EXPERT
Andrea Cillo
Acupuncturist
It all started when I was two years old and my mom took me to see New York Dance Theater's "The Nutcracker." During the Snow Pas de Deux, I stood up, pointed to the stage and yelled, "I want to be that! But without him because I don't need his help." Needless to say, my mom signed me up for dance classes and when I was 10, I became a full time ballerina at the Frank Ohman School of Ballet. When I was 14, I was diagnosed with bursitis in both of my hips. After a stint with physical therapy failed, I was told that if I wanted to be pain free, I'd have to quit dancing. Well that wasn't going to happen. That was when my mom suggested acupuncture. Pretty nervous, I went, and after several treatments I started improving, and then improving exponentially. I went from hardly being able to walk without pain, to dancing my heart out again. Surely enough, I became Snow Queen and learned very quickly that I do in fact need his help.
When it came time to pick a major in college I immediately chose biology. I knew I wanted to be in a medical field but there are so many incredible opportunities to choose from. Again, my mom's advice led me to acupuncture. I started talking to my acupuncturist and discovered that I could do so much more than treat pain. Once he started describing the theory, I was hooked.
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 taught many other tricks that go with the trade such as moxibustion, electro-acupuncture, cupping and gua sha. Currently, I am studying Classical Chinese Medicine under the mentorship of Timothy Aitken, a master practitioner in the teaching lineage of Jeffery Yuen and specialist in pediatric acupuncture.
When it came time to pick a major in college I immediately chose biology. I knew I wanted to be in a medical field but there are so many incredible opportunities to choose from. Again, my mom's advice led me to acupuncture. I started talking to my acupuncturist and discovered that I could do so much more than treat pain. Once he started describing the theory, I was hooked.
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 taught many other tricks that go with the trade such as moxibustion, electro-acupuncture, cupping and gua sha. Currently, I am studying Classical Chinese Medicine under the mentorship of Timothy Aitken, a master practitioner in the teaching lineage of Jeffery Yuen and specialist in pediatric acupuncture.
11 years
Experience
Andrea Cillo
- Bay Shore, New York
- Tri State College of Acupuncture
- Accepting new patients
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,...
Can you get an infection from acupuncture?
If the practitioner does not practice clean needle techniques, then yes. When you see an acupuncturist, they should wash their hands before handling needles, swab the points they READ MORE
If the practitioner does not practice clean needle techniques, then yes. When you see an acupuncturist, they should wash their hands before handling needles, swab the points they will be using with alcohol, and a clean needle must be used with each insertion. (There are some techniques where the needle doesn't penetrate the skin, in these instances it is okay to "re-use" a needle.) Once a needle has been used, it should be disposed in a biohazard container. So long as your practitioner is following this protocol, the risk of infection is extremely low.
Can acupuncture help skin rashes?
It can. Acupuncture can help with many skin conditions and there are acupuncturists who actually specialize in skin care.
Can you ingest small amounts of essential oils?
To my knowledge, essential oils are limited to external use only with the exception of steaming. Essential oils may seem harmless, but they are indeed very potent which is why READ MORE
To my knowledge, essential oils are limited to external use only with the exception of steaming. Essential oils may seem harmless, but they are indeed very potent which is why it can be dangerous to injest them. This is why it's necessary to dilute them in a carrier oil at about a 1:30 ratio. When steaming, add only a few drops to a large bowl of hot water.
Does acupuncture help nausea?
Yes. Acupuncture (and acupressure, like using Sea-Bands) can be very effective in alleviating nausea. Acupuncture can also be used to treat and prevent other digestive distresses READ MORE
Yes. Acupuncture (and acupressure, like using Sea-Bands) can be very effective in alleviating nausea. Acupuncture can also be used to treat and prevent other digestive distresses or disorders.
Where is the acupuncture point for nausea?
The most commonly used acupuncture point for nausea can be found on the inside of your wrist. The simplest way to find it is to place your ring finger at your wrist crease and READ MORE
The most commonly used acupuncture point for nausea can be found on the inside of your wrist. The simplest way to find it is to place your ring finger at your wrist crease and line your center and index finger up next to it. The point will be found in the center of your wrist at the edge of your index finger.
