Acupuncture Therapy
The Art of Acupuncture has been refined through continual practice for over 3000 years! Acupuncture is how we "fine tune" circulation to achieve optimal functioning of your entire system. This means more energy for work and play, a life free of pain, peak performance in sports and at work, less injury and faster healing, and better adaptive mechanisms to minimize the effects of stress on your health, happiness and longevity.
Table of Contents
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Types of Acupuncture
Fertility Acupuncture
We provide acupuncture to enhance fertility outcomes no matter which path you are currently on; the natural route or the assisted route by means of IVF and IUI. We are trained and happy to assist you on either path.
Acupuncture for Pain
Pain comes from blockages or imbalances of this vital life force, and the goal of each treatment with our physicians is restoring balance and free flow in order to relieve pain.
Cosmetic Acupuncture
Ancient techniques of facial acupuncture are so powerful because by balancing both internal and external factors of the individual, the body responds by showing signs of both improved health and outward appearance.
Moxibustion
Moxa is a processed form of Mugwort Leaf, Artemisiae Argy Folium/Ai Ye, that has been used for over 2000 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
From The Experts
“Acupuncture is not just a treatment, but a profound journey towards holistic wellness. By harmonizing the body’s energy flow, acupuncture unlocks the innate healing potential within, guiding patients on a transformative path to balance and vitality.”
The Art of Acupuncture
This ancient Chinese practice dates back over 2,000 years and involves penetrating distinct points on the body referred to as acupuncture points with extremely thin metallic single use needles. Once these needles are in place, a practitioner gently stimulates them with soft and deliberate movements to create the desired effect through the person’s meridian system.
Meridians & Qi
Although the origin of the system behind acupuncture remains somewhat of a mystery still today (science is starting to prove its mechanism of action), its origins center around the concept of meridians and Qi, pronounced chee. Meridians are the energy pathways that flow through our body. Acupuncture points are agreed upon places to access a person’s Qi. Many, but not all of the acupuncture points line up with nerve bundles and points on the Osteopathic system of medicine. Unfortunately, several factors, such as the below can disrupt your Qi flow, leading to health issues down the line. So, finding ways to get your Qi flowing freely through your body will always be crucial to a healthy life.
Standard American diet
Lack of exercise
Poor sleep
Gastrointestinal issues
Scar tissue
Stress
This need to maintain a healthy Qi flow is one of the core reasons acupunctures remain tremendously popular today, as the needles can connect to these pathways and restore balance in the body. Think of the acupuncture treatment as a way to reset your energetic system or get you unstuck. Your provider will often give you lifestyle suggestions to help your specific constitution heal faster in between sessions.
Ack Needles!
Acupuncture is virtually painless as we use very fine needles which do not damage tissue. Most people feel incredibly relaxed and refreshed after a treatment.
Moxibustion entails the application of a prepared form of the herb Artemesia Vulgaris, or Mugwort. This Chinese heat therapy can be used with Acupuncture or as a stand alone treatment to enhance energy flow at the acupuncture points in a more gentle and nourishing manner. Warming the needles can give tremendous relief for arthritis and rheumatism pains that are worse with cold and rainy weather.
Our Acupuncturists are specialists in Channel Diagnosis, Stems and Branches, Open Points, Extraordinary Meridians, Scalp and Ear Acupuncture, Five Element, Manaka style Ion Pumping Cord Therapy, Tan Style, 12 Magical Points, Japanese Meridian Therapy, Acupuncture Point Injection Therapy and Dry Needle Technique, Scalp Acupuncture, Ear Acupuncture, Divergent Channel Therapy
What Our Clients Say
“Dr. Emily Armstrong is a gifted healer. She evaluates each person’s needs and uniquely designs a care plan for them individually. She’s helped me so much and continues to do so. The Art of acupuncture is a welcoming business with a caring team.”
“Hannah Winner is wonderful. She relieved my pain almost immediately and is a joy to work with. The Arts of Acupuncture building has plenty of easy parking, serene vibes, and convenient online booking. Exceptional experience from beginning to end. Highly recommend!”
“Thanks Hillary, Emily, and your team, for helping myself and my friends. Your practice is the pivotal moment where life-changing events happen. As a patient, you explain things easily and help me to feel validated along my journey- it’s empowering.”
