I would recommend Dr. Alban to my friends and colleagues without reservation! He has extensive training and experience in the U.S. and in China so I have faith in his medical skill and knowledge. His technique is extremely gentle while his manner is caring, quietly confident and reassuring. Specifically, he has lowered my pulse from the 90′s to the 70′s in just one or two treatments. Tight muscles are relieved immediately. My diabetes is improved and well controlled and I have a sense of well being. Thank you Dr. Alban.

I suffered two herniated discs in my back due to a running injury shortly after running a half marathon. After my injury, I went to several specialists and was treated with cortisone shots, physical therapy and chiropractic support. None of those efforts paid off and my back was still severely sore. I had pain while walking and difficulty doing normal activities at work and home. Typically, I would have just waited patiently as I healed. This time, however, I was three months away from participating in my first marathon — the Boston marathon — and I very much wanted to at least try to complete my training program and finish the event. One of my doctors recommended acupuncture and I found Joseph Alban online due to his high ratings and location. Joseph was very understanding of my situation and provided me terrific treatment which worked quite quickly. After my first treatment I began to feel better. I started running again… one mile on a treadmill slowly. Then, gradually, I increased my running and moved to Central Park for outdoor running which is much more difficult on the joints. Over time and with continued weekly treatment from Joseph Alban, my back pain significantly declined and I increased my running to prepare for the marathon. Towards the end of my training, my knees began to give me some pain and I asked Joseph to treat them as well. This addition to the weekly treatment helped and I felt ready for the marathon. I completed my training program and ran the Boston Marathon on April 18, 2011. I finished in under four hours, beating my original, pre-injury goal time and I had no back or knee pain (none) during or after the marathon. Thanks to Joseph Alban I accomplished a tremendous personal accomplishment and maintained good health.

After attending Joe Alban’s free workshop, I decided to try acupuncture for the first time. I was specifically interested in addressing my chronic neck pain which began two years ago following an accident. The pain in my neck and lower arm improved almost immediately, and continued to improve following the six visits over a two month period. I attribute my recovery solely to acupuncture and the related exercises that Joe taught me. Throughout this process I also became much more relaxed and better attuned to my body in general. I highly recommend Joe Alban, Acupuncture and Herbs to anyone interested in addressing a health issue.

I have always had back pain here or there. But when I started jogging last spring, I began to have an intensely sharp pain in my tailbone area. X-rays showed nothing wrong. I went to a chiropractor for six months. The pain subsided some, but it was still painful. I could barely sit for five minutes without saving to get up or adjust. I started going to Joe after a colleague highly recommended him. Within three sessions the pain was substantially subsiding. Besides that, I felt better overall – I slept better, I was more relaxed, and I just felt good. After seeing Joe for about five months or so, the pain is completely gone. I’ve even increased my jogging schedule, but the pain is still gone! He also taught me stretching exercises to maintain my healing and recommended I take tai chi for strengthening my lower back.
On another note, when I had a horrible sinus infection, I went to him for treatment. I woke up the next day and was almost 100% better. One acupuncture treatment and some herbs did the trick. I have already recommended Joe to several colleagues and will continue to go to him for maintenance as long as I live here. He is the nicest, caring, and talented person – I wouldn’t go to anyone else.

I recently began acupuncture and Chinese medicine treatment with Joseph Alban. This was my first time trying Chinese medicine and I would like to share this very interesting and helpful experience. For me acupuncture treatments worked very quickly and totally healed constant back pain that I have had for years. This remarkable effect has been lasting for 3 months, which is the first time I have found relief. Also, for years, I had a very uncomfortable pain and swelling in my legs. Same as the back pain, the acupuncture and herbs improve a lot this. After few months, I have felt relief from many of my symptoms and an improvement in my general well being. Even my tongue has changed!!!

Joe is a very caring and concerned practitioner. He is a great listener, which is so important for any kind of caregiver, I think. With his treatments and herb remedies he has prescribed a nagging elbow/shoulder pain problem has gone away. I also have had dramatic improvement with urination issues, watering eyes, and sleep. I am continuing to see him as we are working on some lingering lower back issues.

