GENERAL QUESTIONS

It’s important that patients, along with their caregivers and families, have the information they need for informed and confident treatment decisions about proton therapy.

These answers to frequently asked questions can help you decide whether proton therapy is right for you. You can also contact us directly for more information.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one of the modalities of Chinese Medicine aka Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The concept of Acupuncture is based on the fact that there a energy flowing in the body through certain pathways or meridians called as the channel. And this energy flow was also called as the Qi or Chi.

Yin and Yang theory of Chinese Medicine is also used for the treatment methods using Acupuncture. According to this theory, there is a constant balance between the Yin and Yang forces of the body to create an equilibrium. Any imbalance in these forces causes disease in the body.

By balancing the imbalance of Yin and Yang the body is brought back to state where self healing process gets started.

Acupuncture involves introducing very fine needles into the body at certain points of the pathways or meridians to bring back balance to the Qi, Yin and Yang and thereby restart the self healing process of the body.

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is a natural health care system that originated in India more than 5000 years ago. Its main objective is to achieve optimal health and well-being through a comprehensive approach that addresses mind, body, behavior, and environment. Ayurveda emphasizes prevention and health promotion, and provides treatment for disease. It considers the development of consciousness to be essential for optimal health and meditation as the main technique for achieving this.

Treatment of disease is highly individualized and depends on the psychophysiologic constitution of the patient. There are dietary and lifestyle recommendations as well as herbs and herbal mixtures, and special preparations known as Rasayanas are used for rejuvenation, promotion of longevity, and slowing of the aging process. A group of purification procedures known as Panchakarma removes accumulated toxins.

Do you accept insurance?

We do not accept any insurance.

However we can provide you with a super bill if you wish to submit to reimburse with your insurance for your acupuncture treatments.

Can I use my FSA or HSA or HRA?

Acupuncture is an eligible expense with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Can I get a remote treatments?

No. The treatments cannot be performed remotely.

What eye conditions do you treat?

Please see our conditions treated page to see the complete list of eye disorders we treated.

How long are the treatments?

The duration of a course of treatment might vary from 2 to 4 weeks depending on the condition treated and chronicity of the condition.

Degenerative eye conditions might need followup treatments.

ACUPUNCTURE

How long is the acupuncture treatment?

An initial consultation would last about 1 hour and acupuncture treatments generally last about 30-45 mins.

Do acupuncture needles hurt?

The acupuncture needles are very fine needles and the width of the needles are only couple of strands of your hair.

When the needles are inserted most individuals experience a small pinch and tingling sensation rather than pain and many people report feeling either energized or pleasantly relaxed following a treatment.

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by an experienced, well-trained practitioner using sterile needles.

The FDA regulates acupuncture needles and requires that all needles be steel, solid, sterile, nontoxic and properly labeled. Only qualified and licensed professionals may use acupuncture needles.

The FDA also regulates that acupuncture needles are disposable needles and will never be reused.

How long should I rest with the needles in?

The duration of the treatment after the insertion of the needles can range from 20 mins to 45 mins depending on the type of treatment performed.

AYURVEDA

What are the principles of Ayurveda?

Ayurveda bases its theory on the five elements and three doshas.

During the course of life, the dosha proportions deviate (vikrti) from its original state (prakrti) and it has an impact on our mental and physical health condition.

Psychic consciousness, thoughts, emotions, relationships, diet, daily rhythm, lifestyle, season and our environment, all influence the balance or imbalance of the doshas.

This imbalance in the doshas is said to be the cause of diseases.

What are three doshas?

Ayurveda organizes the five elements into three doshas, or constitutions.

The word “Dosha” means “that which is most likely to go out of balance.”

The three Doshas are Vata (Air and Ether), Pitta (Fire and Water), and Kapha (Earth and Water).
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Your constitution never changes, but it can go out of balance due to diet and lifestyle choices.

What treatments Ayurveda has to offer?

Ayurvedic treatment focuses on bringing a balance in the health of an individual rather than treating the disease. By promoting the overall health, Ayurveda indirectly prevents the disease and cures the sickness. An Ayurvedic health system is a holistic approach that considers all the factors and not just the disease.

Treatments include herbal medicine, detoxing and rejuvenating treatments which include panchakarma, lifestyle management and diet management.

Do you provide massages?

Yes, we do provide medical massages as part of our treatments.

However we are not a spa and do not offer massages based on patient request. If you are looking for massages for relaxation then we are not the place for you.

Ayurvedic Abhyanga are medicated massages which are offered as part of the treatment program.

What is Shirodhara?

Shirodhara is a classical and a well-established Ayurvedic treatment procedure where a steady and slow dripping of medicated oil or other liquids on the forehead. This procedure induces a relaxed state of awareness that results in a dynamic psycho-somatic balance.

Shirodhara has neuro-immuno-physio-psychological effects on the human body.

YOGA THERAPY

What is yoga therapy?

Therapeutic Yoga or Yoga therapy is a modified form of yoga poses which are customized to suit the individual limitations, injuries and physical condition.

Also defined as the application of yoga postures and practice to the treatment of health conditions and involves instruction in yogic practices and teachings to prevent or alleviate structural, physiological, emotional and spiritual pain, suffering or limitations.

What are the benefits of yoga therapy?

Studies have shown that Yoga Therapy can enhance muscular strength and body flexibility, promote and improve respiratory and cardiovascular function, promote recovery from and treatment of addiction, reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, improve sleep patterns, and enhance overall well-being and quality of life.

How is it different to yoga?

Yoga therapy sessions are designed to suit an individual with medical condition, an injury or a physical condition.

Yoga on the other hand is meant for people with good health and physical condition.

When will the yoga therapy session begin?

The doctor will determine the right time to introduce Yoga Therapy based on your current condition.

When can I practice yoga therapy?

It is generally recommended to practice yoga therapy on an empty stomach or about 2-3 hours after having a moderate meal.

What Yoga poses will I be asked to practice as part of the therapy ?

The list of yoga poses taught and prescribed varies by each medical and physical condition of the individual and the goal the therapy is geared towards.

The doctor will discus this in detail during the first session of the Yoga Therapy

GENERAL QUESTIONS

ACUPUNCTURE

AYURVEDA

YOGA THERAPY

"I would like to thank all of the staff for their kindness and compassion. You all made me feel so welcome and at ease during my treatment."

– Grateful New York Proton Center patient

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