Benefits of Acupuncture
The healing art of acupuncture has gained widespread popularity globally and is one of the most successful alternative therapies today. By inserting needles into specific points on the body, practitioners have helped battle various problems, such as chronic pain and stress. Regardless of the reason for treatment, many patients that leave our office report feeling a sense of calm and clarity like no other, with a heightened sense of how to better care for the body, mind and spirit.
By stimulating acupuncture points with needles or pressure, it is believed that tremendous changes take place in the Central Nervous System. After a point is stimulated, a cascade of chemical messengers like natural pain killers, hormones, and white blood cells are released into the brain, spinal cord and muscles by way of the vertebral nerves. These biochemical releases are what allow for the body to autoregulate its previously stunted healing abilities, returning it to a state of wellness or active healing.
Acupuncture for Pain Reduction
It is common to seek out an acupuncturist for pain relief, as the process may stimulate the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain-relieving chemicals. There is a saying in Chinese Medicine, “Where there is pain, there is an energetic blockage,” which is exactly what we do- facilitate your body’s ability to move the blockage and restore harmony.
During the treatment, your acupuncturist may use a variety of needle techniques and tools that are chosen based on careful observation of your constitution. For instance, the electro-acupuncture technique, which involves delivering a tiny electrical current through the needle, can be beneficial in the treatment of pain. By placing the needle on an area, such as the ST36 point, on your lower leg (Zu San Li) and running electricity through it, we can help stimulate endorphin releases from your brain and reduce pain in various parts of the body. Electro-stimulation may also be helpful in helping herniated discs to heal faster and without the need of addictive pain meds.
Electro stimulation is not always necessary though for the treatment of pain. If the patient is highly stressed or in what we would call a deficient state, we may employ other tools such as the use of ion pumping cords, or body work like cupping, gua sha, or gentle soft tissue manipulation.
Headache/Migraine Acupuncture
In addition to general pain relief, this millennia-old healing art is excellent at relieving migraines or headaches. After a series of questions your practitioner will be able to determine the cause of headache and treat it accordingly with tools like acupuncture needles with distal or trigger point needling, moxibustion, herbs, or body work like cupping and gua sha.
Common root causes that we differentiate for when treating chronic headaches are Qi stagnation, blood stagnation, hormonal imbalances, autoimmunity, and recurrent sinus infections or past head injuries that include concussion.
A recent review of 25 clinical trials using acupuncture to treat headaches showed that it was an effective treatment.
If you are experiencing a headache right now, two common acupressure points you could stimulate to help alleviate some of the pain are LI4 (Hegu) located in the web of the hand between the pointer finger and thumb. GB20 (Feng Chi) is located where the base of the skull and the top of the neck meet, just lateral to the trapezius muscles.
Acupuncture for Mental Health
Acupuncture is excellent at promoting mental well-being and addressing issues such as anxiety, and depression even in pregnancy. As a holistic system, Traditional Chinese Medicine is able to address the complexity of the interaction between our biochemistry and our emotions and has been safely used in this manner for hundreds of years. Acupuncture can be an excellent choice for anyone looking for natural alternatives in the treatment of depression or anxiety.
Acupuncture has been shown to help boost the production of serotonin, dopamine, and other mood-boosting neurotransmitters, and many of our patients would agree. Multiple studies have shown the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment for depression in women.
Acupuncture for Allergies
People with allergies, such as runny noses or itchy eyes, often seek out acupuncturists to help reduce their allergy sensitivity, especially here in Florida where the allergy season can feel year round. Resolution typically requires multiple treatments and a seasonal maintenance plan. Herbal supplements are also offered for those that are candidates.
Immune System Acupuncture
Acupuncture, cupping, and gua sha can help to stimulate underactive immune systems and quiet overstimulated immune systems creating balance which means fewer colds and autoimmune flares. In some cases, practitioners trying to achieve this effect will target the S36 area in the lower leg (Zu San Li) while using a technique such as cupping or moxibustion to boost the immune system.
