How I became a NYC licensed acupuncturist

Tree of Life Acupuncture NYC Center

32 Union Square E #804, New York, NY 10003
www.NewYorkAcupunctureCenter.com  
treeoflifeacupuncturepc@yahoo.com

  (212) 533-1192

     

It's been 23 years since I stepped on a journey of holistic medicine and became a NYC acupuncturist.

Before I became a New York City licensed acupuncturist, I went through a long journey of trial and error of soul searching and getting to become a Chinese Medicine practitioner.

Before the thought of acupuncture profession even entered my mind I worked as a computer programmer on Wall Street. In my search for alternative medicine, I tried Hypnosis, Flower Arranging, Telepathy Healing and even Dog Grooming ( for one day).

When I had my first acupuncture treatment on Union Square in New York City, it was because my father suggested trying the treatment before I would become an acupuncturist and fly to Hawaii to study. 

The Chinese acupuncturist I went to see was in his 70's and did not speak English at all at that time, in 1989. I was really stressed from working on wall street and putting 70 hour weeks at the office. 

The only thing the acupuncturist knew how to say was "acupuncture little by

little". So after asking few questions and getting the same generic answer, I became terrified that the practitioner had no clue why I came to see him. The needles looked long and thick and I wanted to sneak out of the room. 

The acupuncturist used old school methods of thrusting 1.5-inch needles into my stomach, it hurt and I was also in bad shape, all stressed. Generally, nervous people feel a lot more stimulation from acupuncture needles and boy was I nervous. After 4 visits of getting acupuncture for digestion and stomach issues. I decided I had enough". 
But in a few weeks, I improved a lot, and my digestion and sleep got a lot better. I thought to myself, nobody is going to pay me to do acupuncture on them. 

Funny enough my practice been on Union Square very close where I got my very first treatment with the old acupuncturist. I was even getting his patients who were convinced that they were my patients, even though I did not practice at that time that long. 

Fast forward 23 years later I adjust my treatments to patient's individual needs and sensitivity and they come and bring friends and family as well as write nice reviews.

I talk to my clients and use much gentler methods and most of my clients fall asleep during the treatment and that is a good thing. If you have not tried acupuncture do so and remember acupuncture treatment methods vary from practitioner to practitioner a lot.

Be well, Mark Moshchinsky, L.Ac (NCCAOM)Licensed Acupuncturist in NYC

www.NewYorkAcupunctureCenter.com

Copyright 2016 Tree of Life Acupuncture, P.C. New York, NY All rights reserved.

This newsletter is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or cure. www.newyorkacupuncturecenter.com/disclaimer_privacy.html

Acupuncture and the Brain Health

Tree of Life Acupuncture NYC Center

32 Union Square E #804, New York, NY 10003
www.NewYorkAcupunctureCenter.com  
treeoflifeacupuncturepc@yahoo.com

  (212) 533-1192

     

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine call the Brain a curious organ.

Here are some facts about your brain.

75% of your brain is water and about 60% fat and the weight of your brain is 3 pounds, your skin weighs twice as much as your brain, there are about 100 billion neurons, the brain has no pain receptors, so the brain feels no pain.  There are 100,000 miles of blood vessels in your brain. Your brain uses 20% of all body oxygen. 

Indeed the brain is a curious organ as it stores our darkest and most pleasant memories, responsible for nightmares and sweet child-like dreams, depression or happiness.

As a licensed acupuncturist in NYC and alternative medicine practitioner, I see a lot of patients in my acupuncture clinic with anxiety, depression and sleep deprivation.

Big cosmopolitan cities like New York, where my acupuncture clinic is located are often dealing with more stress than other cities.
The brain is like a vacuum cleaner it absorbs lots of information, some toxic, some useful and it is important to empty it, clean it and rejuvenate.

How to keep your brain healthy.

A healthy lifestyle can keep your brain healthy and help revitalize it for optimum performance. Positive thinking is of most importance. Yogis say "as you think, s you become". 

