Alban Acupuncture

Alban Acupuncture Alban Acupuncture brings the highest quality acupuncture care to New York City.

I partner with you to create personalized therapies including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and cupping.

🌿The road to clear skin starts in your gut.🔎Science shows that an imbalance in gut bacteria (dysbiosis) can trigger syst...
04/08/2026

🌿The road to clear skin starts in your gut.
🔎Science shows that an imbalance in gut bacteria (dysbiosis) can trigger systemic
inflammation, alter hormone levels, and even increase sebum production. All of this
leads to stubborn acne.
✅But here’s the good news: Specific bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus
(often lower in acne patients) can be supported through diet and Traditional Chinese
Medicine.
đź“šTCM first makes a personalized diagnosis of the specific imbalance underlying the
acne. Most often this will include heat clearing herbs like Huang Lian (Coptis) and Jin
Yin Hua (Honeysuckle) and blood moving herbs such as Dan Shen (Salvia Root) and Chi
Shao (Red Peony Root). Research shows they also work to rebalance the microbiome
working on the underlying gut imbalance.

🪴Let’s heal from the inside out.
Read more and book an appointment at albanacupuncture.com

Perioral dermatitis is one of the most common facial skin conditions I treat in clinic. While it often looks similar on ...
03/25/2026

Perioral dermatitis is one of the most common facial skin conditions I treat in clinic.
While it often looks similar on the surface, the underlying patterns driving the inflammation can be very different.

❗️Flares occur during periods of stress, hormonal shifts, or exposure to topicals you don’t agree with

Treatment is always individualized. Herbal formulas are adjusted based on the specific pattern driving the condition.
🌿Chinese medicine works to regulate the internal environment that allows the skin to heal and remain stable over time.

🪴Feel Better, Get Acupuncture

Read more at albanacupuncture.com

Perioral dermatitis often appears after:• topical steroid use• stress• cosmetic irritation• disruption of the skin barri...
03/18/2026

Perioral dermatitis often appears after:
• topical steroid use
• stress
• cosmetic irritation
• disruption of the skin barrier
But the rash itself is only part of the story.
🌿 In Chinese medicine we look at the internal patterns driving the inflammation — involving stress
physiology, digestion, and inflammatory heat.
Treatment is personalized and includes acupuncture, customized herbal medicine, LED light
therapy, and supportive therapies.
🪴 When the underlying imbalance improves, the skin often becomes more stable.
Feel Better, Get Acupuncture.

Hair thinning is incredibly common. Nearly 80% of men and 50% of women experience hairloss at some point.In Chinese medi...
03/04/2026

Hair thinning is incredibly common. Nearly 80% of men and 50% of women experience hair
loss at some point.
In Chinese medicine, hair health reflects the strength of the body’s Qi and Blood- especially
circulation, digestion, stress regulation, and hormonal balance.
When Qi and Blood circulation to the scalp is strong, hair follicles receive the nourishment they
need to grow thick, healthy hair.
In my clinic we combine:
• acupuncture
• microneedling
• herbal formulas
• scalp massage
• nutrition
to support the hair growth cycle and improve follicle health.

In my new blog I walk through the science and the Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective on
natural hair growth. Read more at albanacupuncture.com
Feel better. Get Acupuncture.
Link in bio

02/18/2026

Perimenopause & Acupuncture ✨

Hot flashes. Night sweats. Poor sleep. Mood shifts. Changes in libido.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone — and it doesn’t mean hormones are the only answer.

🌿 Acupuncture is a natural, non-hormonal approach to perimenopausal symptoms.

New research found that acupuncture:

• Significantly reduced daily hot flashes and night sweats
• Improved overall quality of life and life satisfaction
• Enhanced sexual health
• Benefits lasted up to 12 months after treatment ended

Acupuncture helps regulate the nervous system, support hormonal signaling, and restore balance — all while being customized to your symptoms, not a one-size-fits-all protocol.

Perimenopause isn’t something to “push through.”

đź“ŤFeel Better. Get Acupuncture.

02/04/2026

❄️ Why Cold Weather Worsens Joint Pain ❄️
If your joints ache more in winter, there’s a reason.
Cold temperatures stiffen muscles and slow circulation — increasing pain and stiffness.
 In Chinese medicine, cold and dampness block the flow of Qi and blood, leading to aching, heaviness, and reduced mobility.
🔥 How acupuncture & moxibustion help
 Acupuncture includes both needles and warming therapy.
 Moxibustion uses gentle heat to warm the joints, improve circulation, and drive cold out.
Together, they:
 • Reduce stiffness and pain
 • Improve mobility
 • Treat the root cause — not just symptoms
Winter doesn’t have to mean suffering.
 📍 Feel Better. Get Acupuncture.

