COVID may be in the rearview mirror for some, but for many, its impact is far from over. Known as Long COVID, this condition can include a wide range of frustrating and debilitating symptoms such as chronic coughing, fatigue, brain fog, loss of smell or taste, and more. While conventional medicine can offer some relief, many people are seeking complementary therapies to help speed up their recovery. Acupuncture has emerged as an effective treatment for those struggling with Long COVID, offering relief from symptoms and supporting the body’s natural healing processes. At Pagoda Acupuncture and Wellness, we’ve seen firsthand how acupuncture can help people reclaim their health after battling Long COVID. How Acupuncture Helps with Long COVID Symptoms Acupuncture works by promoting balance and restoring the flow of energy (or "Qi") in the body. In the case of Long COVID, it addresses the underlying issues contributing to symptoms, such as inflammation, impaired organ function, and disrupted energy flow. Here’s how acupuncture can make a difference for some of the most common Long COVID symptoms: Reducing Inflammation and Supporting Organ Function Many Long COVID sufferers experience chronic inflammation, which can manifest as joint pain, rashes, or persistent headaches. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce inflammation throughout the body by improving circulation and calming the nervous system. It also helps support liver detoxification, which is crucial in managing the lingering effects of the virus. Easing Chronic Coughing and Respiratory Issues Chronic coughing or shortness of breath is a common Long COVID complaint. Acupuncture stimulates specific points that support lung function and relieve coughing. By improving respiratory health, acupuncture helps patients breathe more easily and reduces the strain on the body caused by persistent coughing. Combating Fatigue and Restoring Energy Fatigue is one of the most challenging and long-lasting symptoms of Long COVID. Acupuncture helps to restore energy levels by rebalancing Qi and supporting the body’s vital organs. By addressing both physical and emotional stress, acupuncture helps restore overall vitality, leaving you feeling more energized and able to get through your day. Improving Brain Fog and Cognitive Function Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and memory issues are common in those recovering from Long COVID. Acupuncture supports cognitive function by improving blood flow to the brain and calming the nervous system. This can help clear the mental haze and restore focus and clarity. Promoting Better Sleep and Easing Insomnia Many Long COVID patients struggle with insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns. Acupuncture helps regulate the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle and reduces stress, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Improved sleep allows your body to heal more effectively, speeding up your recovery. Helping with Hair Loss, Rashes, and Skin Issues Long COVID can take a toll on the body in unexpected ways, including hair loss and skin rashes. Acupuncture promotes healthy circulation and supports the body’s natural ability to heal. It can also help calm the immune system, reducing inflammation that may be contributing to these skin-related symptoms. Restoring Sense of Taste and Smell Loss of taste and smell is one of the more unusual symptoms of Long COVID, but acupuncture has been used effectively to treat this issue. By stimulating nerve function and improving the circulation of Qi, acupuncture helps to restore the senses and bring back the ability to taste and smell. Regulating Heart Rate and Improving Cardiovascular Health A fast or irregular heartbeat, often referred to as heart palpitations, is another troubling symptom of Long COVID. Acupuncture can help regulate the heart rate by balancing the autonomic nervous system and promoting healthy blood circulation, easing the strain on your heart and helping you feel more relaxed. Why Choose Acupuncture for Long COVID Recovery? One of the greatest benefits of acupuncture is its ability to treat the body as a whole. Rather than just masking symptoms, it helps address the root causes of illness by promoting healing from within. Acupuncture not only targets specific Long COVID symptoms, but it also improves overall well-being by reducing stress, boosting immunity, and restoring balance to your body’s systems. At Pagoda Acupuncture and Wellness, our experienced acupuncturists use customized treatment plans to address the unique needs of each Long COVID patient. We believe that every individual deserves a personalized approach, especially when it comes to something as complex as Long COVID recovery. Take the Next Step Toward Recovery If you're struggling with lingering symptoms of Long COVID, acupuncture may be the solution you’ve been searching for. Whether it’s easing fatigue, improving brain fog, or regulating your heart rate, our team at Pagoda Acupuncture and Wellness is here to help you recover naturally and restore your health. Call us at 631-205-6655 (West Islip) or 631-261-2077 (East Northport) to learn more.

