Blog » Ira Wahrman L.Ac | Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine in Mamaroneck, NY

A Case Of Severe Dizziness – Cupping To The Rescue

By Ira Wahrman | Published January 8, 2025

Cupping Case Study

Recently I had a patient a patient come into the office in Mamaroneck with upper back tightness, headache and severe dizziness. A few months prior she was coming in for acupuncture and bodywork to help to alleviate her symptoms of depression and improve her sleep. Acupuncture and bodywork were very helpful for those symptoms but when she came in this time she was suffering from new symptoms and dizziness was the most bothersome. Usually acupuncture and body work do wonders for these symptoms but for this session the patient left feeling more relaxed, but the dizziness persisted. When feeling around her neck I found a lot of restrictions in her upper neck and decided to apply cupping. We did an intense cupping session lasting about 20-30 minutes and afterwards her dizziness was 90% better. Acupuncture and bodywork are usually my go to treatment for most patient visits but when they do not give the result the patient is looking for, I often will look for other treatments to help. In this case cupping was the key. Cupping alone helped this patient recover from her dizziness.

What is cupping?

Cupping is a cross-cultural technique that has been used all over the world by various cultures throughout history. Cupping is a therapeutic technique that creates suction on the skin to help to extract toxins and relieve muscle tension from deeper tissues. The body’s cells use oxygen and release carbon dioxide, but when circulation is blocked, waste can accumulate, causing discomfort. This can include pain, stiffness, numbness, etc.

Physical pain signals a disruption in circulation of blood, fluids and energy flow. When toxins are trapped in muscles or joints, the body struggles to eliminate them, leading to further blockage. Cupping uses vacuum suction to draw these blockages to the skin’s surface, making it easier for the body to remove them through the blood supply. As these blockages move you will see coloring of the skin. For mild blockages in circulation the marks will be pink to light red. For more serious blockages the color can vary from dark red to purple to even black. The darker the color of marking the stronger and more chronic the blockage. The good news is that the darker the blockage the better your symptoms should feel after the treatment. This is usually the case but not always. The marks disappear in 2-7 days.

In just ten minutes, cupping can eliminate toxins from targeted areas and promote fresh blood flow, revitalizing the tissue and restoring circulation. Cupping can reduce the overall number of treatments needed for various health conditions. For many chronic pain conditions, it can often reduce the recovery time by half.

Is cupping painful?

The cupping sensation can be sometimes be uncomfortable l for the first sixty seconds, the time during which most of the toxins are removed. It is helpful to try to relax into the process of being cupped, and to acknowledge and tolerate the discomfort. It will be worth it.

What can cupping help with?

Respiratory Conditions: Cough, colds, asthma, COPD, bronchitis, wheezing pneumonia, poor immunity, other chronic and acute respiratory conditions.
Pain Conditions: Joint pain, fibromyalgia, back pain, neck pain, headaches, shoulder pain, stiffness, numbness, jaw pain, TMJ, sciatica etc.
Skin Conditions: eczema, itching, hives, etc.

Cupping can also be helpful for digestive, urinary and reproductive issues that are related to muscle tension and tightness. Cupping also does wonders for muscle tension and tightness caused by stress. It is also helpful for some neurological cases including some forms of dizziness.

Back to my patient. Here are some pictures from her treatment. She felt much bette after the treatment. Once the cups went on I could see the dark dark red and purple markings quickly show up. I had high hopes for her to feel better. The treatment was not painful and she is still doing great.

If you have any questions about acupuncture and Chinese medicine and would like to see if the treatments at the office in Mamaroneck would be a good fit for you feel free to call (914) 772-4044. If you would like to book your first appointment please click the button below.

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Posted in Chinese Medicine, Pain Management, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Uncategorized, What We Treat | Comments Off

Eczema and Psoriasis: Chinese Medicine To The Rescue

By Ira Wahrman | Published April 12, 2024

Chinese Medicine is not just acupuncture

Aside from acupuncture I offer internal and external herbal treatments. This post is about an external herbal product I have had great success with. This product is very helpful for a wide range of skin issues. I only sell or share information on products that I have found to be helpful with family, friends and clients. The product I will share is one that has blown me away. It is made with mild herbal substances that are safe enough to apply to babies.

Do you suffer from any of these skin conditions:

Dry -type eczema
Flaking dry psoriasis
Cracked hands and cuticles
Dry cracked heels
Ashy skin
Dry, red, itchy rashes
Hands rough from overuse
General Moisturizing
Diaper Rash
Drool Rash
Winter Dryness

If you do this post should be helpful.

