Andrea Cillo

Acupuncturist

876 sunrise hwy Bay Shore New York, 11706 Show map

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About

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 well versed in many other tricks that go with the trade such as moxabustion, electro-acupuncture, cupping and gua sha. Currently, I am studying Classical Chinese Medicine under the mentorship of Timothy Aitken, a master practitioner and specialist in pediatric acupuncture. Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into strategic points on the body to achieve overall wellness. This technique developed over 3,000 years ago and takes a holistic approach to healing. All the symptoms that you're feeling come down to one root diagnosis: an imbalance between internal organs, and/or pathology that has made it's way into your body. Acupuncture works to correct these imbalances and pathologies by supporting your body's natural ability to heal itself. You and I are a team. That means that you have as big a role in your healing as I do. You have the ultimate control over your body and it is up to you to exercise it. Your health is your responsibility, and your healthcare team is here to support you.

Education and Training

Tri State College of Acupuncture M.S. 2013

Provider Details

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Andrea Cillo

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, the better connection they have to their treatments and the better their response. I also like to use that space to...

Can insomnia be cured by acupuncture?
Acupuncture can be very effective in treating insomnia. I hesitate to use the word "cure" though, only because the effects of acupuncture and their longevity vary from patient to patient. If after several treatments you find that you're feeling some improvement but it isn't lasting, I recommend trying a different style of acupuncture or a new acupuncturist. Different styles and practitioners will resonate with you differently. The better they resonate, the better your results will be. Also, keep in mind that your practitioner may have dietary or lifestyle changes for you to follow. Your adherence to them will also affect the success of your treatments. READ MORE
Can acupuncture help with sleep problems?
Yes. Acupuncture can be very effective in treating many sleep disorders including insomnia. It is also safe for all ages when applied by a licensed acupuncturist. READ MORE
Can acupuncture help with depression?
It can, but I don't suggest completely avoiding medication as it is necessary in some cases. Acupuncture is a complete form of medicine that is capable of treating any ailment. But the effects can take time and sometimes, people need something more to get through the tougher stages of their condition. Eastern and western medicine work beautifully together. If medication is necessary for you at this time, acupuncture can help to support it and treat any side effects. By using the two together, you can also work on decreasing your dose without experiencing any discontinuation syndrome (withdrawal symptoms without the addiction part). Medications (and medicine as a whole) are less scary when you fully understand them. And I don't mean consulting the internet. Talk directly with professionals. Don't be afraid to ask questions, look for second opinions, or tell your healthcare professionals everything that you're feeling. A teacher once told me that if you can't teach a concept to someone, then you don't fully understand it. If they can't or won't explain everything to you, then walk away. If something is happening that is not within their scope of practice, they can direct you to someone who can be of better help. If they can't or refuse to do that, then walk away. Remember that YOU are in control of and responsible for your body and your health. Fear is what leads to mistrust and doubt. Don't let fear of the unknown control your decisions. Knowledge truly is power, and that's all you need to get on the path to wellness. READ MORE
Is acupuncture good for bronchitis?
Yes. Acupuncture and cupping can help shorten the length of time you're sick and help prevent bronchitis in the future. READ MORE
Can acupuncture help a cough?
It can, and it can help prevent getting sick in the future. READ MORE
Does acupuncture help you get over a cold?
It does. Acupuncture can help shorten the length of colds and flus and also prevent them with regular treatments during cold and flu season. READ MORE
Why do I have chronic stomach pain?
First, I would recommend patience. Though acupuncture can be very effective in relieving your condition (even though the western medical cause is unknown), it takes time to work. The longer a condition has been in existence the longer it will take to resolve. That being said, if you're not feeling any changes throughout your body within 5-8 treatments, I would recommend trying a new practitioner or a new style of acupuncture. Secondly, you might find that you will feel better after treatments, but after some time the effects wear off. This is normal and actually a good sign that you're on the road to healing. Acupuncture has a cumulative effect and those results will last longer and longer with each treatment so stay regular with your treatment schedule. Thirdly, prepare for dietary changes and stick to them. Your acupuncturist may start you on an herbal regiment or suggest adding or eliminating certain foods. I suggest keeping a detailed food journal through this process. They're extremely helpful in tracking your symptoms in relation to the foods, times, and amounts you eat, and in relation to your treatments. I will also note that Chinese dietary theory is simple to understand but different from western dietary theory. Don't be afraid to ask questions or for explanations! Lastly, it's possible you may experience a healing crisis, meaning your condition may worsen before it improves (more specifically you may find changes in your bowel movements and/or urination). It is also a sign of healing so have patience but be very verbal with your acupuncturist. Explain any changes in symptoms (even if they're not related to your digestion or stomach pain) so they can better guide and support you through your healing. READ MORE
How does acupuncture relieve pain?
In Chinese medicine, pain is caused by stagnation of the flow of qi (your energy) and blood. Acupuncture alleviates pain in two ways: removing the cause of stasis and local treatment. For example, if you have pain in your lower back that's caused by stress, we treat the stress and then may use techniques like cupping or electrical stimulation to treat the physical pain. READ MORE
Is acupuncture a permanent cure?
It can be but not within a single treatment. Permanent cures most often also require permanent lifestyle changes. If you are not willing to make those changes, your cure will not last. READ MORE
How are you supposed to feel after acupuncture?
In a word, relaxed! You may not feel an immediate change in the condition you're seeking acupuncture for, but at the end of every treatment, my patients always comment that they feel a sense of relaxation and wellbeing. READ MORE
How does acupuncture help anxiety?
We help anxiety by treating the root cause of it. Your acupuncturist will help to alleviate the symptoms but also help prevent them from flaring by treating why they flare to begin with. READ MORE
Can you treat tinnitus with acupuncture?
Absolutely. Acupuncture can be very effective in treating tinnitus. READ MORE
Is acupuncture good for stress?
Oh yeah! In fact, stress is one of the top 3 reasons why people seek acupuncture. There are many studies proving its effectiveness and patients feel almost immediate improvement. READ MORE
Is acupuncture anti-inflammatory?
Yes. Acupuncture is very effective in decreasing inflammation. READ MORE
Can acupuncture help your skin?
It can. There are even some acupuncturists who specialize in skin care. READ MORE
Does acupuncture work for anti-aging?
Yes. For this though, you want to make sure you are seeing an acupuncturist who specializes in skin care and facial rejuvenation techniques. READ MORE
How long does facial acupuncture last?
Acupuncture in general (including facial acupuncture) has a cumulative effect. The more regular you are with treatments, the longer you will see results. Typically, practitioners will have patients start with treatments once per week and then decrease frequency as the patient is feeling more lasting results. READ MORE
Does acupuncture work on shoulder pain?
Yes. So long as you are seeing a licensed or certified acupuncturist and complying with their treatment protocols, acupuncture can be very effective in treating shoulder pain. READ MORE
Can acupuncture help with knee pain?
Yes. So long as you are seeing a licensed or certified acupuncturist and complying with their treatment protocols, acupuncture can be very effective in treating knee pain. READ MORE
Is it safe to do acupuncture every week?
Yes. Most patients will actually start with weekly treatments and then slowly decrease treatment frequency. READ MORE