Lanelle Durst specializes in Five Element Acupuncture, a style which treats the underlying cause of imbalance and disease. Each acupuncture treatment is based on the patient's underlying constitution and the state of their body, mind and spirit.

Lee Schwalb, a seasoned NYC acupuncturist licensed in New York State, also holds a board certification as a Chinese Herbalist from the New York Institute of Chinese Herbology. With a Master of Science in Traditional Acupuncture Medicine from the New York College of Health Professions, Lee boasts over two decades of hands-on experience in addressing a broad range of health issues. His education spanned four years and included more than 2,800 hours dedicated to studying acupuncture, herbal medicine, tai chi, and several adjunct therapies such as Tui na (Chinese massage), Eastern nutrition, laser therapy, electric stimulation, and auriculotherapy. Lee enhances his practice with additional healing modalities including Kambo detox therapy, PEMF therapy, and sound healing.

Lee’s approach to treatment is holistic, considering each patient's physical and mental health comprehensively. He evaluates the patient’s overall constitution, diet, and lifestyle to identify what is called a “pattern of disharmony.” Following a thorough initial assessment, Lee crafts a personalized treatment plan that may integrate acupuncture, herbal medicine, aromatherapy, dietary adjustments, nutritional supplements, and lifestyle changes.

With his extensive clinical background, Lee has aided a diverse clientele, helping alleviate conditions ranging from idiopathic pain and acute injuries to stress, anxiety, digestive and respiratory ailments, hormonal imbalances, fatigue, skin issues, allergies, and reproductive health challenges. Committed to the healing journey, he strives to guide each patient toward improved health and enhanced quality of life.

Damian McCleod is a NY state licensed acupuncturist and has a Masters of Science Degree in Acupuncture from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (PCOM). Damian’s introduction to the actual practice of acupuncture came after having undergone his second reconstructive knee surgery. At the suggestion of his fellow martial artist and graduate of PCOM, he started receiving acupuncture treatments at the college’s clinic. After having first hand proof of the power of acupuncture, he dedicated himself to the pursuit of Chinese Medicine.

A major influence in his studies came from the martial arts, which he has been a practitioner of since 1993. Damian currently works with martial artist and other athletes in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, with a focus knee pain.

Part of Damian’s philosophy on medicine stems from his undergraduate education; he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. His view is, understanding the complex is a matter of having a firm grasp of the fundamentals. Whether you are creating a detailed painting or addressing a patient’s illness, seek out the underlying nature of what it is you’re observing – then you will know how to proceed.

At Firebird Acupuncture, we are dedicated to providing our patients with the highest quality of traditional Chinese medicine. Maria Gorens is a Licensed and Board Certified Acupuncturist in the State of New York with 25 years of experience and Feng Shui Consultant. Maria has traveled through Asia, where she mastered ear, face, and body reading to diagnose diseases. Maria has developed a unique combination of pain treatment methods based on traditional Chinese and Japanese acupuncture. Her main goal is to help patients to return to health and vitality. She is using traditional healing modalities obtained in her travels to relieve pain and suffering and enhance the body's natural ability to heal itself.

Sophia means Wisdom
Our name symbolizes our commitment to teaching people the benefits of Integrative Natural Medicine.
Our goal is to improve health and educate
Our goal is to improve the health of – and educate people on – all the factors that influence health, wellness and disease, including the mind, spirit and community as well as the body. We are proud to be the first of the Integrative Natural Medicine Centers.
Our mission is to help
Our mission is to help as many people to learn to repair, improve or preserve their health, without drugs.
We want happy patients
We want our patients to live a long and happy life and find joy in their health.