“Carol Braverman is not only a wonderful acupuncture practitioner, but also a great person. I came to Carol with the hopes of getting pregnant, and after a bad experience with a previous acupuncturist, I knew I was in good hands during our first meeting. She immediately quelled my fears that I couldn’t get pregnant and started me out with a treatment and herbal supplements that weren’t overwhelming, but rather slow and steady. She always remained positive with me and we were able to build a level of comfort between us that allowed for both of us to open up. Within 6 to 7 months, after regular treatments and a few months of taking chinese herbs, I became pregnant! I continued with acupuncture treatments throughout the pregnancy and I believe it also helped me to have a natural labor!”
- Rachel, sales manager“I have been a long time believer in the healing powers of acupuncture, but did not first realize the vast number if conditions it can effectively treat.
I had suffered from sinus issues in my nose and ears, that spread to tension in my jaw for over three years. I was unable to make any progress with western doctors and was thrilled when I finally learned that acupuncture was an option for me.
I feel very fortunate that I found Carol. From the first moment I spoke with her I had renewed hope that I would be able to breathe again. Based on the description of my symptoms she immediately told me she knew she could help me, because she had experienced the very same thing.
My first and all following appointments did not disappoint. By the end of my first appointment I felt a considerable improvement in my breathing! I continued to improve with each following appointment.
One of the best aspects of acupuncture is that treatment does not involve masking your symptoms (as in some western medicine) but making your whole body work effectively again. As a wonderful byproduct of my sinus treatment I also felt a significant reduction in everyday anxiety that I had developed overtime without realizing it.”
I highly recommend Carol Braverman for any kind of acupuncture treatment – especially for sinus trouble. She is passionate about her work and has a wonderful character. She genuinely cares about the progress of her patients and provides effective treatment. You can’t ask for anything more than that!”
- Meghan, Physical Scientist“Carol has been a major force for healing and wellness in my life. I first saw her many years ago for unwanted numbness and tingling in my hands and arms due to compressed vertebrae in the neck. After regular treatment including acupuncture and exercise, I have lived for years without any further symptoms. Since then, Carol has also provided me with excellent treatment for osteo-arthritis in my knees, including follow-up treatments after surgery that contributed to a rapid recovery. She is thorough, thoughtful and a highly professional practitioner. I’m honored to recommend her as a healer and proud to count her as a friend.”
- June, Director of Marketing and Communications, engineering“Simply put – Carol’s awesome… as an acupuncturist and as a person! She converted a skeptic into a true believer in the power of acupuncture while at the same time helping me to feel better than I’ve felt in a long time. Carol’s a great listener and maybe even more importantly, she asks really good questions. She helped me with things I never thought about while at the same time helping with what I went to her for in the first place. She’s one of the most caring healthcare professionals I’ve ever met and she thinks outside the box, which was so welcome to me since my Western doctors can’t seem to grasp that concept! I am going to miss Carol’s help and our chats now that she’s moved but I know some lucky patients in Colorado will be glad to have her. Best of luck, Carol, and thanks for everything!”
- Kelly, financial analyst“As I write this testimonial I have just returned from one of my last treatments with Carol Braverman (before her move to CO). I had been plagued with an incessant dull headache for the past week. Upon walking out of the office that headache was gone. The results I have experienced with Carol in the past four years have been nothing short of life-changing and I hope my testimonial will encourage others to explore the benefits of acupuncture for themselves. I can say with experience that no one is a more adept and dedicated practitioner.
My headaches began at age 15. There was a hazy ache at all times and frequent, severe headache episodes. My pediatric neurologist was unable to acertain any possible cause, despite administering every requisite test. So he started me on a regimen of preventative pills, which would remain a part of my everday life for many years. I never forgot to take those pills, because if I did, I would start to feel the pain within hours.They helped me manage it most of the time, but I still experienced awful headaches that would sent me reeling to the ER.
In college the headaches began to worsen. I spent much of my free time lying in bed in the dark trying desperately to lessen the pain. I had tried another neurologist, more extensive testing, and swallowing, injecting, spraying or rubbing in almost every headache medicine known to man. Nothing gave me any real results. When it became covered by our health insurance, my mother suggested I try acupuncture.
