Dry needling is a valuable tool for relieving pain, tightness and trigger points in muscles, but it’s not a cure-all.

Trigger points are tight, sensitive areas within muscle tissue, often described as “knots.” They can develop due to muscle imbalances, poor posture, overuse, or injury. When a muscle becomes tight, it functions less effectively and weakens over time. Conversely, weak muscles become tight as they compensate for instability. This cycle can lead to the formation of trigger points, where muscle fibers contract and fail to relax properly.

Dry needling works by targeting these trigger points directly. This can help release tension, improve blood flow, and reduce pain.
(Massage is limited by the depth that can be reached through the skin).

However, releasing a trigger point is only one part of the solution.

Once the trigger point is addressed, strengthening the muscle is essential. In chronic cases (typically lasting longer than three months) the brain begins to “avoid” using the affected muscle, relying instead on other muscles to compensate. These compensation patterns lead to further dysfunction and discomfort.

That’s where exercise comes in.

Rehabilitation exercises help retrain the brain to properly activate the affected muscle. This restores normal movement patterns, improves strength, and reduces the likelihood of trigger points returning. When used on its own, dry needling can provide short-term relief. But when combined with targeted exercise, it becomes a far more effective and lasting treatment approach.

CLICK HERE to book an appointment today if you have trigger points and looking for dry needling. We are located in Midtown New York.

How Acupuncture, Dry Needling, and Pilates Can Help Manage Spinal Stenosis: 

Spinal stenosis - a condition characterized by the narrowing of spaces within the spine - can lead to persistent pain, numbness, and reduced mobility. While traditional medical treatments like medication, injections, or surgery are often discussed, many people are turning to integrative approaches to manage symptoms more holistically. Among these, acupuncture, dry needling, and Pilates stand out as effective, non-invasive strategies that can complement conventional care.

Understanding Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis most commonly affects the lower back (lumbar spine) and neck (cervical spine). As the spinal canal narrows, it can place pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, leading to symptoms such as:

• Chronic back or neck pain
• Tingling or numbness in the limbs
• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty walking or standing for long periods

Because symptoms often worsen over time, early and consistent management is key.

Acupuncture: Restoring Balance and Reducing Pain
Acupuncture, a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine, involves inserting very thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow (Qi).
From a modern medical perspective, acupuncture is believed to:

• Trigger the release of endorphins (natural painkillers)
• Improve blood circulation to affected areas
• Reduce inflammation
• Calm the nervous system

For individuals with spinal stenosis, acupuncture can help alleviate pain and improve overall function without the side effects often associated with medications. Many patients report a sense of relaxation and reduced muscle tension after sessions, which can contribute to better mobility.

Dry Needling: Targeting Muscle Dysfunction
Dry needling is often confused with acupuncture, but it is based on Western medicine principles and focuses specifically on muscular trigger points—tight bands or knots within muscles that cause pain.
In spinal stenosis, surrounding muscles often become tight and overworked as they compensate for structural changes in the spine. Dry needling works by:

• Releasing muscle knots and reducing tension
• Improving range of motion
• Decreasing referred pain
• Enhancing muscle activation and recovery

By addressing muscular imbalances, dry needling can reduce some of the secondary pain associated with spinal stenosis, making movement easier and less painful.

Pilates: Building Strength and Stability
Pilates is a low-impact exercise system that emphasizes core strength, flexibility, and controlled movement. It is particularly beneficial for spinal health because it focuses on stabilizing the muscles that support the spine.
For those with spinal stenosis, Pilates can:

• Strengthen core muscles to better support the spine
• Improve posture and spinal alignment
• Increase flexibility and mobility
• Reduce pressure on compressed nerves

Exercises are typically performed slowly and with precision, making Pilates adaptable for different levels of ability and pain. With guidance from a trained instructor or physical therapist, individuals can safely build strength without aggravating symptoms.

