A private acupuncture practice offering careful, unhurried care.
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Dr. Rolan Shlain, PharmD, L.Ac.
I was born and raised in New York, in a family of immigrants. I remember my mother putting mustard powder in my socks when I had a bad cold as a kid. Somehow, it worked. Remedies like that were passed down alongside everything else, and I've been fascinated by the history of healing ever since.
I trained as a pharmacist, and I still practice as one. Knowing medications well taught me when they're the right tool, and when a problem might be better met another way.
Acupuncture became personal after a training injury to my back. I wanted to try something before reaching for pills or injections, and what I experienced stayed with me. I sat with the idea for a while, then committed to training as an acupuncturist.
What keeps me here is a particular moment: the look on someone's face when they feel something shift on the table, right then.
Outside the clinic, I've spent years working in film and television, and I'm happiest in nature.
No belief is involved. It's just sensation.
Principle 01
A clear plan, from the first visit.
Every program has a defined length, clear goals, and check-ins along the way, so you always know where you stand. Nothing is open-ended.
Principle 02
The whole history, considered.
Every intake accounts for your full health history, including medications, supplements, and prior care, so treatment fits the life you're actually living.
Principle 03
Your doctors, in the loop.
With your consent, I share notes and coordinate with your physicians, so all of your care is working in the same direction. Superbills are available on request.
Frequently Asked Questions
The first appointment runs 90 minutes: about 45 minutes of intake, followed by 45 minutes of treatment. We go through your health history, current medications and supplements, and what you're hoping to change, and then we begin. You'll leave having been treated, with a clear sense of what a course of care would look like before you commit to anything.
Most people are surprised by how little they feel. Acupuncture needles are hair-thin, nothing like the needle used for an injection or a blood draw. You may notice a brief pinch, then a dull ache, warmth, or heaviness around the point, which usually settles quickly. If anything feels uncomfortable, say so and I'll adjust. You set the pace.
Many people leave deeply relaxed, sometimes a little sleepy. Some notice a change right away; for others it builds over the following days or across several sessions. After your first visit, plan to take it easy, drink water, and skip anything strenuous for the rest of the day.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that rolls up easily above the knees and elbows. Please come having eaten a light meal or snack before treatment. Acupuncture on an empty stomach can leave you feeling lightheaded. Bring a list of your current medications and supplements, or the bottles themselves if that's easier.
It depends on what you're addressing and how you respond. Programs run from 6 to 20 sessions, with a check-in partway through to see how things are going. We'll agree on a plan at your first visit, and nothing is open-ended. You can see each program on the Clinical Programs page.
The first visit is $300 for 90 minutes, which includes both the intake and your first treatment. Program pricing depends on the program and is discussed at your first visit rather than listed publicly. Every program has a defined session count and built-in check-ins, and superbills for out-of-network insurance are available on request.
This practice does not bill insurance directly. HSA and FSA cards are accepted at the time of service, which for many patients is the simplest option. If you have a PPO plan with out-of-network benefits and would like to submit for reimbursement, let us know at intake. We can prepare a detailed superbill after each session, including CPT codes, diagnosis codes, and provider NPI, for you to submit to your insurer. Coverage varies widely from plan to plan, so we recommend calling your insurer before your first appointment to ask about your out-of-network acupuncture benefits.
Yes. HSA and FSA cards are accepted at the time of service, the same as at any medical office. Acupuncture is listed by the IRS as a qualified medical expense when performed by a licensed practitioner for the treatment of a medical condition. You'll receive an itemized receipt for your records. Eligibility depends on your individual plan, so check with your plan administrator if you have questions about your account.
Yes. Many patients are on regular medications, going through cancer treatment, or recovering from a stroke. Every medication and supplement is reviewed before treatment begins, and with your consent I'm glad to coordinate with your doctors.
Chinese herbal medicine is available alongside acupuncture. Herbs are never recommended without a full review of your medications first. When someone is in cancer treatment or taking several medications, herbs may be held off until the picture is clear. Your safety comes first, not completing a formula.
The practice is at 314 W 14th St, 5th Floor, in Chelsea. Sessions are by appointment only, and you can book online or reach me by phone or email. Home visits are also available, which can help anyone recovering from a stroke, in active treatment, or finding it hard to get to the clinic. Call or email to arrange one.
Two things. First, a pharmacist's review of your medications and supplements is part of every intake, so treatment fits safely alongside the rest of your care. Second, care follows a defined plan with a set number of sessions and a built-in check-in, so you always know where you stand.