
During your consultation you will learn:
- The underlying causes of your stubborn back pain according to Chinese Medicine
- Whether you are a good candidate for our services and...
- If so, your recommended treatment plan, including:
- Treatment type: Acupuncture and/or Custom Herbal Therapy
- Frequency and number of sessions needed
We treat complex back pain conditions including:
You may be a good candidate for our services if:

A Thoughtful, Individualized Approach to Back Pain
At our Manhattan clinic near Union Square, we focus on understanding the full picture—not just where it hurts.
Hear from our happy patients
"I've been going to see Dr. Kristin for quite some time now due to back/neck issues I've been dealing with for years, and I must say - it really does work wonders! From my first consultation to every appointment in between, Dr. Kristin has been kind and always attentive to what aches and pains I have. She makes sure to target the areas that are hurting you, and constantly checks in on you / with you to make sure you are comfortable. I mean really, what more could you ask for?!"
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- Nicole D.
"AMAZING! Was experiencing sciatic nerve pain which I was unable to successfully address with PT alone. Relief after just a few sessions but will continue for the 10 recommended. So grateful that Gotham (Kristin) was recommended to me. I have had a lot of acupuncture over the years and this is top notch! Clean, serene, professional setting. My go to from here on out. Thank you, Kristin!"
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- Michael B.
"Kristin at Gotham Holistic is a wonderful professional who is focused on helping you manage pain and getting your body to work best for you. She is personally invested in your health and well-being and committed to working with you to get your body to where you'd like it to be. She is full of knowledge and looks to empower you to help your body heal. As a lifelong athlete I am so grateful I have found Kristin to help me work through injuries and keep my body in top shape to continue to train at a high level."
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- Lisa L.
Take the First Step Toward Lasting Relief
If you’re ready for a different approach, we’re here to help.
I love treating back pain because it responds so well to acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. Even patients who have “tried everything” typically get great results. I’m also passionate about treating back pain because I’ve struggled with it too.
This is what I want you to know:
- A healthy body is not symmetrical
- ”Wear and tear” is normal (and 100% expected as we age)
- Most often, it’s not what you see on an MRI or X-Ray that’s causing pain.
Healthy soft tissue supports joints -- even when there’s wear and tear.
I look forward to seeing you in the clinic to find out how I can help you!
-Kristin
More about Kristin
As a young adult I was told that mild scoliosis was the cause of my back pain. Ten chiropractic sessions later, I felt a little better, but the pain soon returned.
I was led to believe that there was something structurally “wrong” with me and that until my spine was “fixed,” I would be in pain. This was wrong, but it took years for me to realize that.
I grew up in gymnastics and dance, and completed a bachelors degree in Dance and Performance Studies at UC Berkeley. As a dancer I was continually learning how to best take care of my body so it would not only function, butperform. I completed a massage therapy program over the summer during college, which was my first introduction to eastern medicine. I was struck by the way in which Chinese Medicine offers a truly holistic lens through which to understand the body. I also had acupuncture for the first time - for back pain and for headaches. When I got complete relief, this sparked a shift in my thinking about what causes pain. My current understanding is shaped by years of previous experience as a licensed massage therapist, acupuncturist and herbalist as well as by my own experiences of healing my own back pain.
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Kristin Cheng, L.Ac., MSTOM is a licensed acupuncturist and an NCCAOM certified diplomate of Acupuncture. She received her MSTOM from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. She has advanced training in electro-acupuncture, fertility, and Chinese herbal medicine.
Kristin was first introduced to eastern medicine during an acupressure class in 2006 and was struck by the way in which Chinese Medicine offers a truly holistic lens through which to understand the body. After personally experiencing the magic of Chinese Medicine when she got relief from headaches and low back pain, she later became inspired to dive deeper and become a practitioner.
Kristin is a second generation healer. Her mother was a nurse and inspired an interest in healthcare from a young age. Being a life-long mover bolstered her interest - when you push your body, you have to learn how to take care of it! As a child she was a competitive gymnast, and dancer, and later completed a BA in Dance and Performance Studies at UC Berkeley. As an adult she’s explored yoga, cycling, Crossfit, pilates and more.
As a mom and New Yorker, she loves meeting her patients where they are to collaborate on their health goals and provide the best of Chinese Medicine.

Book Your Appointment
What to Expect At Your First Appointment
All New Patients start with an in person Complimentary Consultation. You'll meet with our lead acupuncturist to go over your health history, current complaints, and health goals. We'll determine the best treatment plan for you and answer any questions you may have. You'll have the option to get started with treatment right away, but there's no obligation to do so.

COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION
All new patients begin with a 15 minute in-person Complimentary Consultation. You’ll meet with our lead acupuncturist to review your health history, current symptoms, and goals. From there, we’ll outline a personalized treatment plan and answer any questions you may have. Your treatment plan may include acupuncture and/or herbal therapy.
If it feels like the right fit, you’re welcome to begin treatment that same day—but there’s no pressure or obligation.
TREATMENT
Each session is tailored to your specific presentation, how your body is responding, and anything new that has come up.
Acupuncture treatment focuses on reducing pain, releasing tension, and supporting your body’s natural healing processes. Many patients begin to notice shifts early on, which we continue to build on over time. We utilize electroacupuncture which enhances the effect of acupuncture to trigger the body to release powerful endogenous (made by your body) pain-killers and anti-inflammatory agents. Other modalities will be included with acupuncture treatment as apropriate including cupping, gua sha, infrared heat, nutritional guideance and lifestyle guidance. Chinese herbal therapy is a separate service that may also be recommended.
REASSESSMENT
As your symptoms improve, we periodically reassess your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed. This ensures care stays aligned with how your body is changing—not just where you started.
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GRADUATION AND MAINTENANCE
Once your pain has significantly improved or resolved, treatment transitions to a maintenance approach.
Some patients choose occasional sessions to prevent flare-ups, manage stress, or support overall well-being—so results are not only achieved, but sustained.
Take the First Step Toward Lasting Relief
If you’re ready for a different approach, we’re here to help.
FAQ
What if I’ve already tried everything?
We’ve treated many patients who have “tried everything” before coming to us and they tend to respond very well to acupuncture treatments.
How many sessions will I need?
That depends on your condition, but you’ll receive clear guidance from the beginning. Generally speaking, the more chronic the condition, the more treatments will be needed.
Is acupuncture effective for chronic back pain?
Yes, acupuncture is considered an effective treatment for chronic back pain. Studies have shown that it can provide lasting relief and improve function for people suffering from chronic back pain. It works by improving circulation to affected tissues to promote healing, releasing trigger points and adhesions, and triggering the body to release natural anti-inflammatory agents and natural pain-killers. Acupuncture also addresses root causes of pain and dysfunction for long-lasting results.
What should I expect during an acupuncture session for back pain?
During an acupuncture session for back pain, a licensed acupuncturist will insert thin needles into specific points on your body. The needles are typically left in place for about 20-30 minutes. The procedure is usually painless, and many patients find it relaxing. Your acupuncturist may also use additional techniques like cupping or moxibustion to enhance the treatment.
Are there any side effects of acupuncture for back pain?
Acupuncture is generally safe when performed by a qualified practitioner. Some patients might experience minor side effects such as slight bruising, soreness at the needle sites, or temporary dizziness. Serious side effects are extremely rare. Discuss any concerns with your acupuncturist before starting treatment. Patients generally experience benefits beyond their primary complaint including improvement in sleep, mood, and energy.
Can acupuncture be combined with other treatments for back pain?
Yes, acupuncture can be effectively combined with other treatments for back pain, such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, and medication. Many patients find that a multidisciplinary approach provides the best results for managing back pain. Acupuncture can also help with recovery from back surgery, or provide relief in cases where surgery was not successful.
Does acupuncture hurt?
In short, no.
Acupuncture needles are up to 30x thinner than hypodermic needles (the kind you would typically encounter in a doctor's office). Unlike hypodermic needles, acupuncture needles are not hollow - they are solid. This allows them to be extremely thin, flexible, and designed with your comfort in mind. They are also sterile and single-use.
While there is sometimes a momentary pinch as the needles is placed, there should not be any lingering discomfort. We take great care in maintaining open communication so that you have a very comfortable session.
Even our patients who first came to us with a fear of needles come to love their treatments and find them very relaxing!
Do you accept insurance?
We are an out of network provider for all policies with an acupuncture benefit. As a courtesy, we can verify your out of network acupuncture benefit. Please call us at (646) 255-1332 or fill out this form. Patients pay up front for their treatments and we provide Super Bills (a detailed receipt) that can be submitted to your insurance plan. Any reimbursements approved by your insurance plan are sent to the patient. Additionally FSA and HSA plans cover acupuncture and if you have a card you may use that for payment of acupuncture services.
Where we're located
We are conveniently located in Manhattan on 14th St. at the intersection of
- Union Square
- Chelsea
- Greenwich Village
39 W 14th St. (between 5th and 6th Avenues) Suite 502
New York, NY 10011
We are accessible by subway, the PATH, and multiple bus lines.
Still Have Questions?
Contact us via the form below or at
info@gothamholistic.com
646-255-1332
Office Hours
(Patient Coordinator available by phone)
- Mon - Fri
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- Sat - Sun
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Patient appointments available:
- Mon, Wed
- -
- Tuesday
- -
- Thursday
- -
- Friday
- -
- Sat - Sun
- Closed


