Testimonials
Insomnia
"Years of insomnia frustrated me. I was told it was hormonal and menopausal, that it was genetic, that it was anxiety and depression. I was told not to drink coffee, exercise only in the morning, try various medications, drink certain teas, listen to meditation tapes, practice deep breathing, do bio-energy, try chiropractic, and take homeopathic remedies. I did, yet it all seemed hopeless.
Then I met Amy Benac, M.S., L.Ac. At our first visit during my intake, she listened. She is a highly intuitive listener who accepts my curiosity about acupuncture. She explained that my yin/yang balance was off due to menopause. This made total sense to me. My mind was always active; no matter how much physical exercise I did, I could not feel tired enough to sleep.
After our very first session, I began to sleep better at night. I got up in the mornings without grogginess. I worked, lived my busy life, and by night I became tired enough to sleep. Medications, herbs, teas, meditation tapes, anxiety and apprehension about whether or not I would sleep that night stopped being regular parts of my routine.
My visits with Amy continue to produce normal, restful sleep. I can dream again, and for all this I am very grateful to have found her."
Debbie H., age 56, licensed psychotherapist
Mobility
"After a car accident I lost of lot of mobility in my right arm. After about a
year and a half I regained some of that mobility, but was still not able to
use my arm like I did before the accident and still had a lot of pain. I started acupuncture and I immediately felt a difference. I was starting to be able to use my arm without pain and now I am completely pain free and now able to regain my strength."
- Christine T., age 27, administrator
Sciatica
"I was in great pain from sciatica and decided to try acupuncture. Although a newcomer to New Paltz, I was lucky enough to find Amy Benac. After only four treatments, my pain was completely gone and now, almost 6 months later, has not returned.
I found Amy to be efficient, professional, kind and gentle. Her treatment rooms are clean, serene and lovely, and her prices are very reasonable. I will definitely go back to her if ever in pain again."
- Katharine R., age 86
Bell's Palsy
"Last winter I was diagnosed with Bell's Palsy. While surfing the web for information, I kept finding great success stories of folks who went to an acupuncturist. I was recommended by a friend to go see Amy at New Paltz Community Acupuncture. Amy was wonderful and the space was relaxing and inviting. Amy started treatment right away and within 2 weeks I was seeing drastic improvement. This is very unheard of when treated with just traditional medicine. My friends and family were amazed at my quick recovery. I was so amazed at the success of my treatments that I continued acupuncture with Amy. I figured if she can help heal the Bell's Palsy, she must be able to help with other things. I can't recommend Amy, and the wonderful work that she does, enough. Thanks Amy!!!!"
- Tim S., age 37, musician
Pain
"Amy, thank you for bringing such affordable acupuncture to New Paltz! I always
leave feeling better. My pain is less since seeing you. I also sleep better at
night which is a blessing and adds to my body's ability to heal itself. I appreciate your care and attention; you take so much time with me, you truly go above and beyond. Oh, and the beautiful space and heated treatment tables are such a treat! It's amazing to think that even when having needles poked into my body, I can fall asleep and take a nap while they do their work! I appreciate your business presence in New Paltz."
E.V., age 34, experiential educator
Multiple Sclerosis
"I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis sixteen years ago; that is when the pain and the headaches began. Through the years it's gotten worse and I was almost at my limit of pain medication. I tried every suggestion given to me for pain management, except acupuncture, because it was too expensive. I learned to accept my life with constant pain.
I found Amy Benac's practice when I moved to NY and made an appointment. I was treated twice a week for four months and it alleviated about eighty percent of my pain.
My future is no longer pills and pain; it is pain-free and alive with possibilities. Words cannot express my gratitude to Amy Benac and her practice. She has given me a life I didn't think possible."
- Wendy P., age 38, motorcycle mechanic, skydiver
Chronic Pain
"Just a few weeks after beginning treatment with Amy at New Paltz Community Acupuncture,
I felt years of chronic pains begin to melt away. Amy is adept at acupuncture techniques, in addition to being incredibly attentive, patient, and professional. I have several health problems, including the cause of my pain, degenerative disc disease. Nothing has had any real long-term effect on my pain but after several months of seeing Amy I am virtually pain-free. Acupuncture has also had some other very positive effects on my entire body and my mental state, encouraging a deep relaxation that up until now I had not experienced.
At first I was nervous about the "community" setting but I was immediately put at ease when I entered the treatment area. It is very private, and very relaxing with an almost Zen-like feel to it. When I am being treated I don't even remember that there are other people around. The community setting is what makes this wonderful treatment affordable to those of us with very limited incomes. I owe Amy a huge thank you for her great work."
- Mira B., age 28, disability advocate
Sciatica, Cyst
"I have been coming to New Paltz Community Acupuncture for several months.
My main complaints have a lifetime of sciatica pain, and a ganglion cyst on my wrist. Through Amy's patient work, the sciatica has subsided and we both noticed that the cyst has been looking less pronounced. I am benefiting both physically and emotionally from my bi-monthly visit."
- Arlene H., age 56, art teacher
Well-Being
"I have been to many acupuncturists over the past 15 years. When I moved
to the area in the summer of 2010, I was worried I would not find an acupuncturist
who had the level of expertise I have grown accustomed to. Well, Amy proved me wrong.