Make an Appointment at Albanacupuncture.com

Sweating more than feels normal? You’re not alone. Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) can feel embarrassing and uncomfor...
02/02/2026

Sweating more than feels normal? You’re not alone. Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) can feel embarrassing and uncomfortable — and it can make social situations stressful.
The good news: acupuncture can help.

In Chinese medicine, excessive sweating often comes from underlying imbalances — not just “overactive sweat glands.” Instead of simply blocking sweat (like medications or antiperspirants), acupuncture works to rebalance the body and support natural regulation.

✨ Common patterns we see:
• Qi deficiency — fatigue, shortness of breath, digestive issues, loose stools, pale tongue
• Qi stagnation — stress-related symptoms, irritability, rib-side discomfort, irregular bowels
• Internal heat — red face, insomnia, fast pulse, strong appetite, sweating at odd times

By addressing the root pattern, many people experience less sweating, calmer nerves, and better overall balance.
In my clinic, I use acupuncture (with electro-stimulation) on the back to calm the nervous system and support the brain centers that regulate sweating.

🌿 Hyperhidrosis doesn’t have to control your life.
With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, the body can re-balance and heal.

👉 If excessive sweating is affecting your day-to-day life, I’m happy to talk about whether acupuncture may help.

Read more: https://albanacupuncture.com/conditions/hyperhidrosis/

Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome is complex. For most people, symptoms do not come from a single cause. Pain, inflammation, ...
01/26/2026

Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome is complex. For most people, symptoms do not come from a single cause. Pain, inflammation, circulation changes, and muscle tension often overlap, which is why treatment needs to address more than one system at a time.

In my practice, acupuncture is used in CP/CPPS care to support the body in several key ways:

• Pain regulation
Acupuncture helps calm overactive pain signaling in the nervous system. This can reduce the intensity and persistence of pelvic pain and help the body shift out of a constant pain response.

• Inflammation support
Research shows acupuncture can influence inflammatory activity in the body. This matters for CP/CPPS, where inflammation may contribute to pain, pressure, or discomfort even when no infection is present.

• Improved circulation
By improving blood flow to pelvic tissues, acupuncture helps reduce stagnation and muscle guarding. Better circulation supports tissue health and can ease the tight, heavy sensations many patients describe.

• Bladder and pelvic function support
Acupuncture is also used to support urinary urgency, frequency, and discomfort by helping regulate nervous system input and pelvic muscle tension.

Treatment is never one size fits all. I choose points based on pain location, urinary symptoms, stress patterns, and muscular findings during the exam. As symptoms shift, treatment adapts. The goal is steady progress by addressing what is driving the condition, not simply managing symptoms.

You can read more about how acupuncture is used in CP/CPPS care here:
https://albanacupuncture.com/conditions/acupuncture-chronic-prostatitis/

Winter eczema follows a very specific pattern. Developing as the air gets dryer and colder, the skin gets itchy and red....
01/19/2026

Winter eczema follows a very specific pattern. Developing as the air gets dryer and colder, the skin gets itchy and red. For some people, these symptoms appear only in the winter months. In Chinese medicine, this pattern is often referred to as winter dermatitis.

This type of winter eczema is most often linked to insufficient Qi. Qi plays an important role in warming the body and nourishing the skin. During colder months, the body uses more Qi to stay warm. When there is not enough available, the skin may become dry, irritated, and more prone to inflammation.

Treatment focuses on supporting circulation, helping the skin stay nourished, and addressing immune driven inflammation that can flare with seasonal stress. Acupuncture points are selected to encourage Qi movement, support warmth, and clear residual heat, while herbal formulas are chosen to help regulate immune activity and strengthen the body’s ability to adapt to cold weather.

Care is adjusted based on symptom location, seasonal changes, and how the body responds over time.You can use acupuncture for support during active flares or better yet, preventative care may be used ahead of winter to help reduce the severity or frequency of symptoms.

You can read the full case and treatment approach here:
https://albanacupuncture.com/acupuncture-chinese-herbs-eczema/

Did you know a large clinical study found that acupuncture provided greater relief for chronic low back pain than conven...
01/12/2026

Did you know a large clinical study found that acupuncture provided greater relief for chronic low back pain than conventional medical care alone?

