Acupuncture in Tampa

acupuncture needles being inserted in to skin

For thousands of years, acupuncture has been used to help people find relief from various common ailments. This highly effective ancient healing solution is another option we offer our patients from the wide range of services at Dr. Lichter and Associates.

Dr. Lichter and Dr. Banks are certified by the Florida Board to provide acupuncture.

Initially, Dr. Litcher earned an acupuncture license to help people stop smoking. During his training with Dr. John A. Amaro at the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture, Dr. Lichter realized that acupuncture worked well for a variety of problems. We are happy to offer our patients another treatment option.

Acupuncture is a principle, not a technique. It’s based on the fact that there are energy channels called meridians that flow through your body. These 12 meridians are similar to radio waves. You can’t see them or feel them, but you know they’re there. This energy flows through your body to ensure that all your organs and nerves are functioning properly.

If there’s a disruption of energy flow, that can change the entire system, resulting in pain or other symptoms in the body. Acupuncture’s goal is to reestablish normalcy and balance the body’s energy by using a combination of acupoints located on the 12 meridians.

Our doctors will stimulate points on these meridians to give different physiological effects. The stimulation of these areas produces the change needed to help your unique problem.

We’ve successfully used acupuncture to help patients with the following:

  • Addiction cessation
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Digestive disorders
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Insomnia

  • Menopausal symptoms
  • Musculoskeletal problems
  • Neck and back pain
  • Sinus Problems
  • Skin conditions

What to Expect

Your first acupuncture appointment starts with an initial consultation. Next, our doctors will choose a set of points to treat either with needles, laser, electric stimulation or with acupatches, which are little band aid like stickers with a small metal ball attached.

The acupuncture needles used are hair-like and differ from any other needle you may have come in contact with. Even people who feel nervous about needles often find they cannot feel anything once the needle is inserted. On some points, a dull, heavy sensation is felt. If you wish to have acupuncture, but do not want needles, we can, in some cases use electric stimulation or a laser to get the same results.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Do the needles hurt?

No, the stainless steel acupuncture needles are very thin. They’re so slender that 4-5 of them could fit into one hypodermic needle. Depending on the part of the body the needles are used on, you’ll either feel nothing at all, or minor achiness. But you shouldn’t feel pain.

Is acupuncture safe?

Yes, it’s extraordinarily safe. The needles we use are disposable and sterilized. They come in individual packets and are thrown away after being used on a patient. There is no chance of infection with acupuncture. Most people are candidates for acupuncture.

How often do I need to come in for a session?

Typically, we see patients 1-3 times per week for a few weeks. If you have an acute condition, you may respond in just a visit or two or three. However, if your condition is chronic, it will take longer. The average number of treatments somebody has is somewhere between eight and 16.

How long do the needles remain in?

Typically about 15 minutes.

To which patients is acupuncture recommended?

Acupuncture may be used as a primary treatment of neck or back pain IF requested by the patient. For neck and back problems usually chiropractic, massage and physiotherapies are considered first. Acupuncture may be suggested in difficult cases that are not responding to other forms of care. It is used for conditions of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip and knee. It is also used for a wide array of non-musculoskeletal conditions including anxiety, depression, insomnia, menopausal symptoms, migraine, digestive issues and much more.

Book an Appointment

Are you curious about this ancient healing art? Contact Dr. Lichter and Associates today to schedule your first appointment.

CONTACT US

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Acupuncture Tampa FL | (813) 885-6001