EXPERT
Andrea Cillo
Acupuncturist
It all started when I was two years old and my mom took me to see New York Dance Theater's "The Nutcracker." During the Snow Pas de Deux, I stood up, pointed to the stage and yelled, "I want to be that! But without him because I don't need his help." Needless to say, my mom signed me up for dance classes and when I was 10, I became a full time ballerina at the Frank Ohman School of Ballet. When I was 14, I was diagnosed with bursitis in both of my hips. After a stint with physical therapy failed, I was told that if I wanted to be pain free, I'd have to quit dancing. Well that wasn't going to happen. That was when my mom suggested acupuncture. Pretty nervous, I went, and after several treatments I started improving, and then improving exponentially. I went from hardly being able to walk without pain, to dancing my heart out again. Surely enough, I became Snow Queen and learned very quickly that I do in fact need his help.
When it came time to pick a major in college I immediately chose biology. I knew I wanted to be in a medical field but there are so many incredible opportunities to choose from. Again, my mom's advice led me to acupuncture. I started talking to my acupuncturist and discovered that I could do so much more than treat pain. Once he started describing the theory, I was hooked.
After receiving my associates in biology, I attended the Tri-State College of Acupuncture in Manhattan and earned my Masters of Science in Acupuncture. There I learned the unique style of Acupuncture Physical Medicine (aka trigger point dry needling). Developed by our headmaster Mark Seem and based on Janet Travell's books on trigger points, this technique releases "knots" in muscles to alleviate musculoskeletal pain and even internal visceral symptoms (such as chest pain or digestive disorders) without the harmful injections of steroids or numbing agents. I was also taught many other tricks that go with the trade such as moxibustion, electro-acupuncture, cupping and gua sha. Currently, I am studying Classical Chinese Medicine under the mentorship of Timothy Aitken, a master practitioner in the teaching lineage of Jeffery Yuen and specialist in pediatric acupuncture.
When it came time to pick a major in college I immediately chose biology. I knew I wanted to be in a medical field but there are so many incredible opportunities to choose from. Again, my mom's advice led me to acupuncture. I started talking to my acupuncturist and discovered that I could do so much more than treat pain. Once he started describing the theory, I was hooked.
After receiving my associates in biology, I attended the Tri-State College of Acupuncture in Manhattan and earned my Masters of Science in Acupuncture. There I learned the unique style of Acupuncture Physical Medicine (aka trigger point dry needling). Developed by our headmaster Mark Seem and based on Janet Travell's books on trigger points, this technique releases "knots" in muscles to alleviate musculoskeletal pain and even internal visceral symptoms (such as chest pain or digestive disorders) without the harmful injections of steroids or numbing agents. I was also taught many other tricks that go with the trade such as moxibustion, electro-acupuncture, cupping and gua sha. Currently, I am studying Classical Chinese Medicine under the mentorship of Timothy Aitken, a master practitioner in the teaching lineage of Jeffery Yuen and specialist in pediatric acupuncture.
12 years
Experience
Andrea Cillo
- Bay Shore, New York
- Tri State College of Acupuncture
- Accepting new patients
My Blog
On my website, you'll find a blog that I use to provide a basic education in the theories of acupuncture. I feel that the more one understands about acupuncture and how it works,...
How long does an acupuncture session last?
That varies between practitioners and what is required in each treatment but generally, treatments are about 1 hour long. If you are asking about the effects after a treatment, READ MORE
That varies between practitioners and what is required in each treatment but generally, treatments are about 1 hour long.
If you are asking about the effects after a treatment, that too will vary between practitioners, what is being treated, and how long it has been in existence. Overall, acupuncture has a cumulitive effect. The more regular you are with treatment, the faster you will see results and the longer they will last.
If you are asking about the effects after a treatment, that too will vary between practitioners, what is being treated, and how long it has been in existence. Overall, acupuncture has a cumulitive effect. The more regular you are with treatment, the faster you will see results and the longer they will last.
Frequency of acupuncture?
Honestly, it'll just double the cost. Treatment more freuqently than once per week is really only necessary for acute conditions. When working with something chronic, like what READ MORE
Honestly, it'll just double the cost. Treatment more freuqently than once per week is really only necessary for acute conditions. When working with something chronic, like what you are working with, you want to give your body time to adjust. Think of each treatment like changing the temperature in a room. If you turn the thurmostat down and only wait five minutes before turning it down again, the room will be too cold within the hour. If you wait the hour instead, you may find that you don't need to turn the temperature down anymore.
Where do you put acupuncture needles for knee pain?
That all depends on why you're feeling the knee pain. You may have needles placed around your knees where you're feeling the pain, but needles may be placed throughout your entire READ MORE
That all depends on why you're feeling the knee pain. You may have needles placed around your knees where you're feeling the pain, but needles may be placed throughout your entire body to help treat any imbalances that are causing the pain.
Can acupuncture help kidneys?
Yes. Acupuncture can help support the health of the kidneys, and help treat conditions of the kidneys.
Can acupuncture help pass kidney stones?
Yes. Acupuncture can help you pass a kidney stone and it can help prevent future ones from forming.
Is acupressure good for knee pain?
It can be. If you find that pressure aggravates your pain however, I don't recommend using acupressure. Instead, you should visit your acupuncturist for treatment and guidance READ MORE
It can be. If you find that pressure aggravates your pain however, I don't recommend using acupressure. Instead, you should visit your acupuncturist for treatment and guidance for home treatments.