The Power of a Combined Approach
While each of these therapies offers unique benefits, their combined use can be especially powerful. Acupuncture and dry needling can help manage pain and muscle tension, creating a more comfortable foundation for movement. Pilates, in turn, helps build long-term strength and resilience, addressing the root causes of dysfunction.
Together, they create a comprehensive approach that:

• Reduces pain
• Improves mobility
• Enhances quality of life
• Potentially delays or avoids the need for more invasive treatments

Final Thoughts
Living with spinal stenosis can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to mean giving up an active, fulfilling life. Integrating therapies like acupuncture, dry needling, and Pilates into your care plan can offer meaningful relief and empower you to take control of your health.

If you are ready to start your healing journey click here to make an appointment. ​

What Causes Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma develops from compression, irritation, or injury to the nerve.

Common contributing factors include:

• Tight or narrow shoes
• High heels
• Foot structure and biomechanics
• Repetitive stress from walking or standing

Acupuncture for Morton’s Neuroma in NYC: 
At our Midtown Manhattan clinic, we use acupuncture and various foot exercises to treat Morton’s neuroma naturally and effectively.

The goals of treatment are to:

• Calm irritated nerve tissue
• Reduce inflammation
• Break up scar tissue
• Relieve pain and restore normal foot function

Many patients seek acupuncture as a non-surgical alternative for foot pain relief in NYC.

Supportive Therapies We Recommend: 
To enhance your recovery, we may recommend:
Toe Spacers: Help relax the foot, improve alignment, and reduce pressure on the nerve.
Pain Relief Patch: Used after treatment sessions to minimize discomfort and inflammation.

At-Home Care for Lasting Relief: 
For best results, we encourage patients to continue care at home:

• Perform targeted foot exercises
• Use toe spacers between treatments
• Apply pain patch as needed
• Transition to wide, supportive footwear

Looking for Morton’s Neuroma Treatment in Midtown NYC?
If you’re struggling with foot pain, acupuncture & corrective exercises may provide the relief you need - without injections or surgery.

Book an Appointment today and start your recovery.

If you’re dealing with pain on the pinky side of your wrist, especially after training or physical activity like Krav Maga, you may be experiencing a TFCC injury.
​
At our Midtown NYC clinic, we specialize in acupuncture and dry needling for wrist pain, helping patients recover naturally without relying solely on medication.

What Is a TFCC Injury?​
The Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) is a structure on the ulnar (pinky) side of the wrist that stabilizes and cushions the joint.
Injury or irritation to the TFCC can lead to:

• Persistent pain on the pinky side of the wrist
• Pain that worsens with rotation (turning a doorknob, gripping, lifting)
• Weakness or reduced wrist stability

TFCC injuries are common in athletes and individuals practicing martial arts, including Krav Maga.

Case Overview: Wrist Pain After Krav Maga
A patient presented with:

• Ongoing ulnar-sided wrist pain after training
• Increased discomfort with activity and rotation
• Negative X-ray (no fracture)
• MRI showing swelling but no tear

They were advised to rest and use Advil as needed, but were still experiencing persistent discomfort with movement. 

Acupuncture for TFCC Pain in NYC: 
At our Midtown Manhattan clinic, acupuncture is used to:

• Increase circulation to the injured area
• Reduce inflammation and swelling
• Promote natural tissue healing
• Relieve pain without invasive procedures

This makes it an excellent non-surgical treatment option for TFCC pain in New York City.

Dry Needling for Forearm Tension: 
​In addition to acupuncture, we use dry needling to target tight muscles that contribute to wrist strain.
Treatment focuses on:

• Forearm flexors and extensors
• Muscle trigger points that limit mobility
• Releasing tension to reduce stress on the TFCC

This combination helps restore proper wrist mechanics and speeds up recovery.

