Just Say “NO” To the Cold & Flu With Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

Just Say “NO” To the Cold & Flu With Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

Say YES To Increased Immunity With My Five Easy Tips

We’re right in the middle of cold and flu season and people are dropping like flies—straight to bed with a box of tissues, NyQuil and well-deserved self-pity. Don’t be one of them! As an acupuncturist, I’m not immune to germs, BUT I have tricks up my sleeve for staying healthy.

But first, if you do get sick, keep in mind that acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a powerhouse remedy for the common cold and flu, and the sooner you treat it, the better.  During this time of year I often get calls from patients who apologetically say that they can’t come in for their appointment because they’re sick. My immediate response is an emphatic, “COME IN!”. 

Acupuncture, gua sha, cupping, and moxibustion—combined with Chinese herbal formulas— can provide immediate relief from cold/flu symptoms and drastically reduce the length of the infection. Chinese herbs are used in much the same way as antibiotics, but are safer and don't have the nasty side effects.

While Western medicine only offers symptomatic treatment — decongestants, fluids and rest — Chinese medicine takes a proactive role in eliminating the pathogen and resolving the disease process. It also boosts overall immunity. In fact, acupuncture boosts the immune system's production of natural killer cells for up to 3 days after each treatment! This means you’ll be less likely to catch the next bug going around your office AND avoid longer-term issues.

Tips For Boosting Immunity and Avoiding Sickness:

1. Be like a bear and hibernate. 
   Winter is the time to rest and conserve our Qi— going inwards, just like nature around us. Get at least 7 hours per night of sleep. This is the single, most impactful action you can take to improve your immunity, energy level, mood, and overall health. Anything less than 7 hours basically zaps your health. According to a study by the Sleep Research Society, those who sleep only 5-6 hours per night are a whopping 4.5 more times susceptible to catching a cold.

2. Give your gut some love.
   A balanced immune system depends on a healthy and strong digestive system. This means our gut bacteria need to be in balance. Add in a daily probiotic (at least 15 billion per dose) and incorporate fermented foods (fermented veggie, kimchi, miso, non-dairy yogurt) into your diet.

3. Eat for warmth.
   When it comes to what you’re eating, 'warm and cooked' should be your mantra. This is NOT the time to add more cold to your already cold body with cold and raw foods. Hold off on salad, smoothies and the like until it’s warmer outside. Make roasted veggies, stews and soups your mainstay and incorporate warming herbs like cinnamon, ginger, garlic, rosemary, and black pepper. The right yummy foods will add heat to your body and stoke your digestive fire. 

4. Dress to boost body temp. 
   Research confirms that a higher body temperature can tremendously increase immunity, strengthen the endocrine system and boost the body’s basal metabolic rate. First, (and I know I sound like your Mom), dress warmly and cover the back of your neck and head. Colds tend to enter us through the nape of the neck, which is why many colds start as a stiff neck and shoulders. Second, keep your core (torso) warm. A warm core is able to readily release blood to the extremities. Do this by wearing a Japanese Haramaki (hara- center; maki - wrap) to keep it warm. You can find them on Amazon.

5. Get acupuncture.
   I’m obviously biased because I’m an acupuncturist, but it is a fact that acupuncture creates physiological changes that regulate immune function. For starters, it can cause a rise in levels of interferon, one of the immune system’s messenger hormones, and it boosts the immune system's production of natural killer cells for up to 3 days after each treatment. Now that’s what I call cold and flu protection!

The Results Are In... Prinz Acupuncture is Named "Best of"

Prinz Acupuncture has been named "Best of Chester County" in the Alternative Medicine category of the Daily Local's annual Reader's Choice Awards. I am thrilled, after just opening the doors to Prinz Acupuncture of West Chester in February of 2023— it’s been a joy to offer acupuncture in my hometown and to create a peaceful sanctuary where people can come to rest, restore and heal.

Helping people heal from chronic health conditions, recover from pain & injury, and enjoy wellness in body & mind with acupuncture is my passion.  Nothing makes me happier than applying my expertise & experience to help people feel like their best self.

My patients are at the center of everything I do-- and I truly appreciate all of my patients for entrusting me with your health and wellbeing.

"Share the Love" Refer a Friend Program is Back!

We know you already appreciate the incredible benefits of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, so why not share the love with someone who could also benefit?

Give your friends $20 towards their first acupuncture session and get $20 to apply to your next session when you refer a friend to Prinz Acupuncture and they give us a try!

