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Q & A

Are herbal recommendations included in my care plan?

Herbal recommendations may be included when appropriate and when you are interested in incorporating them. Time spent discussing herbal options is included in the initial consultation. The cost of herbal products is separate from treatment fees.

Can acupuncture help balance my hormones naturally?

Acupuncture supports hormonal health by calming the nervous system, improving circulation, and helping the body adapt to change. Many women find it helpful for cycle irregularities, mood changes, sleep disruption, and symptoms related to hormonal transitions.

Can acupuncture help with menopausal symptoms?

Acupuncture is known to ease symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption, mood changes, and tension. It works by helping regulate the nervous system and supporting the body’s ability to adapt to hormonal changes during midlife.

Can acupuncture help with PMS, painful periods, or irregular cycles?

Yes. Acupuncture is commonly used to reduce cramping, ease discomfort, and support more regular cycles. Treatment focuses on improving circulation and supporting nervous system balance throughout the menstrual cycle.

Can acupuncture support fertility and conception?

Acupuncture is commonly used to support fertility by improving circulation, regulating nervous system function, and supporting hormonal balance. It may be used on its own or alongside fertility treatments such as IVF or IUI.

Can acupuncture support postpartum recovery?

Acupuncture can be very helpful in supporting recovery after childbirth by addressing fatigue, mood changes, sleep disruption, and the body’s process of rebalancing during the postpartum period.

Can I use acupuncture for acute or chronic pain?

Yes. Acupuncture is effective for both acute and chronic pain. Treatment plans are tailored to the timing, severity, and underlying patterns contributing to pain.

Do you offer cupping, gua sha, or moxibustion?

Cupping and gua sha may be added to acupuncture treatments when appropriate and with your consent. These techniques are often used to support circulation and relieve muscle tension. Moxibustion is not offered.

Do you treat men as well as women?

Yes. Men are welcome at Balance and commonly seek care for pain, stress-related concerns, and overall health support.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture at Balance is gentle and comfortable. The needles are very fine, and treatments are performed with a careful, responsive approach, with attention to your comfort throughout the session. Patients consistently find treatments deeply relaxing and look forward to their visits.

Does acupuncture influence stress and emotional well-being?

Yes. Acupuncture helps calm the nervous system and supports the body’s natural stress response. Many patients report feeling more grounded, emotionally steady, and resilient over time.

Does Balance offer massage therapy?

Yes. Massage therapy is offered in 30- or 50-minute sessions. Massage appointments are scheduled directly with our licensed massage therapists.

How are acupuncturists educated?

In New York State, licensed acupuncturists complete graduate-level training and national board certification.
Abigail Thomas holds a Master’s Degree in Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine and a Doctorate in Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine, and is board certified by the National Certification Board for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (NCBAHM) in both Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine.

How do I know if acupuncture will help me?

We offer a complimentary phone consultation to help you determine whether acupuncture is a good fit for your concerns and goals. Once care begins, your response to treatment is closely monitored, and the frequency and duration of sessions are adjusted as needed. Many patients notice improvement within the first few visits, often within one to three sessions.

How long does a treatment take?

Please allow approximately 90 minutes for your initial visit and one hour for follow-up sessions. The amount of time spent on the treatment table is tailored to each individual.

How many visits will I need and how often?

The number of visits depends on your condition, how long symptoms have been present, and your overall health. Acute issues may improve within a few sessions, while chronic concerns often benefit from a longer course of care. Most patients begin with weekly visits and gradually space treatments out as symptoms improve.

How safe is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a very safe, minimally invasive treatment with few risks or side effects. All needles are sterile, single-use, and disposable, and strict clean-needle protocols are followed.

Is acupuncture helpful for pelvic pain or urinary symptoms?

Acupuncture is often used to support pelvic health, including pelvic pain, tension, and some urinary symptoms. Treatment is tailored to your specific concerns and may be used alongside other supportive therapies when appropriate.

Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy, and how can it help?

Yes. Acupuncture is safe during pregnancy and is often used to support nausea, fatigue, back pain, sleep challenges, and overall comfort throughout pregnancy.

Is acupuncture safe for children?

Yes. Acupuncture is safe and effective for children and is often combined with gentle techniques such as acupressure or massage. Treatments are adapted to the child’s comfort level, and visits typically last 30–45 minutes.

What can acupuncturists treat?

Acupuncture is commonly used to support a wide range of health concerns, including pain, stress and anxiety, headaches, digestive issues, sleep disturbances, fertility and reproductive health, PMS, perimenopause and menopause, and overall wellness. Treatment focuses on supporting the body’s ability to regulate and adapt. If you are unsure whether acupuncture is appropriate for your concern, a complimentary phone consultation is available.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a technique that originates in East Asian traditional medicine. It works by supporting the body’s natural ability to heal, regulate, and restore balance. Tiny, sterile needles are placed at specific points on the body, creating a gentle, calming stimulus to the nervous system. Acupuncture has been shown to improve circulation, reduce pain, and support the body’s ability to regulate multiple systems. It is a gentle, evidence-informed approach that works with your body rather than overriding it.

What is integrative health consulting, and how does it work?

Integrative health consulting supports women seeking a holistic approach to improving or optimizing their health, with guidance tailored to their individual concerns, lifestyle, and goals.

Rather than sorting through conflicting advice or piecing together information from many sources, this service offers a clear, personalized plan. Through one comprehensive 75-minute consultation and a focused 30-minute follow-up, strategies are developed that reflect your specific concerns, stage of life, and individual constitution. Drawing on experience in Traditional Chinese Medicine, women’s health, and the relationship between the nervous system, hormones, and daily habits, the goal is clarity, confidence, and a plan you can realistically follow. Additional follow-up sessions may be scheduled as needed.

What is your cancellation policy?

We kindly ask for at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.

What should I expect during my acupuncture session?

During your acupuncture session, you will lie comfortably on a treatment table, fully covered to maintain warmth and privacy. Your position will be adjusted as needed to support comfort. Once the needles are placed, you will rest quietly for 20–40 minutes while the treatment takes effect.

What will my acupuncturist do?

Your initial visit begins with a thorough health history and conversation about your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals. From this, your acupuncturist develops a personalized treatment plan, including recommended frequency and duration of care. When helpful, guidance around nutrition, herbs, supplements, or daily practices may also be offered to support your progress. In most cases, the initial visit also includes your first acupuncture treatment.

Will my insurance cover acupuncture?

Insurance coverage varies by plan. We do not bill insurance directly and are not an in-network provider. If your plan includes out-of-network benefits, you may submit receipts for possible reimbursement. We cannot guarantee reimbursement. Acupuncture is an allowable expense for HSA and FSA accounts. Medicare does not cover acupuncture provided by a licensed acupuncturist.

Will my treatment include massage?

Massage may be offered as an additional service during your acupuncture session, subject to availability.


Some common questions are answered below. Please call or email us if have other questions.

Inclement Weather Policy: 

You will receive notification by text, phone or email if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to inclement weather.

Cancellation Policy:

Please provide at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel your appointment.
There is a $35 fee for cancellation with less than 24 hours notice. If your visit can be rescheduled within the same week, the cancellation fee may be waived.
Please understand that while we make every effort to schedule your visits at a convenient time for you, we cannot accommodate last-minute cancellation or late arrivals.

Illness Policy: 

Please cancel your visit if you are sick with cough, sneezing, fever or any other signs of acute viral illness. The cancellation fee is waived if you are canceling due to illness.

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