“NYC is known to have hidden gems sparkling throughout that one may stumble upon by simply entering into a space yet discovered. I recently had one of these glittering experiences off-Broadway, up an elevator, and into the majesty that is Soho Acupuncture by Jen Becker. First, the decor. I felt like I was wrapped in […]

Chinese Face Reading Proves That We Should Embrace Our Wrinkles Written By: Jen Becker Original Article on furtherfood.com Chinese Face Reading is one of the original tools that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners used thousands of years ago. We all do some type of face reading in our daily lives, from looking at people’s eyes and facial […]

Alternative Therapies: Cupping Therapy Benefits Written By: Jen Becker Original Article on furtherfood.com As a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner, I use a variety of therapies to help my patients heal or treat disease or health symptoms. Cupping is a specific TCM therapy that involves using heated glass cups that are placed on the skin, creating […]

Using the Chinese Body Clock Could Help Improve Your Wellbeing Written By: Jen Becker Original Article on furtherfood.com If you’ve ever consulted with a TCM practitioner or an acupuncturist, you may have noticed that they ask about your daily routines, including your sleep, diet, work, exercise, and relaxation schedules. They may also ask you specific […]

What is Chinese Herbal Medicine and How Can It Benefit You? Written By: Jen Becker Original Article on furtherfood.com As a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner, I use a lot of different modalities with my patients including acupuncture, cupping, gua sha and herbal medicine.  After meeting with my patients and taking a detailed personal and medical […]

How to Use Acupressure For Better Sleep Written By: Kristin Hickey Original Article on Gratisfied.com Published on March 22, 2021 Acupressure is a component of traditional Chinese medicine that has been part of alternative medical therapy for a long time. While it’s a relatively new subject of scientific research, a few studies have suggested that […]

Jen Becker, L.Ac, MSTOM, licensed acupuncturist and herbalist, elaborates that rest is critical during this time of year. “While the lungs take in the new and receive the energy of the season, it is also very important to begin to turn inward,” she says. “Take advantage of this special time by sitting with your spirit, getting to know it and engaging with it — instead of running yourself ragged and setting yourself up for burnout.” She also notes to be sure to cover up and wear a scarf when the weather dips to 60°F and below.

If you’re interested in trying out acupuncture, or you love acupuncture and want to know more, this interview is for you. I turned to Jen Becker, a licensed acupuncturist, herbalist, and a Nationally Certified Diplomate in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology through the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), the highest level of certification available, to answer questions that explain acupuncture in depth. Jen presently solely focuses on her private practice in the SoHo neighborhood of Manhattan.

“Acupuncturist Jen Becker suggests steeping a teaspoon of dried Valerian root in hot water for 10 minutes. “It’s a flowering plant, but only extracts from the root are used for medicinal, sleep-inducing purposes,” the Chinese medicine specialist adds. “It helps increase levels of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical in your brain that promotes and protects sleep by basically sedating the neurons in your central nervous system.”