I was first exposed to acupuncture about five years ago while living in Los Angeles. I had a demanding job in the entertainment industry and was suffering from insomnia, stress, and allergies. I was fortunate to discover that acupuncture had immediate and lasting beneficial effects.

After relocating to New York City I feel even more fortunate to have found Heidi Botnick. Not only is she an extremely well trained acupuncturist, she also possesses the rare ability to truly listen to her patients. The result is powerful and uniquely personalized medicine that draws on the wisdom of ancient and modern modalities. It is a pleasure to be able to recommend Heidi without reservation.

-Liam Ahern

I've had allergies all my life. I was born with eczema, developed asthma by 5 and hay fever by 7. I tried everything western medicine had to offer - corticosteroids, adrenalin, anti-histamines, desensitization injections and more. Most of the things I was prescribed had difficult side effects - drowsiness, weight gain, headaches, backaches, heart palpitations. And for all that, they usually didn't work when the peak hay fever season came around every year. I decided to try acupuncture and went to Heidi late last year for help.

As I write, we are a few weeks into what would normally be the worst time of year for me. The pollen levels are rated as "very severe" almost everyday and incredibly, I am still not taking *any* hay fever medication at all! No steroid nasal sprays, no allegra, no benadryl, no face masks...nothing. This is the first time in over 2 decades that I can say that. I couldn't be happier. Heidi also took time to work on the chronic pain I had for 2 years in my right shoulder. I can now swim for 2-3 hours completely pain free. It is no overstatement to say that Heidi's acupuncture treatments have really changed my life. I feel so well these days, it's wonderful.

- Anita Disney

PhD in Neuroscience

As one of the top athletic instructors in the NYC region I carry a considerable class load on a weekly basis. My body is put through some considerable rigors that can unfortunately result in serious sports injuries. From time-to-time drastic measures are needed to bring my body back to a workable state.

I am forever grateful to Heidi Botnick for the fabulous repair work she has performed on me. I was introduced to her following some debilitating hamstring injuries. After months of unsuccessful physical therapy and cortisone shots, I was turned on to Heidi.

After a few extremely thorough acupuncture sessions with Heidi, I was as good as new. I wished I sought her out much sooner, as I would have saved months of discomfort in the process.

She is not only extremely knowledgeable about sports injuries, but is quickly successful in her treatment. A few well-placed sessions with her, got right to the source and permanent release. Forget about the injections and seek out Heidi’s magic.

- Ed Esposito

Thespinguru.com

I've suffered from chronic neck and shoulder pain for many years. After my most recent setback, I sought the help of a physical therapist which improved my situation, but only to a point. When she felt there was nothing more she could do for me, she mentioned the possibility of acupuncture helping. I found Heidi and after only a few treatments finally got the relief I'd been hoping for. It was incredible to me that this option had existed all along and I didn't know about it.

My experience with Heidi has been truly wonderful. Her knowledge and professionalism coupled with her gentle, supportive manner make her not only an effective health practitioner but a pleasure to be with as well.

- Amy

It's been great for me to receive treatment from Heidi once a week.

It's the one moment in my day that things slow down and I get to relax and concentrate on my own well-being.

I've seen a very clear improvement with my back pain and digestive system

Tatiana

-Graphic designer and artist

Heidi is truly in tune with her patients. She has a gift for getting to the root of what's going on with you and finding the best way to treat it. She has helped me more than any medical doctor I have visited and I feel blessed to have found her.

Julie M- age 24

Writer/producer

When I became pregnant, I had to decrease my SSRI anti-depressant and experienced a return of my depression and an increase in anxiety, particularly shortness of breath. I became interested in alternatives to medication, and decided to try acupuncture. I found Heidi through the Park Slope Parents website. I'm definitely open to holistic forms of treatment, but I was surprised at how well and how quickly the acupuncture worked, on my anxiety and my depression. After the first treatment I felt calmer, and during the second one, the effects were even stronger: my limbs felt so relaxed I almost couldn't feel them anymore and I dozed on the table. After starting acupuncture with Heidi, I also experienced very clear and noticeable relief from my shortness of breath. My psychiatrist was very supportive of this treatment, and not surprised at its effectiveness.

I've tried a number of methods to replace medication, including daily yoga, psychotherapy and dietary changes. All have helped but I suspect that the acupuncture I received from Heidi had the greatest impact. Heidi was very conscientious, careful and compassionate. I'm grateful to have discovered the (very real!) benefits of acupuncture for depression and anxiety and can recommend Heidi wholeheartedly.

Heidi (another one), age 37

Brooklyn

Journalist