Can acupressure help with thyroid problems?
Yes. Acupuncture can help treat and regulate the thyroid.
Does acupuncture help vitiligo?
Though I have never treated vitiligo with acupuncture or seen someone do so, theoretically it should help.
Acupuncture causing insomnia?
Since I don't know your full history or the diagnosis your acupuncturist concluded, I can't exactly explain why that may be happening. My best guess however, is that though your READ MORE
Since I don't know your full history or the diagnosis your acupuncturist concluded, I can't exactly explain why that may be happening. My best guess however, is that though your acupuncturist is treating low energy, they may not be treating the root cause of whats causing your low energy. Waking up in the middle of the night suggests an imbalance between the yin and yang in your body. Waking with that much energy means the treatments are addressing the complaint, but not at the right time. The timing issue and your low energy levels may be resolved if your practitioner works with balancing yin and yang, instead of simply increasing your energy.
I hope that makes sense! Again, take this with a grain of salt because I don't have all the pieces to the puzzle. The best thing to do, of course, is to bring this up with your acupuncturist. If you're not finding any changes after discussing this issue, I would suggest trying a new practitioner or a new style of acupuncture.
I hope that makes sense! Again, take this with a grain of salt because I don't have all the pieces to the puzzle. The best thing to do, of course, is to bring this up with your acupuncturist. If you're not finding any changes after discussing this issue, I would suggest trying a new practitioner or a new style of acupuncture.
Can acupuncture cause miscarriage in early pregnancy?
Generally speaking, no. For acupuncture to cause a miscarriage in early pregnancy the needling technique would have to be so intense it's borderline traumatizing. That being said, READ MORE
Generally speaking, no. For acupuncture to cause a miscarriage in early pregnancy the needling technique would have to be so intense it's borderline traumatizing. That being said, there are points that we want to avoid as a precaution. If you are pregnant, you must notify your practitioner prior to starting your treatment.
How often should you have acupuncture during pregnancy?
Frequency of acupuncture treatment depends on what condition is being treated and is unaffected by pregnancy. That being said, if you are going to acupuncture to treat any symptoms READ MORE
Frequency of acupuncture treatment depends on what condition is being treated and is unaffected by pregnancy. That being said, if you are going to acupuncture to treat any symptoms of pregnancy (such as morning sickness or fatigue), I would recommend treatment once per week. If your symptoms are mild, you may be able to stretch that frequency to once every 2-3 weeks.
Is acupuncture good in early pregnancy?
Yes! Acupuncture can help with symptoms such as morning sickness and fatigue, support the development of the baby, and support the overall health of both the mother and the baby. There READ MORE
Yes! Acupuncture can help with symptoms such as morning sickness and fatigue, support the development of the baby, and support the overall health of both the mother and the baby.
There are points that should be avoided during pregnancy, however. If you are pregnant, you must notify your practitioner before proceeding with treatment.
There are points that should be avoided during pregnancy, however. If you are pregnant, you must notify your practitioner before proceeding with treatment.
What should I do after acupuncture treatment?
In the words of my teacher, "no sex, drugs, or rock and roll." Meaning it's best to avoid recreational drugs, alcohol, sex, intense workouts, parties, mosh pits, etc. Instead, READ MORE
In the words of my teacher, "no sex, drugs, or rock and roll." Meaning it's best to avoid recreational drugs, alcohol, sex, intense workouts, parties, mosh pits, etc. Instead, drink plenty of water, make sure you eat something nourishing, rest, relax, and let the treatment do its work.
Is it bad to move during acupuncture?
Generally speaking, no, but we don't recommend it. The needles can sometimes be set rather deep and movement can be uncomfortable or may even bend needles, which can make them READ MORE
Generally speaking, no, but we don't recommend it. The needles can sometimes be set rather deep and movement can be uncomfortable or may even bend needles, which can make them difficult to remove. If you're feeling anxious and want to move, I recommend focusing on your breathing and feeling your body against the table. Let your body get heavy and allow the table to carry that weight (both the physical and emotional)!
What does acupuncture do for your back?
Acupuncture can work in many different ways to help alleviate and prevent back pain caused by conditions such as arthritis, muscle spasms, or herniated and bulging discs, help READ MORE
Acupuncture can work in many different ways to help alleviate and prevent back pain caused by conditions such as arthritis, muscle spasms, or herniated and bulging discs, help to strengthen your back, improve posture, and improve range of motion.
Can acupuncture help with stomach issues?
Yes. Acupuncture can be very effective in treating a myriad of digestive issues,
Do I need to rest after acupuncture?
It's not manditory, but it is recommended. Especially if you feel fatigued after treatments.
Do I need to rest after acupuncture?
It's not a must, but it is recommended. Especially if you feel fatigued after a treatment.
How long does acupuncture take to work for back pain?
That depends how long your back pain has been in existence. The longer you have had it, the longer it will take to resolve. However, if you're not feeling some relief or changes READ MORE
That depends how long your back pain has been in existence. The longer you have had it, the longer it will take to resolve. However, if you're not feeling some relief or changes within 5-8 treatments, I recommened trying a different practitioner or a different style of acupuncture.
Can acupuncture help with knee problems?
Absolutely. Acupuncture can be very effective in treating and preventing conditions of the knees.