In this study, participants were divided into three groups. One group received standard acupuncture, another received acupuncture with gentle electrical stimulation, and the third received only conventional medical care. Within just three months, both acupuncture groups reported lower pain levels, improved physical function, and better sleep, along with reduced anxiety.

What makes these findings especially meaningful is that the benefits did not stop when treatment ended. Many participants continued to experience relief six months and even one year later, often after only eight to fifteen sessions. In comparison, those receiving standard medical care alone showed much less improvement over time.

Another important takeaway is safety. Many people with chronic back pain are already taking multiple medications. This study found that acupuncture provided meaningful relief without adding drugs, and side effects were rare, mild, and short lived. For many patients, that matters just as much as pain reduction itself.

This research was designed to help inform Medicare coverage decisions, highlighting why broader access to acupuncture could benefit so many people living with chronic back pain.

This research reflects what I see regularly in my practice. Acupuncture works by supporting circulation, calming the nervous system, and helping the body restore balance rather than simply masking symptoms.

As always, results vary by individual, and care is tailored to each person’s needs and presentation.

You can read more about the study and how I approach back pain care here:
https://albanacupuncture.com/back-pain-relief-with-acupuncture/


Cold weather stiffens joints, slows circulation, and makes pain more noticeable. In Chinese medicine, this is understood...
12/09/2025

Cold weather stiffens joints, slows circulation, and makes pain more noticeable. In Chinese medicine, this is understood as cold and dampness entering the channels and blocking the flow of Qi and blood causing joints to become stiff, achy, swollen, or harder to move — especially in wet or freezing weather.

Common signs of cold-weather joint pain:
• Morning stiffness
• Achy or sharp pain that worsens with cold
• Reduced mobility
• Heaviness or swelling in the limbs

How acupuncture helps:
Acupuncture opens the channels, moves Qi and blood, and reduces the constriction caused by cold. This improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and loosens tight, painful joints.

Moxibustion (warming mugwort therapy) is often added in colder months. The heat penetrates deeply, drives out cold, and enhances the effects of acupuncture — especially for arthritic or chronic joint pain.

Herbs and warming foods:
Many formulas warm the body, move blood, and drain dampness. Common warming foods like ginger, cinnamon, bone broths, winter squash, and root vegetables help protect the body in colder seasons.

Avoiding damp-producing foods — dairy, fried foods, and heavy sweets — also makes a noticeable difference.
Winter is the time when cold and damp affect the joints the most. Supporting circulation and warmth is a simple, effective way to stay comfortable and mobile throughout the season.

You can explore more details in the full article:
https://albanacupuncture.com/how-cold-causes-joint-pain/

One of the most fascinating parts of Chinese herbal medicine is that an herb’s flavor is directly linked to how it behav...
12/02/2025

One of the most fascinating parts of Chinese herbal medicine is that an herb’s flavor is directly linked to how it behaves in the body. This comes from centuries of observation and clinical testing.

Practitioners assess herbs through organoleptics, a process of tasting, smelling, and examining the herb to determine both quality and therapeutic action. These qualities guide how formulas are built and why they work so precisely.

Here’s how flavor reflects function:
• Sweet herbs strengthen Qi and digestion. Examples like licorice (Gan Cao) and astragalus (Huang Qi) are often included to support energy and recovery.
• Sour herbs help preserve fluids and stabilize the Liver. They’re useful when the body needs to hold on to moisture.
• Bitter herbs clear heat, dry dampness, and reduce inflammation. Many herbs in this category show anti-inflammatory effects in research.
• Acrid herbs move Qi and help the body release the early signs of a cold. Mint and ginger fall into this group.
• Salty herbs soften hardness and nourish the Kidneys. They help guide formulas deeper into the body.

Temperature is equally important. A cooling herb like mint helps clear heat, while warming herbs support circulation or low energy. When flavors and temperatures are combined, they create targeted formulas that match the individual pattern rather than the general symptom.

This is why herbal prescriptions vary from person to person even when symptoms look similar. The underlying pattern determines what the body needs.

đź–Ą Read the full explanation: https://albanacupuncture.com/chinese-herbs-taste/

Address

255 West End Avenue, #1B
New York, NY
10023

Opening Hours

Tuesday 11am - 8pm
Wednesday 10am - 8pm
Thursday 8am - 2pm
Friday 7:30am - 2pm

Telephone

+12123195757

Website

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