I suffered from chronic neck pain for more than 4 yrs before being treated by Joseph Alban. As a registered Yoga teacher, I was looking for a treatment that did not involve a prescription medicine that treated only the symptom rather than the underlying cause of the problem. It was the first time I’d ever tried acupuncture and to my amazement Joe took the time to listen and answer any questions and concerns I had regarding my health. After several treatments I started to see results and after several months I was completely pain free! I highly recommend Alban’s acupuncture to anyone with chronic pain.

I am a highly sensitive person who has experienced scoliosis and unknown digestive issues/sensitivities for much of my life. When I went to Joseph, I was feeling hopeful yet a bit cautious due to my previous experience with not being able to resolve these issues. He was very understanding, positive, and holistic in his explanation of treatment to me. He takes the time to answer my questions and I love that he has such a holistic approach, acknowledging how every part of my system affects everything else. Since meeting with him, I have significant improvement in my back straightening and strengthening on the side that was weak and relaxing on the side that was tense. My digestion is considerably improved. I can digest much more easily and am able to eat things that I could not tolerate before. As a highly sensitive person, he took the care and approach to meet me where I am, which is so different than so many other practitioners who have not understood or cared to learn about my sensitivity. Acupuncture seems to be well-suited to those with very sensitive bodies. I feel truly supported in such responsive care, and have had dramatic improvements. I recommend Joseph to all my friends.

I first came to Joe for relief from debilitating sinus headaches. Sinus problems run in my family, and I’d suffered from sinus headaches for years, but I had immediate results with acupuncture. Even after the first visit, I noticed a drastic change. After just a month of treatment, my sinus headaches were completely gone — in fact, I haven’t taken a single sinus pill since I started acupuncture. In addition to wiping out the headaches, acupuncture has increased my energy level and has helped me deal with stress and anxiety. I really look forward to my acupuncture appointments with Joe. I come out feeling relaxed and refreshed, as if the stress of the week has just completely melted away.

The condition that encouraged me to consider acupuncture was intense migraines and high levels of stress. Now, I have included fewer aches and pains in my lower back and neck. My migraines have also disappeared and generally I feel more relaxed and at ease with my stress. The treatments were very personalized and Dr. Alban always took the time to discuss and understand my problems. I never felt like he was in a rush or too busy to treat me – which so often is the case with NYC doctors. During the treatment he always made me feel at ease and when I was done I immediately and always felt much better than when I had entered his practice one hour before. Dr. Alban was always flexible with meeting times and his concern, care and attention for his patience appears to be unprecedented. I have already referred a family members, I would definitely recommend Dr. Alban to anyone seeking acupuncture.

For seven straight days every month I suffered from migraines. Both my mother and sister also had the same condition so for years I had written it off as hereditary and tried managing the migraines with medication. I’d have to keep switching medications as I’d build up a tolerance and didn’t want to keep increasing my dosage. I went to Joseph Alban for acupuncture treatment and after a month of regular sessions the migraines stopped. I no longer have to take medication seven days out of the month. Joseph Alban helped me cure my migraines and even managed to convince me to improve my diet and eat breakfast in the mornings. I found him to have a very kind, calming nature so my treatments were always a pleasant experience. I am very happy with the results from my acupuncture treatments and would recommend anyone who suffers from migraines to visit him and give acupuncture a try.

I came in to see Joseph without a recommendation (based on his information on the Alban website) with acute sinusitis and a disjointed thumb. We agreed was in direct correlation with the full sinuses (since parts of the hand reflect the face). After 1 session, I felt at least 80% better. The horrible migraines associated with sinusitis dissipated the evening of my first session and I felt I was on the road to recovery. I went in for a second session for my disjointed thumb. It was still very sore and I am the victim of – “Blackberry Thumb” – the latest in tech maladies where it feels as if you have tendonitis of the thumb – ouch! Not fun for a full-time secretary and Blackberry user. After another session, I was relaxed and Joseph really understands the body, mind and spirit. We both have the same belief that “the body will heal itself” and it can. I am trying to limit my topical remedies as well as over the counter muscle relaxers. Just doing the exercises/stretches that Joseph instructed me to do and taking it easy. The next step is too really rebuild my immune system and take better care with a satisfactory diet and exercise regime. I would highly recommend Joseph. His rates are reasonable, his demeanor and personality – stellar, I feel safe, relaxed and totally satisfied with the service Joseph provides. He is inspiring and a master of his medicinal craft!