All your friend needs to do is mention your name when they come in for their first session, and we'll take care of the rest.

Common conditions treated by acupuncture, which I work with on a regular basis, include: 

• Pain & injury: sports injuries, chronic musculoskeletal pain, TMJ, migraines

• Women's health: period issues / PMS, fertility, IUI/IVF, pre- & postpartum, menopause

• Mental & emotional concerns: insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression

• Digestive: IBS, constipation, nausea, bloating

• Respiratory: allergies, common cold/flu, asthma

• Skincare & Rejuvenation: acupuncture facial rejuvenation, nano-needling and micro-needling for face, decollage and hair regrowth

• Among many others: just ask!

Why All Athletes Should Use Acupuncture

I watched the NYC Marathon yesterday in awe and with a huge smile on my face. I couldn’t help but tear up a few times, just from witnessing the sheer determination, enthusiasm and athleticism the runners exhibited. I have zero desire to run a marathon— but seeing this annual event fills me up with energy to tackle my own pursuits with equal power and strength.

The Marathon also reminded me of an article that I wrote for AcuTake several years ago: “Why All Athletes Should Use Acupuncture”. Acupuncture is a healing powerhouse for any type of physical injury, prevents small tweaks from becoming chronic issues, and also plays a major role in recovery after a big workout.

I regularly treat athletes of all kinds, from weekend warriors to marathon runners and professional dancers— and my hands-on approach that incorporates a range of modalities keeps people moving and helps them get out of pain.

Check the article out and let me know what you think!

Movement As Medicine: Body, Mind, Spirit

I’m a mover— always have been, an always will. As a dancer, I’m always compelled to move my body or voice when the physical, emotional, or spiritual going goes tough— and often times when I feel a bit like cr@p, I’ll feel like a radiant, clearheaded babe after I get outside and take a walk, sweat in yoga, get a big yell out, or even give my body or face a gentle massage. And guess what? This makes perfect sense, based on Chinese medicine 101: stagnation (stuckness) in the body is a cause of symptoms and disease. When there is no stagnation, there is free flow.

Whenever something is stuck— emotions, Qi, blood, cold, dampness— it sits there and causes an obstruction that will create symptoms, such as pain, anger, frustration, painful or late moon cycle, indigestion, etc. And translated to IRL.... when we don’t keep things moving (think: unsaid words, pent up emotions, exercised-induced sweat, excess energy), it just SITS there and will create symptoms and illness.

So what do we do about it? Obviously, acupuncture and Chinese medicine effectively treats stagnation, but self care is key! My tips are to MOVE (daily), EXPRESS YOURSELF (verbally, creatively), BREATHE (fully, deeply), and PROCESS your emotions (no pushing feelings under the rug).

I thought this action shot from the Healer Collection summed up the joy of anti-stagnation movement pretty well!

Taking the Leap: Permanent Home for Prinz Acupuncture In the Works!

Change is in the air this Spring. I'm thrilled to share some exciting news that represents expansion and long-term stability for Prinz Acupuncture and ultimately creates more ease, vibrance and enjoyment for you, my valued clients and friends. 

While I'm sad to see the lease to my current office on W. 29th Street ending this month - as so much growth, healing and good vibes were here — the transition marks a major leap ahead.

New Permanent Home for Prinz Acupuncture

As of June 1st, I will be unveiling a brand new permanent home for Prinz Acupuncture. Located in the heart of NoMad on E. 28th St and Broadway, it will be a calm, comfortable and beautiful oasis for healing and rejuvenation. 

I'm working on this exciting (and sometimes daunting!) project in partnership with an acupuncturist colleague who shares the same vision and passion for the work we do. We secured a gorgeous, lofted and light-filled space that will offer six stylish and well-appointed treatment rooms, a large waiting area, private bathrooms and a practitioner office. Construction will be underway next week! 

In addition to housing our individual acupuncture practices, the center will include other established practitioners who offer complimentary modalities like massage, reiki, movement, psychotherapy, etc. This means you can enjoy complete wellness care from a team of practitioners whom we know and trust, in one location. 

Stay tuned for news on our launch party when we'll celebrate the grand opening in style. I'm counting down the days to welcome you there! 

Important - April 1st - Interim Office 

Please note that starting April 1st, Prinz Acupuncture will be operating from a temporary office, conveniently located near Union Square. It's a welcoming, well-designed, and peaceful space. All acupuncture sessions will take place in this office until the new center opens. Scroll down for a photo.

