Alternative Healthcare Center - Miami Acupuncture

Acupuncture treatments are not painful. Acupuncture is performed with hair-thin needles that do not resemble the pain felt from a hypodermic needle. Patients often fall asleep and are in deep relaxation on the table.

Acupuncture is widely acknowledged as one of the safest forms of medicine. Acupuncture needles are pre-sterilized, individually packaged, and disposable. Acupuncturists undergo extensive training and are regulated by the individual states’ medical board. One of the greatest advantages of acupuncture is that it has virtually no side effects. Occasionally a small temporary bruise may appear at the site of an acupuncture needle. When compared to the laundry list of cautions and side effects for the average pharmaceutical drug, acupuncture is very low risk!

Yes. If you have a medical condition or are allergic to certain substances, you may be at risk of adverse reactions. There are also risks of infections, and if you have broken skin, you may be at increased risk of bruising. If you are interested in a consultation with a practitioner, you should check that they have an active license to practice. Dr. Rafael Padro is licensed to practice.

An acupuncture facial is a type of cosmetic procedure where the acupuncturist inserts the needles directly onto the surface of your skin. Acupuncturists use needles to stimulate the face’s energy channels to improve skin conditions, including acne, wrinkles, and cellulite.

It is not unusual for people to feel tired after acupuncture. There are, however, more positive effects that come from the treatment — namely, increased energy.

The needles are used to cause a certain sensation in the muscles. When you feel a deep heaviness or numbness, that usually means the treatment is working. Your practitioner will ask you to report when those sensations occur.

Acupuncture may help lower your anxiety levels, which can make it easier to conceive. The treatment also stimulates blood flow to your reproductive organs, addresses thyroid conditions, and improves egg quality.

When someone visits an acupuncturist, they may experience a reduction of inflammation throughout the body. The treatment reduces swelling, prevents overactive immune responses, and calms allergies.

Ear acupuncture points are specific parts of the ear where your acupuncturist will insert their needles to promote your well-being. In fact, there are up to 200 acupuncture points in the ear.

Yes. There is a strong body of evidence to suggest that a treatment course of at least 6 acupuncture sessions is effective for migraine prevention.

Yes. With acupuncture, it is possible to access nerves in the body that physical therapy cannot reach. Acupuncture stimulates the pudendal nerves and decreases inflammation to disrupt signals of pain.

Yes, acupuncture can both relieve the symptoms of a hiatal hernia and treat the root cause.

Research suggests that acupuncture can improve the symptoms of restless leg syndrome. The treatment might help alleviate the twitching and uncomfortable feelings that characterize RLS.

An acupuncture session can last between 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your needs and what type of treatment you are receiving.

Yes, acupuncture may help with tight hamstrings. Several meridians run through the hamstrings. By inserting needles along these energy paths, the muscle may actually be able to relax, lessening your pain.

Acupuncture may help improve the quality and quantity of sperm count in order to increase a couple’s chances of conceiving a child.

COPD refers to a host of chronic lung diseases, including chronic bronchitis. Research suggests that acupuncture may help COPD sufferers to go longer without shortness of breath and may optimize stomach function to allow for more nutrient absorption.

Generally, we advise patients not to participate in strenuous exercise after their session. Moderate to heavy workouts can move energy away from the acupuncture points, which can create an imbalance in your body.

Yes, studies have shown that acupuncture may be an effective treatment for conditions like neuropathy. The treatment boosts blood flow and circulation throughout your body, which can help stimulate the de-sensitized or damaged nerve fibers.

Yes, anxiety is a common concern in our office. Acupuncture may help boost your production of feel-good hormones, such as dopamine, while lowering your stress hormone (cortisol) levels.

Yes, many of our patients often come to us with help for weight loss concerns. You do need to combine the treatments with the proper diet and exercise, but acupuncture can help in various ways. It helps regulate and optimize your hormone production, metabolism, digestion, appetite, and much more.

In most cases, people feel very little pain or no pain at all when a practitioner inserts needles into the body. Acupuncture often leaves clients feeling energized or relaxed. However, some people may experience soreness or swelling in the area after the treatment that lasts for a few days.

Acupuncture has been shown to help relieve the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. It can help by easing the pressure and pain in the foot.

Acupuncture has been used to help with various health conditions over the years, including chronic pain, insomnia, fatigue, digestive disorders, depression, and anxiety disorders.

Acupuncture works because it stimulates various meridian points located throughout your body with needle insertions. It has been found to stimulate the production of endorphins, which is a natural chemical that calms us down.

Many clients feel positive results in as little as 2-5 sessions, but relief depends on how chronic your condition is.

We suggest wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. It is best not to wear clothing that is too tight, as it can cause discomfort during the acupuncture session.

No, you do not need a referral from your primary care physician to begin acupuncture. However, you may want to consult with your doctor beforehand to review your medical history. Some insurance companies that cover acupuncture may also require you to receive a diagnosis or referral from a primary care physician.