Frequently Asked Questions

Acupuncture is a form of therapy that promotes natural healing of the body by balancing the flow of energy in a person’s body. It involves inserting very thin needles into specific points that are thought to be gateways that influence the circulating energy, blood, and life force of the body. Specific to Sports Acupuncture, the needles are inserted to make changes to the muscle, nerve and fascial tissues to reduce adhesions and restore strength and function.

Sessions last 60–75 minutes and include a personalized assessment, hands-on therapies (like massage, cupping, or gua sha), and acupuncture tailored to your needs. You’ll relax in a calm environment and receive aftercare guidance for best results.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

If you think of the human body as a highly complex electrical circuit, like any electrical circuit it needs to be kept in good working order to function effectively. If the circuit breaks down the result is illness. It is essential for qi/energy and blood to circulate in a continuous and unobstructed manner for good health of the mind and body. Acupuncture meridians or channels are the pathways through which the energy flows throughout the body. Acupuncture points lie along meridians and are the holes that allow entry into the acupuncture meridians. Acupuncture points provide gateways to influence, redirect, increase, or decrease the body’s vital substances, qi (energy), blood & lymph fluid, thus correcting many of the body’s imbalances. 

In western science we can correlate Acupuncture’s balancing affects to regulating the nervous system. Regulation of the nervous system aids the activity of pain-killing biochemicals such as endorphins and immune system cells at specific sites in the body. It’s also been shown that Acupuncture may alter brain chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones. These affect the parts of the central nervous system related to sensation and involuntary body functions, such as immune reactions and processes that regulate a person’s blood pressure, blood flow, and body temperature. (excerpted from www.howdoesacupuncturework.com)

We provide orthopedic acupuncture, cosmetic acupuncture (including facial rejuvenation acupuncture, microneedling and nanoneedling), and Chinese herbal medicine. Within these services, additional techniques are used such as manual therapy, dry needling, cupping, gua sha, LED light therapy, and/or essential oil aromatherapy. Our holistic approach ensures individualized care for every patient.

What is Orthopedic Acupuncture?

Orthopedic and sports/dance acupuncture focuses on treating musculoskeletal pain, injuries, and dysfunction. It combines targeted traditional acupuncture with modern manual therapy, cupping, and dry needling to support injury recovery, pain relief and optimal performance—ideal for athletes, dancers, and active individuals.

What is Cosmetic Acupuncture vs Microneedling?

Cosmetic Acupuncture - also known as facial acupuncture or facial rejuvenation acupuncture - is a holistic, non-invasive treatment that uses ultra-fine needles on the face and body. This process stimulates collagen production, enhances circulation, and helps lift and tone facial muscles, resulting in improved skin tone, texture, and elasticity. Cosmetic acupuncture addresses skin health from the inside out, offering a natural anti-aging alternative to injectables by supporting both facial appearance and overall wellness.

Microneedling - also called collagen induction therapy - is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure designed to rejuvenate the skin and reduce visible signs of aging. Using a specialized device with fine needles, microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin, which trigger the body's natural healing response. This boosts collagen and elastin production, helping to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, minimize acne scars, age spots, enlarged pores, stretch marks, and improve overall skin texture and firmness.

Both cosmetic acupuncture and microneedling are natural, non-surgical treatments that promote youthful, healthy skin. However, microneedling is especially effective for improving skin texture, superficial wrinkles, and scarring, while cosmetic acupuncture is ideal for enhancing muscle tone, addressing deeper wrinkles, and supporting holistic skin health.

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a modern, therapeutic technique that uses thin, sterile needles to target trigger points—tight, sensitive “knots” in muscles. Dry needling is based on modern anatomical and neurophysiological principles. It’s commonly used to relieve muscle pain, improve mobility, and accelerate recovery from injuries.

At Revive and Root, dry needling is integrated with orthopedic acupuncture to address musculoskeletal pain, tension, and dysfunction. Most people experience improved range of motion and reduced discomfort after this integrative treatment.

Yes. Dry needling is offered as part of our orthopedic acupuncture care and is not a standalone service.

Is dry needling the only thing you do?
No. Dry needling is one tool within a comprehensive, root-cause treatment strategy.

Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?
They use similar tools but are applied through different frameworks. At Revive + Root, dry needling is practiced by licensed acupuncturists within a holistic care model.

I’m only looking for dry needling. Is this a good fit?
Revive + Root may be a good fit if you’re seeking dry needling as part of a thoughtful, whole-body approach. We do not offer isolated dry-needling-only sessions.

What is Hair Regrowth Microneedling?

Microneedling is a powerful tool for promoting hair regrowth. By creating micro-injuries in the scalp, microneedling stimulates blood flow and nutrient delivery to the hair follicles, leading to increased hair growth and thickness over time. 

