Acupuncture

Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is performed by inserting sterile, single-use (disposable), extremely thin needles into unique points along energy channels (known as “meridians”) to balance and/or improve the flow of energy (known as “chi”) which helps to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue, thereby activating the body’s natural pain-relieving processes. 

Based on the concerns addressed during your consultation, your treatment may also incorporate cupping therapy and/or gua sha (scraping) if our medical acupuncturist determines it is beneficial for your therapeutic treatment strategy.

Cupping therapy is performed by applying several cups on the skin and then gently suctioning the air out of the cups. Cupping therapy can improve the circulation of blood and the flow of chi (your body’s energy) to help manage muscular pain and problem areas.

Gua sha or scraping can also help manage chronic pain issues. The skin is lubricated and then a hand-held smooth edge tool is rubbed or scrapped over the targeted area to improve circulation of blood, promote pain relief, and the flow of chi (your body’s energy).

Neema Shakibai, MD, CAc is a board-certified internist with a certification in medical acupuncture from New York State. He joins our staff from a multi-specialty private in San Diego, where he consistently received the highest patient satisfaction ratings. Prior to his time on the West Coast, Dr. Shakibai served at the New York Harbor Health Care System (NYHHS) and was appointed Co-Chief of the Section of General Internal Medicine, as well as the Brooklyn Campus Director of the SUNY-Downstate Internal Medicine Residency. 

Dr. Shakibai earned his Medical Degree from Boston University School of Medicine in 2001 and completed his residency training in Internal Medicine at NYU School of Medicine in 2004. In 2018, he received New York State Certification in Medical Acupuncture after studying at the Helms Medical Institute. 

Acupuncture can offer a wide array of physical and mental health benefits. Depending on the individual’s health status and their body’s response, acupuncture can treat:  

As a new patient, you will be required to schedule an initial virtual consultation. During this visit, you will speak with our medical acupuncturist, who is a Board-Certified Internal Medicine provider. They will review your medical history and treatment interests to determine if acupuncture is clinically recommended.  After your consultation, our medical acupuncturist will recommend a treatment plan and visit schedule.  

To schedule an acupuncture consultation, contact a Health Navigator by: 

• Emailing hy-support@mountsinai.org
• Calling 646-819-5100
• Chatting in the member portal

You will be asked to fill out a short intake form that gathers information about your current health concerns and symptoms. The provider will review these details during your initial consultation to shape your personalized treatment plan. 

The initial consultation is a 30-minute video visit.

During the acupuncture consultation, you and the provider will discuss the potential role of acupuncture to address your symptoms.  

If you and the provider decide that acupuncture is the appropriate next step, you will schedule an acupuncture treatment appointment. All acupuncture treatment appointments are 60 minutes. These appointments can include gua sha, acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, and/or cupping, depending on the provider’s recommendations.  

Both the acupuncture consultation and treatments will be billed to your insurance, provided your plan includes acupuncture benefits.

If your insurance plan doesn’t include acupuncture benefits, a self-pay option is available. Acupuncture treatment visits cost $275 per visit and will be a 60-minute visit. Full payment will be collected at the time of your visit.

Gua sha and cupping are not benefits covered by insurance; however, a self-pay option is available. Gua sha or cupping visits cost $160 per visit and will be a 30-minute visit. Full payment will be collected at the time of your visit.