Traditional Chinese Medicine...

The Physicians...

Tom Elman, A.P., L.M.T., is a graduate of the Florida Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Humanities Center School of Massage, and Eckerd College, where he graduated with honors. He is a Diplomate of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), a member of American Bodywork and Massage Professionals, and holds licenses as an Acupuncture Physician and Massage Therapist. He holds a position on the Academy of Item Writers for the National Acupuncture Certification Exam. His various training increases the effectiveness of each treatment modality he employs. (License #’s AP1475, MA16588).

Gwendolynn Thomas, AP (License # AP2207)

Gwendolynn Thomas, A.P., graduated with honors from the East West College of Natural Medicine, Sarasota, FL, which won the 2003 Traditional Chinese Medical School of the Year, awarded by AAOM. She is also a graduate of St. Petersburg College, and did her undergraduate studies at University of South Florida before pursuing her education in Traditional Chinese Medicine. She holds a B.S. in Allied health and a Master’s degree of Oriental Medicine. She has 10 years experience as a medical and surgical assistant in the fields of oral surgery, dentistry, and internal medicine followed by her apprenticeship under a Yale Medical school graduate, and chief of plastic surgery, working as his lead surgical assistant for more than four years in New Jersey. As a nationally board certified Acupuncture Physician, Gwen brings this experience in Western medicine to Eastern medicine. Her combination of experience and education enables her to be uniquely positioned to provide a balanced and truly integrated approach towards health. (License # AP2207).

Acupuncture

Your Acupuncture Physician will stimulate various Points and Channels on your body, using sterile, one-time use needles that are nearly as fine as a human hair. This gentle stimulation will produce local effects on tissues and organs, as well as systemic effects on the whole body. This therapy aids in balancing, smoothing, and building the body’s energy, or "Qi."

Herbs

Jade Tree Wellness Center offers a wide variety of herbal remedies in many forms, including raw and freeze dried herbs, pills, topical treatments, and syrups. Your Acupuncture Physician will prescribe herbs to strengthen and support that which is deficient, and calm that which is excessive. Many acute and chronic conditions and internal disharmonies can benefit from herbal therapy.

Massage

Western

Myofascial Release, Neuromuscular Therapy, Trigger Point Therapy, Esalen Relaxation Massage, and other methods manipulate the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues of the body using a variety of techniques. These therapies help loosen or release adhesions, increase flexibility, and relax the body and the mind. As a result, you may experience increased flexibility and freedom of movement, along with less pain and stiffness.

Eastern

"Tui Na" applies different types of therapeutic strokes and manipulations to acupuncture points, channels, and muscle groups, based on the principles of TCM. These techniques utilize the power and sensitivity of the hands through finger pressure and wave-like manipulations and stretches. Tui Na helps to increase blood flow to local areas and eases tender points. It also allows the Physician to balance the Qi of the Patient.

LIC#MM11196

We have had great success with:
- Chronic and Acute Pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Acid Reflux (GERD)
- Depression and Anxiety
- Alternatives to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
- Vertigo, Dizziness
- Immune System Disorders

One of the most common questions we are asked is, "Can Acupuncture treat (fill in the blank)?" In almost every instance, the answer is YES!