I started seeing an acupuncturist near my parents house over that Christmas break. It was not quite what I expected. He stuck 5 needles in me every session and I layed there bored for a little while until he took them out. It did seems to help a little, so I thought it was worth pursuing. The acupuncturist gave me some reccommendations for New York, where I was going to school. I had a friend who saw an acupuncturist and what he described was very different from my experience. So, when I lost the recommendations, I decided it was a sign to find one on my own. I found Carol on acufinder.com. She has a special focus in treating headaches and was right by my apartment.
Carol’s treatments were very different than my previous experience. I felt very comfortable with her right away, she was much more down to earth and easy to relate to. I could tell instantly that the needles were affecting me on a much deeper level. I remember laying there the first session profoundly relaxed and acutely aware of the energy pulsing through my body. At one point I even lifted my head, expecting to find some type of massaging device on the table.
After 2 sessions, my headaches were reduced by about 50%, unprecedented in all my years of searching for an answer. I was absolutely floored. Carol was not. She said “I want to decrease your headaches by 100%” She explained that, she had been conservative the first session or two and if I was ok with it, she was going to try a more intense treatment that should make a big difference. No headaches at all! It was a ridiculous prospect, but I agreed to try anything. It was indeed an intense treatment. I felt a little drained afterward and went straight home to bed.
Waking up the next morning was an experience I will never forget. I sat right up into a new world and everything was clear, there was no pain, no dizziness, no dull ache. It had been so many years since I had felt that, I didn’t even remember that such a wonderful feeling could exist. No headaches at all! It was one of the greatest weeks of my life. I got all my homework done, cleaned my apartment, finished a pile of projects years in the making and had time to spare, time I spent skipping around the city in absolute rapture. It was like a wonderful, unfathomable dream that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
About two weeks later I stopped taking my daily pills. I’ve never taken them again. While Carol treated me, there were no bad headaches, no trips to the hospital, no days on end in dark rooms, no watching life go on without me. Headaches weren’t the only thing to succumb to Carol’s needles. Hand cramps, stomachaches, insomnia, congestion, and any minor complaint I might have were gone after an acupuncture session. I enjoy hearing about how acupuncture works and Carol would always explain the concepts with intelligence and enthusiasm as she needled me. She even seemed to have the perfect solution to any problem I was having, from battling an unreasonable landlord to the best place to buy hair dye. She has had a profound affect on many aspects of my life, not only helping me but simultaneously teaching me how to help myself.
After college, I ended up moving back home. I tried a couple different acupuncturists, but they weren’t at all like Carol. I tried to explain what worked for me before, and Carol was more than happy to discuss my case with them. They seemed to have very different methods that weren’t right for me and soon my headaches returned with a vengeance. I would have a splitting migraine a few days a week. Eventually I ended up with the worst headache of my life. It lasted almost 3 weeks and persisted through 4 emergency room trips of injected painkillers. I truly was afraid the pain would never stop. When it finally did begin to dissipate, I checked my email for the first time since the headache began and found that on the day it started Carol had emailed to check up on me.
I started taking the train from Rhode Island to New York for treatments by Carol once a month, about a 4 hour trip each way. Carol always went out of her way to accommodate me and make it possible for me to come. The headaches went away as miraculously as they had the first time and have never come back. I live in the city now, so my trip is shortened. Although there’s no more serious headaches, I do still get an occasional slight one and it’s something I will be managing the rest of my life, but acupuncture has given me a way to do just that. Carol has been not only a top-notch professional, but a compassionate and trusted friend. After being cared for by her, you will walk out with more than your health.”
- Danielle, graphic designer“Carol addressed my issues with insomnia, weight and food. Almost immediately, I felt stronger and attached to my body. Every time I saw Carol, she offered wisdom and insight that stayed with me as I breathed through the session and the rest of the day. Carol’s depth of knowledge, understanding, and clarity about acupuncture allow her to help patients heal themselves in lifelong ways.”
