Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

  • Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic healing system that promotes natural wellness through Acupuncture and Herbal medicine. While these practices can be used together for a powerful synergistic effect, each can also stand alone as an effective treatment. TCM views the body as an interconnected system, emphasizing the relationship between our internal processes and the external environment. Rather than just addressing symptoms, TCM aims to identify and treat the root causes of health issues, all while bolstering the body's natural defenses and promoting overall well-being. Learn More.

  • Acupuncture is an ancient form of medicine practiced for over 2,500 years. It involves the insertion of hair-thin needles at key body points, interacting with the fascial network to alter brain chemistry and regulate the nervous system. This stimulates internal responses, including hormone regulation, pain relief, improved circulation, and reduced inflammation. Acupuncture helps manage pain, fertility and immune support, digestion, sleep, and mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression.  Learn More

  • Acupuncture is proven to help over 300 health conditions by stimulating the body’s natural healing process. Hair-thin needles are inserted at specific points, releasing chemicals that promote physical and emotional well-being. These chemicals increase blood flow, reduce inflammation, and release endorphins, which control pain and regulate mood, blood pressure, and body temperature. Acupuncture can relieve pain from conditions like chronic backaches, arthritis, and migraines. It also aids with stress, anxiety, insomnia, and digestion. Clinics like Wellspring Health combine ancient techniques with modern science for holistic wellness. Learn More

  • Yes! We love science and integration with conventional medicine Doctors. Collaboration between both approaches can provide comprehensive care, ensuring the best treatment plan for your health and well-being.

  • Acupuncture can be a vital support for fertility, helping the body work more efficiently alongside modern reproductive treatments like IVF. One major factor in infertility is stress, which evolutionarily decreases fertility in high-stress environments. Today’s stressors—such as work pressures, financial issues, and pollution—can negatively impact hormonal balance and even suppress menstrual cycles. Acupuncture needles stimulate uterine blood circulation, promoting hormonal balance and potentially restoring regular cycles. This ancient practice may address underlying molecular damage, providing benefits that Western medical treatments alone may not achieve.  Learn More

  • Acupuncture can help with pain relief, stress reduction, improved digestion, hormone balance, better sleep, and emotional well-being. It’s effective for conditions like migraines, arthritis, anxiety, infertility, and digestive disorders. Learn More

  • Yes, acupuncture is proven effective for various conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, fertility, and insomnia. Numerous studies support its efficacy, highlighting its role in enhancing overall well-being and complementing conventional treatments. Learn More

  • Yes! Acupuncture can effectively treat various chronic pain conditions. Common issues our patients seek help for include neck pain, lower back pain, runner’s knee, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, sciatica, rotator cuff injuries, migraines, tennis and golfer's elbow, and arthritis. This ancient therapy has been practiced for thousands of years, and modern techniques ensure that using hair-thin sterile needles has no known negative side effects. Learn More

  • Acupuncture is generally safe, with few reported complications. Most issues arise from nonsterile needles or improper technique. The FDA regulates acupuncture needles as medical devices, requiring they be sterile, nontoxic, and for single use by licensed practitioners. When performed correctly, the risk of serious adverse effects, such as infections or injury to organs, is minimal. Our acupuncture services use single-use, sterile needles opened just before treatment, ensuring a low risk of infection and aligning with hygienic practices in modern medicine. Learn More

  • Acupuncture sensations vary among individuals, but common descriptions include warmth, tingling, and a slight ache. These feelings indicate that the acupuncture points are activated, promoting natural healing. Overall, patients often find the experience soothing and beneficial, reflecting that sensation during treatment is a positive sign of effective acupuncture. Our acupuncture treatments prioritize your comfort. Many patients feel little to no discomfort during needle insertion, sometimes noting a mild ache or warmth. Most report deep relaxation, with some even falling asleep. Post-treatment, you’ll likely feel calm and rejuvenated, with minimal awareness of the needles. Acupuncture uses fine needles, making it different from traditional injections. Learn More

  • If you're afraid of needles, acupuncture can still be a comfortable experience. Our hair-thin needles are inserted gently and shallowly, causing minimal sensation. Most patients report feeling relaxed and at ease during treatment, often experiencing a sense of well-being that lasts for hours afterward. Your comfort is our priority, and we aim to make the experience positive. LEARN MORE

  • Although we specialize in fertility and reproductive health, we are a general practice that addresses a wide range of health concerns, including pain and allergies, and we provide care for patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

  • During your session, a practitioner will review your medical history and discuss your symptoms in detail. They will assess your health habits, such as sleep and digestion, and identify acupuncture points to restore balance to your qi. You’ll lie comfortably on a treatment table with soft music and dim lighting, allowing you to relax—many patients even drift off to sleep. After about 30 minutes, the needles will be removed, and you’ll receive a treatment plan for follow-up visits. Let your practitioner know if you have any concerns. LEARN MORE

  • Results can vary based on your specific condition, but many people initially feel deeply relaxed. Other effects may include reduced pain, improved sleep, digestive changes, or fatigue. For some, the first session is about acclimating to the acupuncture experience, while others may feel the benefits in subsequent sessions. In some cases, you may notice improvements a day or so after treatment, especially with chronic conditions, which might require several sessions for noticeable effects. It’s normal to feel a bit tired or sore afterward, but this usually fades quickly. LEARN MORE

