Acupuncture
Maahwush Zahidi, M.s., l.ac.
Maahwush Zahidi is a licensed acupuncturist in the states of New York and New Jersey and is nationally Board Certified in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). She holds B.A. and M.A. degrees in Psychology from Rutgers and Boston University, respectively. She attained her M.S. degree with honors in Acupuncture from Tri-State College of Acupuncture where she was trained in three distinct modes of acupuncture - TCM, Mark Seem's Acupuncture Physical Medicine (trigger point), and renowned Master Acupuncturist Kiiko Matsumoto's Japanese meridian style. Upon graduation from TSCA, Maahwush joined its faculty staff as a Kiiko Matsumoto intern, Teaching Assistant for Acupuncture Physical Medicine Classes, and Anatomy/Physiology instructor until the closing of TSCA. Upon the closing of TSCA, she was a faculty member and clinical supervisor during the TSCA Teach-Out at PCOM. Her style in private practice acupuncture integrates Chinese and Japanese-based techniques, myofascial trigger point, cupping, gua sha, electric stimulation, and moxibustion. She continues to follow and study the teachings and style of Kiiko Matsumoto.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese method for treating illness, dating back over 3,000 years. It is based on Taoist tradition, along with the Yin and Yang concept and the ability of one's self-healing.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture works by inserting very fine, thread-like needles in strategic places along the body's meridian or channel lines to include the movement of energy, or Qi (pronounced "chee") and help one's body heal itself. Acupuncture, along with Chinese Medicine, is practiced based on defining a "pattern of disharmony" for the body and mind, and treating accordingly as a whole person, not only a symptom.
What conditions can be effectively treated with acupuncture?
Acupuncture has proven effective in treating over 43 disorders including:
- Emotional (depression, insomnia)
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese method for treating illness, dating back over 3,000 years. It is based on Taoist tradition, along with the Yin and Yang concept and the ability of one's self-healing.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture works by inserting very fine, thread-like needles in strategic places along the body's meridian or channel lines to include the movement of energy, or Qi (pronounced "chee") and help one's body heal itself. Acupuncture, along with Chinese Medicine, is practiced based on defining a "pattern of disharmony" for the body and mind, and treating accordingly as a whole person, not only a symptom.
What conditions can be effectively treated with acupuncture?
Acupuncture has proven effective in treating over 43 disorders including:
- Emotional (depression, insomnia)
- Gastrointestinal (constipation, IBS)
- Gynecological (menopause, PMS)
- Miscellaneous (chronic fatigue, receptive strain injury)
- Musculoskeletal (pain and weakness in extremities and back)
- Neurological (facial pain, neuralgia)
- Respiratory (allergies, rhinitis)
Other benefits attributed to acupuncture:
- Deep relaxation
- Enhances athletic function
- Facial and skin rejuvenation
- Increases vitality and energy
- Pain management
- Regulates heart rate
- Stabilizes the immune system
- Stress reduction
What should I expect during treatment?
Most patients find acupuncture treatments very relaxing, with a sense of well-being. Some patients may experience a dull sensation upon insertion, and/or a surging or grasping upon the "Qi" arrival.
Is acupuncture safe?
One of the greatest advantages of acupuncture is the absence of side effects. Usually, very little or no bleeding is caused upon insertion or removal of needles. There is a minimal risk of pneumothorax (punctured lung) and organ or blood vessel penetration. Needles are sterile and disposable in order to prevent any infectious diseases.
What if I am afraid of needles?
There are several other methods that can be used in place of needles, for example:
- Acupressure (using finger pressure)
- Cupping
- Gua Sha
- Moxibustion
- Reiki