Experience Acupuncture in Long Island with Cathy Bowes, Licensed Acupuncturist

Searching for “acupuncture in Long Island” near me? CB Acupuncture located inside the family-friendly ChiroMom clinic, brings time-tested Chinese medicine to Long Island, including Nassau and Suffolk residents in one convenient Bellmore location. NY-State-Licensed Acupuncturist Cathy Bowes blends compassionate listening with precise needle placement so you can conquer pain, calm stress and restore balance, without medication. Ready to feel better naturally? Call 516-448-2277 or request an appointment online today. Same-day openings often available.

What Is Acupuncture and How Can It Help Long Island Residents?

Acupuncture is a 2,000-year-old therapy that stimulates the body’s own healing response by inserting hair-thin, sterile needles at specific points along energetic pathways called meridians. Modern research shows that this stimulation increases local circulation, modulates the nervous system and prompts the release of endorphins and anti-inflammatory chemicals.

At CB Acupuncture, sessions may also include cupping, Gua sha, electro-stimulation or Tuina massage, always with your consent. Patients from all over Long Island visit us for:

• Chronic neck or low-back pain

• Migraine and tension headaches

• Back and shoulder pain

• Sciatica and joint discomfort

• Anxiety, insomnia and burnout

• Digestive upset and IBS

• Plantar Fasciitis

• TMJ

• Fertility challenges, menstrual pain and menopausal symptoms

Because acupuncture addresses the root imbalance rather than masking symptoms, many people enjoy lasting relief and a renewed sense of well-being.

Accepted Insurance for Acupuncture

Cathy at CB Acupuncture currently is in network with:

• Most United Healthcare (UHC) Plans

• Northwell Health Plans

• NYSHIP Empire Plan



She works with many other insurance companies that have out of network benefits.  We verify benefits before your first visit and will file claims on your behalf. Call 516-448-2277 with your member ID for a fast benefits check.

What You Can Expect At Your First Treatment

Initial Consultation

Your first visit usually starts with a detailed conversation which may include the following:

• Your main concern (pain, stress, sleep, digestion, etc.)
• Medical history
• Medications and supplements
• Sleep, energy, appetite
• Stress levels
• For women: menstrual history
• Check your pulse
• Look at your tongue

This is based on principles from Traditional Chinese Medicine, which looks at the whole body, not just one symptom.

First Treatment

You’ll lie on a comfortable treatment table (similar to a massage table).

You may be asked to:

• Roll up sleeves or pant legs
• Remove shoes and socks
• Lie on your back or stomach depending on treatment

During treatment:

• You’ll be covered with a sheet or blanket for comfort.
• The needles are very thin (much thinner than blood draw needles).
• Most people feel little to no pain.

You may feel:

• A tiny pinch
• Warmth
• Tingling
• A dull, heavy sensation

This is normal and often called “Qi sensation.” Cupping, Electric Stim, heat lamp may be used as well

Once needles are placed and you are comfortable, you’ll rest quietly for 15–30 minutes. Many people feel deeply relaxed. Some even fall asleep. 

Gua sha, Tuina massage, CBD and essential oils may also be incorporated, tailored to your needs and only with your consent.

After the treatment you might feel:

• Relaxed or calm
• Slightly sleepy
• Energized
• Mild soreness at needle sites (rare and temporary)

It’s common to recommend:

• Drinking water
• Avoiding intense exercise immediately after
• Paying attention to how you feel over the next 24 hours

How Many Treatments Will You Need?

• Acute issues: Sometimes improvement in as little as 3-4 visits.
• Chronic conditions: Often a series of weekly treatments.

How To Prepare for Treatment:

• Loose, comfortable clothing
• Avoid heavy meals right before
• Don’t go on an empty stomach

Why Long Islanders Choose CB Acupuncture

• Genuine Passion: Cathy Bowes chose acupuncture after her own healing journey and brings that same enthusiasm to every session; clients sense the difference.

• Comfort-First Approach: Her warm, conversational style helps you relax and open up, allowing her to uncover the root cause of your concern instead of chasing symptoms.

• Tailored Care: Treatments are never “cookie-cutter”; needle choice, point selection and adjunct therapies are customized to your body and goals.

• One-on-One Time: You receive Cathy’s full attention for the entire 45-minute appointment; no shuttling between rooms or assistants.

• Integrated Setting: Located inside ChiroMom, CB Acupuncture can easily coordinate with chiropractic or massage services for a well-rounded wellness plan.

Getting Here from Anywhere on Long Island

From the Wantagh Parkway take Exit W6 toward Merrick Rd E. Drive 1 mile; CB Acupuncture is on the left hand side inside the office of ChiroMom at 2874 Merrick Rd, Bellmore , across from Mill Pond. Free parking is available in front of the office.