Why can't I sleep after acupuncture?
Though acupuncture can be very relaxing, for some it can also be rejuvinating. However, this can also be caused if there are more needles placed closer to your head than to your READ MORE
Though acupuncture can be very relaxing, for some it can also be rejuvinating. However, this can also be caused if there are more needles placed closer to your head than to your feet. If you notice that is true, I suggest talking with your acupuncturist and asking if they use other points lower on the body instead of the ones higher up on the body.
Is acupuncture good for anxiety and depression?
Yes. Acupuncture can be very effective in treating and preventing flare ups of anxiety and depression.
Does acupuncture help mental illness?
Yes. Acupuncture can be very effective in treating mental illness.
What are the pressure points to relieve anxiety?
There are several points throughout the body that can be used to releive anxiety. To determine which points are most effective, I suggest seeing an acupuncturist. They will learn READ MORE
There are several points throughout the body that can be used to releive anxiety. To determine which points are most effective, I suggest seeing an acupuncturist. They will learn what exactly is causing the anxiety and can better guide you in treating it using at-home techniques like acupressure, moxibustion, and meditation.
What pressure point makes you fall asleep instantly?
Sadly, there isn't a point like the Vulcan Nerve Pinch that will instantly make someone fall asleep (or render them unconscious). There are some points you can use however to help READ MORE
Sadly, there isn't a point like the Vulcan Nerve Pinch that will instantly make someone fall asleep (or render them unconscious). There are some points you can use however to help someone fall asleep faster. To determine what those are, I suggest seeing an acupuncturist. Once they have an understanding as to why someone is having trouble sleeping, they can provide some at-home techniques (like acupressure) to help in the moment.
Do pressure points really work?
They do! I actually became an acupuncturist because of how acupuncture helped me. Acupressure works on the same principles as acupuncture. It's simply a different method of activating READ MORE
They do! I actually became an acupuncturist because of how acupuncture helped me. Acupressure works on the same principles as acupuncture. It's simply a different method of activating the points.
Can acupuncture help weak legs?
Yes. Acupuncture can be very effective in treating and strengthening weak muscles.
What are the pressure points to relieve neck pain?
There are several points locally and distally (away from the area of pain) that can help alleviate neck pain. I suggest, however, that you see an acupuncturist for guidance on READ MORE
There are several points locally and distally (away from the area of pain) that can help alleviate neck pain. I suggest, however, that you see an acupuncturist for guidance on which points will be the most effective.
Where is the pressure point on your leg?
There are over 80 acupuncture points on the legs. To determine which would be most effective for your self treatment, I recommend seeing an acupuncturist.
How many acupoints are there?
Overall, there are 410 acupuncture points throughout the body, 219 points on each ear, and 16 points on the scalp. Some styles of acupuncture incorporate their own "extra" points READ MORE
Overall, there are 410 acupuncture points throughout the body, 219 points on each ear, and 16 points on the scalp.
Some styles of acupuncture incorporate their own "extra" points as well.
Some styles of acupuncture incorporate their own "extra" points as well.
Can acupressure help knee pain?
It can. I suggest, however, that you see an acupuncturist for guidance on which points will be the most effective.
Can acupressure help swollen knees?
It can. I suggest, however, that you see an acupuncturist for guidance on which points will be the most effective.
Can acupuncture help you sleep?
Yes. Acupuncture can be very effective in treating many sleep disorders.
Can acupuncture help facial nerves?
Yes. Acupuncture can be very helpful in treating the facial nerves, but the sooner you start, the better (and faster) your results will be.
How quickly does acupuncture work?
That is different for everyone and depends on your condition, how long you've had it, and your compliance with your practitioner's treatment plan. That being said, you may feel READ MORE
That is different for everyone and depends on your condition, how long you've had it, and your compliance with your practitioner's treatment plan. That being said, you may feel improvement within the first treatment.