Fertility Acupuncture
Women with infertility issues often turn to acupuncture for its ability to boost hormone production and improve the chances of pregnancy. The CDC states that 1 in 5 American men and women of child bearing age will experience trouble conceiving within the first 6 months of trying. Within another 6 months of trying an additional 5% will fall pregnant. Within 4 years of trying 93% of couples will have conceived.
Acupuncture, in the hands of a skilled practitioner, can increase your odds of conceiving by helping to balance the hormonal, nervous, and immune systems whether you are trying naturally or through assisted reproductive technologies like IVF and IUI.
There have been many studies showing the efficacy of acupuncture and fertility, primarily through increased blood flow to the reproductive organs and returning the central nervous system to its preferred parasympathetic state, rest and digest or breed and feed. We are highly skilled at treating PCOS, endometriosis, and recurrent miscarriage. Our medicine excels at treating unexplained infertility, especially when both parties are seen.
We take a truly holistic approach, gently ushering your body towards balance and healing through acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, herbal therapies, meditation and mindset coaching. We offer both in person and online treatment options.
Acupuncture for Stress Reduction
From the moment you walk into our building, your senses will begin to relax with soft aromas and a quiet serene setting. By the time you leave you’ll most likely be floating on a cloud. Acupuncture and stress reduction often go hand-in-hand, as the procedure can help calm the nervous system. When many of our patients first seek out acupuncture, their nervous system has been stuck in a constant state of fight or flight or what is sometimes referred to as burnout. The H7 point on the wrist (Shen Men) and GV20 (Bai Hui) at the vertex of the head and extra point, Yin Tang, on the forehead are the most common targeted points when trying to reduce stress and quickly return a person to a relaxed parasympathetic nervous system state. You may even be guided through a breathing exercise or meditation while you are on the table to help you relax into a dream-like state encouraging your brain waves to down regulate from beta to theta.
Acupuncture for Improved Eyesight
Practitioners tend to suggest acupuncture treatments for people with poor eyesight, since the procedure can help improve blood circulation to the eyes. Depending on the severity of your condition, your practitioner may target various needle areas. These points may include the GB1 acupuncture point (Shui Gou), which sits on the outer corner of the eye and is especially effective at treating conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts.
Acupuncture for Motion Sickness
Acupuncturists can also treat motion sickness and nausea using several techniques, such as the Tui Na massage. In most cases, the practitioner will place their needles on the P6 point on the inner wrist before gently massaging it to help reduce nausea.
Acupuncture for Increased Energy
People with low energy levels often seek acupuncture treatments when struggling with a significant level of fatigue. Low energy can come from many root causes such as the standard American diet, decreased immunity, adrenal burnout, chronic fatigue syndrome or retained viruses that tend to recur in the body like Mononucleosis, Lyme’s Disease, or any of the Herpes family of viruses.
Careful evaluation of the patient is made in order to find the best course of treatment that may include acupuncture, Moxibustion, sleep training, dietary suggestions, and herbal prescriptions.
Acupuncture for Improved Digestion
Hippocrates famously stated. “ All disease starts in the gut.” Chinese medicine practitioners would wholeheartedly agree, being that two of the main classical texts we study, “The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine,” written in 300 BC and the “Pi Wei Lun text on the Spleen and Stomach,” written in the 12th century said the exact same thing. As modern medicine now catches up to this understanding with increased data on the microbiome, we have come full circle. Many root causes of different disease states can be traced back to poor eating habits, over drinking, over working, and excessive emotions or stress responses. We are adept at treating IBS, crohn's, SIBO, and ulcerative colitis through a combination of acupuncture, food therapies and herbal supplements when necessary.
Acupuncture for Nicotine Cravings
The acupuncture process is tremendously effective at regulating neurotransmitter release and reducing stress, making it one of the best tools to help reduce your nicotine cravings. So, if you have been struggling with nicotine urges, we suggest stopping by our practice. When treating someone with an ingrained habit or self described addiction, we very often use a technique called the NADA protocol.
The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) protocol is a simple yet effective form of acupuncture that was developed at Lincoln Hospital in New York in response to the opiate crisis in the 1970s. Since then, it has been integrated into more than 500 state addiction programs and over 1,500 programs worldwide. When used in conjunction with a comprehensive substance abuse program, the NADA protocol is associated with increased program completion, reductions in cravings and anxiety, fewer episodes of sleep disturbances and reduced need for pharmaceuticals.
