I've had knee joint problems for years, and when I turned 50 last year, I was determined to find a real solution--not just a quick fix. Many of my family and friends who opted for surgery now regret it; instead of helping, it made things worse for them. I wanted a holistic approach, and since Asian Medicine has stood the test of time for millennia, I decided to give acupuncture a try.
A quick tip for NYC Department of Education employees: if you're on METROPLUS GOLD Health Insurance, it covers 10 acupuncture sessions a year with no copayment--that's how I found Sungsim Acupuncture Practice. What impressed me right away is that they called my insurance directly before I even made an appointment to confirm coverage--no surprises, no misunderstandings. The staff is kind, helpful, and the space is clean, comfortable and welcoming.
On my first visit, I met Dr. Chris Bae. After I described my knee issues, he confidently explained how acupuncture could make a real difference. He then checked my tongue and accurately pinpointed what was going on in my body--I was genuinely surprised by how precise his assessment was.
The treatment itself: he applied suction cups on my legs and around my knees. I won't lie--it does hurt at first when they attach, like a deep skin twist--but the discomfort lessens as your body adjusts. He then used infrared lights on my knees, let them sit for a bit, gently massaged both legs, and removed the cups. After cleaning the area with alcohol, he placed the needles--quick and with incredibly gentle hands. My advice: stay still to avoid any discomfort, but honestly, his technique is so smooth it's over before you know it.
After just four sessions, I could already see and feel improvement. Now, at seven sessions in, I'm truly happy with my progress. I'll take this temporary treatment sensation over going under the knife any day--especially when surgery isn't a guaranteed fix.
Dr. Bae is also a certified herbalist in traditional Asian Medicine, which adds another layer of care. If you're looking for a genuine alternative--one that doesn't rely on surgery or pills that only mask symptoms and often come with harmful side effects--I wholeheartedly recommend giving this a chance. Dr. Bae has extensive knowledge and solid credentials to back it up. His practice has genuinely made a difference in my life. read more