Coming from the Meadowbrook Parkway, take Exit M9E toward Merrick Rd E. Drive 3 miles and you will find us at 2874 Merrick Rd, Bellmore, across from Wantagh Mill Pond.

Long Island Acupuncture FAQs

1. Is acupuncture covered by insurance on Long Island?

Yes — and this is one of the best reasons to come see us. At CB Acupuncture in Bellmore, we are in-network with Northwell Health, United Healthcare (UHC), and the NYSHIP Empire Plan. Many of our patients pay only a $20–$25 copay per visit. We verify your benefits before your first appointment and file claims on your behalf, so you don't have to deal with the paperwork. Not sure if your plan covers acupuncture? Call us at (516) 448-2277 with your member ID and we'll check for you — fast.

👉 Learn more about accepted insurance and what to expect here.

2. How much does acupuncture cost in Long Island without insurance?

If you're paying out of pocket, sessions at CB Acupuncture are $100 per visit. Each session is 45 minutes (your first visit is approximately 60 minutes to allow time for your intake). There are no packages required — you pay as you go. Many patients find that even just a few visits make a meaningful difference, and with insurance copays as low as $20–$25, it's often more affordable than people expect.

👉 See our accepted insurance plans here.

3. Does acupuncture really work?

Absolutely — and the science backs it up. Acupuncture stimulates specific points along the body that signal the brain to release endorphins, reduce inflammation, and increase blood flow to the affected area. It's been used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and modern research continues to validate its effectiveness for pain, stress, digestive issues, and more. At CB Acupuncture, Cathy has over 10 years of experience and tailors every treatment to your specific condition and body — not a cookie-cutter protocol. Many patients notice improvement within just a few sessions. The best way to know if it works for you? Try it.

4. What conditions can acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture can treat a surprisingly wide range of conditions. At CB Acupuncture, the most common reasons Long Islanders come in include:

• Neck, back, shoulder, and knee pain
• Migraines and tension headaches
• Sciatica
• Anxiety, stress, and insomnia
• Plantar Fasciitis
• TMJ
• Digestive issues and IBS
• Allergies
• Menstrual pain and menopausal symptoms

If you're wondering whether acupuncture can help your specific condition, just call or email — Cathy is happy to talk it through before you book.

5. What are the downsides or side effects of acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one of the safest treatments available when performed by a licensed professional. At CB Acupuncture, Cathy is a NY State-Licensed Acupuncturist who uses sterile, single-use needles. The most common "side effects" patients report are actually positive ones — deep relaxation, better sleep, and reduced pain. Some people experience mild, temporary soreness at needle sites, which typically fades within 24 hours. Occasionally patients feel slightly fatigued after their first treatment as the body begins to recalibrate — this is normal and a sign the treatment is working. Serious adverse effects are extremely rare with a qualified practitioner.

6. Can I get acupuncture if I take blood thinners (like Eliquis)?

This is a great question to ask before your first visit. If you take blood thinners such as Eliquis (apixaban), acupuncture can often still be performed safely — but it requires extra care and communication. Cathy reviews all medications during your intake process and will adjust needle placement and technique accordingly to minimize any risk of bruising. Always disclose all medications and supplements before your session. When in doubt, we recommend looping in your prescribing physician as well. Call us at (516) 448-2277 so we can discuss your specific situation before booking.

7. Can I get acupuncture if I have a pacemaker?

If you have a pacemaker, acupuncture with standard needles is generally considered safe. However, electro-stimulation (e-stim) — where a mild electrical current is applied through the needles — is not recommended for patients with pacemakers. At CB Acupuncture, Cathy always reviews your full medical history before treatment, and e-stim is only ever used with your knowledge and consent. There are plenty of other highly effective techniques (cupping, Gua sha, Tuina massage, and traditional needling) that can still deliver excellent results. Please let us know about your pacemaker when you call to schedule.

8. What should I expect at my first acupuncture appointment?

Your first visit at CB Acupuncture is about 60 minutes and begins with a detailed conversation. Cathy will ask about your main concern, medical history, medications, sleep, stress levels, and more. She'll also check your pulse and look at your tongue — both diagnostic tools from Traditional Chinese Medicine. From there, you'll lie comfortably on a heated treatment table while hair-thin, sterile needles are gently placed. Most people feel little to no discomfort. You'll rest quietly for 20–30 minutes — many patients fall asleep. Depending on your needs, Cathy may incorporate cupping, e-stim, Gua sha, Tuina massage, or a CBD ointment — always explained and always with your consent. You'll leave with a clear picture of your treatment plan and next steps.

📞 Call (516) 448-2277 | Request an Appointment