Alyssa Risi, DPLAC

Acupuncturist

1540 West Park Avenue Suite 4 Tinton Falls New Jersey, 07712 Show map

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About

Alyssa is a Board Certified, NJ Licensed Acupuncturist practicing in Tinton Falls NJ. Alyssa evaluates and treats patients based on the concepts of oriental medicine. Acupuncturists complete their evaluations by getting a patient history and looking at and touching the body. Then, they place very fine acupuncture needles into specific points on the body. Stimulating these points and surrounding tissues, activating healing response processes in the brain is how Alyssa treats the patients' condition. Many of the body's systems respond to acupuncture, and it can treat physical pain as well as emotional stress.

Education and Training

TriStateCollege of Acupuncture MS 2018

Mount Saint Mary College Bachelor of Arts in Biology 2012

Board Certification

National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

Provider Details

FemaleEnglish

Alyssa Risi, DPLAC

Alyssa Risi, DPLAC's Expert Contributions

My Answers

Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture is virtually painless. At some points, you may be aware of the insertion of the needle, but usually the sensation fades as your brain is desensitized. Facial skin tends to be slightly more reactive, but smaller and finer needles are used for places like the face or ears. READ MORE
How does acupuncture relieve pain?
On a muscular level, acupuncture can loosen the tension and tightness in the neck and surrounding tissues. On a physiological level, the needles trigger the brain to release healing properties, endorphins and hormones to the immediate area, bringing awareness to the neck that can increase circulation and healing responses. READ MORE
When should I get acupuncture treatment for fertility?
You can receive acupuncture at any point in your journey. Depending on where you are with your cycle, procedures, etc., the practitioner will select the points he/she feels will benefit you most. Be sure to remain in contact with your practitioner prior to treatments on your pregnancy status. READ MORE
Can acupuncture relieve my back pain?
I have seen success with decreasing pain and soreness in patients suffering from low back pain. There are many combinations of distal, local, and adjacent acupuncture points that when treated fairly often can loosen muscle tension, decrease soreness, and allow you to gain more mobility when performing daily functional activity. READ MORE
Can acupuncture ease the pain of a broken heart?
With help from friends and family, in addition to speaking to a professional if you'd like, acupuncture can help decrease the stress and emotional toll your body is going through. Allowing yourself to go through this process and feel you have a safe space is very important. Acupuncture should be able to help decrease symptoms you may be currently experiencing, to be performed by a practitioner you feel you can trust. READ MORE
Is it normal to feel dizzy after acupuncture?
Yes, it is normal to feel dizzy or lightheaded after receiving acupuncture. This practice is meant to help stimulate a healing response, whether physical, mental or emotional. With healing, there is a lot of 'movement' of what we call Qi - the 'energy' within flowing throughout the system. movement can be subtle or intense, depending on the person and their reaction to acupuncture. Be sure to let your practitioner know what you are feeling - he/she should suggest taking your time getting off the table, sitting up for a minute or so before getting up and leaving, some extra water that day, and blocking out time to relax and unwind after a treatment. READ MORE
Can acupuncture help with migraines?
I have seen success in decreasing the intensity & frequency of migraines with regular acupuncture treatments. I.e., if the migraines are triggered by stress or tight muscles, there are points to help relieve the tension and release tightness throughout the muscles allowing for smoother flow of blood and oxygen to the throughout. READ MORE
Can acupuncture be used to treat depression?
Yes. Acupuncture's purpose is to help re-calibrate the brain, promoting the conversion from the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight mode) into a parasympathetic state (rest and digest). The insertion of needles triggers The brain to release endorphins, 'feel good' chemicals & healing properties throughout the body, allowing for enhanced circulation & relaxation. Many people see the benefits of acupuncture for depression- decreased stress, enhanced energy, and so on. READ MORE
Is it normal to have a headache after acupuncture?
it is common to sometimes have a headache, or a feeling of being light headed after acupuncture. I would consult your practitioner to make them aware. Sometimes people are more sensitive to treatments than others. READ MORE
Can acupuncture be dangerous?
If performed by a licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac) who has had formal and extensive training, the risk of serious injury is virtually unheard of. Be sure your practitioner is licensed and certified to practice acupuncture READ MORE
Does acupuncture hurt the first time?
Acupuncture is virtually painless. You may be aware of the needle being inserted, but after the initial insertion you shouldn't feel too much. Sometimes patients feel a spreading or warming sensation. If you feel anything that is too uncomfortable, be sure to let your practitioner know. READ MORE
How often does acupuncture cause bacterial infections?
There is little to no risk of infection with acupuncture. We use sterile, single- use needles that are disposed of in medical biohazard containers after each patient session. A cut or any open wound will be avoided until fully healed. Practitioners are able to work around it and use other points on the body to ensure you still get a wholesome treatment. READ MORE
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes. Acupuncture works to re-establish the connection between mind and body. By creating a "micro trauma" of a needle penetrating the skin, it triggers the brain to release endorphins, hormones and other healing properties to promote pain relief, decrease inflammation and increase blood flow and circulation to the area of discomfort. There are also non-needling modalities such as cupping or gua sha that can be incorporated into treatments to further promote blood flow and increase circulation to the areas of pain or soreness. READ MORE
I take blood thinners regularly. Is acupuncture dangerous for me?
There are plenty of patients who are on blood thinners that visit acupuncture. It is important to alert your acupuncturist of this, but usually there are no complications. However, be sure to get the green light from your doctor. READ MORE
Is it normal to feel lethargic after my session?
Yes, feeling tired is normal. Sometimes, it can be because you have not eaten before, or drank enough water during the time leading up to the appointment. Also, if trigger point therapy is involved, a lot more energy is being released, so it is normal to feel "out of it" or lethargic. Take your time leaving the office and be sure to drink plenty of water afterward. READ MORE
How long do the effects of acupuncture last?
Each person is different, and their response to treatments will vary. Some people begin to feel results after 2-3 sessions, but other patients may not begin to feel shifts until 10 or so. It is very dependent on the patient, severity of the symptoms, and how often they are able to come for treatment. READ MORE
Do you need a diagnosis to get acupuncture?
Yes. Acupuncture works on an emotional and mental level, along with on a physical and physiological level. You do not need an official diagnosis in order to receive treatment. Your acupuncturist will diagnose you using a Chinese medical filter, and the points chosen will be based on your subjective signs and symptoms, along with objective findings such as pulse, tongue presentation, palpation of musculature. READ MORE
Where are the acupuncture points for fertility?
Acupuncture is a combination of local, distal, and adjacent points. Typically, points can be inserted on all areas, including feet/ankles, wrists, abdominal or back points, and even the ear. It all depends on how your acupuncturists views your signs and symptoms. READ MORE
Is acupuncture a better alternative to opioids?
Yes. Acupuncture is now recognized in the medical field as a formal form of pain management, and a great alternative to opioids. It can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and increase mood and morale during your healing process. READ MORE
Can my rash be from acupuncture?
It is not uncommon to notice a little bit of redness around the site where the needles were. There are some cases where your skin is just more sensitive to the needles, and there is always a possibility you could be allergic. If you are concerned, speak with your practitioner at the follow up visit. You can also snap a picture of the site so the practitioner can see what you are experiencing. Some practitioners use different varieties of needles, so they may be able to use other brands if they have them. READ MORE