Our Town: Dr. Li brings 21st Century care to WP

Dr Tom Ferraro

To date I have written 31 Our Town columns but only three on health-care professionals. 

I’ve chatted with  our resident dermatologist  Robert Paltzik, our local vet Eric Bregman and our town physical therapist Anthony Belo.  It’s about time to swim into uncharted waters by talking to our local acupuncturist Dr. Yali Li located in his new clinic at 33 Hillside Ave.  right next to Tal’s.  

No I do not have any knee or back pain but I am overweight and who knows maybe he has something for my urge to eat everything I can get my hands on.

Dr. Li’s clinic is called Shui which means water in Chinese. He offers alternative medicine and if you’re wondering exactly what alternative medicine is it includes all health-care practices that treat medical conditions but which have not traditionally been taught in medical schools.  Since the 1970s this field has grown to include things like chiropractic, massage,  homeopathy, mind/body therapy, yoga, meditation and acupuncture. 

Walking into Dr. Li’s clinic is much like walking into a high-end spa with marble floors, soft music and serene lighting. 

A friendly receptionist escorted me back to Dr. Li’s office where we talked. He told me that acupuncture is based upon the idea that chi energy which travels along the body meridians can become blocked and that acupuncture needles serve to unblock the chi, thereby restoring health. 

Dr. Li told me that he treats various pain related disorders like migraine and joint pain but that allergies, sleep problems, dizziness and even skin disorders are treated. 

Now was my big chance to ask him about weight control and I jumped in feet first. 

“Can you treat hunger urges and overeating?” I ask sheepishly.  “Why don’t we give it a try” he replies and escorts me into one of his ever so quiet and clean acupuncture rooms. 

No sooner does he get me to lie down and insert 10 needles and I am fast asleep on the table. I don’t know how long I was out but during my slumber I had a wonderful dream about the Long Ranger and Tonto. Tonto was leading one of the horses away. 

Next thing I know Dr. Li is there and asking me to wake up. It was the best snooze I have had in years. My interpretation of the dream is that maybe, just maybe Tonto was leading my animalistic hunger away. I certainly hope so.

It is clear to me that health care is more than talking to your doctor for three minutes and taking a pill. Good health care is all about spending time with a trained health care professional, getting comfort and reassurance and a chance to problem solve issues that are creating stress. 

The average time spent in front of a doctor is about seven minutes. I think that the rise in alternative medicine is partially due to the fact that these health-care professionals will sit and spend some time trying to figure things out with you.  Research shows that acupuncture is proven to help with all sorts of pain without the risk of addiction.

Alternative healing, which includes acupuncture and herbal medicine will  continue to grow and complement regular western medicine. As the world becomes more globalized we will slowly be introduced to things like yoga, tai chi, meditation and the ancient art of acupuncture.  

Welcome to the 21st Century and welcome to Williston Park, Dr. Li.

Share this Article