Everything you want to know before your first visit

Acupuncture is a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine that has been practiced for thousands of years. Hair-thin, sterile needles are placed at specific points on the body to stimulate the body's own healing response, relieve pain and restore balance.

Today it's widely used alongside conventional medicine for pain, injuries, stress, sleep, digestion, allergies, fertility and many other conditions. See the full list of conditions we treat.

Traditionally, acupuncture is understood to regulate the flow of qi (vital energy) along pathways in the body called meridians. From a modern perspective, needling stimulates nerves, muscles and connective tissue — increasing blood flow, releasing the body's natural pain-relieving chemicals and changing how the nervous system processes pain.

Dr. Phil's orthopedic, physical-medicine approach combines both views: finding and treating the musculoskeletal source of the problem rather than only the symptoms.

Yes — when performed by a licensed, board-certified practitioner. We use only sterile, single-use disposable needles. Side effects are rare and usually minor, such as slight soreness or a small bruise at a needle site.

Please let us know if you are pregnant, have a pacemaker, a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners, so we can tailor your treatment safely.

Acupuncture needles are hair-thin and solid. Usually, it does not feel like more than a mosquito bite. Many patients often don't feel any sensations at all.

However, some may feel soreness and numbness after or during treatment, but it is temporary. The energetic sensation differs from pain. People often comment that the feeling is unfamiliar but pleasant, relaxing, and interesting.

We accept most major health insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Aetna and Oscar. Not sure what your plan covers? Use our insurance verification page or call us at 212-769-6443 and we'll check your benefits before your visit.

If your plan doesn't cover acupuncture, call the office and we'll go over your options.

The cost of acupuncture in New York City varies widely depending on the practitioner, the condition being treated, how many sessions you need and whether your insurance covers it. Because we accept most major insurances, many of our patients pay only their copay.

For an exact figure based on your plan, verify your insurance or call the office — we'll give you a clear answer before you book.

Pain relief is the best-known benefit — neck, back, joint, carpal tunnel, heel and foot pain, plus recovery from sports and orthopedic injuries. Acupuncture is also used for anxiety, depression, insomnia, stress and migraine; digestive disorders such as IBS; allergies; chronic fatigue; fertility support; smoking cessation and addiction; pediatric conditions; and weight loss.

Explore the full list on our conditions page.

Dr. Philip Trigiani is a Doctor of Acupuncture who has practiced on the Upper West Side since 1992. He is a New York State Licensed and Board Certified acupuncturist with a Clinical Master's Degree from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine and a graduate of the New York College of Health Professions for Physical Rehabilitation and Pain Management.

He specializes in orthopedic disorders, joint disease and spinal cord injuries — and he leads an integrated team of acupuncturists, a chiropractor, a physical therapist and massage therapists, so your care plan can combine whatever will help you most. Meet Dr. Phil and the team.

We're at 470 West End Ave, Suite 1-C, New York, NY 10024 — the entrance is on 83rd Street, on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, a short walk from the 79th St and 86th St stops on the 1 train.

Call 212-769-6443. We're open Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, and closed on weekends. Get directions and request an appointment.