She is a HIGHLY skilled acupuncturist. She spends considerable time before each
treatment to diagnose and assess my current condition and creatively plans a
treatment accordingly. She is sincerely caring, warm, loving and funny to boot!
The office runs like clockwork, has a beautiful feel to it. The treatment area
is so serene, cozy, comfortable, and rejuvenating."
- Sally C., age 49, real estate investor
Well-Being
"I've been getting acupuncture for about 4 months and I feel like it has
opened up new possibilities to grow into a more healthy and whole person. I
feel calmer and more centered and have incorporated new ways to get more in touch with myself and my feelings. I was anxious most of the time and could not seem to quit smoking. Since being treated by Amy at New Paltz Community Acupuncture, I've quit smoking and am less anxious."
- Jennifer S., age 46, teacher
Shoulder Pain
"For 20 years, since I dislocated my shoulder, I have suffered with
occasional right shoulder pain. I have been treated for this by medical doctors and a chiropractor. In 2010 I experienced pain in my shoulder that wouldn't cease. I started treatment at New Paltz Community Acupuncture. I had 9 treatments and I've been free of pain for over a year."
- Donna L., age 67, New Paltz Rescue Squad
Lower Back Pain
"I have suffered from lower back pain for years. I also carry my stress between my shoulder blades. I love to garden. The aforementioned sentences were all part of a problem with only periodic solutions until I met Amy Benac and went to New Paltz Community Acupuncture. Acupuncture is soothing to my body and mind. The acupuncture room is tranquil, and each individual bed is screened for privacy. Amy has an innate ability to locate area(s) of discomfort and bring relief. Her caring and professional manner puts me at ease, and her healing hands give me the relief I need so that I may do the things I love . The affordability of acupuncture with Amy allows me to receive balance and pain relief when I need it. I am so pleased that my garden will not be ignored and my whole being is balanced and pain-free thanks to Amy and acupuncture."
- Jane Anne M., age 53, English teacher
Chronic Back Pain
"My chronic back pain from severe, degenerative arthritis dramatically improved after only 4 acupuncture treatments from Amy! I no longer depend on ibuprofen to function normally, and I am usually pain free! Weekly treatments help me so much to maintain the health of my body, mind and spirit. Amy rocks!"
- Amanda P., age 42, pre-school teacher
Immunity
"Before starting acupuncture, I would get every sickness around
(flu, colds, etc.). Amy has been working on strengthening my immune system and I have not gotten sick, despite working in a college and being around sickness all the time. I love acupuncture. I am scheduling weekly appointments and I am really looking forward to all the benefits I will receive from it. Amy is more than wonderful and I am so happy such a kind, compassionate person brought the huge gift of affordable acupuncture to our area."
- Kristy B., age 30, project secretary
Hip Pain
"The acupuncture that Amy does on my hip has allowed me to walk without my cane. It has also reduced the pain in my wrist and thumb. It's a good thing."
- Martha M., age 74
Emphysema
"I have lung and breathing problems from years of smoking. Acupuncture can't cure my
problems, but seeing Amy regularly helps me breathe a lot better - without having to use medications."
- Louis M., age 76
Stop Smoking
"I started going to the clinic based off of a friend's suggestion. It was such an
awesome experience that I made the decision to finally quit cigarettes with
Amy's help after being a committed smoker for 5 years. After a month of treatments I've lost all desire to smoke. Amy is so good at what she does and she has created a special environment to relax and recharge. Getting treatments at New Paltz Community Acupuncture has become a highlight of my week!"
- Alivia M., age 19, student
Sinus Infections
"I came to New Paltz Community Acupuncture last year because of re- occurring sinus infections. I was not sure if anything could be done, but I was so tired of the constant headaches and did not want to take any more antibiotics. I was pleasantly surprised at the clean and peaceful room that Amy had created, with soothing music and heated beds. Best of all the acupuncture treatments worked well and after 5 sessions I was free of sinus headaches. This past month I was back (a whole year of being headache free) for another 5 sessions. I have recommended NPCA to several friends with no hesitation and will use Amy's services again for whatever other creaks and groans I develop. Thank you!!"
- Fern C., age 68, office manager & very busy grandmother
Well-Being
"Thank you so much for the needles I received. It helped me a lot on my
triathlon training and surviving S.O.S. 2010. Can't wait to be back in town to get more treatments."
- MaryAnn P., age 43, triathlete
Back Pain
"I called NPCA when my back was "out" and I was in a lot of pain.
Amy gave me an appointment for treatment that very same day, although
her schedule was full. This was not my first experience with acupuncture.
I forgot how good I could feel. My overall energy has increased and,
needless to say, my back is so much better. The overall feeling of "wellness" is easily achieved with acupuncture and the peaceful, healing environment that Amy provides at New Paltz Community Acupuncture. Amy is attentive and compassionate and very in tune to the needs of her clients. I am very grateful for her commitment to the community in providing this special, affordable quality of care. As a health care professional, I recognize how much this compassion and professionalism is needed. Thank you Amy for all you provide."
- Mary P., age 54, registered nurse
Allergies
"My experiences with New Paltz Community Acupuncture have been amazing.
I have had pollen allergies for as long as I can remember. After just a few visits with Amy I no longer showed reactions to pollen. At New Paltz Community Acupuncture they make you feel at home and I would suggest this place to anyone who is looking to become and feel healthy."
- Eric T., age 25, student