About Jin Fang

Jin Fang, acupuncturist, Chinese herbalist, Rochester, Ithaca, Vestal, ny

I was born into a family of Western pharmacists in the city of Hangzhou, China. I was the youngest of three daughters. As the baby of the family, I was sheltered. When I was five years old, I remember our family helping my father process Chinese herbs. I spent much of my childhood at the hospital pharmacy, helping my father. I learned to love the medical environment!

During The Cultural Revolution (1965-1977), my father received no salary for more than three years! We didn’t know where the next meal would come from. I remember we all helped my father learn how to ride a bicycle because his new job was delivering distilled water. He was forced to wear a black patch because he was against The Cultural Revolution. The politics of the day turned against him and it became discriminatory and humiliating for him.

Our grandmother tried her best to support us. She came to visit us once a month, to cook the food she brought. We would all wait at the door for her … with big eyes! We felt very sad when she left. We also got a little money from our aunt’s family, even though they were also in trouble with the government. Eventually, they were exiled form Beijing to the countryside. As a result, many of our relatives and friends were too afraid to help us.During my middle school years (1969-1972), the entire school would work in the spring for 10 days at The Green Tea Farm. (This farm was world renowned for its green tea!) We were never paid but we were allowed to take one small handful of this exceptional tea when we left. I would take it to my father and he would be so pleased because it was a top quality green tea rarely available.

For twelve years, all colleges were closed and all cultures as we knew it, was forbidden. Finally, in 1978, The Cultural Revolution ended!

My sisters and I took the national school entrance exam and we all passed! I remember my father was so happy about this that he brought candies to share with his colleagues and friends.

Later, I was accepted at the Traditional Chinese Medicine College in Hangzhou and graduated in 1983 with my medical degree.

In 1987, I came to United States to join my first ex-husband who was attending Cornell University. I studied English at Broome Community College. During this time, I held three waitressing jobs. I worked very long days. One week, I totaled 78 hours! I continued to work even through my pregnancy.

In February of 1990, I gave birth to a baby girl. Six months later, my marriage ended. My mother then came to the United States to be with me and to help with the care of my child so that I could continue to work. Shortly after that, my father came to help. Later, when I worked as a dental assistant, I rode a bike to work. I supported my parents, as well as small infant. When I prepared for the New York State acupuncture licensing exam, my parents continually tested me on the material. In 1992, I became the first Chinese acupuncturist in Ithaca and started my own practice.

In 1995, my daughter and I traveled back to China. We met John Shang who had been a classmate of mine from 1978-1983. We married in Ithaca in 1996 and he joined my practice. John Shang graduated from the University of the Shanghai School of Medicine and specialized in orthopedic surgery. He is a great asset to the practice.

Happy Mood
Baby Boom 1
Baby Boom 2
Anti-Aging Facial Care
Jade Face - Herbal Scrub

These herbal formulas, along with acupuncture, help in the treatment of depression, anxiety, insomnia, ADD, ADHD, fertility and aging problems. I also use my older sister’s herbal formula, Sinus Care. (She is a Western trained ear/nose/throat doctor.)

I truly love helping people and my practice allows me to do that. It is a rewarding experience when I hear how herbs and acupuncture are helping people change their quality of life.

My American Dream

Jin Fang, Chinese herbs Happy Mood for depression, anxiety, Insomnia, Ithaca, Rochester, Vestal

We take Blue Cross Blue Choice, Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield. Including: Commercial (Traditional indemnity, PPO, EPO, HMO, Point-of Service) Preferred Care and Preferred Care Gold. We take MVP Health Care Insurance.

www.excellus.com www.preferredcare.org

Some of United Healthcare and Aetna Insurance plan cover acupuncture treatment. Please call them to find out your plan.
They pay 50%.
Please note: start from January 1, 2009, the rates may see modest change.

No-fault auto insurance, Workman's Comp. insurance (need authorization letter from the board, or talk to your lawyer and physician).