Acupuncture & Nutrition of Brandon provides wellness services from their facility in Brandon, Florida. They focus on the use of acupuncture to treat a variety of conditions, with a special focus on fertility, pain, weight loss, and hormone imbalances. They have a five-star rating on Facebook, with patients complimenting the friendly care, excellent service, and successful results in treating pain and fertility issues.
Bay Area Oriental Family Practice is an acupuncture clinic located in Tampa, Florida. They focus on the use of Chinese medicine and specialize in acupuncture, herbal medicine, Chinese energy healing, pain management, stress management, and cupping. The office is run by the provider, Dr. Yali Fan, a national board certified and Florida licensed acupuncture physician. Fan earned her Medical Doctors Degree from Shandong University of TCM and has more than three decades of experience in traditional Chinese medicine. She has also written multiple books and articles on Chinese medicine.
Bayside Spine + Performance offers a holistic approach to care, using a combination of chiropractic adjustment and the latest integrated medicine techniques to improve patients' functionality and relieve pain. GeorgeTabib, Doctor of Chiropractic, administers modern chiropractic adjustments, electrostimulation and injury-focused taping procedures along with acupuncture and gym exercises, using state-of-the-art technology, musculoskeletal techniques, and rehabilitation procedures. Prior to treatment, individuals receive biomechanical, metabolic, and functional status assessments, personalized to meet each patient's individual needs.
BellaVive Natural Health Clinic provides natural medical options from their facility in Tampa, Florida. They offer acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, homeopathy, and medicine for the mind and body. They specialize in women’s health, chronic illness, and cancer care. The office is run by Dr. Kimberly Nguyen, who has a degree as a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, with a Master’s of Science in Oriental Medicine and a Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition and pre-medicine. She is board certified in acupuncture and certified in AcuPoint Injection Therapy.
China Acupuncture Inc. is a Tampa-based office with more than three decades of clinical experience in acupuncture, acupressure, and Chinese herbal medicine. They offer a range of services including pain management, cancer care, stroke rehabilitation, allergy problems, addictions, and immune disorders. Their patients speak highly of the excellent level of service and care they received from China Acupuncture, Inc.
Classical Acupuncture Healing is an acupuncture facility located in Wesley Chapel, Florida. They specialize in Classical Five Element Acupuncture, an ancient system of Chinese medicine. The office was founded by Dr. Gurudas Chu, a licensed acupuncture physician with nearly a decade of experience in the industry. Patients of Classical Acupuncture Healing speak highly of the successful results, their focus on overall well-being, and their compassion.
Dale Dugas Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine is a Tampa-based business. Dr. Dale Dugas is a board certified Acupuncture Physician and Doctor of Oriental Medicine with a license to practice in Florida. He has more than two decades of experience practicing Asian medicine and has been granted Diplomat of Oriental Medicine status from The National Certification Commission of Acupuncture Medicine. He offers Acupuncture services at the client’s home or office.
Dawn Balusik Acupuncture has served the Clearwater, Florida area for over a decade. They specialize in oriental medicine, acupuncture, Chinese herbs, nutrition, and bodywork. Practicing doctor, Dawn Balusik, is nationally board-certified in Chinese herbology and licensed as a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, an acupuncture physician, and a massage therapist. She is a member of the Florida State Oriental Medical Association and the Physician’s Committee for Responsible Medicine.
Elements Wellness Center is a Tampa-based facility that focuses on acupuncture, massage, and wellness. Other services include moxibustion, weight loss, stress management, Reiki, and sports medicine. All of the providers at Elements Wellness Center are certified and licensed. They have a 4.9-star rating on Facebook with patients speaking highly of the comfortable atmosphere, friendly care, and positive results.
Florida Acupuncture Solutions is an alternative medicine facility serving the Tampa Bay area for more than two decades. They focus on acupuncture, allergy elimination therapy, and nutrition counseling. The office is run by Dr. Leyun Shao, who is a board certified and Florida licensed acupuncture physician. Dr. Shao earned her degree from Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and has taught traditional Chinese medicine at the University as an associate professor. The office was voted Best of Tampa in the Acupuncture Clinic category for 2011, 2012, and 2013.
Integrative Medicine Center is a wellness facility that has served the Tamp area for more than a decade. They provide Chinese alternative medicine with an emphasis on acupuncture, herbal medicine, homeopathy, microlight electro-acupuncture, and massage therapy. They are also known for using their techniques to treat reproductive disorders and alleviate symptoms of cancer.
Marcie S. Falco A.P. is a wellness facility located in Safety Harbor, Florida. They specialize in the use of acupuncture to treat a wide spectrum of conditions, including respiratory issues, reproductive issues, gastrointestinal disorders, neurological disorders, and emotional disorders. The office was founded in 1999 by Marcie S. Falco, an acupuncture physician. Falco is licensed with the state of Florida and board certified in acupuncture with NCCAOM.
Tampa Natural Care is a wellness facility based in Tampa. They specialize in acupuncture and herbal medicine. The office is run by Dr. Kenneth Harris, who holds a Master’s of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from East West College of Natural Medicine. He is licensed by the state of Florida as a Doctor of Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture Physician. Patients of Tampa Natural Care say they have experienced an improvement in their overall well-being and they speak highly of Dr. Harris’ level of care and knowledge.
