expert type icon EXPERT

Alyssa Risi

Acupuncturist

Alyssa is a board certified, Licensed Acupuncturist accepting new patients in Tinton Falls NJ. Alyssa evaluates and treats patients based on the concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Acupuncturists complete their evaluations by getting a patient history and looking at and touching the body. Then, they place very fine sterile acupuncture needles into specific points on the body. Stimulating these points is how she treats the patients' conditions. Many of the body's systems respond to acupuncture on a physiological level, treating physical pain as well as emotional stress. Alyssa is trained in three forms of acupuncture, allowing her to provide well rounded and integrated treatments specific to each patient.
6 years Experience
Alyssa Risi
Specializes in:
  • Acupuncture
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine
  • Pain Management
  • Tinton Falls, New Jersey
  • TriStateCollege of Acupuncture
  • Accepting new patients

What pressure point relieves shoulder pain?

Typically, a local treatment entails points around the shoulder with specific attention to your site of pain. There are distal points that are useful when treating shoulder pain READ MORE
Typically, a local treatment entails points around the shoulder with specific attention to your site of pain. There are distal points that are useful when treating shoulder pain that is located on the legs/ankles and further down the arm toward the wrist.

Where is the pressure point for your stomach?

Local points on the abdomen are usually used for stomach pain. Depending on your specific symptoms, points on the arms, legs, head, and even ears can be used!

Do I need to rest after acupuncture?

You do not have to, necessarily. But oftentimes, people feel more relaxed and tired, so you should remain hydrated and be mindful that normal activity may feel different, as your READ MORE
You do not have to, necessarily. But oftentimes, people feel more relaxed and tired, so you should remain hydrated and be mindful that normal activity may feel different, as your body is in "healing/relax" mode. Rest if possible, but you are allowed to go about your day if you need to.

Can acupuncture cause miscarriage in early pregnancy?

As long as you are in constant communication with your acupuncturist and let them know you are indeed pregnant, we avoid points that are said to help "induce", or aid in an easier READ MORE
As long as you are in constant communication with your acupuncturist and let them know you are indeed pregnant, we avoid points that are said to help "induce", or aid in an easier labor. Therefore there is very small to no chance of causing a miscarriage through acupuncture.

Back pain from the waist up?

Typically, there are local points used for pain and distal points as well. Local points will be on your back, along the spine, or in areas that are tender or sore based on palpation. READ MORE
Typically, there are local points used for pain and distal points as well. Local points will be on your back, along the spine, or in areas that are tender or sore based on palpation. For back pain, there are empirical points located on the legs & ankles, even arms/hands! So those could also be incorporated into treatment.

How long does acupuncture take to work for back pain?

The amount of sessions it would take depends on the length of time you've experienced back pain, along with the severity of pain, the quality of the pain, or whether or not there READ MORE
The amount of sessions it would take depends on the length of time you've experienced back pain, along with the severity of pain, the quality of the pain, or whether or not there are other factors or co-morbidities involved. For more chronic conditions, it will take more sessions than an acute flare-up in some cases. In most cases, I advise patients it may take anywhere from 5-8 sessions to begin to feel some shifts. This could be a change in pain quality, intensity, location, etc. Like any other medical modality, acupuncture typically does not cure conditions overnight. Try to remain patient and give it a few sessions.

What is the pressure point for knee pain?

Knee pain can be treated in a multitude of ways. The most common would be a local treatment, where acupuncture filaments are placed around the knee joint in surrounding tissues. READ MORE
Knee pain can be treated in a multitude of ways. The most common would be a local treatment, where acupuncture filaments are placed around the knee joint in surrounding tissues. We can focus on the specific area of pain, while also treating the area in general for muscle recovery, pain, and relaxation.

What should I do after acupuncture treatment?

I usually recommend that patients relax and not do too much heavy activity after treatment. It is smart to keep hydrated, eat a nourishing meal and try to relax for the remainder READ MORE
I usually recommend that patients relax and not do too much heavy activity after treatment. It is smart to keep hydrated, eat a nourishing meal and try to relax for the remainder of the day. You can return to work/errands etc if necessary, but many times people are very relaxed coming out sessions. Therefore I suggest trying and receiving acupuncture on days that you do not have much to do, lighter workout days, etc.

Why is acupuncture so relaxing?

Acupuncture helps the parasympathetic nervous system to activate, which is your rest and relaxation phase. It allows for the body to relax & promote healing and rejuvenation.

