Why women's health is central to Chinese medicine
Chinese medicine has a long gynecological tradition. Your cycle's timing, flow and symptoms say a lot about your overall health, so tracking it is part of every assessment, whatever brought you in.
Conditions we treat
- Painful periods (dysmenorrhea) and cramping
- Heavy, irregular or absent periods, after medical evaluation
- PMS and PMDD: mood swings, bloating, breast tenderness, headaches
- PCOS: supporting ovulation and cycle regularity
- Endometriosis pain, alongside medical care
- Perimenopause and menopause: hot flashes, night sweats, sleep, mood and brain fog
- Postpartum recovery and fatigue
- Fertility and IVF support
What the evidence says
Research supports acupuncture for reducing menstrual pain, and clinical trials have found it reduces the frequency and severity of hot flashes and night sweats, including for some women who cannot or prefer not to use hormone therapy. Benefits for PMS and PCOS are promising but less established. We will tell you what is realistic for your situation.
How treatment is timed
Many women's health plans follow your cycle: different points and herbs after your period, around ovulation and in the days before your period starts. Expect weekly sessions for two to three cycles, then monthly maintenance. For menopause symptoms, most patients come weekly for six to eight weeks.
What happens at your first women's health visit
Your first appointment takes about 90 minutes. Dr. Iskhakov asks about your cycle in detail (length, flow, pain, mood and energy across the month), along with sleep, digestion, stress and your medical history. After tongue and pulse diagnosis you receive your first treatment, usually with points on the lower abdomen, legs and ears, and rest for about 30 minutes. You leave with a plan timed to your cycle and, when helpful, an herbal formula.
What to bring
A few months of cycle dates from your tracking app, any recent bloodwork or ultrasound results, and a list of medications or hormones you take.
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
See your gynecologist for bleeding after menopause, bleeding between periods, very heavy bleeding, sudden severe pelvic pain or a missed period with a positive pregnancy test.
Getting to our Midtown office
Our office is at 25 W 45th St, Suite 507, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, with evening and Saturday appointments for patients who work in Midtown.
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 women's health acupuncture
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.