Whether you're struggling with thinning hair, receding hairlines, or bald patches, micro needling is a safe, effective, and natural solution to rejuvenate your hair. It's best suited for individuals experiencing hair thinning or loss due to aging, genetics, or other factors.

Proper Skin Preparation for Microneedling

- Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin

- Avoid retinoids, acids, and exfoliants for 3–5 days prior

- No sun exposure/tanning for at least 48 hours before

- Let us know about any recent breakouts or skin issues

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

Treatment plans are individualized! Some conditions improve after a few sessions; others may benefit from ongoing care, especially for chronic or cosmetic concerns. We’ll discuss a personalized plan at your first visit.

For Cosmetic Acupuncture, we generally recommend a series of 10 weekly treatments for best results, followed by monthly maintenance as needed.

For optimal outcomes with Microneedling, we suggest scheduling one session per month for six months, with touch-ups as needed.

What is cupping & gua sha?

These are techniques that help with muscle tightness, circulation, and recovery. Used for both recent and long-term issues.

What is electroacupuncture?

Electroacupuncture is a technique where a gently electrical current is applied to acupuncture needles during treatment. This method helps stimulate the body's natural healing response, relieves pain, and supports recovery from injuries. The level of stimulation is always adjusted for your comfort and the treatment is safe when performed by a licensed practitioner.

If you'd like to know if electroacupuncture is right for your needs, ask us at your next visit or contact us directly.

Is acupuncture safe?

Yes. All treatments are performed by licensed, highly trained practitioners using sterile, single-use needles. Safety and comfort are our top priorities.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Most patients report minimal discomfort. During muscular and dry needling techniques, you may experience a mild muscle spasm followed by a gradual relaxation of the muscle. Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, and treatments are generally very relaxing!

Who can benefit from your treatments?

Our practice serves athletes, dancers, musicians, busy professionals, and anyone seeking natural solutions for beauty concerns, pain, or injury. We specialize in musculoskeletal injuries, pain, and holistic anti-aging. 

Can I combine orthopedic and cosmetic treatments?

Yes! We offer comprehensive, holistic care and can create a plan that addresses both musculoskeletal and cosmetic goals.

Do you offer herbal medicine?

Yes, we prescribe herbal formulas through a local herbalist for pick-up or delivery—no on-site inventory.

Where are you located?

99 Madison Avenue, Suite 403, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016

No, you don't need a referral to see us.

Do you accept insurance?

We do NOT accept insurance, but we provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement. Payment is due at the time of service.

 Yes, upon request

Please schedule an appointment before visiting.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations made within 24 hours incur a 50% fee; same-day or no-shows are charged 100% of the service fee. Please cancel or reschedule via our online system, email, or text.

Take a deep breath

If you know you are going to be late, please send a text message to your practitioner and it will be determined if you will still be seen.

We can address orthopedic issues in young pre-professional dancers and athletes.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards, Zelle, Venmo, and cash. Package deals are available for both orthopedic and cosmetic services—ask us about our current discounts for prepaid series.

Yes, we accept HSA and FSA.

No, but we offer prepaid packages (series of appointments) at a discount depending on the service.

Email is our preferred contact method. For appointment changes, use our online system. We respond promptly during business hours.

Please wear comfortable clothing that allows access to the areas being treated (ex. arms, legs, face). For many treatments, we recommend wearing only undergarments; however, we will provide appropriate draping to ensure your privacy and comfort throughout the session.

Any relevant medical records or lab reports.

Do you offer orthopedic massage?

Yes, we offer orthopedic massage therapy focused on deep tissue, sports, and injury recovery. Each session is personalized. Learn more

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy focuses on soft tissue manipulation to ease muscular tension and pain, reduce stress, improve circulation, and support general relaxation and wellness. It’s deeply restorative and can feel wonderfully soothing — especially after a long week or a tough workout or a grueling rehearsal schedule. Licensed massage therapists use techniques like Swedish, Thai, deep tissue, and trigger point work to help muscles relax and alleviate everyday aches.

Manual therapy is more targeted and clinical. It includes precise hands-on techniques — such as joint mobilization, myofascial release, and muscle energy work — that are designed to restore function, improve mobility, and underlying musculoskeletal imbalances or injuries. While manual therapy can sometimes feel like massage, the intention is results-driven for a specific condition or body region: assessing movement, reducing pain at its source, and helping your body move more effectively over the long term.

It's a free, on-demand video you can watch to learn how cosmetic acupuncture & microneedling work to naturally tone, lift and revitalize your skin and improve your overall wellness. 

Yes! 

The building entrance is on the ground level and the elevators are located just inside the entrance.

 Yes, in the entrance lobby.

Take the elevators to the fourth floor lounge area to wait for your practitioner.