Tri-State College of Acupuncture

I graduated from this school several years ago and give such a low rating primarily to enlighten those who are contemplating acupuncture as a career path. Having already ‘been there and done that,’ I can attest to the fact that the amount of time (3 years) required along with the tuition ($ 71,985 + Variable Fees) is NOT commensurate with the opportunities available to graduates. If repaying student loans or tuition is not a factor, then you can sign-​up and sit-​in on lectures from noted scholars like Ted Kaptchuk & Bob Flaws. My personal advice is DO YOURSELF A BIG FAVOR and opt for a trade like cooking or plumbing instead. The time and expense will be far less and you will be entering a field (unlike acupuncture) where you will be in high demand and (unlike acupuncture) very well compensated for your efforts.

I’ve been coming to TSCA for years now to get acupuncture physical medicine (APM) treatments. The people here are always sweet and professional and APM really helps with any muscle and fascial issues I might be having. I recommend APM to all my friends and this is where I send them.

I was able to participate in a «grand rounds» acupuncture treatment. At first, It was a bit shocking because there are about 30 – 40 people there with you in the treatment, but everyone was so kind and interested in learning, that it was easy to focus in w/​the professor who was doing the intake.
While this experience is not for the extremely private individual (you know who you are) …It was the most thorough acupuncture session I’ve ever had.
The intake included comprehensive questions that were holistic and helped me see the big picture of my health. The treatment itself was relaxing and enjoyable (I dozed off almost immediately, despite having light conversation going on in the background.
I’m am absolutely going back to experience the student clinic and even the herbal therapies. It’s fun to hear how comprehensive the students are learning.
This was an A++ experience!

I actually thought I had written a review of this place; I’ve gotten treatment here for years on and off, so I was sure I had written one.
In the clinic, you’re generally worked on by one to four students, supervised by an instructor – toward the end of the school year, you often get students who are set to graduate and who treat you alone. In the fall, the supervisor is often an amazing Japanese acupuncturist named Kiko, who I’m told teaches at all the local acupuncture schools. It’s a privilege to be seen by her.
I’ve had great treatments here, which often provided cures for my ailments. In other cases, it was just a tease, showing what was possible; my eyes are crossed after four eye-​muscle surgeries in my life, and one student was very interested in straightening my eyes. It did work, but I haven’t had this consistently done, so it’s gone back. I’ve also been treated at times with moxibustion here, which some clinics can’t or won’t do. (Moksa is heating the end of the needle after it’s inserted, usually with a lit stick of incense, to provide additional stimulation to the point; I respond very well to moksa.)
The premises are very clean, you get treated in a little cubicle with a curtain, and you can also get a tui-​na treatment beforehand from a massage student. And, yes: there’s an herbal wing of this school which I’ve never tried.

I was a bit leery of getting accupuncture by students at an institute but after my first few visits I started feeling the benefits of the treatments.
I I have been to accupuncture shops in Chinatown (sktechy, dirty & horrible service) to expensive specialists in NYC and Tri-​State by far exceeded my expectations. Just remember that is is a school so if you’re looking for ambiance you aren’t going to get it. What you will receive is proper treatment. And you can’t beat the price.
If anyone has ever gotten a massage at Cortiva Institue it is the same sort of thing; treatment by a team of students (2 – 4) in a large room closed off by dividers. Don’t be alarmed b/​c there is generally a teacher present and they constantly consult with the teacher before any treatment begins.
Definitley worth a visit if you experience any ailments and want to try something other than a traditional American doctor.

Forgot to mention, their sessions cost just $ 30. That’s $ 15 cheaper than what I paid for an accupuncturist at a sketchy Chinese herb shop in the East Village, that had only minimal benefit.

I have been going to the Tri-​State College of Acupuncture for over a year. To find quality acupuncture at such a reasonable price, ($ 30.) in New York is amazing!
A team of 2 to 4 students will work on you during your session. The students are supervised and I’ve always felt comfortable during treatments. I’ve had experiences with students ranging from just ok to transcendent, but never bad.
This however is not a spa experience. As mentioned bellow, the large treatment room is sectioned off by several curtains and you will hear neighboring clients and students talking. I’m not personally bothered by this, but it may not suit everybody. The treatment areas are clean and well organized, the staff and students are caring and helpful.
Some of the masters at Tri-​State College of Acupuncture include Kiiko Matsumoto and Nigel Dawes. Often they will consult on your session or you may even have them treat you themselves in Grand Rounds.
The Tri-​State College of Acupuncture also has a herb clinic, ($ 30) to compliment your acupuncture treatments.
Acupuncture and herb treatments from Tri-​State College of Acupuncture have helped me tremendously! I highly recommend them.

A valuable resource for those looking for inexpensive acupuncture. They have a clinic every Friday and Saturday where you can have acupuncture done by student interns for under $ 40.
The students are well-​supervised by practicing acupuncturists, conscientious, and seem to have skills ranging from good to excellent. Since the school also teaches massage, you may be lucky and get a brief massage done by a massage student.
The students are taught several modalities so if you go for several treatments you’ll be able to compare Chinese, Japanese, APM and other styles. So you’ll not only be able to see if acupuncture is right for you but you may find one style suits you better than another.
The physical setup of the clinic is not the greatest. All treatments are done in one big room with curtain dividers so there’s not a lot of privacy. You will hear your neighbors discussing their medical conditions.
The student clinic experience is not for everyone. But I think someone curious about acupuncture but concerned about the cost will find this to be a great experience.