Illness and disease can be looked at as a learning experience

We are all human and my health is not perfect. I strive to take care of myself the best I can with diet, lifestyle and exercise but I also fall victim to various health ailments from time to time. I try not to stress and I do my best to figure out how to improve my health on my own. It may sound crazy but I find it exciting. There is no better feedback than trial and error on yourself. I get a better look at what works and what does not and also have a clearer idea on how to apply different treatments.

My recent skin troubles

Recently I suffered a terrible rash. It was very itchy, warm and red. Both my legs to started swell.

The rash spread out over both my legs. My wife was pushing me to seek out treatment but I decided to figure it out by myself. I have successfully treated various skin conditions in the past. Eczema, rashes, psoraisis, etc. Usually the best combination is internal herbal medicine coupled with dietary adjustments. For myself I wanted to try out a product which I have suggested to many patients in the past but had not experienced myself. The product is called Emily Skin Soothers. Emily Skin Soothers was created by an acupuncturist to treat his newborn babies eczema. When he applied it to his child the eczema slowly disappeared. My son also had eczema when he was about 6 months old. We were not able to get him to take Chinese herbal medicine internally. We decided to apply Emily Skin Soothers and it worked like magic. Nothing else seemed to work with him. The itching and redness just slowly disappeared.

So back to my story. Emily skin soothers has a line of products. I used the preparation that was specific for red, hot skin. As soon as it touched my skin the itching disappeared. I applied the product 4 times a day for a week and it slowly disappeared. It is now two weeks later and my skin is pretty much back to normal. I have seen this product work so well for my patients, myself and my family that I am now carrying it in my acupuncture office in Mamaroneck.

Pictures of the magic at work

My skin before applying treatment.	My skin after applying treatment for 1 week.
My skin before applying treatment.	My skin after applying treatment for 1 week.

I do not claim and the Emily Skin Soothers company do not claim to have a cure for eczema or psoraisis or anything for that matter. It has been their experience and my experience that these products are very soothing to various skin issues.

I am currently carrying the Emily Skin Soothers line of products in my acupuncture office in Mamaroneck. Pick some up at your next visit for yourself, friends or family.

Posted in Chinese Medicine, What We Treat | Tagged dry skin, eczema, itchy skin, psoraisis, rash | Comments Off

Are Acupuncture Needles Reused?

By Ira Wahrman | Published April 2, 2024

This is a question I get asked a lot. I have been in practice for around 15 years and I have been asked this question enough to warrant a blog post. Prior to opening my acupuncture clinic in Mamaroneck I was seeing patients in various locations in New York City. Frequently patients would ask if needles are reused. Currently in the United States most acupuncturist use single use acupuncture needles. I am one of these acupuncturist. All of the needles I use are packaged in individual blister packs. I open the package. Then I insert the needle. Once your treatment is over the needles are removed and disposed of in a sharps container. The same type of sharps container used in hospitals and doctors offices all over the country.

Single use acupuncture needles used by Ira Wahrman licensed acupuncturist — Single use acupuncture needles

Sharps Container used by Ira Wahrman acupuncturist — Sharps Container

When I was living and studying in China things were a little different. A lot of the clinics I visited in Beijing the doctors were not using single use needles. They were using reusable needles that were first soaked in alcohol and then sterilized in an autoclave. An autoclave is used by dentists and other medical professionals to sterilize their instruments. When used correctly an autoclave can sanitize acupuncture needles. It is just expensive, time consuming and ittakes up a lot of space in the office. That is why most acupuncturist in the West do not use them.

Ira Wahrman L.Ac uses only single use acupuncture needles that are disposed of after every session.

Posted in Acupuncture | Tagged acupuncture | Comments Off

You do not need acupuncture! You are in control of your own health.

By Ira Wahrman | Published March 14, 2024

I would like to start with a quote from Sun Si Miao. He was a famous physician from the Tang dynasty. Often referred as the medicine king and revered by doctors, Taoists and Buddhists.

“First, modify the patient’s diet and lifestyle and only then, if these do not effect a cure, treat with medicinals and acupuncture”

Most of my patients come to the office in Mamaroneck to receive acupuncture or Chinese medicine treatment. Many of my patients also take herbal medicine. I often combine acupuncture, massage, moxibustion with herbs for treatment. There are times when I get a referral from patients at distance. Either their friends or family members have had success with acupuncture and herbal medicine and they want to receive treatment as well. I have worked with patients remotely as far as San Francisco. We do a herbal consultation over the phone and I ship them their herbs. We also take a deep dive into diet and lifestyle as well. I really enjoy doing remote consultations for herbal medicine and lifestyle. I really get to see how the herbs, diet and lifestyle changes are working on their own. I did a remote consultation a few months ago and while the patient was waiting for her herbs to arrive she sent me the email below. Prior to speaking with me she was passing loose stool 4-5 times a night. She would wake with nausea and had some other health concerns. The only change she has made to her lifestyle was avoiding cold, raw foods and she started to drink hot water as her main beverage during the day. Without taking herbal medicine or having one single acupuncture session she is already seeing big changes in her health. I am so happy for her. She is another example of how a simple simple adjustment can bring about drastic change. I am sure she will stick with it since she saw how big the change was. I hope you can be inspired by her example.