I came to acupuncture because of intense migraines and high levels of stress. I have had improvements with many fewer aches and pains in my lower back and neck. My migraines have also disappeared and generally I feel more relaxed and at ease with my stress. The treatments were very personalized and Dr. Alban always took the time to discuss and understand my problems. I never felt like he was in a rush or too busy to treat me which so often is the case with NYC doctors. During the treatment he always made me feel at ease and when I was done I immediately and always felt much better than when I had entered his practice one hour before. Dr. Alban was always flexible with meeting times and his concern, care and attention for his patience appears to be unprecedented. I have already referred a family member and I would definitely recommend Dr. Alban to anyone seeking acupuncture. I think the level of attention to each patient is key and I always felt relieved of my pain at the end of sessions. At no time did I ever feel uncomfortable during a procedure.

I am 32 years old and I had been struggling with sinus headaches since I was twelve. I had tried everything from routine visits to traditional doctors to humidifiers and other alternative treatments. Joe is the only person who has effectively helped me get rid of these horrible headaches, which frequently disrupted my work and social life. In addition, Joe has helped me control and overcome digestive problems, migraines, and my stubborn eczema with a combination of acupuncture, acupressure, and herbs. A few of his many virtues include his willingness to give you the tools you need to help yourself (i.e. acupressure), his willingness to listen and answer your questions–he is always happy to share his vast knowledge of acupuncture and Chinese herbs–and his generosity–you will always get a full hour and you will leave his office feeling energized and relaxed. I highly recommend Joe!

I came to see Doctor Joseph Alban because I suffered from migraine very often. I also felt tired and depressed. In addition to the lessening of the migraine frequency I also learned a lot about myself and the imbalances of my body by talking and being listened to by Doctor Joseph Alban. I also appreciate his original approach including acupuncture, Tui Na massage and Chinese herbs. I really feel better.

I came to Joe last year after suffering through the worst months I have yet to experience. I felt the constant urge to urinate along with bladder pressure, and the UTI tests kept coming back negative. I was taking trips to the bathroom every half hour and getting up around three times a night. I went to specialists all over the city, without getting any answers. I was sent for ultrasounds and even an MRI, all tests coming back normal again and again. Some doctors simply told me there was nothing wrong with me and to go home and “relax”. Another told me it was depression and put me on anti-depressants without any history of mental issues. I was finally put on Elmiron for Interstitial Cystitis without ever being quite convinced of my diagnosis. I was terrified I would never be able to lead a normal life again – not being able to leave my apartment because of the fear of not having a bathroom close by, or not being able to resume a normal sex life with my live-in boyfriend. Riding the subway was out of the question and my lifestyle of being an outdoor enthusiast – traveling, hiking, snowboarding, etc. – was completely shattered. I tried homeopathy which improved my condition slightly although I was still suffering and completely confused with what was happening to me. I’ve never felt so disconnected and actually angry with my body. Being a healthy person my entire life, this sudden change left me incredibly depressed. I was at my lowest point – ready to give up and feeling that life was just not worth living this way. Nothing was helping and I was looking for any type of release. The battle with my mind was overwhelming, all I wanted was to feel comfortable again for even just a few hours! After being threatened with cystoscopy and being adamantly opposed to resorting to anything invasive unless absolutely necessary, I started looking elsewhere. I’ve heard many good things about acupuncture in the past, although I was not aware of it’s wide range of healing abilities. Joe was absolutely incredible – the first time I met him he gave me hope that I would get through this and a further understanding of my body and all of it’s connections. I was instantly comfortable enough around him to open up about everything I was going through and how much my life had changed in the past couple months. I started receiving treatment – a combination of acupuncture once a week and herbs taken daily – and noticed a difference almost immediately. The day after I received the weekly acupuncture treatment was always my best day. It is a relatively slow healing process because you are actually healing your body, rather than masking the real issue with a medication that has numerous side effects. Acupuncture not only alleviated the pressure in my bladder and the urge to urinate, it lifted my spirit and changed my perspective towards my body. I am forever grateful for finding Joe!

