The Body Lab Wellness Center - Binghamton, NY
 

Acupuncture / Herbal Medicine

Optimal wellness is achieved when the body is in balance physically, mentally, and emotionally. Traditional Chinese Medicine has been used effectively for over 2,500 years for a wide range of health conditions. Treatments, such as acupuncture and herbal medicine, provide a natural way of relief for many health conditions.

Mission

 

 

Katie Edwards, M.S., L.Ac.

Feel Well. Live Well. Be Well.

My mission is to improve and enhance the overall quality of life. I hold myself to the highest standards for exceptional patient care. I am dedicated to promoting wellness and providing a comfortable and relaxed environment to allow patients to achieve optimal health.

For more information or to schedule an appointment...

Call (607) 972-6220

Click here to email!

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a very safe and effective holistic treatment. It works on the physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing of a person. Acupuncture uses fine sterile needles that are inserted into certain points along the body. These points stimulate the body’s energy or “qi” (pronounced ‘chee’) in order to help the body heal itself. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), disease becomes present when the body is out of balance or there is a blockage of energy.

Acupuncture can benefit people of all ages, from infants to elderly populations.

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture has been practiced and used effectively in China for thousands of years. TCM also includes different forms of treatments that may be included during the acupuncture treatment. These modalities include moxibustion, dietary therapy counseling, cupping, Chinese bodywork (Gua Sha/Tuina), and herbal therapy.

Acupuncture/Herbal Medicine is used for:

Acne
Dermatitis
Irritable bowel syndrome
Shoulder pain
Addiction
Diarrhea
Low back pain
Sinusitis
Anxiety
Digestive trouble
Menopause
Sleep disturbances
Arthritis
Dizziness
Menstrual irregularities
Smoking cessation
Asthma
Emotional problems
Migraine
Sore throat
Bronchitis
Endometriosis
Morning sickness
Stress
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Eye problems
Nausea
Tennis elbow
Chemotherapy side effects
Fatigue
Osteoarthritis
Tonsillitis
Chronic fatigue
Fertility
Pain
Tooth pain
Colitis
Fibromyalgia
PMS
Trigeminal neuralgia
Common cold
Headache
Pneumonia
Urinary tract infections
Constipation
Heartburn
Reproductive problems
Vomiting
Dental pain
Incontinence
Sciatica
Weight Loss
Depression
Indigestion
Seasonal affective disorder
Wrist pain

Herbal Medicine

Chinese Herbal Medicine has a very long history that dates back for thousands of years. It is a safe, natural, and very effective way to promote wellness and help cure diseases. An herbal medicine practitioner will diagnose and prescribe an herbal formula based on the individual patient’s needs. The purpose of the herbal prescription is not only to treat the symptoms or ailments the patient presents with, but also to treat the body as a holistic system. It can effectively be used for a wide variety of chronic and acute health problems.

Herbal prescription consists of individual herbs that are put into a formula to utilize the therapeutic action of the individual herbs, as well as the combined effect as a whole. It is also formulated to specifically fit an individual’s condition and health problems. As a condition changes and improves, the herbal formula may be modified or decreased as an individual begins to feel better.

Herbal Medicine can be used to treat diseases, as well as prevent them from occurring. It does this by strengthening and enhancing the body’s natural functions and promoting optimal wellness.
 

FAQ's

Click on the question to view the answer!

What should I know/expect when coming to my first treatment?

Please print out new patient forms on Katie's website and bring them with you to your first treatment. If you do have not the ability to print out the form, please arrive 15 minutes early to your appointment to fill out the appropriate paperwork.

Please eat a light meal before coming to your treatment.

The first visit the practitioner will spend up to an hour and half with you. The initial visit consists of an intake of your past and current health history. Follow up visits will be shorter (around 1 hour).

During your first visit, it is my job to make you as comfortable as possible. Please ask any questions that may concern you. I will be happy to answer them!

The acupuncture needles are usually retained for about 15 to 20 minutes.

If you are able, please wear loose and comfortable clothing.

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What kind of training does a Licensed Acupuncturist/Herbalist have?