  • Absolutely! We encourage acupuncture during pregnancy as it can alleviate nausea, morning sickness, lower back pain, anxiety, insomnia, and pre-baby jitters, providing a well-deserved moment of self-care. Post-pregnancy, acupuncture can help with exhaustion, hormonal balance, depression, breast feeding issues (milk production, clogged ducts, and mastitis), and anxiety, offering a peaceful escape for mothers and mothers-to-be. LEARN MORE

  • Ear seeds are a form of acupressure (needle-free acupuncture) applied to specific points in the ear. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the entire body is represented in the ear, allowing for various symptoms and conditions to be addressed through ear points. Your practitioner may incorporate these into your treatment plan, and you can also purchase a kit from our boutique that includes a user-friendly map and instructions.

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  • Wellspring Health is located at 19 East 16th Street, #2R in Union Square Manhattan. CONTACT US for more details.

  • No, our initial consultation is complimentary. LEARN MORE

  • The cost of acupuncture varies based on the type of treatment and treatment plan you receive. Our initial consultations are complimentary, during which we assess your care needs and provide you with our best recommendation for a customized treatment plan. Additionally, some insurance plans may cover acupuncture services, and we can help you explore these options. LEARN MORE

  • During your first visit to Wellspring Health, you’ll receive a comprehensive consultation with Dr Manges, L.Ac DOAM who will review your medical history with you and recommend a custom treatment plan based on your health goals. No labs or medical records are required, but you’re welcome to bring any relevant information. The initial consultation lasts about 15 minutes, with your first acupuncture treatment taking an additional 30 minutes. Follow-up treatments typically last 30 minutes. LEARN MORE

  •   The consultation itself lasts about 15 minutes, during which we will discuss your health concerns and outline a treatment plan. If we establish that you're a good candidate for acupuncture and you have time, you can stay for your first treatment, which may take an additional 20-30 minutes. LEARN MORE

  • For the initial consultation, please arrive 5 minutes before your scheduled appointments.  Your paperwork should be submitted 1 day prior to your appointment. For follow-up treatments, we recommend arriving 5 minutes early. Make sure to check in with the Front Desk upon arrival. LEARN MORE

  • Absolutely! We love treating partners and families together. CONTACT US

  • The consultation itself lasts about 15-30 minutes, during which we will discuss your health concerns and outline a treatment plan. If the plan meets your approval and you have time, you can stay for your first treatment, which may take an additional 30-50 minutes. LEARN MORE

  • Most patients visit us weekly, but treatment frequency varies by individual case. Dr. Kirsten Manges, L.Ac, DOAM will develop a personalized treatment plan and recommend how often you should come in. Patients sometimes experience immediate relief from specific symptoms, but it may take time to address underlying issues. Initially, we recommend weekly sessions to build up the benefits of acupuncture, followed by maintenance treatments once symptoms improve. LEARN MORE

  • Yes, we are an out-of-network provider with all major insurances, but we do not process claims in-house. We can help check your benefits to see if acupuncture is covered and what conditions your insurance provider includes. You pay for treatment upfront and we provide you with a receipt, known as a Super Bill, containing the necessary coding for you to submit for reimbursement. Insurance providers like United Healthcare, Aetna, Cigna, and BCBS cover acupuncture therapy. Please CONTACT US with your insurance information, and we’ll schedule a complimentary consultation to explore your benefits.

  • If you need to cancel or reschedule, please reach out as soon as possible by phone or email at nyc@wellspringhealth.com, (646) 588-0250. We have a 24-hour cancellation policy; appointments changed within 24 hours of the scheduled time will incur a fee. Learn More. 

    • More than 24 hours notice: No problem! Just call or email us to reschedule.

    • Cancelations within 24 hours for any non-emergency situation will be charged as an appointment. 

    • No-shows will be charged the full session price.

    This policy helps protect the scheduling of care for other patients, as last-minute cancellations prevent other patients from booking the time slot. If necessary, we can try to reschedule your appointment earlier in the day. We want you to receive your treatment and dislike charging for unused sessions. If you’re uncertain about attending, it’s best to cancel 24 hours in advance and see if a last minute appointment becomes available.

  • Feel free to wear whatever you like! If you need to remove any clothing, your practitioner will ensure your privacy and provide coverings as needed. There’s no special attire required; we supply all necessary gowns and towels. However, comfortable clothing is recommended for our exercise and meditation workshops.

  • While it’s best to avoid a large meal before your session, we suggest having a light snack to prevent arriving on an empty stomach.

  • Yes, we treat children from 3 months and upwards. Please inform us when booking for a child, and it’s advisable to schedule an extended session for adequate time. A parent or guardian must sign the consent form for treatment.

  • It’s best to avoid strenuous exercise for a few hours after your session, as it may diminish the benefits of treatment, especially if your goals include reducing stress, anxiety, chronic pain, or migraines. It's best to discuss this during your visit as gentle activities like yoga or walking might be perfectly fine afterward. If intense workouts are part of your routine, consider doing them before your appointment!

  • It’s recommended to avoid or limit alcohol consumption immediately after your acupuncture session.