Acupuncture is a technique that is part of the system called Traditional Chinese Medicine.

It is a method of promoting circulation through the body by inserting tiny needles along pathways called meridians that run through your body. Acupuncture has been shown to help speed the healing process and alleviate pain. It promotes proper circulation and function and helps your body to regulate itself. Acupuncture is a simple, gentle technique. Nothing is taken out of or put into your body, rather it is a way of maximizing your body’s own efforts to heal and correct itself. Acupuncture is a time tested and scientifically proven method of traditional health care.

During the initial exam a full health history will be taken. Questions will be asked regarding symptoms, health and lifestyle. Your acupuncturist will complete a comprehensive acupuncture assessment. She will then propose an acupuncture treatment plan for you, with the number of visits and the frequency of acupuncture care that is best for you. She may also make recommendations for you for foods, herbs, supplements or practices that can maximize the effect of your acupuncture treatment plan. 

Herbal recommendations are included in the care plan when they are appropriate, and if the patient has an interest in taking herbal medicine. Some patients opt to include herbs in their care plan, while others do not. The fee for the herbal recommendation is included in the initial visit fee, but the cost of the herbal products is not included. 

Acupuncture is a safe, effective method for children. It is often combined with acupressure and massage. Children who come to Balance enjoy their treatments. Pediatric visits usually take 30 – 45 minutes.

The number of visits you will need depends on the treatment plan for your condition and your constitution (the overall state of your health.) An acute problem (one that has recently started) may be resolved after 1 to 3 treatments, a more chronic condition may require 10 to 12 visits. Your acupuncturist will communicate with you about her expectations for your treatment plan. People are often treated weekly in the initial stages of care, then less frequently (ie. every other week, once per month) as they improve. Some people choose to use acupuncture as part of a long term strategy for managing their chronic problems. For others, once the issue has resolved, there is no need to continue treatment.

Initial Visit $115

Follow–up Visit $85

Some insurance policies offer coverage for acupuncture, others do not.  If you have insurance coverage, you will pay for your treatment in full at the time of service and then you may submit paperwork to your insurance company for reimbursement. We do not bill your insurance company on your behalf and are not an in-network provider for any insurance companies. To find out about your coverage, call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card and ask if your policy will cover acupuncture by an out of network provider. We cannot guarantee insurance reimbursement. Many people use Healthcare Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flex Fund accounts to cover the cost of their acupuncture treatment. Medicare does not cover acupuncture performed by a licensed acupuncturist. 

Acupuncture is a safe and gentle technique with very few risks or side effects. Acupuncture needles are very tiny, disposable, sterile needles that are inserted according to the same clean needle technique rules that are followed in any medical office.

To practice acupuncture in New York State, one must hold a Master’s Degree from a nationally accredited school and be board certified by the NCCAOM. Abigail Thomas holds a Master’s Degree in Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine as well as a Doctorate Degree in Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine.  

Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems. Below are some of the health concerns that acupuncture can effectively treat:

At Balance, we specialize in gentle acupuncture. Gentle needling technique and the tiny size of the acupuncture needles make them unlikely to cause pain. Many times, the patient does not feel the insertion of the needles. Sometimes, a person may feel a quick sensation. Once the acupuncture treatment is in place, you will rest for a time. During the rest period, there is no pain and people very often fall asleep. You will be asked if you are comfortable and encouraged to tell the acupuncturist right away if you have any discomfort.

You will lie comfortably on a massage table, covered to your comfort with sheets. We make accommodations for your specific needs regarding the position of your body so that you can be comfortable during your treatment. The acupuncture needles are placed and then you will rest for between 30 and 45 minutes.

Massage may be available as an additional service during your acupuncture session, depending on availability. 

You should plan to be here for approximately one hour for your follow up treatments and 90 minutes for your initial visit.

Please allow at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel your appointment.

We offer a complimentary phone consultation to help you decide if acupuncture is a good treatment option for you. Just call us at 607-274-7520 or email us at abigailthomas@ithacabalance.com to set up your phone consult.

Yes, acupuncture is commonly combined with assisted reproductive technology like IVF and IUI. Studies showed improved outcomes with the addition of acupuncture to these infertility treatments. 

Yes, acupuncture is safely used during pregnancy for issues like nausea, back pain, difficulty sleeping and fatigue

Yes, acupuncture is used in the treatment of both acute and chronic pain. Part of treatment planning is to determine the timing of your acupuncture sessions, according to what works best for your body in particular

Yes, acupuncture can support conception for women who have been diagnosed with PCOS

Yes, acupuncture is a very effective treatment for PMS symptoms including irritability, pain and mood swings. It addresses these issues by helping to regulate hormones and calm the nervous system during the premenstrual period.

Yes, there are two ways to have massage therapy at Balance. We offer massage therapy as an addition to your acupuncture treatment (depending on availability) and we offer relaxation massage, which can be scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays. 

Yes, men are welcome to come to Balance for care. We commonly sees male patients for painful and stress related conditions.