Inside ORA Method with Assel, NYC Acupuncturist

At ORA Method, we believe acupuncture is not just a treatment, it’s a way of supporting the body, mind, and nervous system through every phase of life. From managing pain to preparing for fertility, consistent acupuncture care can help restore balance in a fast-paced city like New York.

Through Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture paired with supportive lifestyle habits can address root causes and help you heal from the inside out.

We spoke with Assel Cooperman, one of our acupuncturists at ORA Method, about the rituals she personally practices, how she supports patients, and why consistency matters when it comes to healing.

Returning to Yourself: Rituals That Regulate the Nervous System

For Assel, self-care isn’t about elaborate routines, it’s about intentional moments of reconnection.

“As a mom of two, my favorite ritual begins after my kids go to bed. That’s when I return to myself. I take a long hot shower, dry brush, and do gua sha with rose and lavender oils. It’s simple, but it resets my entire nervous system.”

Nature also plays a central role in her routine.

“We moved to Westchester because I was craving nature. I love walking to the waterfall in our neighborhood or simply taking quiet walks outdoors. Nature regulates me in a way nothing else does.”

As an acupuncturist, she practices what she recommends to patients.

“I also treat myself with acupuncture weekly. I truly believe food is medicine, so I eat warm, nourishing meals and stay very conscious about what I put into my body, both nutritionally and in skincare.”

And sometimes, healing looks like joy.

“As a family, we love turning on our red light after dinner and dancing together. We get silly, we hug, and we reconnect. Joy and physical warmth are medicine too.”

Motherhood and Self-Care: Why Consistency Matters

Balancing work, motherhood, and personal wellness is never easy, especially in a city like New York. Assel says consistency, not perfection, is what makes self-care sustainable.

“Balancing motherhood and work is not easy. I’ve learned that consistency is everything. Having a predictable routine for the kids helps all of us feel grounded.”

Connection is a form of nervous system care, too.

“We prioritize eating dinner together as a family and talking about our day. That connection is deeply regulating.”

When it comes to her own wellbeing, she protects the basics:

“Sleep, warm nourishment, weekly acupuncture, and evening rituals that calm my nervous system.”

Her philosophy is simple:

“Self-care is not indulgent, it’s essential for showing up as a calm and present mother.”

Treating Pain with Acupuncture in NYC

At ORA Method, pain treatment goes beyond symptom relief. Assel focuses on understanding the root cause of discomfort.

“Pain is never just about the pain. It’s about understanding why it started in the first place.”

Her approach treats both immediate symptoms and underlying imbalances.

“I always treat both the root and the branch. We address the acute condition quickly, but I recommend at least three to four follow-up sessions to resolve the underlying imbalance.”

A typical acupuncture session for pain often includes:

• Opening channels with distal point

• Calming the nervous system

• Working locally to release tension and trigger points

“I was trained extensively in orthopedic acupuncture and have had great success treating frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, and low back pain that can cascade into other issues.”

Beyond treatment, lifestyle adjustments matter.

“Lifestyle-wise, I emphasize warmth, circulation, and nervous system regulation. Pain often improves dramatically when the body feels safe and supported.”

Acupuncture for Fertility Support in NYC

Assel works closely with fertility patients and emphasizes preparation over urgency.

“Fertility is magical, and complex. The female body is incredibly powerful, but it needs the right conditions.”

Treatment focuses on calming the nervous system, improving blood flow, and reducing inflammation.

“One of my favorite pieces of advice is to keep your feet warm. In traditional medicine, the temperature of your feet reflects the state of your uterus. Cold constricts; warmth encourages circulation and nourishment.”

Her role is to create the environment where the body can function optimally.

“My role is to help balance the body and create a sense of calm safety so it can do what it was designed to do.”

What Your Pulse Reveals During Acupuncture

Acupuncturists use many tools to diagnose and build a treatment plan. Whether treating pain, fertility, or other concerns, acupuncture looks at the whole picture, not just the symptom.

Pulse diagnosis offers a detailed look into the body’s internal state.

“The pulse reveals a great deal: energy levels, blood quality, digestive strength, and even emotional state.”

Assel shares how acupuncturist assess the body through the three jiaos:

• Upper jiao — lungs and heart

• Middle jiao — digestion and liver function

• Lower jiao — kidneys and adrenal strength

“It’s nuanced and complex, but it provides a roadmap for deeply individualized treatment.”

A Gentle but Precise Approach: Japanese Acupuncture

Assel trained in the Kiiko Matsumoto style of Japanese acupuncture, known for its gentle and diagnostic approach.

“Her style is gentle, highly diagnostic, and extremely effective. It relies heavily on palpation and real-time feedback from the body.”

While this method informs her practice, she adapts each session to the individual.

“Every treatment is tailored to the person in front of me. There is no one-size-fits-all approach.”

Why Consistency with Acupuncture Matters, Especially in NYC

Living in New York means living in constant motion, and Assel says acupuncture works best when it’s part of an ongoing routine.

“Acupuncture is not one needle and one treatment and you’re done. It builds. It regulates. It retrains the nervous system.”

She often compares it to fitness.

“I often compare it to the gym, you see the most powerful results when you go consistently.”

Beyond symptom relief, acupuncture supports deep biological repair.

“Acupuncture helps calm the nervous system and allows the body to heal itself at a deep cellular level. It’s powerful on its own, but consistency unlocks its full potential.”

Traditional Practices That Support Long-Term Wellness

When asked about the practices she relies on most, her answer is clear:

“Acupuncture, always.”

But she also recommends complementary techniques:

• Tapping along the meridians

• Tai chi

• Qi gong

• Moxibustion

“Movement, warmth, and circulation are foundational. When energy flows freely, the body thrives.”

Experience Acupuncture at ORA Method in New York City

At ORA Method, our approach to acupuncture focuses on nervous system care, personalized treatment, and long-term results, whether you’re seeking pain relief, fertility support, or a deeper sense of balance.

If you’re curious about how acupuncture can support your health, book a session at our New York City studios in NoHo or the Upper East Side.