You can read more about it here in this in depth blog post.
Athletic Performance Acupuncture
For several years, high-level athletes have been turning to acupuncture treatments due to their powerful ability to improve circulation. Today, there are specific points that acupuncturists tend to target when dealing with athletes. These areas include the GB34 point on the lower leg (Yang Ling Quan) and LI4 at the back of the hand (He Gu). They may also use techniques, such as moxibustion or cupping for additional benefits.
Cosmetic Rejuvenation Acupuncture
The improved circulation from acupuncture treatments can lead to improvements in the skin and collagen production. In the case of facial rejuvenation, many tiny needles are placed in origin and insertion points of muscles in the face along with several body acupuncture points to anchor the treatment and address the underlying constitution of the patient. You will notice positive changes within 4 weeks of treatment. If you experience high blood pressure or chronic migraines, those ailments may first have to be addressed before you can safely be a candidate.
Side Effects of Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the oldest alternative therapies we use today, with several people preferring it over invasive medical treatments. Its ancient form also means this practice has consistently been improved over thousands of years, making it tremendously safe. However, while it is uncommon to have any side effects from an acupuncture treatment, everybody is different, and one or two side effects may pop up.
The most common negative side effects include itching, bruising or bleeding where a needle was placed. On average we will see one of these side effects in about 1 out of a 100 needle placements, making it a rare occurrence. Your provider can usually tell if a side effect has occurred well before you have left the office.
Perhaps the most overlooked side effects of acupuncture are the positive ones people weren’t expecting like deep relaxation, improved sleep, better digestion, balanced emotions and more mental clarity. When you bring all of the systems of the body into harmony, your body tends to heal itself much faster. That is the essence of wholistic medicine.
The Art of Acupuncture Approach
Our team at the Art of Acupuncture includes 2 ABORM certified practitioners with board certifications in reproduction and 4 practitioners with over 35 years of experience in fertility treatments. Our practice is constantly teaming with practitioners seven days a week, ensuring you can get the care you need whenever you need it. Do not miss this opportunity to work with some of the best acupuncturists in the country. Our team has 55+ years of combined acupuncturist experience and 50 years of massage therapy experience making us the premiere Acupuncture clinic in the Tampa Bay area, especially for the treatment of infertility or chronic pain. Please do not hesitate to give us a call or fill out our form to request a call if you have any questions.
Our Acupuncturists
EMILY ARMSTRONG
Diplomat of Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture Physician, Registered Herbalist, Gua Sha Specialist, Meditation Instructor, Co-Owner of Art of Acupuncture
HILLARY TALBOT
Diplomat of Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture Physician, Certified Fellow of American Board of Reproductive Medicine, Co-Owner of Art of Acupuncture
KECIA FOWLER
Diplomat of Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture Physician, Certified Facial Rejuvenation, Certified APIT, Certified Zero Balance Practitioner, Facial Rejuvenation Certified
Hannah Winner
Diplomat of Oriental Medicine, Doctor of Acupuncture & Eastern Medicine, E-stim, Gua Sha, Certified APIT, Nutrition and Herbal Therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
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We tell our new patients to plan for 90-120 minutes their first visit. Follow up visits are typically an hour. One course of treatment for most ailments is 6-10 depending on how long you have experienced the ailment. For internal medicine issues life infertility, weight loss, and autoimmunity, several courses of treatment may be needed.
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The acupuncture treatment is thousands of years old, and people have been using it for healing for several centuries. In most cases, people prefer this procedure to medical treatments due to its natural benefits and low chances of side effects.
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We suggest staying away from bright lights, caffeine, and junk food after your acupuncture session. Additionally, if you feel lightheaded after your treatment, you may want to sit and have a cup of tea before driving home.
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To ensure your acupuncture treatment goes smoothly, we suggest eating a couple of hours before your session and wearing loose and comfortable clothing. We also recommend telling your acupuncturist if you are on any medication beforehand.
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In most cases, you should begin to feel partial improvements as soon as you get off of the table. The rest of the benefits of that session tend to unfold in the following few days. In regards to internal medicine health goals like balancing hormones, you typically notice positive changes to your menstrual cycles and symptoms within 30-90 days. Depending on your treatment, these benefits may last for as long as a few months. After achieving their health goals, some individuals stay on a seasonal treatment plan to help feel their best through season changes and fluctuations in stress levels.