The Wellness Tree is a comprehensive wellness center serving the greater Tampa Bay area. They specialize in integrative medicine and wellness. Their services include acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, traditional Chinese herbs, fire and flash cupping, Chinese bodywork, and nutrition counseling. The practice was founded by Dr. Carrie J. Graves, who is a licensed Doctor of Oriental Medicine. She earned diplomat status with NCCAOM in acupuncture, foundations, biomedicine, and Chinese herbal therapies. She is a member of the American Association of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine, Florida State Oriental Medical Association, and American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia.
Wholistic Medical Group is a holistic practice in Tampa specializing in acupuncture, trigger point therapy, and muscle testing. The organization helps clients suffering from allergies, stress, hormonal imbalances, and depression. Lead physician Duke Mansell treats both acute and chronic conditions by employing manual muscle testing and applied kinesiology. He also uses functional and integrative medicine that addresses a patient's body as a whole. Additionally, Wholistic Medical Group deals with auricular acupuncture and acupoint injection therapy.
Research hasn’t yet determined exactly how acupuncture works, but there are two main theories. One is that it operates on a neurological level by stimulating muscles, nerves, and connective tissues, triggering natural pain relief effects. Others believe acupuncture balances a person’s energies — chi — creating physical, emotional, and mental harmony, which relieves pain and improves health.
Medicare Part B covers acupuncture solely to treat low back pain. The condition must have no known cause and have lasted for at least 12 weeks. Only a doctor or properly licensed and trained medical provider may perform the acupuncture. Medicare initially approves up to 12 sessions over 90 days. With demonstrated improvement, up to eight more visits may be allowed.
Studies by the National Institute of Health confirm the effectiveness of acupuncture for addiction, nausea, headaches, asthma, some stroke rehabilitation, and pain management for various conditions. The NIH studies support the use of acupuncture alone and combined with traditional treatment methods. Additional research by other scientific and medical organizations demonstrates that acupuncture is typically successful in the treatment of pain.
Acupuncture should not be painful. The unfamiliar sensation may be uncomfortable at first, but that typically goes away after the first session. People with high sensitivity levels or low pain tolerance may experience heightened sensations. However, any discomfort should be minor and brief. Some common feelings at the acupuncture points are warmth, tingling, heaviness, or mild achiness.
Acupuncture prices vary greatly, ranging from $50 to $300 per session. Initial sessions usually cost more than follow-up appointments. Initial sessions on the high end of the pricing scale usually include a consultation and medical exam along with the acupuncture session. Some acupuncturists offer membership price breaks or discounts for prepaid multiple sessions. Shop around before deciding on an acupuncturist.
Some health care insurance carriers cover acupuncture for specific medical conditions. But it depends on the location, insurance provider, insurance plan, and reason for the treatments. Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, United Health Care, Health Net, Banner Health, and Humana are examples of some private insurers that may cover acupuncture with various restrictions. Contact your provider to learn more.
Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing to your first acupuncture appointment. Shorts or pants you can pull above your knees are a good idea. Short-sleeve tops are also preferable. Slip-on shoes are helpful. If your treatment involves back or torso needle placement, your acupuncturist likely provides gowns. After your first visit, you have a better idea of suitable clothing.
Acupuncture is very safe with a certified, reputable, and capable acupuncturist. When the practitioner follows the law using sterile, disposable, single-use needles, adverse effects are rare. The World Health Organization reported no major side effects and only 671 minor adverse events out of 10,000 treatments. Plus, acupuncture has none of the serious side effects of traditional pain medications.
Dry needling is also called intramuscular stimulation. The procedure involves the insertion of needles to treat muscular pain. Unlike the ancient practice of acupuncture, dry needling is relatively new. It’s not a well-regulated field either, while acupuncture is. Physical therapists and other providers can perform dry needling with no special training, licensing, or certifications.
Acupuncture can help relieve pain caused by many medical conditions. Some examples are migraines, menstrual cramps, back pain, arthritis, sciatica, fibromyalgia, tennis elbow, postsurgical dental pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Many patients also experience improvement from acupuncture treatment for conditions, such as asthma, addiction, ADHD, and TMD. Plus, acupuncture may also help relieve nausea, stress, and anxiety.
Initial acupuncture appointments typically last longer than routine sessions. They may include an interview about your health issues and a medical exam. With the acupuncture session, the entire appointment may take one to two hours. Successive sessions typically last about 30 minutes to an hour. The needles will be in place for only about 10 to 30 minutes.
It’s best to discuss how many sessions you’ll need with your acupuncturist during your initial consultation. Most patients who seek acupuncture to help with a medical condition and related pain need several sessions. They may start treatment with one to three sessions per week for a few weeks. Once they see improvement, treatments may taper off to in-frequent maintenance sessions.
Metal filiform needles are the type commonly used for acupuncture today. These sterile, stainless-steel thread-like needles are available in varying diameters and lengths. The typical gauges range from 0.12 mm to 0.35 mm. Japanese acupuncture calls for thinner needles than Chinese methods. Acupuncture needles are designed for one use before disposal. Some acupuncturists use gold or silver needles.
Washington D.C. and 47 states require some type of licensing to perform acupuncture. South Dakota, Oklahoma, and Alabama don’t regulate acupuncturists. Elsewhere, credentialing requirements and standards vary. Most states with acupuncture legal oversight require National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) exams or certification in compliance with the Acupuncture Practice Act. California has its own licensing exam.
