Finding Balance in Body & Mind
Personalized treatment plans from a board-certified acupuncturist in New York City, designed to address both your symptoms and their underlying causes.
New Patient Visit
Your first visit includes a full review of your medical history and current concerns, followed by acupuncture and any supporting modalities. Together, we create a treatment plan to relieve symptoms and address underlying causes.
Testimonials
Treatment and one's healing journey are personal, and so is the decision to begin. These are the words of patients who have come to see me with real concerns and found relief, written in their own words.
Expertise
As a Board Certified, New York State licensed acupuncturist, I believe lasting healing comes from restoring balance—not simply masking symptoms. I specialize in women’s health, fertility, digestive health, pain management, stress, insomnia, migraines, TMJ, allergies, and skin rejuvenation. Whatever brings you in, we'll work together to help you find meaningful, lasting relief.
Acupuncture Care with the Belief That Your Body Reflects Nature
I'm Kathleen Samstein, a Board Certified Licensed Acupuncturist in New York State with a Master of Science in Acupuncture from the Pacific College of Health and Science. After more than a decade in healthcare marketing in New York City, I found acupuncture first as a long-distance runner and later on my own fertility journey. That path shapes how I practice today.
My background as a postpartum and birth doula and certified lactation counselor grounds my devotion to women's health and to helping you advocate for yourself. I work collaboratively, building treatment plans tailored to you and the goals we set together.
Trusted by Individuals and Families
Every visit is tailored especially for you. The initial visit includes a comprehensive overview of your medical history and current concerns. We will work together to create goals and a treatment plan that works for you. Everyone can benefit from acupuncture. I treat people of all ages, including children.
Your Questions About Acupuncture, Answered Honestly
Getting acupuncture for the first time or for the first time with a new practitioner comes with real questions. Here are the ones I hear most often.
If something isn't covered here, I'm happy to answer before you book. You can reach me by phone, text, or through the contact form — and if you'd like to learn more about what I treat or what a first visit looks like, those pages are a good place to start.
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes. Acupuncture is one of the most extensively studied complementary therapies in the world. The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture as safe and effective for a wide range of conditions when performed by a trained, licensed practitioner.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most patients are surprised by how little they feel. Acupuncture needles are hair-thin — nothing like a hypodermic needle. You may notice a mild sensation of pressure, warmth, or a brief dull ache at the insertion point, which typically settles within seconds. Many patients fall asleep on the table.
How does acupuncture work?
From a biomedical standpoint, acupuncture stimulates the nervous system, promotes local blood flow, modulates inflammation, and influences the release of endorphins and other neurochemicals. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, it works by regulating the flow of qi — the body's functional energy — through a network of pathways called meridians. I work comfortably in both frameworks and am happy to explain your treatment in whichever language makes the most sense to you.
What is electro-acupuncture?
Electro-acupuncture involves attaching small clips to inserted needles and running a gentle, low-level electrical current between them. It amplifies the stimulation of specific points and is particularly useful for pain conditions, nerve-related issues, and fertility support. The sensation is a mild, rhythmic pulse — most patients find it soothing.
What is cupping?
Cupping uses suction cups placed on the skin to lift the tissue, increase circulation, and release muscular tension. It's commonly used for back pain, tight shoulders, and respiratory conditions. The temporary marks it leaves are not bruises — they reflect increased blood flow to the area and typically fade within a few days. Cupping is included in standard sessions at no additional charge.
What is gua sha?
Gua sha involves using a smooth tool to apply short, firm strokes across the skin. It breaks up stagnation, moves blood and lymph, and can significantly reduce muscle tension and inflammation. Like cupping, it may leave temporary redness on the skin that resolves quickly. Gua sha is included in standard sessions at no additional charge.
Do I need a doctor's referral to book an appointment?
No referral is required. You can book directly through my online scheduler or by calling or texting the office. That said, I do receive referrals from medical doctors and OB/GYNs, and I'm experienced in coordinating care with your existing providers when that's helpful.
Do I need a diagnosis to benefit from acupuncture?
No. Many patients come in without a formal diagnosis — they know something is off, but conventional workups haven't pinpointed it. Acupuncture works by addressing patterns of imbalance in the body, which often precede or exist alongside a named condition. You don't need a label to benefit from treatment.
Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?
Yes, when performed by a licensed practitioner trained in prenatal care. I have specific training in pregnancy support and work with patients throughout all three trimesters for conditions including nausea, back pain, pelvic girdle pain, fatigue, and birth preparation.