— Allyson, photo director“In 2009, I was diagnosed with Stage II ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) breast cancer. I had a lumpectomy as well as ancillary lymph node dissection. I underwent 8 sessions of chemo and 21 sessions of radiation. I had radiation in nyc and would walk back and forth from the 6 train to Memorial Sloan Kettering each day. Midway through my radiation sessions, my feet started to bother me. Several toes were getting numb and I was experiencing weird tingling sensations. The balls of my feet were sore and the entire foot would burn. The worst was where the toes connected with the ball of the foot. Whether I used padded or cushioned insoles and shoes, that area of my feet were very sensitive. My oncologist told me that, since I was having numbness and tingling in my feet that lasted longer than a few months, I was one of the 1% of women who experienced the side effect of peripheral neuropathy from the chemo drug Taxol. Lucky me! I tried soaking my feet in epsom salt, massage and reflexology but nothing helped. Aside from walking back and forth from Penn Station to my office on Madison Ave. each day, walking was becoming more and more difficult. A friend of mine told me to try acupuncture – her brother-in-law, who was a diabetic, had found relief for his neuropathy.
I wanted an acupuncturist near work and found Carol Braverman online. I wasn’t sure the treatments would work but I was willing to try in order to be able to walk comfortably again. I was going to Germay in May of 2011 and my goal was to walk everywhere and wear heels (which had been impossible for a couple of years) to a wedding. After several treatments, I could feel a difference in my feet. Circulation was better and I was experiencing less numbness and tingling. Best of all, the area between my toes and the balls of my feet were less and less sensitive. I had approximately 10 treatments in total. I was able to enjoy my trip to Germany and wear heels to my friend’s wedding. I can now walk as long as I want and only experience occasional minor discomfort. I would recommend acupuncture 100% and credit Carol and her treatments for my success.”
- Mary, H.R. manager“When I came to see Carol (found her on acufinder.com), I was struggling with the emotional side effects of different medications for quitting smoking. After 10 sessions, my irritability has been reduced, insomnia and night sweats have decreased, and I feel more energized in my life. Carol is amazing at what she does. I cannot imagine seeing anyone else for acupuncture. She is incredibly thorough, perceptive, and never rushes through a session — I benefit from every minute spent with her.”
— Lauren, sales“Carol performed some healing techniques to help me with an irregular menstrual cycle, low hemoglobin, and carpal tunnel. After several visits and regular herbal treatments, I noticed much more equilibrium within my body. My cycles weren’t as lengthy, hands and feet weren’t as cold, and wrists weren’t as strained from typing. Carol also monitored my diet and provided nutritional advice, hearty recipes, and remedies for sinus pressure. And she’s really good at following up.”
— Tasha, editor“My treatments with Carol have consistently given me transformative results. I sought treatment for persistent seasonal allergies, and the sessions always helped with my breathing, sinus pain, and headaches. I started to notice that acupuncture eased my stress levels, balanced my nervous system and aided with occasional depression. Carol knows what she’s doing. Once I’m in her office, she immediately transmits a sense of relaxation, warmth and utmost attention to how I am and what I need. I have recommended Carol to several of my friends seeking a holistic, intelligent and healing acupuncture experience.”
— Hannah, advocate/grad student“Tom Messina is an amazing practitioner. He is professional in his approach and his work has been key to my success as a marathon runner over the past four years. There is no way that I could have achieved my goals without seeing Tom on a regular basis. He knows my hips, back, hamstrings, knees, and calves much better than I ever will!!! More importantly, he can understand the causes of the pain that I am in and he knows how to effectively treat my injuries. When I’m running marathons, I often think of Tom and the medical team with whom he works. I think of them carrying me on their shoulders when the going gets real tough. THANKS TOM”.
– Don, CPA“I have known Tom Messina for 8 years and during that time Tom has performed massage therapy on me weekly to my intense satisfaction and physical well-being. Tom is reliable, courteous and our 8-year relationship has been pleasurable and gratifying. I highly recommend him. Please contact me if you wish further references. Thank you.”
- Monty, retired businessman“Thomas Messina has helped me tremendously in both my physical and emotional recovery. He is very tuned into my body’s patterns of pain and resolves them leaving me free and more energized than before. He has helped my overused and tight muscles stay healthy while training intensively for 3 marathons. Additionally, his skilled acupuncture has cured me of chest colds and bronchitis almost every winter and helped release various toxins in the body that were dragging me down. Thomas has a great energy, is an amazing therapist and actually cares for the people he works on… not only that, his services are affordable. Once your get a treatment from him, you’ll be hooked.”
