How acupuncture calms the nervous system
For many patients, the first thing they notice after acupuncture is how calm they feel. Research suggests acupuncture influences the stress response, including cortisol and heart-rate variability, and shifts the body toward its parasympathetic "rest and digest" state. Systematic reviews have found acupuncture can improve sleep quality in people with insomnia and reduce anxiety symptoms, though study quality varies and it works best as part of a wider plan.
What we help with
- Generalized anxiety, racing thoughts and a tight chest
- Work stress and burnout
- Trouble falling asleep, waking at 3 a.m. or waking unrefreshed
- Stress-related headaches, jaw clenching and digestive upset
- Low mood and fatigue, alongside your therapist or physician
- Sleep disrupted by perimenopause and menopause
What a session includes
Calming points such as HT7 (Shenmen), Yintang between the brows and points in the ear, plus treatment for any physical symptoms that come with stress. You rest in a quiet, warm room for 25 to 40 minutes, and many patients fall asleep. Depending on your pattern, you may also get a breathing practice, a wind-down routine for sleep and an herbal formula.
Designed for Midtown schedules
Our office is a few minutes' walk from Grand Central, Bryant Park and Rockefeller Center. A follow-up takes about an hour, so it fits into a lunch break or before your commute home. Many patients come weekly during busy seasons, such as year-end or deal deadlines, and monthly the rest of the year.
How many sessions?
Many people sleep better the night of their first treatment. Lasting change usually takes four to eight weekly sessions, then visits every two to four weeks to keep the gains.
Cost and insurance
Treatment starts at $185 (first visit, about 90 minutes). Follow-up acupuncture is $140 for about 60 minutes, with cupping or electroacupuncture included when needed, and packages lower the per-visit cost. We are an out-of-network provider: you pay at each visit and receive a superbill to submit to your insurer, and many PPO plans reimburse part of the fee. HSA and FSA cards are accepted. See every fee on pricing & insurance.
When to see a doctor first
Acupuncture is not a substitute for mental health care. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to the nearest emergency room. Do not change medication without your prescriber.
Getting to our Midtown office
We are at 25 W 45th St, Suite 507, a calm space one block from Bryant Park and a six-minute walk from Grand Central. Treatment is available in English and Russian.
Fifth Element Acupuncture, 25 W 45th St, Suite 507, New York, NY 10036 · (347) 596-0931 · Directions
B, D, F, M to 42 St–Bryant Park · 7 to 5 Av · 4, 5, 6, S and Metro-North at Grand Central (6-min walk) · Times Sq–42 St (8-min walk)
How to book
Answer a few short questions online and we will call within one business day to confirm a time, or call (347) 596-0931. New patients start with a 90-minute first visit. Evening and Saturday appointments are available, and care is offered in English and Russian.
Book acupuncture for stress and sleep
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine complement, and do not replace, care from your physician. Results vary from person to person. Please continue any treatment your doctor has prescribed and tell us about medications you take. Photos are illustrative.