Office Address - April 1st to June 1st

39 West 14th Street, Suite 408, 4th Floor
Located between 5th and 6th Avenues

Gratitude.....

Many of you have been with me from the very start. You have patiently seen me through several offices around the city, and have experienced the evolution of my practice. Your understanding, flexibility and dedication is a true gift. It is because of YOU that I'm able to finally establish a long-term home for Prinz Acupuncture.

Here’s a view at our temporary location in Union Square. It’s calm, cozy and quiet, and couldn’t be easier to get to. I will offer the same office hours as before (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday).

Here's a peek at a small section of the new permanent space in NoMad, pre-construction. Each of the 6 treatment rooms will have a full window and high loft ceilings.

Wellness for the Long Winter

Are you dragging through this long, never-ending winter? I don’t know about you, but I’m OVER the snow, I’m feeling slow and tired, and I’m dreaming of a sunny beach. Many of my patients are reporting the same, and at least half are still getting colds and infections. The goal of this post is to share some wisdom from acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine to help you get through the doldrums and feel like your best self for Spring.

Be like a bear and hibernate
General guidelines of TCM are to go to bed early and rise after the sun has risen. Getting a solid 7+ hours is the single, most impactful action you can take to improve your immunity, energy level, mood, and overall health. Anything less zaps your health: according to a study by the Sleep Research Society, those who sleep only 5-6 hours per night are 4.5 more times susceptible to catching a cold.

Eat for the Season
When it comes to what you’re eating, 'warm and cooked' should be your mantra. According to TCM, it is important to avoid too many raw foods during winter because they tend to cool the body and can deplete our digestive "fire" which is the ability to assimilate food efficiently. Hold off on salad, smoothies and the like until it’s warmer outside. Eat warming foods, while cooking them longer and at lower temperatures with less water. Emphasize soups and stews, root vegetables, plenty of dark leafy greens, kidney and black beans, walnuts, black sesame seeds, whole grains, and seaweeds. Also incorporate warming herbs like cinnamon, ginger, garlic, rosemary, and black pepper. These specific foods help to fortify the kidneys, uplift the emotions, nourish the body, keep you warm, and help you to conserve energy.

Additionally, in the long winter months, people tend to exercise less, remain more sedentary and crave calorie-dense comfort foods. Eating for the season will keep you more satiated and avoid cravings. Pay attention to the amount and type of food you eat during this time, in order to avoid unhealthy weight gain.

Dress to Boost Body Temps.
Research confirms that a higher body temperature can tremendously boost the mood, increase immunity, strengthen the endocrine system and boost the body’s basal metabolic rate (read: support a healthy weight. First, dress warmly and cover the back of your neck and head. Colds tend to enter us through the nape of the neck, which is why many colds start as a stiff neck and shoulders. Second, keep your core (torso) warm. A warm core is able to readily release blood to the extremities. Do this by wearing a Japanese Haramaki (hara- center; maki - wrap) to keep it warm. You can find them on Amazon.

Build Self-Care into Your Schedule 
Whether it’s acupuncture, your favorite exercise class, massage or meditation — or all of the above — self-care is a healthy habit that has tremendous benefits. We live in an always-on society where technology rules, so having quiet time without the phone helps to strip away our heightened nervous system, boosts immunity, releases endorphins and helps to prevent disease. Make it a point to block out at least an hour a week to take care of yourself. Create a “care team” of practitioners whom you know and trust, so that you can call them on speed-dial when you need “me time”.

Embrace Mindful Daily Living.
The actual definition of meditate is “to engage in contemplation or reflection”. Notice it doesn’t say sit perfectly still and breathe for an hour with a totally clear mind— most people’s idea of meditation. Winter time is an excellent time for retrospection and exploration of deeper issues. To do this, we need to simply slow down. In fact, we are usually so busy that we are not even aware of how neurotic our thoughts and actions are. When we slow down through mindful activities like moving with intention, listening to music, savoring food, writing down our thoughts or simply taking some time off, we may notice a true downshift in our racing mind and body, via a calmed nervous system.

Rejuvenate Your Skin With Our New LED Light Therapy Acu-Facial

Safe, non-invasive treatment for luminous skin, from the inside-out.
Introductory offer now until January 1st — Shine during the holidays with glowing skin!

Do you feel and look depleted from holiday excess and plunging temperatures?  I know my skin has been unhappy with too much Thanksgiving dessert, long hours and relentless radiator heat (that no amount of water can undo!). The good news is that it’s possible to turn back the clock with with our newest addition: Celluma LED Light Therapy for anti-aging, acne, inflammation, and skin health.

