Integrative Acupuncture Center

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine serving Ridgewood and Paramus, NJ

Call Today: 201.444.7150 69 West Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood, NJ
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FAQ

Do acupuncture needles hurt?

No. Most people barely feel a thing when needles are inserted. Some people feel a slight pinch, and others ask “Is it in yet?” The reason acupuncture needles don’t give the painful sensation you might expect is because they’re very, very thin in comparison to the hypodermic needles used to give injections. Hypodermic needles are hollow so that the shot can be injected. They also have a very blunt point (actually a wedge shape) in comparison to an acupuncture needle. Forty acupuncture needles can fit into the tip of one standard 18 gauge hypodermic needle.

There are certain sensations associated with the therapeutic effects of acupuncture, which are known as de qi (pronounced “da-chee”). These may include slight cramping, heaviness, distention, tingling or electric sensation traveling along a meridian. If any discomfort is experienced, it is very mild.

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is very safe. The average liability coverage for an acupuncturist is about $600 per year, while primary care physicians pay an average of $12,000 per year. That’s a 20:1 difference. While this may not translate into exactly a 20 to 1 difference in safety, a visit to an acupuncturist is at least as safe as a visit to your doctor, if not safer.

Acupuncture needles are extremely safe, because they are pre-sterilized, individually packaged, and disposable. Every practitioner gets extensive training in anatomy so as to avoid accidentally inserting a needle in a place that can cause damage.

Do I have to believe in it for it to work? Does acupuncture always work?

Acupuncture and herbs work whether you believe in them or not. Good results are seen in the majority of cases. When all other treatment methods you have tried have failed, this usually indicates a systematic imbalance – exactly what acupuncture and herbs excel at treating.

What should I expect on my first visit?

During your first office visit, we spend a lot of time getting a complete picture of your health and lifestyle. We examine your body for musculo-skeletal testing to find out where the cause of your pain is coming from, similar to a neurologist or physical therapist. If Chinese medicine evaluation may be used if I need more information for other complaints. We use it by conditions of your tongue (is it cracked, coated, excessively pink? etc.), and check your pulse on both wrists (the quality of your pulse gives information about possible imbalances). We’ll also ask questions about your emotional state and specific symptoms you may have.

This is done because unlike Western medicine, we treat the whole person instead of focusing on the symptoms of your condition. The first visit can last from an hour to an hour and a half, and end with an acupuncture treatment lasting another 30-60 minutes.

Your subsequent visits will be much faster – usually an hour long. We’ll check in to make a short review of your progress, followed by an acupuncture treatment.

How often would I need to come in for treatment?

If the condition is acute and painful, treatments may be given 2-3 times per week until the condition starts to come under control. The exact duration of treatment depends on the condition, your basic level of health, and how well you respond to acupuncture.

How does acupuncture work?

In Chinese medical theory, acupuncture works by balancing the body’s Qi. Qi can be described as a form of bioenergy that runs along 12 major meridians. If Qi gets blocked, it shows up as an imbalance or illness. Basically, if you have a health condition, some part of your body’s system is out of whack. Chinese medical theory allows us to diagnose the imbalance… and balance it.

In Western medical theory, acupuncture appears to work by stimulating parts of the brain. It also stimulates the body to release natural biomolecules such as neurotransmitters, vasodilators, and hormones. The exact mechanisms which brings this about are unknown, but the effects are measurable.

A good example of this is the use of acupuncture to induce labor. One of the first things that Oriental medical students learn is that there are a few points that are absolutely forbidden to use with pregnant women. These points cause the release of oxytocin, which is the hormone that naturally induces labor. Studies have shown that using acupuncture to induce labor reduces.

Does insurance cover acupuncture?

Some insurers cover acupuncture. No-fault auto accident and workers compensation usually cover care.   You can find out by calling the number on your insurance card. We provide a “superbill” that provides all the information you need to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. It is a standardized form which insurers expect. Insurance doesn’t cover for many types of treatment that people find most useful such as acupuncture, naturopathic care and massage.  You have to decide how committed you are to dealing with your health issues and feeling better, regardless of insurance reimbursement. Is there anything more important than your health?

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MEET JOSHUA GOLDSTEIN


My purpose is to help as many people as I can, healthy or not, by improving the quality of their lives. In Chinese medicine, there is an emphasis on addressing the underlying cause(s) of disease. It is in this spirit that I practice, motivating people to make shifts in their thinking as well as shifts in their bodies so they can make lasting positive changes in their health and their lives.
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Integrative Acupuncture Center

Testimonials

My experience with him was phenomenal. He [Joshua Goldstein] is very good at what he does and he has a very well rounded approach to helping. I would recommend him to anyone, especially if they suffer from stress or aches.
Anastasia, Fairlawn, NJ
I had an L-5 fracture in my back, a broken ankle and arthritis in both ankles. Pain also existed in my lower back and ankles. I was referred to Integrative Acupuncture from my brother, who is a chiropractor, and through his website. Since seeing Joshua, my sleeping is 80% better. My lower back pain … Read more
Jim, Ridgewood, NJ
I cannot begin to thank Joshua enough for his help. My experience and results with him were wonderful. He is not focused on just helping you ameliorate your specific problems, but he also looks at everything else going on with your body rather than just one piece of you. He genuinely wants to help y… Read more
Dee, Hewitt, NJ
I returned to this office for pain related to a sports injury. I had pain in the upper body region from boxing and sparing and was not getting relief from the medications prescribed to me from the orthopedist. My most recent injury was preventing me from even raising my arm to brush my teeth as well… Read more
Donna, Haworth, NJ
When I first came into see Joshua, I had pain in my foot from running. Previously, I had tried icing, rest, and stretching. When I tried the services from Integrative Acupuncture Center, I noticed the results were incredibly helpful. After just two sessions all pain in the targeted area was gone and… Read more
Rosesann, Ramsey, NJ
I have suffered from headaches all of my life between four to five times per week. I have gone to physicians and have only been prescribed medications for my headaches. The results were always the same, and I always felt foggy due to the medication. I was referred to Joshua’s office through a frie… Read more
Anthony, Paramus, NJ
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Enter your name and email address to get instant access to this informative ebook now!

Contact

Integrative Acupuncture Center
69 West Ridgewood Avenue
Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450
Phone: 201.444.7150

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201.444.7150 · 69 West Ridgewood Ave. Ridgewood, NJ
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