Acupuncture Specialist

Phoenix and Dragon Acupuncture
Sharon Shuppert, Dipl.OM, L.Ac
Acupuncturist & Herbalist located in Austin, TX
Sharon Shuppert, Dipl. OM, L.Ac. has received training from world-renowned acupuncture teacher, Dr. Richard The-Fu Tan. For premium quality oriental medicine treatments, contact The Phoenix & Dragon in Austin, TX.
Acupuncture Q & A
How does acupuncture work?
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture is a technique that allows the practitioner to bring a patient’s energy or life force back into balance. This energy is often referred to as “Qi” or “Chi”. Sharon will insert tiny needles through the skin at specific points on your body. Many Western acupuncturists believe the needles helps stimulate the muscles, nerves, and connective tissues of the body, increasing blood flow and enhancing the body’s natural painkillers.
Your acupuncturist may utilize pressure, heat, and electrical stimulation in addition to inserting needles at certain acupoints. Cupping, moxibustion, manual massage and various other techniques may also be used.
What are the benefits of acupuncture?
Many people commonly assume that acupuncture is only effective at relieving pain. While it’s true that this oriental medicine technique can relieve all types of pain, such as back pain, neck pain, headaches and migraines, dental pain, and post-operative pain, acupuncture offers a host of other benefits beyond pain relief.
It can be used to treat:
- Allergies
- Depression
- Dysmenorrhoea
- Hypertension and hypotension
- Induction of labor
- Morning sickness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sciatica
- Stroke
The conditions listed above are just a few among those that can be minimized or eliminated with acupuncture. Call The Phoenix & Dragon to inquire about the many other illnesses or diseases treated with acupuncture.
What can I expect during my acupuncture session?
Your acupuncture session with Sharon will vary depending on the source of your presenting problem. Sharon will talk with you and ask questions about your symptoms so that she can personalize the session for you.
Sharon uses Dr. Tan’s Balance Method which primarily uses distal points on the arms and legs. Typically, you will remain clothed for acupuncture. (For cupping or massage, you will be asked to undress and be covered with a sheet for your modesty). You will then lie down on a comfortably padded table. Sharon will insert very fine needles in key locations around your body. She might manipulate the needles, or apply heat or mild electrical pulses to enhance the treatment. The needles remain in place for a specified length of time as you lay back and relax. Patients often doze off into a restful sleep. After the prescribed period of time, Sharon will remove the needles and conclude the session. Multiple sessions of acupuncture may be required to give you the best results for your condition.
Learn more about acupuncture on DaoCloud or check out this article about how it can help with back pain.