Treatments like acupuncture with scalp acupuncture points and Chinese Herbs as well as Homeopathy can be very useful for brain balancing, depression, and rejuvenation. 
Pulsed Electromagnetic Therapy PEMF is also good for depression

1. Take omega 3 fats, which keep your brain dopamine levels high, increase neuronal growth in the frontal brain cortex and increase cerebral circulation. 
***Fish oil, Krill oil, avocados, walnuts.

2. Exercising. Exercising encourages your brain to work and causes nerve cells to regenerate and protects it from damage. Yogic posture like head stand and many others help keep the brain healthy with greater circulation.

Tools like Yogic Breathing (Pranayama), Meditation, Tai Chi or even any type of exercises stimulate and recharge brain cells. Scalp acupuncture (acupuncture 

3. Sleep. Deep restful sleep recharges your mental energy and repairs the DNA. Poor or lack of sleep can stop producing new brain cells.

4. Healthy Eating. Eliminating sugar and consuming vitamin and mineral rich vegetables is as important as protein. Avoid foods with artificial sweeteners and additives. Avoid MSG and artificial sweeteners as aspartame (NutraSweet and the like ).

5. Sun. Exposure to the sun helps maintain vitamin D level which is important for brain health. There are vitamin D receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and central nervous system. There is evidence that vitamin D improves your brain detox process.

6. Quiet time effects your brain chemistry. Something as simple as listening to relaxing music is of grain benefits as well as meditation.

7. Protecting your brain from cell phones and electromagnetic smog. Studies show electromagnetic smog from cell phones and electronic devices and power cables are harmful to human health and increased cell phone usage without the headphones can cause 240 greater chance of brain tumors. 

8. Mind training or learning new tings like dancing, playing puzzles or chess helps keep your brain healthy into an old age. 

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine believe that the Brain as well, as the bone marrow is controlled by the Kidneys. 

Acupuncture Kidney points, as well, as Pericardium points can be selected to treat depression or anxiety 

The best thing for the brain is quiet time, that is why meditation and sleep com into play.  As the song says New York "the City that never sleeps" it could be a problem on many levels as sleep deprivation stresses the Brain and interferes with its restorative functions. 

Modern science tells us that we need 7 to 9 hours of sleep. However what is more important is the quality of sleep. According to acupuncture when we are at rest our energy is residing below the belly button at acupuncture point Ren6, called Dantien (about 2 inches below the belly button and between your back or front of the body).

During the sleep, your DNA is being repaired, and the deeper, you sleep, the more thorough the restorative process.

It's harder to train the brain than the muscle.  


I dedicate this article to everyone else struggling with mental health balance.

Be well,
Mark Moshchinsky, L.Ac (NCCAOM)
Licensed Acupuncturist in NYC
www.NewYorkAcupunctureCenter.com

Copyright 2016 Tree of Life Acupuncture, P.C. New York, NY All rights reserved.

This newsletter is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or cure. www.newyorkacupuncturecenter.com/disclaimer_privacy.html

How Do You Heal a Broken Heart - NYC Acupuncture Clinic Case Study

Tree of Life Acupuncture NYC Center

32 Union Square E #804, New York, NY 10003
www.NewYorkAcupunctureCenter.com  
treeoflifeacupuncturepc@yahoo.com

  (212) 533-1192

     

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine view the heart not only as a physical organ but also a platform for love affection and even character quality.

I recently had to treat a new patient in my acupuncture clinic in New York City.

In the past several years I had quite a few unusual clients and maybe New York and Manhattan in particular with its stresses offer more unique clients.

The woman in her mid-thirties came to do PEMF Therapy (which I offer at my acupuncture clinic) originally due to pains and damage done by medications and therapies to which according to her she had an adverse reaction and suffered a great deal.

pic courtesy hypnosis downloads

After the PEMF therapy, the woman did not get immediate results and became angry and slammed the treatment door.  After talking to her, she told me all her problems. 

The patient's mother committed suicide, her husband did not support her and her father was abusive to her and her mother in the past and even locked her up in a mental institution for making up "health problem stories". She said, she had nothing to live for and felt that her mother committed suicide cause she could not see her suffer from pains. ( I suggested, she talk to a psychologist about her concerns, but she did not seem to be open to it).

In Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine depression and sadness is associated with the Lungs, Spirit with the Heart and the willpower with the Kidneys. 

Her anger turned to sorrow and I tried to comfort her and offered complimentary acupuncture with PEMF with the focus on depression and pains.

After the acupuncture treatment with few scalp needles and the PEMF mat placed on her head to produce a stronger antidepressant outcome, she looked much better and said her pains seemed much better, (acupuncture has a lot of protocols for depression and FDA cleared PEMF therapy for depression).

I challenged her to admit that she was feeling better. She kind of did, but then went back to her "nothing to live for" mantra.   Then the look on her face changed, and at that moment I felt she was gonna say something positive or constructive.

She said: "HOW DO YOU HEAL A BROKEN HEART ! ?"  

I answered that I liked her question and she focused on the right topic like seeing light at the end of the tunnel. But told her I did not have an answer right this moment. 

The answer came a few minutes later. I told her that no matter what happens to people if you choose to be a SURVIVOR and NOT a victim, that is how you heal a broken heart and your life.

I was proud of my answer and hoped if God forbid I ever ended up in a hopeless situation, someone else would remind me of being a survivor.

I called and texted the woman that she was covered for acupuncture and I could help her, but she never came back even though she felt better at the end. Perhaps she needed more time to become a survivor.

Be well,
Mark Moshchinsky, L.Ac (NCCAOM)
Licensed Acupuncturist in NYC
www.NewYorkAcupunctureCenter.com

Copyright 2016 Tree of Life Acupuncture, P.C. New York, NY All rights reserved.

This newsletter is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or cure. www.newyorkacupuncturecenter.com/disclaimer_privacy.html

How many Needles your Acupuncturists uses for the best acupuncture treatment ?

Tree of Life Acupuncture NYC Center

32 Union Square E #804, New York, NY 10003
www.NewYorkAcupunctureCenter.com  
treeoflifeacupuncturepc@yahoo.com

  (212) 533-1192

     

The best acupuncture treatment can be done with one acupuncture needle.

I often have new patients come to my NYC acupuncture clinic from other acupuncturist asking me to duplicate their past treatments or to do a particular acupuncture protocol they see on the internet.
If I were to give a quick answer to the question on the number of needles for the best acupuncture treatment, it would be as few as possible, if an acupuncturist can do it.

Efficiency is the mother of success.  Master Tung's acupuncture style, uses very few needles to achieve maximum concentration or Qi going to the vital organs. At one point Master Tung used only one needle to treat a complicated blockage of arteries with great results. 

acupuncture needles

Some of the top acupuncturists use 4-6 needles per acupuncture treatment with great success, however it takes a lot of skill and experience to achieve a lot more with a lot less.

Fewer acupuncture needles means more vital energy (Qi) will be going to the acupuncture meridians addressing the patient's issue.  If you could accomplish more with less, wouldn't it be a good thing ?Same goes for acupuncture and Chinese Medicine as well as anything else in this World.

The key to using fewer acupuncture needles is to first identified a correct nature of energetic acupuncture meridian or organ imbalance and then use acupoints that have multiple applications and effects on the body.

This way one needle can treat multiple conditions at the same time. 

Acupuncture points like large

intestine (LI4) or Stomach (St36) or Liver (Liv3) have about 3 pages worth of indications and acupuncture conditions to treat and that is one way to do a good and effective treatment.

To learn more about acupuncture and how it works click 

Be well,
Mark Moshchinsky, L.Ac (NCCAOM)
Licensed Acupuncturist in NYC
www.NewYorkAcupunctureCenter.com

Copyright 2016 Tree of Life Acupuncture, P.C. New York, NY All rights reserved.

This newsletter is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or cure. www.newyorkacupuncturecenter.com/disclaimer_privacy.html

Food as Medicine in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

Tree of Life Acupuncture NYC Center

32 Union Square E #804, New York, NY 10003
www.NewYorkAcupunctureCenter.com  
treeoflifeacupuncturepc@yahoo.com

  (212) 533-1192

     

The wisdom of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

is very much relevant in the age of super drugs, flu, strains, and drug-resistant bacteria.