Post-Treatment Pain Relief: After each session, we apply an herbal pain patch to:

• Reduce soreness
• Decrease inflammation
• Provide continued relief between treatments

Looking for TFCC Wrist Pain Treatment in Midtown NYC?
​If you’re experiencing wrist pain from sports, martial arts, or overuse, acupuncture and dry needling may help you recover faster and avoid long-term issues.
​
Visit our Midtown NYC clinic to get a personalized treatment plan and start healing today.

Healthcare feels way too complicated these days. This video does a great job breaking down how people get sick from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective—lots of food for thought.

Chemotherapy-induced hair loss is a common side effect, and many people explore complementary approaches, supplements and natural herbs to support hair regrowth and improve overall well-being. While these approaches cannot prevent hair loss caused by chemotherapy, it may help support recovery post-treatment.

In the video below, Dr. Thomas N. Leung, Pharm BS., DACM, L.Ac, CEO of Kamwo Herbs, discusses how Chinese Herbs can help with Chemotherapy-induced hair loss. 

Important Notes

• Always consult with your oncologist before adding herbal medicine to your care. 
• Work with a qualified TCM practitioner who has experience supporting cancer recovery.

Purchase the herbs here

In the video below, Dr. Thomas N. Leung, Pharm BS., DACM, L.Ac, CEO of Kamwo Herbs, discusses natural herbs that can improve circulation to the lower back, particularly for older athletes and individuals. According to Chinese Medicine, as we age, we lose our Yin, Yang, and Jing, leading to stiffness, increased brittleness, and various aches and pains. This herbal blend is designed to address this specific issue. While strengthening and stretching remain crucial, these herbs provide additional support.

Buy a bag here. 

Dupuytren's Contracture, a condition affects the tendons in the hand, often results in pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Fortunately, acupuncture, massage, and herbal remedies can play an important role in managing symptoms and improving hand function.

How does acupuncture help manage Dupuytren's Contracture symptoms? 
Acupuncture is very beneficial for treating Dupuytren's Contracture. This ancient practice works by relieving pain, reducing stiffness of the hand, and improving overall hand mobility. Acupuncture can also help slow the progression of the condition and promote healing by stimulating energy flow (Qi) and nourishing the tendons with improved blood flow. 

The Role of Massage in Treating Dupuytren's Contracture:
Massage (with Tendon Lotion, a specialized herbal topical that helps to relieve pain, soften and relax the tendons) is another effective approach for managing Dupuytren's Contracture. Massage helps to improve circulation, reduce stiffness, and maintain flexibility in the fingers and hand. 

How Many Sessions Are Needed for Dupuytren's Contracture Treatment?
The number of acupuncture sessions varies depending on the severity of the condition. Initially, we recommend two sessions per week. As the hand softens and mobility improves, the frequency can be reduced to one session per week.
In between acupuncture sessions I highly recommend using the Tendon Lotion 3-4x daily to soften the stiffness in the hand. Drinking the Bone & Tendon Healing Soup daily for tho-three months can further support the healing process. 

If you're suffering from Dupuytren's Contracture, don't wait. Book your appointment today and experience the healing benefits of acupuncture, massage, and herbal remedies. We are located in Midtown New York. 

In this post I’m going to discuss successful options for osteoarthritis for those not wanting surgery or constantly rely on painkillers. I am going to explain how acupuncture, dry needling, massage, exercise, heat therapy and herbs provide pain relief, improve quality of life, and decrease overall discomfort. 

Osteoarthritis usually occurs when cartilage is torn, or becomes worn, causing the articular surfaces of the bones to rub. Cartilage can be damaged by a single injury, or through chronic misuse, like living with poor posture, carrying excess body weight or training with poor alignment. ​

Herbs can also be taken internally - to help decreasing pain, inflammation and to treat other issues you may have going on. For herbs I suggest seeking help from your local Chinese medicine practitioner, because herbs need to be modified frequently to address changes in your health. 

