The Future of Chinese Medicine Is Being Shaped Right Here on the Upper West Side
At Upper West Health, we’re proud to support a community of trusted, experienced practitioners who not only provide expert care — they help shape the future of Chinese Medicine.
Two of our very own — Dr. Peter Caron of Gotham Acupuncture and Laura Sifuentez, a movement specialist and functional anatomy educator — are currently instructors at New York Acupuncture Education, an emerging leader in practical, high-level acupuncture training.
👩🏫 Teaching the Future of Acupuncture, Right Here in NYC
New York Acupuncture Education (NYAE) offers continuing education, advanced mentorship, and in-depth clinical skills training to support the next generation of acupuncturists. What sets it apart? Its commitment to teaching that’s grounded in clinical reality — led by practitioners who practice full time, treating patients every week.
Two of those instructors are right here in our Upper West Side community:
🌿 Dr. Peter Caron – Clinician. Educator. Mentor.
Dr. Caron is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM) and founder of Gotham Acupuncture. With over 20,000 treatments performed, he brings deep expertise in pain management, sports medicine, trauma-informed care, and psychological wellness.
He has taught at Pacific Rim College and Pacific College of Health Sciences, and is known for blending classical Chinese Medicine with modern clinical insights — including orthopedic acupuncture, herbal medicine, and energy-based practices. His teaching style is direct, compassionate, and rooted in lived experience — from supervising busy student clinics to delivering care in rural Guatemala through the Global Healthworks Foundation.
🧘♀️ Laura Sifuentez – Functional Movement Expert and Instructor
Laura Sifuentez is a movement coach, clinical Pilates trainer, and functional anatomy educator. Her expertise lies in bridging the relationship between structural anatomy and functional health — using spine rehabilitation techniques (including Pilates and ELDOA fascia tensioning) along with osteopathic principles of fascial continuity and tensegrity.
With a BA in Psychology and certifications in myofascial training and spine health, she creates a unique lens that beautifully complements Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Her ability to bring Western structural insight into harmony with Eastern energetic theory makes her a powerful asset to NYAE’s teaching faculty.
💬 Why This Matters to the Community
By investing in education, Dr. Caron and Laura are ensuring that tomorrow’s acupuncturists are better prepared, more grounded in real-world practice, and more effective in their patient care. Their roles at NYAE reinforce the high standard of care we’re lucky to have here on the Upper West Side.
📚 About New York Acupuncture Education
New York Acupuncture Education (NYAE) is a teaching platform dedicated to elevating acupuncture education through hands-on mentorship, clinical skill-building, and real-world guidance from experienced practitioners.
What sets NYAE apart?
🧍♂️ Small Class Sizes – Capped at just 8 students per class to ensure personalized learning
💵 Affordable Pricing – Just $39 per seat, making advanced education accessible
🧠 Expert Instructors – Courses led by clinicians with decades of real-world experience
Whether you're a new graduate or a seasoned practitioner, NYAE is built to help you grow your confidence and deepen your clinical intuition. While most of Upper West Health’s courses are open to all, NYAE’s courses are only available to health and medical practitioners and students.
👉 Learn more about NYAE's mission
👥 Want to Learn More or Get Treated by the Educators Themselves?
If you’re looking for care from highly skilled, deeply respected professionals, you don’t need to look far.
👉 Book an appointment with Dr. Caron at Gotham Acupuncture
👉 Book an appointment with Laura Sifuentez
👉 Explore New York Acupuncture Education to learn more about upcoming trainings and faculty