With the fast pace of everyday life, it's easy to get stressed out and forget the simple things that keep us feeling our best. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic approach to staying well by emphasizing balance, harmony, and connection to nature. Here are some powerful, yet sometimes unconventional tips rooted in TCM to help you strengthen your immune system and maintain overall health. 1. Find Joy in Everyday Moments Believe it or not, joy is considered essential for good health in TCM. Emotional well-being plays a direct role in immune function, and joy is one of the most nourishing emotions for the heart and spirit. TCM teaches that the heart is the ruler of all organs, and when it’s in balance, it allows your Qi (life energy) to flow freely. Find time each day to do something that sparks joy—whether it’s connecting with your family or friends, spending time in nature, or enjoying a hobby you love. A happy heart is a healthy heart, and that keeps your immune system strong. 2. Eliminate Stress and Anxiety Stress and anxiety are seen in TCM as disruptions to the flow of Qi. Chronic stress can weaken your body's defenses and leave you more susceptible to illness. Practices like deep breathing exercises, meditation, and acupuncture can help calm the mind and restore balance. Even something as simple as taking a few moments each day to focus on your breath or engage in light stretching can reduce stress levels and support immune health. 3. Nourish Your Body with Warming Foods In TCM, foods are classified by their energetic qualities. To boost your immunity, focus on warming and nourishing foods, especially as the weather cools. Think soups, stews, and teas and foods like ginger, garlic, and shiitake mushrooms. These ingredients not only provide warmth but also have immune-boosting properties that help defend against illness. Avoid cold, raw foods during the colder months, as they can weaken the digestive system and Qi. 4. Get Plenty of Rest Rest is crucial for repairing the body and maintaining a strong immune system. In TCM, sleep helps to restore the balance of Yin (restorative energy) and Yang (active energy). Without adequate rest, your Yin becomes depleted, leaving your body more vulnerable to illness. Try to go to bed before 11 PM and wake up with the sunrise to align with your body’s natural rhythms. If sleep is an issue, acupuncture can be a great tool to restore balance and improve sleep quality. 5. Move Mindfully Exercise is important, but in TCM, movement should be mindful and suited to your body’s needs. Practices like Tai Chi and yoga help circulate Qi, improve flexibility, and boost immune function. Unlike high-intensity workouts, these gentle forms of movement keep the body strong while reducing stress and promoting balance. Aim for daily activity that feels restorative rather than depleting. 6. Breathe in the Power of Nature TCM emphasizes the healing power of nature. Spending time outdoors can help clear your mind, reduce stress, and improve your immune response. The concept of "forest bathing" (simply immersing yourself in a natural environment) can lower cortisol levels and promote a sense of calm. Whenever possible, breathe in fresh air, take walks outdoors (even better if it is in the woods among the trees), or even sit in a park for a few minutes. Nature’s energy can do wonders for your immunity. 7. Stay Hydrated with Herbal Teas Hydration is essential, but instead of plain water, try sipping on herbal teas that are known to support immunity. TCM recommends teas made with licorice root, astragalus, or ginseng to strengthen the body's defenses. These herbs have been used for centuries to fortify the immune system, protect against colds, and boost overall vitality. A warm cup of herbal tea can also calm the mind and nourish the body from within. 8. Practice Gratitude and Mindfulness A calm and peaceful mind is one of the best defenses against illness. Taking time to practice gratitude—whether through journaling, meditation, or simply reflecting on positive aspects of your day—can shift your energy toward a healthier state. In TCM, the health of the spirit directly impacts the health of the body. When we focus on gratitude, we reduce the "stagnant Qi" that can build up from stress and negativity and allow more positive energy to flow through us. Ready to Enhance Your Well-Being? These TCM-inspired tips are simple but powerful ways to stay healthy and build a resilient immune system. If you’d like to learn more about how TCM can support your overall wellness, from acupuncture to Chinese herbs , contact us! We’d love to guide you on your journey to better health. Call Pagoda Acupuncture and Wellness at 631-205-6655 (West Islip) or 631-261-2077 (East Northport) for more info.