May I present to you the ultimate medicine - FOOD !
Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture recommend food as the first line of defense in building and preserving your health and the immune system.

Food is medicine and we have a choice what and how to eat it. I often hear people say they have no time for cooking. if I can cook in my busy NYC lifestyle and running a small acupuncture business, then anybody can do it too. (The meal below took me about 5-10 min to cook.)

Ingredients: portobello mushrooms,  tomatoes, 1 chopped up boiled egg, walnuts,  small eggplant, chopped up onions, oregano, salt, pepper, dill, olive oil.

Acupuncture and Chinese Five Element theory focus on the particular organ of the season. Because we are in the Fall now and that "falls" on the Lung and Large Intestine organs and color associated with the organs is white. I added white onions and pepper to stimulate the flow of energy in those acupuncture channels to benefit the organs and colder weather.

You can always find a way to cook efficiently and then reuse the leftovers for later saving time and money and not to mention the feeling of chef's pride.

This dish was cooked this way.
 1. The egg was in a steamer, Chinese believe that if the egg is cooked with the shell intact then it preserves more Qi - energy and nutritional value. 
2. The rest of the ingredients were cooked in a separate pan all at the same time.
3. When done mix it all togeather and you're done.

Home cooked meals can bring many health benefits, the intent of good wishes and intentions is absorbed by the food as believed by acupuncturists like me and many metaphysical practitioners.

Home cooking can be a hobby and a creative outlet to reduce the stress and get your mind off to a cooking meditation.



Be well,
Mark Moshchinsky, L.Ac (NCCAOM)
Licensed Acupuncturist in NYC
www.NewYorkAcupunctureCenter.com

Copyright 2015 Tree of Life Acupuncture, P.C. New York, NY All rights reserved.

This newsletter is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or cure. www.newyorkacupuncturecenter.com/disclaimer_privacy.html

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine in the Fall

Tree of Life Acupuncture NYC Center

32 Union Square E #804, New York, NY 10003
www.NewYorkAcupunctureCenter.com  
treeoflifeacupuncturepc@yahoo.com

  (212) 533-1192

     

Chinese Medicine and Five Element Acupuncture, associate Fall with the Lungs and Large Intestine organs. The Lungs are Yin and the Large Intestine the Yang. The element for this season is METAL.

New York City in the Fall is beautiful and it also brings drastic and volatile weather changes. Our bodies and immune system are often subjected to respiratory problems like cold, flu and asthma in this season. So here are a few steps to prepare yourself for seasonal changes and strengthen the immune system.

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine can improve your immune system and help reduce the incidence of colds and flu or expedite the recovery if you get them.  

Now is a good time to get your immune system in optimal condition to prepare for cold & flu season.   

The Lungs control the skin and pores and are the first form of defense against exogenous and respiratory pathogens like wind and cold which is the first line of defense for the immune system. The color for the lungs is white and emotion is sadness or sorrow. 

Lungs are often referred to as a delicate organ because it is sensitive to weather changes. The Lungs are often associated with sadness or depression (at times when I insert Lung related acupuncture points, some people on rare occasions would shed a few tears, releasing sadness in this way) in Chinese Medicine. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs do a very good job treating respiratory disorders like Asthma, COPD, Shortness of Breath and Allergies, etc.

Weather Factor
The Best thing you can do is not to expose your body to the wind and extreme weather changes during Fall season. If you dress appropriately for the weather, you are less likely to catch a cold. So scarf, hat, and appropriate shoes will all do when the temperature drops.

Food as Medicine

As it gets colder, you need to cut down on cold (energy) food like salads and eat warmer energetic food like chicken, hot soups and root vegetables such as potatoes, yam, beans, etc. Cook with ginger (or scallions, garlic, cinnamon), seeds and nuts. I personally like walnuts best because they are also good for the Kidneys and the Brain which come into play in the Winter - Kidney Season. 