Personally, I'm always seeking out ways to safely and naturally achieve a healthy, youthful glow that lasts— especially since I’m no longer in my 20’s or early 30’s. The Celluma LED blows me away. It's award-winning, science-based technology goes much more than skin deep and profoundly affects tissue at the cellular level. The LED technology emits safe, UV-free low-level light energy that stimulates fibroblasts to increase the production of collagen and elastin (the building blocks of your skin) for noticeable, long-term results (scroll down for before and after images).

Benefits of LED:

• Anti-Aging - Reduces the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles, and improves skin quality, firmness, and texture

• Acne & Acne Scarring - Clears blemishes, eliminates bacteria to prevent new breakouts from forming, and reduces appearance of scars

Introducing LED Light Therapy Acu-Facials:

I’m thrilled to unveil my latest and greatest Acu-Facial offering! The Signature LED Acu-Facial couples traditional facial acupuncture, which reduces wrinkles and sculpts the face, with advanced Celluma LED therapy. I created this method specifically for Prinz Acupuncture, and we are one of the few practices in New York City to offer this combined modality. 

Immediately after an LED Acu-Facial, your skin is glowing and lifted. After 1-2 days, my patients report a notable improvement in their complexion, with smoothness, lighter spots and less inflammation. Results are cumulative and increase with each session. The LED light itself fees like sunbathing (without the damaging rays, of course), which, in the freezing temps of winter, is a really sweet treat.

The LED Light Acu-Facial Includes:

• Full acupuncture treatment to address individual wellness needs

• Gentle facial acupuncture needling 

• Celluma LED Light Therapy for anti-aging or acne 

• Facial massage with natural serum

We are offering a special intro offer up until January 1st, 2019: $175.00 for a 60-minute LED Light Therapy Acu-Facial. Light up your holiday parties and events with your glowing, gorgeous skin!

Just Say “NO” To the Cold & Flu With Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

Just Say “NO” To the Cold & Flu With Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

Say YES To Increased Immunity With My Five Easy Tips

We’re right in the middle of cold and flu season and people are dropping like flies—straight to bed with a box of tissues, NyQuil and well-deserved self-pity. Don’t be one of them! As an acupuncturist, I’m not immune to germs, BUT I have tricks up my sleeve for staying healthy.

But first, if you do get sick, keep in mind that acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a powerhouse remedy for the common cold and flu, and the sooner you treat it, the better.  During this time of year I often get calls from patients who apologetically say that they can’t come in for their appointment because they’re sick. My immediate response is an emphatic, “COME IN!”. 

Acupuncture, gua sha, cupping, and moxibustion—combined with Chinese herbal formulas— can provide immediate relief from cold/flu symptoms and drastically reduce the length of the infection. Chinese herbs are used in much the same way as antibiotics, but are safer and don't have the nasty side effects.

While Western medicine only offers symptomatic treatment — decongestants, fluids and rest — Chinese medicine takes a proactive role in eliminating the pathogen and resolving the disease process. It also boosts overall immunity. In fact, acupuncture boosts the immune system's production of natural killer cells for up to 3 days after each treatment! This means you’ll be less likely to catch the next bug going around your office AND avoid longer-term issues.

Tips For Boosting Immunity and Avoiding Sickness:

1. Be like a bear and hibernate. 
   Winter is the time to rest and conserve our Qi— going inwards, just like nature around us. Get at least 7 hours per night of sleep. This is the single, most impactful action you can take to improve your immunity, energy level, mood, and overall health. Anything less than 7 hours basically zaps your health. According to a study by the Sleep Research Society, those who sleep only 5-6 hours per night are a whopping 4.5 more times susceptible to catching a cold.

2. Give your gut some love.
   A balanced immune system depends on a healthy and strong digestive system. This means our gut bacteria need to be in balance. Add in a daily probiotic (at least 15 billion per dose) and incorporate fermented foods (fermented veggie, kimchi, miso, non-dairy yogurt) into your diet.

3. Eat for warmth.
   When it comes to what you’re eating, 'warm and cooked' should be your mantra. This is NOT the time to add more cold to your already cold body with cold and raw foods. Hold off on salad, smoothies and the like until it’s warmer outside. Make roasted veggies, stews and soups your mainstay and incorporate warming herbs like cinnamon, ginger, garlic, rosemary, and black pepper. The right yummy foods will add heat to your body and stoke your digestive fire. 

