Spotted Tiger Acupuncture & Holistic Health, Chappaqua

Psychic medium and medical intuitive Francine Tesler jokingly calls her new business associate, acupuncturist Toni King, her “calmer doppelganger.”

The women share a recently renovated space housing Spotted Tiger Acupuncture & Holistic Health in Chappaqua.

Putting an acupuncturist and a psychic under one roof might seem like an unusual partnership, but both women have more in common than meets the eye. Both are medical intuitive, which means they can perceive information that’s going on within the body.

King, a licensed acupuncturist in Connecticut and New York, practices the Japanese Kiiko Matsumoto (KM) style of acupuncture. She is also classically trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncture, Acupuncture Physical Medicine and Chinese Herbal Medical Formulation.

Comfortable utilizing the KM approach, King, who operated out of another Chappaqua office for three years before moving to King Street this summer, said it allows her to use smaller needles, which provides gentler stimulation.

Passionate about her craft, King takes a detailed medical history of every new client before a treatment. She heeds even the smallest of ailments and works in a spa-like setting surrounded by dim lights, sweet-smelling candles and soothing music.

King explained that acupuncture can clear blockages in the body that disrupt its energy flow. Blockages may include lymph fluid or blood that would typically cause pain and discomfort, she said. Very fine needles are inserted in the body at strategic points to encourage free flow.

“For me, acupuncture is this energetically-based thing that’s controllable and informed,” said King, who holds a clinical master’s degree from the Tri State College of Acupuncture in Manhattan.

She treats symptoms of conditions such as diabetes, high and low blood pressure, muscle spasms, migraines and other types of headaches.

“The patients who come to me have been through the mill already, and I’m often their last stop,” King added.

For clients who are eager to see into their future, Tesler has been known to accurately provide the right information. A Bronx native, she remembers her childhood friends didn’t quite understand her telepathic tendencies, often referring to her as “Grandma Witchy.” After spending several years telling fortunes as a hobby, she realized she could make it a business.

She has made a name for herself in Westchester and in the Bronx and Yonkers Irish communities, where she read for years in several bars and restaurants frequented by Irish immigrants. Tesler has expanded her reach, being hired for bridal showers, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, graduations and birthdays. She still conducts readings at restaurants around Westchester to individuals and groups.

Tesler also has a thriving professional services business, working with law enforcement on missing persons’ cases and other investigations. In addition, she sees private clients.

Tesler doesn’t use Tarot cards but said “I see, I hear, I feel.”

“Most people just want to know about health, wealth, happiness and love life,” said Tesler, a Pleasantville resident.

Many of her clients want to know if they can communicate with deceased loved ones.

“I always tell people, ‘there’s no special phone number to dial up God,’” she said.

Loved ones who were quiet when alive will remain quiet after they’ve passed, Tesler said. Similarly, those who were loud will make themselves known from the other side.

In addition to offering individual sessions at the Chappaqua location, Tesler accommodates “gallery sessions,” where she can read up to 10 people.

Both women are eager to make Spotted Tiger a community resource for health and wellness, including hosting events to offer a better understanding of today’s health challenges and fads.

Spotted Tiger Acupuncture & Holistic Health is located at 220 King St in Chappaqua. For more information, visit www.SpottedTigerAcupuncture.com.

King is available Monday, Wednesday and Friday; Tesler is available Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Call King at 914-582-3276 to schedule an appointment or e-mail Spottedtigers2006@yahoo.com. Tesler can be reached at 914-469-6693 or at franfuture@aol.com. More information on her services can be found at www.francinetesler.com.