine, nutritional therapy, lifestyle counseling, and more. Many naturopathic practitioners incorporate homeopathy into their healing work.
-
Following your naturopathic medicine session, I will send you my top recommendations for managing your care. The bulk of your healing work will be done by you at home through a combination of lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, mindfulness, supplements, etc. I am always here to support you as you “do the work”, so you are welcome to reach out to me with any questions, concerns, or updates.
-
This will be different for everyone. This will also depend on whether your current symptom picture is acute or chronic. For example, for acute concerns, you may take supplements for a few days or weeks. Conversely, for chronic health concerns, you may take supplements for at least a few months. We will continually be in communication about what is needed to keep you feeling your best. My goal is for you to eventually reach a place in your health journey where you take little to no supplements.
-
Great question! There is always a possibility that supplements may interact with your prescription medications. Not to worry, as I review possible interactions prior to making my recommendations. I encourage you to reach out to me with any questions. I also encourage you to reach out to your prescribing provider(s) with any questions as well.
-
Acupuncture does not hurt. However, when I insert the needle, you may feel a slight pinch. Fun fact: a heavy, dull, or achy sensation is actually completely normal! According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, this sensation is called “deqi”, and simply describes that feeling as the revitalization of your qi (life force).
-
Acupuncture works by stimulating and balancing the body’s life force, known as qi. I insert extremely fine & sterile needles at specific points on the body, which follow the body’s meridians (energetic channels). Acupuncture enhances the regenerative capacity of your body to heal on the levels of mind, body, and spirit. Acupuncture is extremely safe and effective.
-
Acupuncture can essentially support the healing of most conditions, disorders, and diseases. Many people seek Acupuncture for the following conditions:
Chronic pain, acute respiratory disease, fertility support, stress management, insomnia, anxiety, depression, irregular periods, and so much more!
-
Come in with an open mind that’s fueled with the intention of healing. For your acupuncture session, you should wear loose clothing that can be manipulated easily. I advise that you eat something before your session, since receiving Acupuncture on an empty stomach can cause dizziness in some people. A light snack or smoothie an hour or two before your session works, as does having the session two or three hours after your last meal. You want to be fueled but not full.
-
There is a spectrum of experience and every person is a unique individual with a unique experience. With that said, most people experience a deeply relaxed state and often fall asleep. Others experience enhanced vitality and energy, leaving their session feeling recharged.
-
Enjoy the feeling of relaxation and drink plenty of water.
-
I make my recommendation about the frequency of visits on a case-by-case basis. Most people do well with an initial protocol of 6-10 Acupuncture sessions to address their health concerns. A frequency of 2-4 sessions per month works best for most.
-
I’m honored that you would ask. This is a question I receive often, particularly from established patients. Although my services are deeply therapeutic, they are not a replacement for therapy since I am not a licensed psychotherapist.
-
Telemedicine is a fantastic alternative to in-person sessions. It allows you to receive care from the comfort of your own space and from anywhere in the world. The quality of your care will be exactly the same as an in-person visit, if not better!
-
Yes, I do offer house visits. Please contact me here to submit a house visit request.
-
You can read all about that here.
-
Yes, I do!