The credentials and training can vary from state to state. New York State requires a master’s degree to practice acupuncture. Katie received her Masters of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. This training involved 3 year round intensive medical training in both traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and western biomedicine. She completed over 3,000 hours of training along with internships in various health centers. After the completion of schooling, to become licensed in New York State, you must pass the National Board examinations provided by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). This gives you the title of L.Ac. or Licensed Acupuncturist.

Katie also was trained in herbal medicine at Finger Lakes School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. People with this training often receive their degree as M.S.A.O.M.(Masters of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) rather than a M.S.A. degree (Masters of Science in Acupuncture).

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How many treatments before I start to feel better?

The results of acupuncture vary among individuals. Acute conditions are usually more easily resolved than chronic diseases. As a general rule, patients should experience a significant improvement in symptoms within 4 to 6 treatments. Patient with chronic conditions may need 2 to 3 months of treatment to resolve their condition. Usually patients come about once or twice a week and gradually space out treatments as they start to feel better. The treatment assessment is based depending upon the condition, age, and lifestyle of an individual.

What other treatment techniques may be incorporated in my acupuncture treatment?

Massage

Such as, Tuina or Amma, is provided to increase relaxation, help muscle tension, relieve pain, and promote circulation. It is used in many treatments for different illnesses or used to promote overall wellness.


Eastern Dietary Therapy

Helps to guide people in their food choices or eliminate certain foods that may aggravate a condition. The patient is counseled in order to pick healthy and nutritious foods to best benefit their condition or lifestyle.

Auricular Therapy

Uses very small needles that are inserted into the ear. The points on the ear can benefit many conditions and treat all aspect of the body. Ear seeds may also be supplemented or used in conjunction with needles.

Qi Gong/Tai Chi

A gentle exercise that may be recommended or taught to patients in order to benefit a person’s health. It is used in conjunction with many other treatments in order to speed up or increase the healing process.

Moxibustion

A Chinese herb, which is burned in pole, loose, or stick form to provide warmth and circulation to the areas of pain, tension, or other conditions.

Plum Blossom

It is a small device with seven needles attached to the head and tapped on the skin. It is often used for numbness, pain or muscle tension.

Cupping

A technique, which glass or plastic cups are attached to the skin surface using suction. It is used for many conditions and to alleviate pain or tension in the muscles.

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Is Acupuncture Safe?

Yes, acupuncture is a very safe treatment when practiced by a trained and qualified practitioner.

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Does Acupuncture hurt?

An acupuncture needle can actually fit inside a medical hypodermic needle. Overall the process is usually painless.  You may feel a little poke or prick at the insertion of the needles, however if that sensation is felt, it should quickly disappear. Most patients feel that the treatment is relaxing and often fall asleep.

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Where are you going to place the needles?

The location of the needles will vary from treatment to treatment and patient to patient.  The acupuncture points are located all over the body so the practitioner will assess where the needles need to be placed at the time of treatment.

 

Can children receive acupuncture

Yes, acupuncture can benefit children greatly! Children often respond very quickly and very well to acupuncture. If a child is uneasy about the needles, a practitioner may use acupressure (pressing on acupuncture points) or other adjunctive treatment methods to help a child feel better.

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What are the costs of treatment?
  • First time visit - $70.00
  • Follow up visit - $50.00
  • Herbal Consult ONLY - $40.00 (Plus the cost of the herbal prescription

 

Does insurance cover acupuncture/herbal medicine treatments?

Please be sure to call your insurance provider and find out what benefits that are covered. Be sure to ask what restrictions are applied to your policy (such as conditions covered, number of treatments allowed, etc.).  Currently we do not bill insurance companies directly, but we will gladly give you a receipt to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement if acupuncture is covered. Herbal Medicine is generally not covered by insurance companies.

 

Can I get an Herbal formula prescribed by my practitioner with my acupuncture treatment?

Yes, herbal formulas can be recommended and prescribed after the practitioner has assessed your condition. However, if individual are only interested in an herbal consult, the cost for the consult is $40.00 (plus the cost of the herbal formula).

 

What type of payment is accepted?

Payment is due at the time of treatment. Cash and Personal Check are accepted.

 

What if I can’t make my scheduled appointment?

Please give 24 hours notice if you are unable to keep your appointment. If you fail to do so, I reserve the right to charge for missed appointments. In cases of emergency or illness the fee may be waived.

 

 
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