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 acupuncture loosen tight muscles in neck?
Absolutely. There are several techniques that we can use to relax tight muscles and can even do so without any local treatment. READ MORE
What are the pressure points to relieve neck pain?
It depends on where the pain is located and what muscles are causing that pain. I would suggest seeing a massage therapist or acupuncturist for specific guidance. READ MORE
How often should you get acupuncture treatment for migraines?
Treatment frequency varies between practitioners and their styles. Typically, patients start with treatments once per week and gradually decrease treatment frequency as their condition improves. READ MORE
How are acupuncture and chiropractic care similar?
They are not. Though some chiropractors may use acupuncture or acupressure in their treatments, chiropractic care alone focuses on physical alignment to alleviate conditions. Acupuncture treats at both the physical and energetic levels. Our theories are very different as well. READ MORE
Where are acupuncture needles placed?
All over your body! There are meridians and points that cover you from head to toe. Of course, they will not all be needled at the same time (that would be over 600 needles including the meridians, extra points, scalp points, and auricular points), but where they are placed exactly will differ depending on why you are seeking acupuncture, the style of acupuncture your practitioner practices, and what your practitioner finds in your tongue and pulse. READ MORE
How long do the benefits of an acupuncture session last for?
That primarily depends on your compliance with your practitioner's treatment protocols (taking herbs, applying acupressure, dietary changes, etc), but acupuncture has a cumulative effect. The more consistent you are with treatments and the longer you receive them, the longer the relief will last. In my practice, I find my patients generally start with weekly treatments. Once they feel relief lasting a full week, we decrease treatment frequency to once every 2 weeks. Then when their relief lasts for 2 weeks, we decrease frequency to every 3 weeks, and so on until they no longer need my services. READ MORE
Is acupuncture on the head safe?
Absolutely. Acupuncture is safe throughout your entire body when it's applied by a licensed or certified practitioner. READ MORE
What should I do after my first acupuncture session?
In the words of my teacher: no sex, drugs or rock and roll. After your first and every treatment, you should avoid strenuous activity (that includes sex), recreational drugs, and alcohol. These activities use up a lot of energy and you want to focus your energy on the treatment you just received. Allow your body time to absorb the treatment and adjust to it's new settings. READ MORE
Should acupuncture needles hurt?
You may feel a prick or pinch when the needle is inserted, this is normal. If the needle feels sharp, if you feel a burning pain, or if the pinching doesn't subside, you must tell your practitioner right away. That pain is not normal but will resolve once they adjust or move the needle. That being said, there are some sensations that you will feel from needling techniques that are normal but can be very strong or intense. These sensations include, heaviness, pressure, aching, traveling, or spreading. If your practitioner also practices trigger point dry needling, you may feel what's called a referral pattern. This happens when a knot is released and it triggers the pain you normally feel. This is also normal and will subside once the trigger point is released. Always keep a dialogue with your practitioner. If you are unsure if what your feeling is normal or if it's too intense, tell them. They can explain what is happening, why, and make adjustments when necessary. READ MORE
Does acupuncture help vertigo?
Yes, it can. Your acupuncturist will likely work with a technique called moxibustion and/or herbal prescriptions. READ MORE
Is it ok to get a massage after acupuncture?
Absolutely! I love the combination of acupuncture and massage together. I only recommend that you tell your massage therapist that you just had an acupuncture session and show them where the needles were inserted if you can remember (no worries if you can't). Some massage therapist have a background in acupressure and can help support the treatment you just had, or avoid those areas if they are sore or bruised. READ MORE
Should you rest after acupuncture?
Definitely. You may leave some acupuncture treatments feeling fatigued, which is normal. But even if you don't, it's good to let your body relax and absorb the treatment you've just received. READ MORE
How quickly does acupuncture work?
It can work in as little as one treatment but that number really depends on the style of acupuncture you are receiving, the frequency of treatments, and your compliance with your practitioner's treatment plan (taking herbs, dietary or lifestyle changes, etc.). Generally speaking, if you're not feeling any changes within 5-8 treatments, I suggest finding another practitioner or trying a different style of acupuncture. READ MORE
Can acupuncture be done daily?
It can be but that is usually not necessary. For most conditions, weekly treatments will suffice. The only reason treatments are done more frequently than that are with acute conditions (you just twisted your ankle, you developed a sinus infection, virus, etc.). For more serious acute conditions like mono or bells palsy, you can actually receive acupuncture treatments several times per day. READ MORE
Does acupuncture improve egg quality?
It can, in theory. Though I haven't found any studies that fully support a direct link, it's suggested that by working through aspects such as regulating your cycle, ovulation, and hormone levels, increasing blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, and treating other conditions like endometriosis or early menopause, acupuncture would help improve the surrounding circumstances and therefore also improve egg quality. If it's age related, however (which shouldn't be a problem until around age 40), there unfortunately isn't much that can be done to reverse a natural deterioration process. READ MORE
Where do acupuncture needles go for fertility?
That all depends on what is the cause of your infertility. In general and for any conditions, there are usually points selected locally (in the area of complaint), and distally (away from the area of complaint), that work together to alleviate symptoms and treat the cause of the condition. For example, you may have points in your hands and feet to increase blood circulation, but also applied to your lower abdomen to direct blood flow through that area. READ MORE
Is acupuncture good for pregnancy?
Yes, but there are points that are to be avoided during pregnancy. So long as your practitioner knows that you are pregnant, you will be safe. READ MORE
How often should I get acupuncture for migraines?
It depends on how long you have been suffering with migraines and what style of acupuncture your acupuncturist practices. Generally speaking, chronic conditions (anything lasting longer than 3 months) would be treated on a weekly basis. If they have been occurring for fewer than 3 months, you may receive treatments 2-3 times per week. READ MORE
Can you get acupuncture for anxiety?
Yes. Acupuncture is very effective in treating anxiety. Some patients even feel immediate relief. READ MORE
How much weight can you lose with acupuncture?
That's a tough question to answer as there are several factors that affect weight loss. Firstly, you have to consider the style of acupuncture you're receiving, and your compliance with your practitioner's treatment protocols (dietary changes, lifestyle chagnes, etc.). Secondly, you must also consider your biology. Though the weight we carry is easily effected by what and how much we eat, the body's genetic make up can be of equal impact. It can effect everything from metabolism to how much healthy weight it likes to carry. Humans come in all shapes and sizes. My suggestion to you is to not focus on the numbers in your pant size or on the scale, but how you're feeling. If you're eating right, exercising regularly, sleeping well, and feeling good energetically and emotionally, then you're body is at it's peak of functioning no matter what that number is. READ MORE