Women’s Health
I’m Joseph Alban, D.Ac, M.S., L.Ac., a doctor of acupuncture and the founder of Alban Acupuncture on the Upper West Side. Over the course of my practice, I’ve worked with women through every stage of the reproductive years, from first periods through fertility treatment, pregnancy, and the menopause transition. My training includes a postgraduate clinical rotation at Hunan University Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China, where I studied under specialists across several departments.
Women often come to me after being told their symptoms are just something to live with; painful periods, unexplained infertility, or menopausal night sweats that no one has been able to resolve. Chinese medicine treats these as signs of a correctable imbalance, not a life sentence, and I build every treatment plan around your specific pattern rather than a generic protocol.
Acupuncture for Women’s Health
I have experience in helping women with many conditions including…
Menstrual irregularities
Irregular cycles, painful periods, heavy bleeding, and PMS are among the most common reasons women first come to acupuncture. In Chinese medicine, the menstrual cycle is a monthly readout of your overall health, so cycle problems are often the first visible sign of an imbalance that may also show up as cramps, mood swings, bloating, or fatigue. Treatment focuses on regulating the underlying pattern, not just managing the pain when it flares.
Fertility & infertility
Whether you’re trying to conceive naturally or alongside IUI or IVF, acupuncture can support fertility by improving blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, regulating hormone levels, and reducing the stress response that can interfere with conception. I frequently work with patients who have PCOS or endometriosis, two of the most common underlying causes of infertility, and coordinate care with their reproductive endocrinologists when they’re in an IVF cycle.
Pregnancy related issues
Pregnancy brings a range of symptoms that conventional medicine often has limited tools for treating safely, from first-trimester nausea to the back and pelvic pain that can develop as pregnancy progresses. Acupuncture is a drug-free option that’s safe throughout pregnancy when performed by a trained practitioner, and it’s commonly used to ease morning sickness, low back pain, and pelvic discomfort.
Perimenopause & menopause
Hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and sleep disruption are some of the most common complaints during the menopause transition, and they’re also some of the most consistently well-supported uses of acupuncture in the research literature. Treatment focuses on nourishing the body’s Yin energy and clearing the internal heat that Chinese medicine associates with these symptoms, with many women seeing lasting improvement well after treatment ends.
What to expect from treatment
Every treatment starts with a full assessment, not just of your primary concern, but your overall health: sleep, digestion, stress, and cycle history all factor in. Through pulse and tongue diagnosis, I identify the specific underlying imbalance and create a personalized approach to correcting the imbalance.
Acupuncture works cumulatively, so most conditions call for a series of 8-10 treatments, often combined with Chinese herbs or other adjunct therapies. You don’t have to wait until symptoms are unbearable to start; many women find that regular treatment improves energy, cycle regularity, and overall well-being.
Feedback From our clients…
“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.”
~ M.B., New Jersey
Feedback From our clients…
Dr. Alban is a very knowledgeable and skilled acupuncturist. I have struggled with chronic pain and injuries, and through working with him I have experienced huge pain relief. I worked with him through pregnancy and postpartum and it has been so healing. Even though needles are intense for me, somehow he is extremely gentle and it doesn’t hurt!
N.F. Upper West Side
Dr. Joe is truly exceptional. From the very first appointment he made me feel comfortable and heard, taking the time to really listen to my concerns and goals. His holistic expertise and gentle, thoughtful approach immediately built my trust. What I appreciate most is how he tailors each session and adapts to what has developed and changed since the last visit, making the care truly responsive to my needs. His depth of knowledge and genuine care have made a real difference in my health and well-being
P.P. NYC
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!
S.R., New York
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!
Patient, Manhattan
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.
Patient, New York City
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.
L.Z., New York City