Exercise: exercise is important for managing weight (taking pressure off of the joint), but also we lead such a forward lifestyle with sitting, driving, texting. Poor posture predisposes us for faulty movement patterns, which leads to wear and tear in the joints, causing osteoarthritis over time. Therefore posture correction, strength training, and training against tendency is very important to help people with osteoarthritis. I also believe in doing full body exercises, like in yoga and Pilates, because the body moves as a single unit. 

CLICK HERE to book your appointment today if you need help managing osteoarthritis. We are located in Midtown Manhattan. 
​

Ginseng is a fantastic herb for those looking to:  
- boost energy,
- improve stamina,
- immunity, memory,
- enhance sexual function,
- and offers numerous other benefits.
​
Ginseng is commonly used in teas, soups, and herbal formulas, it provides sustained energy without the crash of stimulants.
Ginseng however, it’s often misused. 

The takeaways:

1. For the best quality and most potency, opt for the raw herb rather than capsules, as capsules can be diluted, affecting their quality and potency.
2. Individuals (young and old) who tend to feel cold should choose the Red, Asian, Warming Ginseng (Ren Shen).
3. The American, White, Cooling Ginseng (Xi Yang Shen) is suitable for younger individuals experiencing fatigue, lack of focus, and lack of stamina (“Qi deficiency” as we call it in Chinese Medicine).
4. If you are unsure about your constitution, choose the American, White Ginseng (Xi Yang Shen)

Purchase raw, Red, Asian Ginseng (Ren Shen) here
Purchase raw, White, American Ginseng (Xi Yang Shen) here
​

Sciatica Originating in the Lower Back: 
When compression occurs in the lower back - such as with a herniated or bulging disc pressing on the sciatic nerve - acupuncture and dry needling can provide meaningful symptom relief.
Fine needles are inserted into the surrounding muscles and soft tissue to reduce tension and improve mobility. This is a safe technique: the needles target muscle tissue only, never the spine or spinal cord.
By releasing tight structures in the lower back, the sciatic nerve is able to glide more freely, reducing pain and irritation.
In addition to muscle relaxation, these techniques create a controlled micro-stimulation in the tissue. This encourages increased blood flow, improved nutrient delivery, and activation of the body’s natural healing response.
With consistent treatment, this process can support recovery over time.

Sciatica Originating in the Glutes or Hamstrings: 
If the sciatic nerve is being compressed in the gluteal region (often involving the piriformis muscle) or in the hamstrings, treatment focuses on releasing tension in those areas.
Acupuncture and dry needling help relax tight muscles and restore normal tissue mobility, allowing the sciatic nerve to move freely again - leading to reduced pain and improved function.

Sciatica Related to Spinal Stenosis or Hip Dysfunction​: 
In cases where sciatica is linked to spinal stenosis or hip misalignment, treatment can be more complex.
Acupuncture and dry needling help reduce muscular tension and improve surrounding tissue mobility, which may relieve pressure on affected structures. However, these conditions typically require a more comprehensive approach.
Combining needling techniques with targeted corrective exercises is often the most effective strategy. While these cases may take longer to improve, consistent care will lead to meaningful progress over time.

Acupuncture Alone or Combined with Corrective Exercises?In our clinical experience in Midtown NYC, the best results come from a combined approach.
Acupuncture and dry needling are highly effective for reducing pain and improving symptoms quickly.
Corrective Exercises, on the other hand, address the underlying causes by improving strength, flexibility, and movement patterns.
Together, they not only relieve symptoms but also help prevent recurrence.

How Many Sessions Will You Need?
The number of sessions varies depending on the root cause of your sciatica: 

• Cases involving simple muscle tightness tend to resolve more quickly.
• Conditions such as disc injuries, hip misalignment, or poor core stability typically require a longer treatment plan.
• Recovery also depends on your overall fitness level and how consistently you follow through with recommended exercises.

CLICK HERE to book your appointment today if you experience sciatica. We are located in Midtown Manhattan. 
​With proper evaluation and treatment, healing is very much possible. 