Can acupuncture hit a nerve?

Although acupuncture needles are hair-fine, it is possible to come close to a nerve. The nerve usually cannot be damaged, but you may feel intense sensations if the needle gets READ MORE
Although acupuncture needles are hair-fine, it is possible to come close to a nerve. The nerve usually cannot be damaged, but you may feel intense sensations if the needle gets too close. Be sure to alert your practitioner right away if you feel a sensation that is uncomfortable or feels like a zap. That could indicate the needle is somewhere it shouldn't be.

Can acupuncture release trapped emotions?

Yes. If you currently have stress and/or tend to hold stress and tension in certain parts of your body, acupuncture & releasing of muscles can sometimes elicit a physical response READ MORE
Yes. If you currently have stress and/or tend to hold stress and tension in certain parts of your body, acupuncture & releasing of muscles can sometimes elicit a physical response as well as emotional. It is normal but be sure to let your acupuncturist know. They can recommend how to work through it, or suggest next steps to take.

What pressure point relieves stress?

There are several points along the body to help reduce stress. Points are picked after an intake evaluation where acupuncturists ask specific questions about stress and other aspects READ MORE
There are several points along the body to help reduce stress. Points are picked after an intake evaluation where acupuncturists ask specific questions about stress and other aspects of your life. From there, needles are places throughout to help relieve stress, both physical and emotional.

Is acupressure good for neck pain?

Yes, neck pain can be helped with acupressure or acupuncture

Fatigue after acupuncture?

I would talk to your practitioner, as they need to know how long you feel the side effects. Fatigue and being very relaxed is usually normal after treatments, but if it is of concern, READ MORE
I would talk to your practitioner, as they need to know how long you feel the side effects. Fatigue and being very relaxed is usually normal after treatments, but if it is of concern, be sure to discuss it with your acupuncturist. Often it is recommended to eat a small meal before, and drink plenty of water before and after treatment. Your acupuncturist may have other specific suggestions based on what they know of you and your case.

How long are acupuncture needles left in?

The length of time you are given to relax depends on the practitioner. On average, needles can be left in between 15 & 30 minutes. Some can even extend that toward 40 minutes. READ MORE
The length of time you are given to relax depends on the practitioner. On average, needles can be left in between 15 & 30 minutes. Some can even extend that toward 40 minutes. Again, it is dependent on the individual rendering treatment. If you are uncomfortable at any time, you should alert the practitioner.

Pain from acupuncture slippers?

I am unaware of what acupuncture slippers entail and what they are meant for, but you should consult a licensed professional along with your PCP. If the slippers were uncomfortable, READ MORE
I am unaware of what acupuncture slippers entail and what they are meant for, but you should consult a licensed professional along with your PCP. If the slippers were uncomfortable, there could be a chance your gait shifted, causing residual pain in your back from trying to walk comfortably.

Can you feel the needles in acupuncture?

Acupuncture is minimally invasive and the needles are about the size of a hair, so the insertion of the needles is virtually painless.

How long does acupuncture take to work for leg pain?

Depending on your ailment and how long you've experienced this pain, typically, you may begin to feel changes in your treatment within 5-6 sessions. Each patient and case is different, READ MORE
Depending on your ailment and how long you've experienced this pain, typically, you may begin to feel changes in your treatment within 5-6 sessions. Each patient and case is different, but usually within that amount of time, you will feel some changes in pain, frequency, location and/or intensity.

How many acupuncture treatments are needed for sciatica?

Usually, treatment effects begin to be noticed between 6-8 sessions if you get treatment 1-2 times per week. However, this is all dependent on the intensity of the pain and how READ MORE
Usually, treatment effects begin to be noticed between 6-8 sessions if you get treatment 1-2 times per week. However, this is all dependent on the intensity of the pain and how long you have had sciatica. For more chronic pain that you've had for years, it may take a bit longer to feel results from acupuncture.

How do you acupressure your feet?

After consulting a licensed acupuncturist, they can show you some acupuncture points on the feet and ankles that you can stimulate with pressure from your thumb or finger. Depending READ MORE
After consulting a licensed acupuncturist, they can show you some acupuncture points on the feet and ankles that you can stimulate with pressure from your thumb or finger. Depending on what you are looking to achieve from treatment, they can give you a few points to perform acupressure on your own that can be done safely at home.