As the crisp fall air rolls in, so do seasonal colds, viruses, and the flu. But what if there was a way to strengthen your body’s defenses naturally and get ahead of the cold season? Acupuncture, a time-tested practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), offers more than just pain and stress relief. It can also strengthen your immune system, making you less likely to get sick and helping you recover faster if you do. At Pagoda Acupuncture and Wellness, we believe in the power of natural, holistic treatments to enhance overall wellness, and boosting the immune system through acupuncture is one of our specialties. How Does Acupuncture Strengthen the Immune System? Acupuncture works by helping your body function at its best. When your immune system is strong, your body can efficiently fight off illness. But if it's weak or out of balance, you’re more vulnerable to getting sick. Here’s how acupuncture can make a difference: Improves Organ Function Your immune system is closely tied to the proper functioning of your organs, especially the lungs, kidneys, and spleen in TCM. Acupuncture stimulates specific points in the body that help these organs work efficiently, improving circulation, regulating energy flow (or "Qi"), and maintaining the balance needed to fend off infections. A healthy organ system leads to a healthier, more resilient body. Minimizes Frequency of Colds and Infections Regular acupuncture sessions can strengthen your immune response, making it harder for viruses and bacteria to take hold in the first place. By keeping your energy balanced and your body in a state of harmony, acupuncture creates a line of defense that helps prevent those frequent colds from happening. Reduces the Severity and Duration of Illness Even if you do catch something, acupuncture can significantly lessen the severity of your symptoms and shorten how long you’re sick. Specific acupuncture points stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, increasing white blood cell production, improving circulation, and promoting detoxification. So rather than being stuck in bed for days, you’ll bounce back faster with less discomfort. Why Now is the Perfect Time to Strengthen Your Immune System With fall being a prime time for seasonal illness, now is the ideal time to prepare your body for the months ahead. By incorporating acupuncture into your wellness routine, you’ll be giving your immune system the extra boost it needs to keep you healthy and vibrant through the colder seasons. Schedule Your Immune-Boosting Session Today! At Pagoda Acupuncture and Wellness, we’re committed to helping you feel your best. If you want to reduce the likelihood of getting sick or shorten your recovery time, our experienced acupuncturists are here to guide you through this season with effective, personalized care. Don’t wait until you’re under the weather—take charge of your health now. Ready to strengthen your immune system naturally? Contact us today to book your acupuncture session and make sure you're prepared for the fall and winter months ahead! Call 631-205-6655 (West Islip) or 631-261-2077 (East Northport) to schedule your appointment. Pagoda Acupuncture and Wellness – Empowering your body’s natural defenses for a healthier, happier you.

While microneedling and acupuncture are powerful treatments on their own, their combined effects are truly transformative. At Pagoda Acupuncture, we harness the complementary nature of these therapies to deliver exceptional results.

In the realm of pain management, the use of the term "dry needling" has become increasingly prevalent. Often used interchangeably with "trigger point muscle release," this technique has begun to gain significant attention for its effectiveness in alleviating various symptoms and improving overall wellbeing. At Pagoda Acupuncture, we specialize in this transformative treatment, offering our patients a path to relief from chronic pain and other debilitating symptoms. Understanding Trigger Points and Their Impact Trigger points are hyperirritable spots often felt as nodules or tight bands within the muscle fibers. These points can develop due to various factors such as muscle overuse, strain, injury, poor posture, or even stress. They are extremely common, and everyone will likely have at least one over their lifetime. When a trigger point is activated, it can cause local pain and refer pain to other areas of the body. Simply put, this referred pain means you may have an issue in one spot of your body but feel pain in a completely different spot. The pain will often travel from one place in our body to another causing symptoms like sciatica and tension headaches and can lead to a range of symptoms that many people might not immediately associate with muscle spasms. Symptoms Caused by Trigger Points Trigger points can manifest in several different ways, affecting more than just the area where the muscle is located. Some common and surprising symptoms include: Chronic Pain: Persistent pain in areas like the neck, shoulders, back, and hips. Headaches and Migraines: Trigger points in the neck and upper back can contribute to tension headaches and migraines. Dizziness and Vertigo: Trigger points in the neck muscles can affect balance and cause sensations of dizziness or vertigo. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Abdominal trigger points can influence gastrointestinal function, contributing to IBS symptoms. Numbness and Tingling: Referred pain from trigger points can mimic nerve pain, causing sensations of numbness and tingling in the limbs. How Dry Needling Works Dry needling involves the insertion of very small and thin needles into the skin and muscle directly at the trigger points. This process helps to release the tight bands of muscle, improving blood flow and reducing pain. Unlike traditional acupuncture, which targets meridians and energy flow, dry needling focuses on specific points in the neuromuscular system. Additionally, the practice is called dry needling because no fluid is inserted in the body. The Benefits of Dry Needling: Pain Reduction: By releasing muscle knots, dry needling can provide immediate relief from chronic pain. Improved Mobility: Loosening tight muscles enhances range of motion and flexibility. Decreased Muscle Tension: Alleviating muscle spasms reduces overall muscle tension, leading to relaxation. Enhanced Recovery: Promoting blood flow and healing accelerates recovery from injuries. Symptom Relief: Addressing the root cause of referred pain can alleviate associated symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, and IBS. Why Choose Pagoda Acupuncture for Dry Needling? At Pagoda Acupuncture, our practitioners are experts in the field of dry needling. Our approach combines the precision of acupuncture with a deep understanding of the musculoskeletal system. Here’s why you should consider us for your treatment: Expertise and Experience: Our acupuncturists have extensive training and experience in dry needling, ensuring safe and effective treatments. Personalized Care: We tailor each session to your specific needs, targeting the exact trigger points causing your symptoms. Comprehensive Approach: We integrate dry needling with other holistic therapies to enhance overall well-being and promote long-term health. Minimal Discomfort: Our gentle techniques minimize discomfort during the procedure, providing relief with relatively little pain. Take the First Step Towards Relief If you’re struggling with chronic pain, unexplained symptoms, or limitations caused by muscle spasms, you may want to consider the benefits of dry needling. At Pagoda Acupuncture, we are committed to helping you achieve a pain-free, healthier life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards lasting relief. Discover the transformative power of dry needling with Pagoda Acupuncture. Your journey to pain relief and improved wellbeing starts here!

Struggling with infertility can be one of the most emotionally and physically taxing experiences a couple can face. While medical interventions like in vitro fertilization (IVF) offer hope, many patients come to Pagoda seeking complementary therapies to increase their chances of conception. Chinese herbal medicine along with acupuncture can greatly enhance fertility. This combination coupled with dietary and lifestyle therapy should be followed before, during, and after IVF. Chinese medicine helps prepare both partners before IVF to improve the function of the ovaries, strengthen, and regulate the immune system, reduce stress, and improve the quantity and quality of sperm and the quality of the seminal fluid. Here are a few ways in which our treatments can help enhance your fertility: Increased IVF Success Rates: The journey into IVF can be daunting and is often accompanied by stress and anxiety, which can negatively impact the body's receptivity to treatment. Here's where acupuncture shines as a complementary therapy. By stimulating specific points on the body, acupuncture can help regulate the nervous system, reduce stress hormones, and promote relaxation, creating an optimal internal environment for embryo implantation and supporting the overall success of IVF cycles. Improved Sperm Count: Male factor infertility, including issues like low sperm count or poor sperm motility, is a common concern for couples struggling to conceive. Pagoda Acupuncture offers a holistic approach that addresses not only the physiological aspects but also the underlying imbalances contributing to male infertility. Studies have shown that acupuncture can improve sperm quality by enhancing sperm count, motility, and morphology. Moreover, it aids in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the reproductive system, thereby optimizing the chances of successful fertilization. Regulating Abnormal Cervical Factors: Cervical factors such as cervical stenosis or issues with cervical mucus can hinder sperm motility and impede natural conception. Our acupuncture treatments, coupled with Chinese herbal medicine, works to regulate hormonal imbalances, and improve cervical mucus quality. By enhancing blood flow to the reproductive organs and balancing hormonal levels, acupuncture can create a more conducive environment for sperm survival and transportation through the cervix, increasing the likelihood of conception. Addressing Immunological Issues: Immunological factors, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks sperm or embryos, pose a significant challenge to fertility. Acupuncture plays a vital role in modulating the immune response and restoring balance within the body. Through its anti-inflammatory effects, acupuncture can mitigate autoimmune reactions that may compromise fertility, thereby improving the success rates of conception and the outcome of IVF treatments. Infertility After Tubal Surgery: For women who have undergone tubal surgery due to conditions like tubal blockages or adhesions, acupuncture offers a non-invasive adjunctive therapy to support reproductive health. By promoting blood circulation and reducing scar tissue formation, our acupuncture treatments help optimize tubal function and enhance the chances of natural conception or successful IVF implantation post-surgery. Endometriosis: Endometriosis can significantly impact fertility. Acupuncture, combined with Chinese herbal medicine, provides