Hair in Chinese Medicine reflects the state of internal health, more precisely the state of Blood and Essence. Aging, the fast life, overworking, or childbirth tax our health, deplete the body (Blood & Essence) resulting in hair loss, poor hair quality, premature graying, split ends, etc.
​In this video below Dr. Thomas N. Leung, Pharm BS., DACM, L.Ac, CEO of Kamwo Herbs explains how the blend of these fruits and herbs have been used for hundreds of years to stop hair loss and maintain youthful hair.
Purchase the herbs here
Read more about the role and importance of Essence here
​

In this post I am going to go over the products I use most frequently in the clinic, recommend patients for home use between sessions, and to keep in the home emergency kit for pain relief and faster recovery.

These formulas have been around for centuries, used by generations of martial arts practitioners, Chinese medicine practitioners, sports medicine doctors, and bone setters.
​They are all safe, tried and tested, natural herbal products to aid healing and recovery. 

There are three stages of injury healing: acute or stage one, subacute or stage two, and chronic or stage three. ​

Acute/ Stage One:
This stage starts from the moment the injury happens and usually lasts 1-7 days. If the trauma is minor, this stage may only last 2-3 days. If it is more severe, it may be a full week before swelling, bruising and pain begin to subside. Stage One injuries are characterized by swelling, pain, bruising, and possibly a local sensation of heat (inflammation in western medicine).
Treatment goals for Stage One is to restore normal circulation at the injury site: reduce swelling, pain, inflammation and stopping infection.

At this stage, external herbal formulas tend to be relatively cooling or neutral in temperature, while internal formulas generally focus on restoring circulation, removing stagnation and stopping pain and infection. 

Chinese medicine is about balance - warming and cooling. In Stage One we avoid heat, hot compresses, warm soaks, heating pads, and hot tubs. Adding heat to an already inflamed tissue is like throwing gasoline on the fire. Heat results in more swelling and pain, thereby delaying the healing. Warming therapies are useful in the Stage Two (Subacute) and Stage Three (Chronic) phases when the initial inflammation and swelling is greatly reduced or absent.

​External use:

An other poultice worth keeping at home for emergencies is Stage One Trauma Ointment: this one is for bruises. ​

Also worth getting acupuncture in all three stages. 
In Stage One various acupuncture points are used to decrease pain, swelling, aid healing and calm the nervous system (so the body can focus on healing). In Stage Two the acupuncture needle is invaluable to break up the tight, stiff tissue and to promote healing. In Stage Three acupuncture is used mostly to tonify the body and calm the nervous system.

For questions email us for acupuncture make an appointment. 
​

Hi there - in this article I am going to cover two of my favorite pain patches I use on myself and also on patients. I like them for both acute and chronic pain relief. I use them for neck pain, when I slept wrong, thumb pain, when I worked a lot, give it to patients for low back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, muscle spasm, Achilles tendonitis, bursitis, arthritis, bruises etc.

I like them, because besides the commonly used methyl salicylate, menthol and camphor they contain various plant extracts, so you get the therapeutic effects of plants as well, not just symptom relief. Also, because they stay on for hours even after multiple handwashing. 

Their similarities: 
1. they both have a strong minty smell - they both contain menthol, camphor and methyl salicylate (wintergreen oil). These three often used together to topically relieve mild to moderate pain, irritation and itching. The strong minty smell and cooling provide a distraction, different sensation to the brain, so the body can focus on a different narrative besides the pain. 
2. they both contain various plant extracts that have pain, swelling, inflammation relieving and tissue regenerating properties. This is what differentiates them from other over the counter pain patches. 
3. They are pretty long, the 701 Plaster is 3.93 x 157 inches long. The Wu Yang Patch is 3.9 x 78.7 inches long. 

The differences between the two and how to choose which one to use:

​They have different ingredients, as different plant extracts are used in them. The Wu Yang Patch can be used for all stages of injury. It can also be used instead of ice (in Chinese Medicine we believe, that ice delays the healing), ​because it has herbs in it that reduce pain, swelling and inflammation. 