I came to Joe because I was suffering from prostatitis and my urologist suggested that I give acupuncture a try. After searching in New York I learned that Joe had a lot of experience with pelvic pain patients, so I decided to give him a try. Joe is incredibly knowledgeable in the ways of Eastern medicine, having gone straight to the source and studied in China. He can also talk about the modern scientific theories of why acupuncture is effective. I felt confident that I was getting acupuncture treatments from someone with the utmost expertise. After a 12-week combination of western and eastern medicine, I have to say I’m feeling much, much better. Joe also treated and improved the anxiety I had stemming from my prostate problems. Thanks a lot Joe!

I went to Joe with chronic pelvic pain along with a general feeling of malaise. I had never had acupuncture before and it was an act of desperation on my part. Joe took an active and sincere interest in what was bothering me. Somehow he has learnt all the secrets of the East while studying in China. It is now about 3 months since I first started seeing Joe and I have never felt better. Seeing Joe was one of the best decisions of my life. I consider Joe my friend and I recommend him without any reservation.

I went to see Joe for an overactive bladder condition. Almost immediately, I noticed a reduction in my urinary urges and frequency, directly related to Joes acupuncture and exercises from my physical therapy. I was not only impressed with the immediacy of results, but also with Joes warm, down-to-earth nature and professionalism. He made it comfortable for me to openly discuss a topic that was embarrassing for me, and he is always a good listener a quality lacking with many Western medicine practitioners. Also, Joe is open to questions, whether youre seeing him for a visit or e-mailing him from home. You can count on him to follow-up with specific information. Early on, Joe discussed methods for me to gradually retrain my bladder and the importance of consistently doing my therapeutic exercises. Four months into working with him, I am now on an acupuncture maintenance schedule. I have no doubt my condition would not have made the quick and steady turnaround it has without Joes treatments and sound advice.

I went to Joseph Alban after suffering from severe pelvic pain and prostatitis. I originally thought the pain was brought on from an infection. However, I now believe it was due to stress from a variety of life changes occurring at once, i.e. anxiety over health, a move to another country, family issue and finances. I have had prostatitis several times since college which I thought were from infections. But upon reflection, I have come to realize that each bout with prostate pain was probably from stress. Through Joseph Alban acupuncture, I discovered that there is indeed a link between the mind and the body. In addition, I learned that stress is a major cause of disfunction and imbalance. The treatments I received from Joseph have helped me tremendously in terms of treating the pain and ultimately the anxiety. I now do not have to sit in a tub of hot water every 4 hours to eliminate the pain. Nor do I have constant debilitating pain. Joseph is very knowledgeable, a great teacher and a patient person whose treatments are very effective and reasonably priced. I plan to re-visit him for several appointments upon my return to the United States and would recommend him to friends and colleagues.

Joe combines his compassion with his expertise to find the solution that is right for what you need. At our first meeting he took the time to listen and understand what my problem was. Using his expertise show has treated my pelvic pain for over a year now and I have seen excellent results, better than what I experienced with physical therapy. As my recovery continues Joe is receptive to my feedback and continues to modify the treatments to what works best for me.

I had been a pretty regular visitor to Joe’s to improve my digestion and get my system back in track when I was feeling out of balance. It always helps. My story began when I returned from a great vacation with a strange rash. I thought it was poison ivy, well it wasn’t. I was diagnosed as suffering from shingles by a dermatologist. I went to Joe’s because, in my case, the manifestation of shingles was extremely itchy and hot. It was as if a stove burner was placed against the left side of my back. Not a joke. I experienced a great deal of improvement after the acupuncture treatment and the major heat was alleviated. I recommend acupuncture as a great preventive system and also as a way to encourage the innate wellness of the body. Joe was very kind and willing to accommodate me last minute in his schedule and kept checking on my progress.

I first came to Alban Acupuncture because I suffered from poor digestion, fatigue, and excessive sweating/hyperhidrosis. Now, my digestion is much, much better and I feel less exhausted. My sweating has decreased enormously and I am no longer self-conscious about wearing light-colored shirts. I am very, very satisfied with the results. His treatments and care are fantastic!

I began seeing Joe for a number of reasons–a heelspur, chronic insomnia, allergies, anxiety…. What I found immediately was that the holistic approach to treatment allowed me to address all of these at once. Some of the results of the acupuncture, herbs, and acupressure were immediate—I began sleeping more soundly immediately, for example—while others have been more gradual; in each case, my symptoms are improving. I have been really happy to be Joe’s patient, not least because he takes the time to explain why we’re pursuing particular kinds of treatments and how they work. I’m learning a lot about Chinese medicine as I continue to feel better. Honestly, I can’t recommend Alban Acupuncture highly enough.