Below is an email I received from the patient:

I am shocked at how much of a difference drinking warm water and making sure my food is heated has helped!! I honestly didn’t realize how often I go to eat unheated food. I think it’s a habit I started when I became a mom. Your needs come last and next thing you know, all of your food is cold and you don’t bother to take the time to reheat!

I admittedly haven’t been doing great at eliminating all of the foods to avoid, so I can only imagine things are going to continue to improve as I continue to be more mindful of my diet too!

My bowel movements are returning to normal for the first time in a couple years. I still haven’t been sleeping super well, but no more multiple bouts of diarrhea at 4/5am. I’ve even had a regular movement during the day.

Remember you are in charge of your own health. I am only here to help.

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Ira Wahrman L.Ac Testimonials

By Ira Wahrman | Published August 11, 2019

Allergies, Sinusitis, Back Pain

I started seeing Ira about 4 years ago in Manhattan, I was being treated for severe sinusitis, horrible allergies, anxiety, spinal issues with loads of back pain and digestion. I was treated by him for about 2 years and during that time I had no need to take a pill to alleviate any of my troubles because he pretty much “fixed me”…. due to his change in office I lost contact and it has been a rough time, now back to western “stuff” to keep my sinuses clear and back pains at bay…. luckily a month ago I was desperate and decided to run a google search for Ira and I found him! So I’m very ecstatic to say that I now travel from Manhattan to Westchester twice a week to get treated and after a few sessions I’m starting to feel like I’m back on track! Ira has great bedside manor, he listens to your concerns and makes you feel comfortable, he explains everything he does and is super caring about his patients. I absolutely recommend Ira 120% to anyone who is suffering from any of the things I do, I can honestly vouch that you will feel great in just a few sessions!

– Marcella. C

Headaches, Lower Back Pain, Anxiety and Depression

Ira Wahrman is one of the most gifted healers whose patient I’ve ever had the pleasure of being. He is a natural at his art. His practice of both acupuncture and Chinese medicine are profound and in just the first several sessions I’ve had with him, my pain symptoms have largely decreased and my level of wellness has dramatically increased. I went to him primarily for lower back pain. As mentioned previously, my pain has largely decreased, as has the pain from my chronic headaches. Every acupuncture session ends with me feeling relieved, relaxed, and enlivened. His expertise in acupuncture has also helped me with depression, anxiety and a cold I may be temporarily be experiencing. He gave me a recipe for Congee, a Chinese rice soup that helps relieve cold and flu symptoms. The recipe worked with lots of success. I plan to continue my sessions with Ira on an ongoing basis and I HIGHLY recommend him. Words can’t express the degree to which he’s helped improved the quality of my life. I’m eternally grateful that our paths have crossed. His wisdom and intelligence will serve your health and well-being to degrees you can’t even imagine.

-Mike B.

Hormonal Imbalance, Digestive Upset

I really can’t say enough good things about Ira, and I’m so glad we found him. I’ve received a lot of bodywork and acupuncture over the years, and I’m incredibly picky. Ira is not only a warm and kind person, but he’s incredibly knowledgeable and gives a thoughtful and thorough treatment. I’m seeing him for some hormone-related issues due to a medication as well as some chronic digestive issues. My husband is seeing him for something completely different. We have both seen significant improvements in a very short time. Highly recommended!

-Katherine F.

Knee Pain

Wanting to avoid surgery for a torn meniscus I thought I would try acupuncture. I feel this treatment for my knee has been incredible. I am no longer limping, I feel like a miracle has occurred. But more important in the treatment of my knee is that Ira Wahrman goes out of his way to make people feel comfortable with his treatments. His care and concern to treat the whole person is a lesson that should be learned by Western medicine. I would recommend him to everyone I know!

-Mary Anne C.

Severe Lower Back Pain

I have chronic lower back pain. The pain was indescribable and debilitating. I tried anything and everything but nothing would give me relief. Then I met Ira. After only a few sessions I noticed a difference. Ira is incredibly smart & knowledgeable. It amazes me how he is always coming up with new ideas to help me with my pain. No matter what other ailments I throw at him he always makes me feel better. Ira truly cares about his patients. He’s very patient, professional, listens to you and always makes you feel comfortable. He’s the best!!! I highly recommend Ira because he has changed my life and I couldn’t be more grateful to him!!

-Pamela D.

Posted in Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, Testimonials | Comments Off