Spurred by a bad experience with a doctor, Joseph D’Antona uttered the words that launched a thousand ideas, products and businesses; "there’s got to be a better way."
D’Antona left the office and decided he would do something and so began his journey to become a Chinese medicine practitioner.
D’Antona, who has been practicing for 12 years, opened his Kings Park Main Street office, Balance Health and Wellness, about two years ago aiming to help clients get their bodies back into balance.
"I get to help people get back into where they want to be without the use of drugs or any sort of medication. Not that I think that medications are bad, but rather then taking them on a long term scale, I help get the body back to where it needs to be.”
With most health insurance now covering treatments like acupuncture, D’Antona said not only has his business grown, but the practice has become more mainstream.
“I remember going to school to do this, and people were like, what is that, a weekend course? And I was like, no, it’s about 4,000 hours and a master’s degree. Now with insurance recognizing us, we are able to help so many more people. It was never like that before 2012,” he said.
D’Antona completed more than 3,000 hours of didactic and practical education before he sat for New York State board licensing and certification and said he has clients that travel from as far as Manhattan and Shelter Island to see him. D’Antona said it is not just the education that is important, but experience.
“It is the practical application and experience that I believe, through treating all of these clients, is what really makes it come together.” D’Antona also has a Lindenhurst office and said the time he puts in is equivalent to three jobs.
Bill Musella, who lives in Copiague and is a patient of D’Antona receives acupuncture for neck and back pain.
“I felt the results right away,” said Musella. His wife and daughter are also patients and are receiving treatment for weight loss, called Accuband or ear stapling, which D’Antona said is what he has been most successful at.
“It is a special ear needle that is put in a certain point in the ear that allows the body to release endorphins and hormones to put the body back in balance,” said D’Antona. The band stays in place for about three weeks, and said on average, patients lose 20-30 pounds.
Looking to move from what used to be his Northport office, which he had outgrown, he stumbled across his current location by accident. A client had asked if he had ever been to the Kings Park Bluff. D’Antona had not and had set out to find it. He overshot it and wound up in town where he saw a vacancy and decided to make the move.
What he likes most about Kings Park is the people and the warm welcome he has received.
“It is almost like a big family here, great camaraderie. I think the town has taken me in.”
D’Antona said he is looking forward to . Those who stop by can receive a free chair massage and if they tour the facility they will get half off on a future treatment.
“I love the town, it’s such a comfortable town and I finally found the bluff. I am just very happy to be here.”