I came to Joseph to create more balance in my body and mind and to address specific physical issues as they came up – a sore shoulder, tight back, etc. In time, my specific pain spots have all been eliminated. I find that my body and spirit are in stronger alignment and that I have more energy and fewer general complaints. I would certainly recommend Joseph. He is a terrific practioner. He’s engaging, friendly and knowledgeable.

I went to Joseph Alban to for help with both an eating disorder and anxiety. From the beginning, my treatment involved a combination of acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and massages. I noticed a marked reduction of stress levels as an immediate result of the acupuncture sessions. In addition, I observed diminished frequency and weakening of the food cravings which usually trigger an episode. Also, I would experience cravings and then have an episode during my PMS, which is almost totally gone. I also have experienced an overall gradual increase of energy levels which allowed me to better respond to anxiety.

The treatments that Dr. Alban has provided me, ranging from acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and acupressure techniques, have helped me immeasurably in dealing with anxiety, vitiligo, and with boosting my immune system in general. Perhaps most important of all, these improvements have afforded me with the confidence that these issues can be dealt with successfully. I had tried other methods before, but found no success until I met with Dr. Alban. On a personal note, I find Dr. Alban’s nature, style, and manner to be professional, considerate, kind, and genuine. I highly recommend him to others.

As an opera and concert singer, getting over an illness quickly can often be the difference between performing or seeing months of hard work wasted. Thanks to treatment and advice from Joseph Alban, I have not only healed more quickly than anticipated, I have experienced effective near term control of symptoms such as runny nose, lethargy, coughing, sore throat, nausea, and general malaise. Through longer TCM treatment, I have also resolved my case of persistent acid reflux. I can say with confidence that I am no longer a “fussy” singer, thanks in large part to Joseph’s TCM treatment.

Joseph Alban was highly recommended to me by a colleague in Canada and I have been his patient for the past year. Joe’s practice is profound and the improvement in my condition over the past months has been exceptional. Additionally, Joe’s explanation about the course of his treatment is thorough and clear and he always follows each session with an e mail check-in. I have recommended Joe to many friends and feel strongly that he is one of the best acupuncture practitioners I have ever worked with.

I’m a true believer of acupuncture.  I was suffering from severe hot flashes, up to 25 per day.  After several weeks of this and no signs of the condition going away I decided to meet with Joe.  He took the time to listen and ask me questions about what I was experiencing.  He told me he was confident that he’d be able to help me.  Within three weeks of my first treatment my hot flashes were almost gone and after five weeks they were completely gone.  I have not had a hot flash in 5 months!  Joe is a very caring, and dedicated professional.  I have and would recommend Joe to anyone who wants to feel better!

I was suffering for a month with hot flashes and night sweats until I decided to go to see Joseph for acupuncture treatments. As the sessions progressed my symptoms have decreased and after the 6th treatment all my symptoms disappeared. I am so grateful for Josephs great work. He is a lifesaver and I no longer have to take many showers a day from the constant sweating. I told everyone I know about him. I’m very impressed that my symptoms disappeared.

I began seeing Dr. Alban to get some relief from constant indigestion (I was popping Pepsid AC nightly) as well as menopausal night sweating. He came highly recommended and I have been very pleased with the results of acupuncture. I was a bit of a skeptic going into it but I am happy to report that as a result of the sessions my indigestion has practically disappeared and the night sweats are no longer a problem. He is easy to talk to and takes time to listen and make suggestions. I recommend him highly.

Joe is the world’s best acupuncturist. I don’t say this because I’ve been to many. I say this because I know it in my heart. Not only does he listen to you, he CARES about you and remembers everything you tell him. When you’re struggling, Joe has the encouragement and advice to see you through. When you’re happy, he is happy for you. 
I went to Joe for PCOS and, since I’ve been going, I have gotten my period every month (a miracle courtesy of Joe!). I feel really good and I no longer have the kinds of mood swings that would thrust me between extremely depressed and ecstatic in 20 minutes time. 
Joe is the MAN!