a multifaceted approach to managing endometriosis-related infertility. It helps alleviate pelvic pain, reduce inflammation, and regulate the menstrual cycle, thereby improving ovarian function and increasing the likelihood of conception, whether through natural means or assisted reproductive techniques like IVF. Improving Ovarian Function and Decreasing Chances of Miscarriages: Acupuncture has been shown to enhance ovarian function by promoting better blood flow to the ovaries and balancing hormone levels. This can result in improved egg quality, ovarian reserve, and overall reproductive health, thereby increasing the chances of successful conception and reducing the risk of miscarriages. Additionally, acupuncture can help regulate the menstrual cycle and address underlying hormonal imbalances, creating a more favorable environment for sustaining a healthy pregnancy. Unraveling Unexplained Infertility: Unexplained infertility, where conventional diagnostic tests fail to identify a specific cause, can be particularly frustrating for couples. Acupuncture offers a personalized approach that considers the individual's unique constitution and underlying imbalances. By addressing factors such as stress, hormonal irregularities, and subtle physiological disruptions, acupuncture helps restore harmony within the body, paving the way for natural conception or enhancing the outcomes of fertility treatments like IVF.  The journey towards parenthood can be a difficult one and according to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 17.5% of the adult population – roughly 1 in 6 worldwide – experience infertility . Pagoda Acupuncture is here to offer a beacon of hope for women navigating the complexities of infertility. By harnessing the ancient wisdom of Chinese medicine and integrating it with modern fertility treatments, our acupuncture treatments empower women to reclaim their reproductive health. Whether facing challenges with IVF, male factor infertility, immunological factors, or unexplained infertility, acupuncture treatments with Pagoda serve as a holistic ally, nurturing both the body and the spirit on the path to conception. Contact us toda y to learn how we can help you on your fertility journey. Check out some of our fertility patients success stories here and here .

As spring flowers blossom and summer approaches, the beauty of nature unfortunately also means the dreaded return of seasonal allergies. For many, this time of year is synonymous with sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. And while these symptoms are typically not life-threatening, they can significantly impact your quality of life. Over-the-counter medications can provide temporary relief from allergy symptoms, but they often come with unwanted side effects. Luckily there's a natural alternative in combating seasonal allergies: acupuncture. How Acupuncture Works: Acupuncture is a powerful component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that involves the insertion of very thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow (also known as Qi), restore balance, remove blockages, and add energy where needed. According to TCM principles, seasonal allergies are often attributed to imbalances in the body's energy, particularly within certain areas (or meridians) such as the lung and spleen. By targeting these meridians, acupuncture aims to restore balance and alleviate allergy symptoms. Benefits of Acupuncture for Seasonal Allergies: Using acupuncture to treat your seasonal allergies is beneficial for so many reasons. Here are some of the major benefits: Reduction of Symptoms: Acupuncture has been shown to effectively reduce the severity and frequency of allergy symptoms. By targeting key points, acupuncture helps to alleviate nasal congestion, sneezing, itching, and other discomforts associated with seasonal allergies. Balanced Immune Response: Acupuncture has immune-modulating effects, helping to regulate the body's immune response to allergens. By calming how the immune system reacts, acupuncture can decrease the intensity of allergic reactions and minimize inflammation in the nasal passages. In addition to diminishing allergy symptoms, acupuncture will also help strengthen the immune system. It is especially beneficial to those who get sick several times per year and whose symptoms tend to have a longer duration. Improvement in Overall Wellbeing: Beyond symptom relief, acupuncture promotes a sense of overall wellbeing by reducing stress and improving sleep quality. Seasonal allergies often disrupt sleep patterns, further compromising the body's ability to cope with allergens. Acupuncture's holistic approach addresses these underlying factors, promoting relaxation and restoring balance to the body. Minimal Side Effects: Unlike many conventional allergy medications, acupuncture is associated with minimal side effects. The insertion of the needles is virtually painless, and acupuncture is a safe and well-tolerated option for individuals seeking relief from seasonal allergies without the drowsiness or other unwanted effects that come along with medications. Get Longer Lasting Relief from Your Allergy Symptoms with Acupuncture If you're tired of relying on medications that only offer temporary relief, consider exploring the benefits of acupuncture and embrace a holistic approach to managing your seasonal allergies. With the right treatment plan and guidance from one of our qualified acupuncturists here at Pagoda, you can find longer lasting relief and reclaim your enjoyment of the spring and summer seasons. Don’t let your seasonal allergies hold you back! Contact us to learn how we can help you get relief today!