Garlic has antibacterial and immune system properties and thins blood. It disperses stagnant energy by promoting circulation of energy in your body and the Lungs. It is also very useful for those flu seasons. 

This is a good season to eat root vegetables, whole grains, and hearty foods to detox your intestines.
Do weight training to build up muscle stronger exterior

Focus on relaxation in the evening hours. 


Breathing Therapy

You might also try practicing a form of breathing meditation Thai Chi or Yogic Breathing for the health of your lungs. Weight training also is a useful autumn exercise as it balances the higher amount of protein and calories you crave while preparing for the winter. This is a good time of the year to enjoy the late afternoon and evening, the time associated with metal by relaxing, letting go of the day's concerns and preparing for sleep.



Drinks and Liquids

Drinking a warm glass of water or tea with a generous squeeze of lemon is a great way to detox your Liver and enhance intake of Vitamin C which may help your immune system as well. Consuming warmer liquids is your way of helping your body to maintain body temperature.


Be well,
Mark Moshchinsky, L.Ac (NCCAOM)
Licensed Acupuncturist in NYC
www.NewYorkAcupunctureCenter.com

Copyright 2015 Tree of Life Acupuncture, P.C. New York, NY All rights reserved.

This newsletter is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or cure. www.newyorkacupuncturecenter.com/disclaimer_privacy.html

How Does Acupuncture Work - Explanation by a NYC Licensed Acupuncturist

Tree of Life Acupuncture NYC Center

32 Union Square E #804, New York, NY 10003
www.NewYorkAcupunctureCenter.com  
treeoflifeacupuncturepc@yahoo.com

  (212) 533-1192

     

Acupuncture Works, but how ?

Acupuncture is a crown jewel of Traditional Chinese Medicine, it has been in existence for centuries. Millions of Asians and Chinese people use it, but how does it work ? 

I have been a practicing acupuncturist in New York City for over 23 years and once in a while, I am asked to explain how acupuncture works or what is a particular point do.  When I was studying acupuncture at my college, the teacher told us that he tells his patients that we do not know enough about it.  But we actually do. I used to say to my patients in the past that it was too complicated to explain, which was not a very good answer.  How do you combine years of studying into a few sentences ? 

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Point of View. 

Ancient Chinese believed that there is healing, invisible to the human eye energy called (Qi or Chi) circulates in the body. This Qi circulates in pathways called channels (sometimes called meridians). These meridians run individually in each organ all over the body. Each organ has its own pathway, which crosses its path with other meridians and attaches to corresponding organs.

By stimulating meridians with acupuncture needles, this energy starts moving around channels. If energy and blood in the body are stagnant, we get sick. By circulating or "moving Qi", we reinvigorate the body's natural defenses and that is how our system gets back to health. That is why exercising and leading an active lifestyle is beneficial to your health. 

Acupuncture from Western Point of View

It works by stimulating body's natural healing powers and helps the immune system by releasing natural painkillers (endorphins, dopamine, etc.) balancing the endocrine system, affecting spastic muscles and  trigger points.

When an acupuncture needle is inserted into the body, the body "thinks" it is being "attacked" and defends the body by activating the immune system and its healing properties. Needle insertion often produces slight muscle twitching that can be accompanied by a numbing or electric traveling sensation at the site of insertion or along the acupuncture channel.

Acupoints are
nerve rich areas, when stimulated by a needle send signals to produce powerful healing in your body, mind, spirit and balance your energy and blood in all the internal organs and muscles. Very thin, disposable needles are used to stimulate energy (Qi) on the surface of the skin abundantly flowing in pathways called channels or meridians. Chinese medicine is proven over centuries to effectively treat many health problems. 

If you like to read a full version how acupuncture works click this link

Be well,

Mark Moshchinsky, L.Ac (NCCAOM)

Licensed Acupuncturist in NYC

www.NewYorkAcupunctureCenter.com

Copyright 2016 Tree of Life Acupuncture , P.C. New York, NY All rights reserved.This newsletter and all information in it is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or cure. Please read disclaimer www.newyorkacupuncturecenter.com/disclaimer_privacy.html