– Aubree, public relations“Tom has been working with me for about 6 years. His masterful skills as a Massage Therapist and Acupuncturist have been invaluable to my practice. His ability to pin point the exact location of the patient’s pain has been a major asset in diagnosing some of my more difficult cases. I would highly recommend Tom as a practitioner not only for musculoskeletal injuries, but also for internal medical conditions. His knowledge of Chinese herbs, points, and theory gives him the skills to treat problems ranging from anxiety to gastrointestinal problems.”
- Dan Hamner, MD“I met Carol about 7 months ago, and initially went to see her about a long-term stomach problem. While the stomach problem did clear up (after 10+ years!) and is now mostly in check, I had no idea of the other positive benefits that would come from my treatment. I feel calmer, more balanced and more energetic afterwards, and the affects last for days. Carol is thoughtful and peaceful, and often comes in with different alternative ideas for my treatment, or facts about different foods and how they might affect me. I look forward to my sessions and am disappointed when I have to miss a week. If you are new to acupuncture or looking for a new practitioner, I can’t recommend Carol highly enough!”
- Jennifer, event planner“Carol was thorough in considering my condition. She took extra care to consider all the factors that could be affecting me, and explained why she made the recommendations and treatment that she did. Carol was always thoughtful, prompt, and professional in following up. It was this attention to detail and her level of care in general that truly helped me to the resolution of my condition.”
- Aurelle, student“I have been very fortunate to be treated by Carol Braverman, and to discover that acupuncture is an effective treatment for arthritis. Acupuncture has also been used to regulate my digestive functions, and it is a great alternative to surgery and drugs. I’m thankful for Carol’s great treatments, and wish her All The Best in her new practice in Colorado.”
- Kathy, interior designer“I was suffering from sciatic pain down my right leg. I went to see a chiropractor for four or five appointments and ‘adjustments,’ walking or limping away in worse pain each time. After a few sessions with Carol, I realized that I had not taken any ibuprofens for almost a month, my smoking habit had seriously decreased, and I felt good! Carol is kind, gentle and warm, and she cares for her clients.”
— Mark, actor‘I met Tom after an injury on my knee while preparing for my first marathon. I have to say that Tom is an excellent professional, he quickly understood what was my problem and through acupuncture and massage therapy he could get me back to train soon enough, since then I rely in his expertise for all the rest of my training that I couldn’t have done without his help. My muscle were tight and overuse because of the training but he perfectly knew how to treat them and allow the rest of the training keep going until the race day. I would strongly recommend him to anyone who is seeking for a good professional with a strong commitment and knowledge in what he is doing.”
– Marta, Economist“Tom is an amazing acupuncturist who has help me tremendously with some permeant nerve damage in my back. After trying a number of acupuncturists over the years the one thing that stands out is that he really listens to your needs and concerns and will do whats best to help you relax and relieve pain. Along with being an acupuncturist, Tom is also a top notch massage therapist. We have always started a session with a deep tissue massage to help get the blood flowing followed by a peaceful acupuncture treatment. I would highly recommend Tom for anyone interested in acupuncture and believe that the best thing about it is that it is just an honest soothing treatment. New York City will be missing Tom”.
- Christian, NYC
“Coming to see Carol was one of the best decisions of my life. She is a master in her skill of the Eastern Arts as well as master of compassion and powerful healer. Her knowledge and ability to transform the human condition has the ability to ultimately transform the world.”
- Danielle, violinist”Tom Messina is an extraordinary professional and individual who is extremely dedicated to his patients and acupuncture practice. I went to see him specifically for job-related stress relief and assistance with hormone regulation following many years of taking birth control medication. We worked together in those first difficult months. And I know now that if it weren’t for him, I would have faced great challenges regulating my cycle (as I had before). With each session with Tom, I felt healthier and more energetic – the results were simply much faster than I anticipated. Tom is not only caring and attentive, but extremely thorough in treating his patients in a holistic manner. I moved abroad and am very sorry our sessions have ended; I remain convinced I will not find another acupuncturist of his caliber”
- Sophia, Insurance Broker