I came to Joe, as a last resort, for help with hot flashes and tinea versiclor. Aside from the weekly acupuncture sessions, he prescribed herbs, tinctures and salves that got both conditions under control. Not only has he helped alleviate the symptoms but he has educated me as well. He takes the time to answers questions about the acupuncture treatment and herbs prescribed. I am very happy with the results. Thank you, Joe!

After 15 years of suffering from various allergy triggers along with asthma, I was tired of getting sick every season. I also wanted to avoid the side effects from allergy decongestants and asthma steroid inhalers. I found that acupuncture treatments with Joe Alban helped relieve many of my symptoms. A great benefit to the treatments Joe Alban gave me was that he could alter them based on the season and whatever symptoms were bothering me the most. The most noticeable change came in two ways. One is that I am now living with a cat even though I am allergic to cats. And the other is I have been able to reduce the amount of steroid inhalers I take. I have more energy and have less colds and congestion. I attribute the improvement to the combination of acupuncture treatments with Joe Alban, some herbal teas and acupressure that I’ve learned as part of the treatment. I recommended acupuncture to my father and he’s been able to avoid dialysis thanks to his own acupuncture treatment.

I came to see Joe because I’ve always had problems with tension — leading to constant flare-ups either in my skin or stomach or any number of other areas. I was a bit suspicious of whether acupuncture could help, but was quickly proved wrong. What’s incredible about Joe is how he tailored a program specifically for me to help me improve over the long-term. I’ve begun to see a gradual relief of symptoms I’ve had for over 10 years that I never thought would go away. On top of being incredibly knowledgeable and a consummate professional, Joe also is just an oasis of calm — always positive, reassuring, and the best listener I’ve perhaps ever met. Can’t recommend him highly enough.

Joe has that combination of compassion, intelligence, and insight that’s needed in any school of healing. When I first met him, he told me people don’t come to him for stress, but they should. Several months later I came to him with flaring asthma, migraines, recurring colds, back pain, and various other physical manifestations of stress. I was sheepish that I had waited until I had no choice but to take care of myself, but I got no judgment from him. He just got to work on what we had to deal with. He’s supportive of my desire to wean off some of the medications I take, but doesn’t pressure me to get rid of them all. He is part of the new generation of acupuncturists that doesn’t see western medicine as the enemy, but wants to use everything in its proper time and place. Also, just the nicest guy you’ll meet!

Within weeks of coming from Russia to the US to study, I began to experience an allergy which I never had before. I felt very bad, I couldn’t sleep, and my face became itchy and red. I tried many different things on my own, but nothing worked. So, I decided to try acupuncture. Even from the first acupuncture appointment with Joseph I felt a lot better. The allergy on my face was much less and my general condition was very good. After 3 months of treatment I have a significant improvement. My skin is not that sensitive anymore and, I believe, I’m not going to experience that allergy in the future. Thanks a lot to Joseph Alban, L.Ac!

Throughout my life I have struggled with acne on both my face and body.  I felt like I had tried just about everything that Western medicine had to offer – accutane, light therapy, facials, antibiotics – you name it, I’ve tried it!  Finally, my fiancé suggested I look into acupuncture since other methods certainly did not seem to be doing the trick.  I had always been interested in trying Chinese medicine, but I was a little doubtful since it doesn’t promise the immediate results that big name pharmaceutical companies advertise.  Much to my surprise, I started seeing results almost immediately – in more than just my skin.  My anxiety, which has always been an issue for me, is basically nonexistent at this point and I feel calmer and more clear-headed in general.  My night sweats, that I learned were tied into the food I was eating and the overall condition of my body that had produced the acne, are completely gone.  Throughout this process I have not only learned so much from Joe, but I have gained a deep respect for his technique and abilities.  Joe is such an amazingly calming force and is extremely open-minded and intelligent – I can’t recommend a better acupuncturist!

Before I saw Dr. Alban my eczema was out of control and getting worse every year.  I tried all western forms of therapy including steroid cream after steroid cream.   But after one month of visits with Dr. Alban, between the acupuncture therapy and the supplemental herbs he suggested the eczema not only cleared up but has since yet to return.  I expect to continue regular visits in order to maintain the equilibrium I’ve reached and to prevent further flare ups.  Additionally it is worth noting Dr. Alban was extremely flexible with my busy schedule and always a pleasure to meet with