4. Dress to boost body temp. 
   Research confirms that a higher body temperature can tremendously increase immunity, strengthen the endocrine system and boost the body’s basal metabolic rate. First, (and I know I sound like your Mom), dress warmly and cover the back of your neck and head. Colds tend to enter us through the nape of the neck, which is why many colds start as a stiff neck and shoulders. Second, keep your core (torso) warm. A warm core is able to readily release blood to the extremities. Do this by wearing a Japanese Haramaki (hara- center; maki - wrap) to keep it warm. You can find them on Amazon.

5. Get acupuncture.
   I’m obviously biased because I’m an acupuncturist, but it is a fact that acupuncture creates physiological changes that regulate immune function. For starters, it can cause a rise in levels of interferon, one of the immune system’s messenger hormones, and it boosts the immune system's production of natural killer cells for up to 3 days after each treatment. Now that’s what I call cold and flu protection!

What is Acupuncture All About?

 Acupuncture 101

As an acupuncturist, one of my biggest jobs is to educate people about this effective and safe form of medicine. Most people don't understand how it works and what it can do for them (or are simply afraid of the idea of needles!), so they shy away from treatment and miss out on acupuncture's amazing benefits.

As you enter the New Year and embrace ways to improve your health, get to know acupuncture a little better! Read on for super interesting facts about this medicine so you're in the know (not only that, you'll have cool fodder for small talk for your next networking event or cocktail party!).

1. Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on or near the surface of the skin, called acupuncture points.
Acupuncture points have high concentrations of nerve endings, mast cells, lymphatics and capillaries, all capable of triggering biochemical and physiological changes in the body, from the subtle to the dramatic. When a needle is inserted into a point, it sets off a complex system of interactions between the brain, hormones and glands. This powerhouse response is responsible for regulating a number of critical bodily processes.

Notably, acupuncture triggers the release of neurotransmitters and endorphins, the body's natural pain-killing hormones, thought to be 200+ times more potent than morphine! Acupuncture is also used to release substances that relax the body and regulate serotonin, which affects emotions. Other amazing physiological effects include increased circulation, decreased inflammation, easing of muscle spasms and increased T-cell count, which supports the immune system.

2. Qi plays a central role in acupuncture.
"Qi" ("chee") is a Chinese word that roughly translates to "energy." The concept is used to describe many different things, but in modern and traditional Chinese medicine, qi is used mainly as a metaphor for metabolic function. For example, "heart qi" would refer to functions of the cardiovascular system, and "ancestral qi" refers to genetics. We practitioners use acupuncture points to balance and move qi, in order to alleviate symptoms.

3. Acupuncturists undergo extensive, rigorous training that incorporates both Eastern and Western medicine.
Just like a doctor or a lawyer, acupuncturists are required to attend graduate school and pass rigorous boards exams. I completed a 3-year, full-time graduate program that required 4,050 hours of formal education, including hands-on clinic work. The program encompasses all aspects of Western medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine, from physiology to neurology, point location to herbal medicine, and clean needle technique and medical ethics. It was very challenging -- even for me, a self-admitted book worm -- and required passion and dedication. Keep in mind that the United States (and NY) has particularly rigorous standards. Your acupuncturist studied and practiced their butt off to provide effective, safe, compassionate care.

I earned my Master's Degree at the Tri-State College of Acupuncture, one of the oldest and most respected acupuncture schools in the U.S., and then completed advanced training at the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine.

4. Almost everyone can benefit from acupuncture.
Almost anyone is a candidate for acupuncture. If you have an ailment, acupuncture can help relieve it. If you feel well, acupuncture can help you maintain wellness, boost immunity and manage stress. While many people seek acupuncture as a treatment for skeletal or muscular pain, my patients are often pleased by immediate, unexpected results, like reduced anxiety, better digestion and better sleep.

5. Acupuncture shouldn't hurt.
Acupuncture shouldn't hurt. The sterile, single-use needles are hair-thin, and I use very thin gauge Japanese needles in my practice. Although it's different for everyone, a lot of my first-time patients don't even feel them. Because the points activate the nervous and circulatory systems, you may feel different sensations coming from deep within your body during a treatment, not from the paper-thin needle on the surface of your skin.

6. How do I get started?
It's simple, call or go online to book a session with me! Whether you need a tune-up to fight stress and strengthen your bodies defenses, or need to release overworked and stiff muscles, I can help. Still have questions? See what my patients have to say.