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The feeling of an acupuncture procedure will generally depend on the technique your practitioner uses for your treatment. However, most people describe the process as pain-free and only feel a slight bit of pressure when their acupuncturist inserts the needles. You tend to feel the needles that are placed in the hands and feet more acutely at first due to having more nerve endings there to experience the world with. After a few moments of placement the sensation typically dulls. A deep ache can signify what we refer to as da chi. This the qi pushing through blockage which typically subsides. A hot knife type sensation is almost always a skin nerve that can not be seen and there is no anatomical reference for. Your practitioner will be checking in with you to make sure you are not feeling that type of sensation, and adjusting as necessary if it presents by taking the needle out and reinserting.
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One of the most common misconceptions about acupuncture is that it is similar to taking several shots or injections, but this could not be further from the case. Acupuncture is generally pain-free, so you should have no problem with these needles and then ones we use are about the diameter of a piece of human hair. However, we still recommend telling your acupuncturist so they can prepare you and spend extra time helping your nervous system settle so it is a more enjoyable experience. And for those folks that could never even think of using acupuncture because of their fear of needles, we recommend they try a Zero Balancing treatment with Kecia Fowler, DOM. It is a needle free acupressure treatment that will leave you feeling rebalanced and clear minded.
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Acupuncture can treat an expansive range of conditions from infertility issues to pain and everything in between. Autoimmunity, unexplained infertility, chronic pain, sports injuries and palliative care for oncology patients are our absolute specialties.
Here is a list of studies for further investigation that support acupuncture for the treatment of neck pain, back pain, knee and hip osteoarthritis, tension headaches and migraines.
Berman BM, Langevin HM, Witt CM, et al. Acupuncture for chronic low back pain. New England Journal of Medicine. 2010;363(5):454-461.
Cherkin DC, Sherman KJ, Avins AL, et al. A randomized trial comparing acupuncture, simulated acupuncture, and usual care for chronic low back pain. Archives of Internal Medicine. 2009;169(9):858-866.
Chou R, Qaseem A, Snow V, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of low back pain: a joint clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2007;147(7):478-491.
Cummings M. Modellvorhaben Akupunktur—a summary of the ART, ARC and GERAC trials. Acupuncture in Medicine. 2009;27(1):26-30.
Furlan A, Yazdi F, Tsertsvadze A, et al. Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Back Pain II. Evidence Report/Technology Assessment No. 194. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. 2010. AHRQ Publication No. 10(11)-E007.
Hinman RS, McCrory P, Pirotta M, et al. Acupuncture for chronic knee pain. A randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2014;312(13):1313-1322.
Linde K, Allais G, Brinkhaus B, et al. Acupuncture for migraine prophylaxis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2009;(1):CD001218. Accessed at http://www.cochranelibrary.com on July 2, 2014.
Linde K, Allais G, Brinkhaus B, et al. Acupuncture for tension-type headache. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2009;(1):CD007587. Accessed at http://www.cochranelibrary.com on July 2, 2014.
Manheimer E, Cheng K, Linde K, et al. Acupuncture for peripheral joint osteoarthritis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2010;(1):CD001977. Accessed at http://www.cochranelibrary.com on July 2, 2014.
Vickers AJ, Cronin AM, Maschino AC, et al. Acupuncture for chronic pain: individual patient data meta-analysis. Archives of Internal Medicine. 2012;172(19):1444-1453.
Vickers AJ, Linde K. Acupuncture for chronic pain. JAMA. 2014;311(9):955-956.
Witt CM, Jena S, Brinkhaus B, et al. Acupuncture for patients with chronic neck pain. Pain. 2006;125(1-2):98-106.
Yuan J, Purepong N, Kerr DP, et al. Effectiveness of acupuncture for low back pain: a systematic review. Spine. 2008;33(23):E887-E900.
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OUR OFFICE: 2941 5th Avenue North St. Petersburg, FL 33713
HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday — Thursday: 8:30am — 6:30pm & Friday — Saturday: 9:00am — 5:00pm
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