Why should I try Acupuncture?
You might consider acupuncture if you're experiencing pain but conventional medical treatments aren't working for you, or if you prefer a more natural, holistic form of healing to taking painkillers or anti-nausea medication in pill form that may produce more undesirable side effects than provide relief. Acupuncture may help where other treatments have failed.

What are professional credentials for acupuncturists?
AP or DOM
Acupuncture physicians or Doctors of Oriental Medicine, licensed only in Florida, are practitioners who have completed a master's level program in oriental medicine approved by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. This requires a minimum of 2,700 hours of supervised instruction, including 15 hours covering safety measures on needle technique, three hours on HIV/AIDS precautions, and 20 hours on Florida state statutes and rules on medical practices. Acupuncturists then receive their accreditation after passing an exam administered by the Florida Board of Acupuncture.

What are different types of treatment?
Traditional Chinese Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese acupuncture is the form of acupuncture in which the plurality of practitioners are trained, and it remains the most widely practiced form. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the human body is filled with lines or channels through which the energy of the body flows. These channels function as points of entry into the body, called acupuncture points. Acupuncture is the practice of inserting fine sterile stainless steel needles into these points to remove blockages and imbalances in the body's energy flow. Removing these blockages allows energy and blood to circulate smoothly throughout the body, stimulating the body to heal itself.

Auricular Acupuncture
Auricular (or ear) acupuncture targets points on the outer ear, using either needles or herbal seeds to help relieve the complaint. Each acupoint on the ear, when treated, triggers electrical impulses, from the ear, via the brain, to the specific area of the body that is being treated.

Trigger Point Acupuncture
Trigger point acupuncture is a form of acupuncture that targets tight or knotted muscles, also known as trigger points or “ashi points”. The practitioner uses touch to locate muscular tightness, then inserts an ultra-thin, single-use acupuncture needle into the suspect muscle and gently probes. This produces localized involuntary twitching, which fatigues the tight muscle and reduces tightness.

Cupping
Cupping is an ancient Chinese practice that helps alleviate pain and soreness. A rounded glass cup is placed on the skin, and pressure is created within the cup. This pressure draws the skin and superficial muscle layers outward, easing acupuncture points deeper in the body.

Moxibustion
Moxibustion is an analgesic technique in which moxa, a flammable substance derived from the leaves of wormwood plants, is ignited on the skin. The technique is intended to warm regions of the body, as well as stimulating blood circulation and energy toward acupuncture points.

Electroacupuncture
Like regular acupuncture, electro-acupuncture uses needles inserted by hand. The difference is that in electro-acupuncture, these needles are connected to electrodes that provide electrical stimulation. Electro-acupuncture is considered quicker than traditional acupuncture, and has a stronger effect. It also allows the acupuncturist to more finely control the amount of stimulus given to a patient. People with cardiac problems should consult their physicians before using this treatment.

Tui-na
Tui-na, which is Chinese for "push and pull," is a hands-on body treatment using designed to bring the body into balance through acupressure. Tui-na practitioners use their palms, fingertips, and knuckles to press, tap, and knead. Tui-na is often used in conjunction with acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, Chinese herbs, tai chi, and qi gong.