The 701 Medicated Plaster is a slightly warming plaster. It is used for older injuries (subacute or chronic phase), because it contains herbs that are more warming (think pepper), that may aggravate a new (acute) injury.

Examples for usage:
When you just threw your back or neck out: use Wu Yang Patch. 
Old chronic neck / low back pain: use 701 Plaster 
When you fell off a bike and have a massive bruise: use Wu Yang Patch 
Acute Achilles pain: use Wu Yang Patch  
Old Achilles pain: use 701 Plaster 
Old injury that is painful in the cold: use 701 Plaster.
​Old shoulder pain: use 701 Plaster 
Arthritis: use 701 Plaster 
Old Bunion pain: use 701 Plaster 
Gout: use Wu Yang Patch 

You get the idea... New injury: you want to cool (but not ice), so use Wu Yang Patch. Old injury: you want to warm (please never ice an old, chronic injury...) use 701 Plaster. 

For best outcome and proper healing use pain patches as a modality besides acupuncture, corrective exercises and other therapeutic methods. 

Do not use pain patches on open wounds. For open wounds, cuts, abrasion use San Qi, buy here.
If you have delicate skin, be careful of wearing the patches on the same spot repeatedly, or day after day, because the skin may get irritated beneath the patch.  
Also if the pain is recurring or not getting better it’s better so seek help from a health care professional you trust - your doctor, acupuncturist, physical therapist, chiropractor, whomever you trust. Pain is often a signal of improper body use, which can cause joint and tissue damage.
Simply masking the pain allows one to continue the misuse without correcting it. Pain is a sign that something is not right and with ample focus and quality care pain - even chronic pain - can be lessened or even completely fixed.

Buy 701 plaster here. Wu Yang Patch here. 

Itchiness, tenderness or pain in keloid scars is usually felt while the keloid is growing, and it stops once it's finished growing, but not always.
​
Keloids can also restrict how far you can move or stretch, especially if the scar covers over a joint. 

​How does acupuncture help keloid scars? 

• Needling under the scar with an acupuncture needle breaks up the stiff, thickened tissue and helps restore the range of motion. ​
• Acupuncture also increases blood flow to the injury site and fasten the healing, reducing the itchiness and pain. 

​

​CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment if you have a keloid scar that it painful or itchy. 

Acupuncture is more widely accepted and used than herbs for wound healing. Acupuncture increases blood flow to the wound site, which is important for healing.

This study by Pubmed https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3529882/ revealed that at 7 days the wound size in acupuncture-treat group was decreased more significantly compared to the control group, when they examined whether acupuncture has an effect on wound healing in injured rats.

In this video below Dr. Thomas N. Leung, Pharm BS., DACM, L.Ac, CEO of Kamwo Herbs explains how San Qi (Pseudoginseng) and Bai Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala) facilitates closing of open bedsores, non healing ulcers and diabetic sores.

Read more on non healing sores here, here and here. 
​Purchase a jar of Regenicare here and San Qi here. ​

What is the difference between movement therapy, sports acupuncture, chiropractic care, and sports massage - and which one is better?
Because these professions overlap, this page explains what each one does and how they intersect.

The main goal of pain relief is to help the body move out of positions it is “stuck” in and toward positions it has difficulty going into.
    •    Chiropractic adjustments do this at the joint level using a short, rapid motion.
    •    Joint mobilization uses slower, broader techniques to improve joint movement.
    •    Soft tissue mobilization, such as structural integration, acupuncture, cupping, and massage, aims to influence soft tissues to help reposition the body.
    •    Movement therapists, such as yoga teachers, Pilates instructors, and personal trainers, help you access your own muscle activation and relaxation, particularly in muscles that are lengthened or underutilized, to support movement into these restricted and underutilized positions.

While these approaches do not produce identical tissue responses, understanding both their similarities and differences can help clarify how each modality contributes to pain relief and improved movement.