Let me be frank. I’m an anxious hot mess. Not just 2020 anxious. Like the kind of anxiety where at 7 years old my mom said that I was going to give myself an ulcer. I was stressed AF. As I got older I didn’t get less anxious, probably more so (or just at least more aware of it and was able to put words to the feelings). I’ve learned coping skills over the years. Yoga and acupuncture being the main 2 that keep my anxiety in check. 

I met my acupuncturist, Gabriel Sher, about 12 years ago. I was dealing with chronic neck pain that left me unable to move my head and neck for days at a time. I was taking muscle relaxers to cope, which is against my preference for being medication free. I was also afraid of needles. But Gabriel came highly recommended by a friend. So I gave it a go. I explained what was going on and my nervousness about needles. Gabriel put me at ease and gave me options to back off if it was too much. His Flatiron office is peaceful, rarely do you see another patient. He plays soft music, the lights are dimmed or off, and he gives you a buzzer in case you need anything during your treatment. It feels more spa-like than medical. On the table, the sensation I felt during the treatment could only be described as melting. I had to open my eyes to make sure I was not indeed melting off of the table. I wasn’t. At each point of insertion, I could feel this whirling of energy. It sounds crazy, I know. But it was wildly weird and soothing. I left G’s office feeling lighter, and able to love my neck. 

I have continued to see Gabriel regularly over the last decade for various things. Mostly my crazy tense shoulders and back. These are my areas where I know I store stress. I also had some pretty serious TMJ for a while, that was only relieved again by muscle relaxers. My jaw felt like it was constantly under strain from a serious workout (pretty sure I was literally just muscling my mouth shut when I needed desperately to speak up for myself. It’s really amazing how the body will show you exactly what you’re trying to ignore). After each sesh, I would leave feeling like I could breathe and move a bit more. I felt lighter. Relaxed. These effects would last a few days to a week, depending on my stress load. 

At the start of each session, Gabriel goes over a checklist of what’s going on in my body. He addresses not just the physical ailments but the mental and emotional as well, as these are all tied together. While he treats my physical tight spots, he also treats my emotional ones as well. After a particularly challenging breakup, I sought out help from G. I wasn’t exactly sure what I was after but I just needed some calm and peace. I cried my eyes out during our session, Gabriel never flinching or feeling uncomfortable as he expertly needled specific points. Even now I seek out the emotional support of acupuncture as I journey through motherhood. If I have a moment to myself for self-care, you’ll find me at the Sher Acupuncture Center. 

I know this post may seem like I’m gushing over Gabriel, but he really is a miracle worker. I’ve had acupuncture now from several other practitioners and really do appreciate his relaxed demeanor, the knowledge that he shares easily, and constant calm and openness. Whether you’ll local to NYC or elsewhere, the benefits of acupuncture are truly amazing. The clear and direct link between our physical and emotional wellbeing are so intricately entwined that it is vital to care for both. Especially during this wild year when we are under constant daily stresses (micro and macro), it’s so necessary to take care, truly take care. 

Please read on to hear more about acupuncture an its benefits from Gabriel himself.

What is acupuncture? 

Acupuncture is the practice of inserting thin needles along twelve meridians (which are channels or streams of energy) in the body.  A good analogy is that of a river and dam.  Needles work as if releasing a dam by breaking open stagnant Qi in the body and allowing blood and energy to flow freely. The goal of Chinese medicine is to move and circulate blood and energy, as stagnation can bring pain and disease.

 

What inspired you to become an acupuncturist? How long have you been practicing? 

When I was a child my mother suffered from horrible migraine headaches.  Western medicine didn’t help her and I saw firsthand the negative effects that overuse of pharmaceuticals can have on the body and mind.  I was always trying to find new ways to help my mother with her pain.  Eventually, a friend recommended acupuncture which he said could help and had no side effects. Once my mother committed to three treatments three times a week she began to feel better.  Her mood improved and her stress and headaches began to subside. It was amazing to me, and from that point on I decided that I wanted to pursue acupuncture as a career.   I’ve been practicing acupuncture for over 20 years.

 

Any conditions you consider your specialties? 

I have always felt that while Chinese medicine can help with almost any health issue, it has the most success in treating issues relating to gynecology, gastroenterology, dermatology, pain and stress management.

 

How does emotional stress impact our physical wellbeing? How can acupuncture help? 

I believe that stress and anxiety attack the weakest parts of our bodies. For instance, if you often suffer from back pain and you are stressed and anxious, your back pain will increase exponentially.  This has never been clearer to me than during the Covid pandemic, where most everyone is anxious and suffering physical and/or emotional pain.

 

What can/ cannot be treated (in regards to emotions)? 

Acupuncture is amazing for treating emotional health issues. Acupuncture is extremely effective at calming the system, rebalancing emotions, and decreasing tension throughout the body.

 

Is there a time when acupuncture is not recommended? 

I think acupuncture can help at any time!  For acute conditions, I like to see people a couple of times a week, but otherwise, the frequency of treatments can be less, perhaps once a week to manage a condition or to keep the body in good balance even if you are feeling well.

 

Any acupressure points for stress you can do on yourself?

Yes!  For calming the spirit I love point Yin Tang, which is on the forehead in the midpoint between the eyebrows, as well as He Gu, which is right at the crease between the thumb and finger.  These points are great for calming the spirit, relaxing the mind, and moving stagnant energy in the body.

 

How long do benefits last? 

It really depends. For some conditions, acupuncture can last a long time. The body always needs to stay in balance.  Environmental stress from work, family, etc. can throw off the body’s equilibrium.  Acupuncture can help restore this imbalance.

 

To find Gabriel please check out his website, IG and Facebook. 

T 212.473.3750 E gabrielsher@yahoo.com