Healthcare Wellness Center of Bay Shore is celebrating over 20 years of service to its clientele. The rediscovery of Acupuncture, which dates back to 200 BC, has led to hundreds of locals with various health ailments, such as chronic pain, being treated free of prescription painkillers. To help you understand how Acupuncture and other traditional treatments work and when it is good for you, we have consulted Anthony Cerabino, owner of Healthcare Wellness.
Great South Bay News (GSBN): Can you tell me a little bit about your training?
Anthony Cerabino (AC): I am a Board-Certified Acupuncturist with a diploma in massage therapy. I studied Massage Therapy at the New York College of Holistic Health & Research. From there, Acupuncture was a natural transition, and I obtained my master’s degree in Science at the New York College of Health Professions. To maintain my board-certified diploma status, I must earn a certain number of credits in continuing education every year. Over the past 30 years, I have accumulated hundreds of hours in continuing education from nationally regulated board-certified classes. I am also a certified NAET, (Nambudripad Allergy Elimination Technique) practitioner. This acupuncture/acupressure technique reprograms the nervous system to overcome allergy symptoms naturally.
GSBN: Why did you choose Bay Shore to set up your practice?
AC: I am a Bay Shore native and know what the people here are all about. I see the climate and the restaurants in the area. Sometimes, I prescribe a day at the beach or a couple of hours at Bayard Cutting Arboretum to my patients as part of their treatment.
GSBN: How did you get into the Science of Acupuncture?
AC: After decades of performing and teaching jazz music, I sought a career change, yet kept a lifestyle involved with the creative arts. I discovered Acupuncture when I became a trained massage therapist. I was captivated by the body’s natural healing ability through the traditional oriental medicine paradigm.
GSBN: What is the difference between acupuncture and acupressure therapy?
AC: Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin, hair-like, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points on the body. The needles are gently inserted and are typically painless. The Acupressure approach utilizes techniques such as laser therapy or electroacupuncture to stimulate the acupuncture points without using needles. Both methods enhance the body’s natural ability to heal itself and help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, improve energy levels, and support overall health.
GSBN: When do you recommend acupuncture therapy? Who is a suitable candidate for treatment?
AC: Acupuncture can help with any regulatory system of the body. At Healthcare Wellness Center, we are successfully treating a wide range of pathologies, including but not limited to migraines, post-chemo nausea, addiction protocols, allergies, auto-immune disease, neurological disorders, Bell’s Palsy, digestive issues, and pain anywhere on the body. Therefore, anyone is a suitable candidate for treatment.
GSBN: How does Acupuncture connect to the non-traditional medical community?
AC: We incorporate an interdisciplinary approach to health, especially pain management. This therapy is best seen as part of a wellness team. We offer a broad perspective and know when to help or refer the patient to another medical disciplinary team.
GSBN: How does Acupuncture work to relieve pain?
AC: Traditional Chinese Acupuncture involves inserting extremely fine needles into the skin at specific “acupoints.” Acupuncture relieves pain by stimulating the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain-killing chemicals, and by affecting the part of the brain that governs serotonin, a brain chemical involved with our moods.
GSBN: How can Acupuncture help with allergies?
AC: NAET (Nambudripad Allergy Elimination Technique) is a modern fusion of chiropractic, kinesiology, biochemistry, and Chinese medicine techniques. This painless, medicine-free treatment protocol resets the nervous system to accept any allergen-creating disharmony or weakness in the body. The results are truly amazing!
GSBN: What other services does your Healthcare Wellness Center cover?
AC: We cover various healing modalities, including medical massages and nutritional counseling.
Medical massage techniques promote relaxation and balance the body’s energy flow. Techniques include but are not limited to Tui Na Massage, Amma Massage, Shiatsu Massage, Swedish Massage, Sports pre- and post-event Massage, and Sotai Massage. By popular demand, Michael Phelps, the Olympic Swimmer and health guru, and Gwyneth Paltrow revitalized cupping and Gua Sha for multiple health healing techniques that are especially great for quicker workout rebounds or recovery.
We also offer nutritional counseling based on the five element theories of food, which combine principles natural for your body type and chemistry. We also look at the longevity principles of centurions and genetic sciences from a wide paradigm. All the practitioners are highly trained to give proper nutritional advice for supplements and mineral support. Yes, we also have a full herbal dispensary to give customized herbal prescriptions, which may include essential oils, homeopathic remedies, and Bach flower remedies. Last but not least is our daily use of Moxibustion, burning the herb mugwort strategically over many acupuncture healing points to promote a multitude of body responses, including wound and bruise healing, reducing scar tissue, warming cold joints and body organs, reducing inflammation, and assisting in fertility problems.
GSBN: Do insurance companies cover Acupuncture?
AC: We have been in practice for well over 20 years now. We accept most healthcare programs that recognize Acupuncture, which include NYSHIP, Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Aetna, MagnaCare, 1199SEIU, Cigna, United Healthcare, Oxford, and some Medicare Advantage Plans. All No-Fault cases also cover Acupuncture. There is a demand for our kind of services, often made by the employers themselves, because they know it works and has been proven effective. I also work regularly with Northwell Health and Catholic Health Services employees. We are proud to say that 90% of our patients are insurable.
GSBN: Is there anything else you wish to discuss that my questions have not touched on?
AC: I am the guy who keeps his hair short, with no earrings, with professional business attire, and representation. In another time, maybe hundreds of years ago, I might have been that guy with the medicine bag, long hair to my butt, living among the flames. But it’s not about me; it’s about getting the word out there and helping as many people as possible with the highest healthcare quality. If you are in a crisis and/or need another way to look at things medically, that’s where we come in. That’s my motivation, and I am grateful to be of service.
