Acupuncture in Venice, FL
Licensed, Effective Care for Pain, Recovery & Balance — with Thomas & LeslieReal relief for pain, injury, stress, and sleep — from experienced practitioners who'll tell you honestly whether it can help you. Serving Venice, Nokomis, Osprey & Sarasota.
Book Your Appointment
What Acupuncture Can Do for You
Acupuncture is one of the most widely used and well-researched therapies for pain and recovery — a system of medicine refined over thousands of years and practiced today alongside conventional care. It works by stimulating specific points on the body to reduce pain, calm the nervous system, improve circulation, and prompt your body's own healing response.
People come to acupuncture when they want real results without relying on medication: relief from chronic and acute pain, faster recovery from injury and training, better sleep, lower stress, and a steadier sense of overall balance. Many have already tried other approaches and are looking for something that treats the root of the problem, not just the symptom.
Your care is led by Thomas, a licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac.), or Leslie, whose background blends sports medicine, acupuncture, and therapeutic massage. Every treatment begins with a thorough assessment of your health, your history, and your goals, so the plan is built around your body and what you actually want to change.
Serving Venice, Nokomis, Osprey, and the greater Sarasota area. By appointment only.
No long-term commitment to get started — just an honest look at whether acupuncture is right for you.
Book Your AppointmentWhat Thomas & Leslie Treat
Acupuncture and cupping are used to address a wide range of concerns. At Self-Care Center, Thomas and Leslie focus on pain and recovery alongside your overall health and balance, including:
- Back, neck & joint pain
- Headaches & migraines
- Injury & post-surgical recovery
- Athletic recovery & performance
- Stress, tension & sleep
- Whole-body balance & wellness
Not sure whether acupuncture is right for your concern? That's exactly what your first consultation is for — reach out and we'll give you an honest answer.
You can read how each treatment works in the FAQ below. To round out your care, explore our massage therapy, energy work, and sound bath meditation services.
Book Your AppointmentMeet Your Acupuncture Practitioners
Two experienced practitioners, each with a deep understanding of how the body moves, heals, and responds to pain.
Thomas
Licensed Acupuncture Physician + Massage TherapistThomas brings more than 15 years of clinical experience in integrative medicine, with particular expertise in evaluating and treating acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain, sports injuries, neuropathic conditions, and functional movement disorders.
Every visit begins with a thorough assessment of your history and goals, so your treatment plan is built around your body and the results you want.
Leslie Broucker-Davis
Sports Medicine & Acupuncture ExpertWith decades of experience spanning sports medicine, acupuncture, and therapeutic massage, Leslie brings an exceptional understanding of how the body moves, heals, and responds to pain. Her personalized treatments may blend acupuncture, massage, cupping, and Gua Sha to relieve discomfort, improve mobility, and support whole-body wellness.
What to Expect at Your Visit
First time with acupuncture? Here's exactly how it goes — no surprises.
Consultation
Your practitioner reviews your health history, your concerns, and your goals to understand the full picture before any treatment begins.
Treatment
You rest comfortably while fine, sterile needles are placed at precise points. Most people feel little to nothing, and many drift off completely.
Your Plan
Your practitioner recommends how many sessions your concern typically takes and what to track, so you know what progress looks like from the start.
Acupuncture + Massage Sessions
Pair acupuncture with hands-on bodywork for deeper relief and deeper rest.
Acupuncture, Neck & Shoulder Massage + Reflexology
Thomas begins with acupuncture to ease pain and calm the nervous system, then adds reflexology and focused neck and shoulder massage. $199
Acupuncture + Massage
An introductory special while it lasts: acupuncture paired with a 30-minute massage ($150) or a 60-minute massage ($180).
Eastern Medicine Retreat
Our signature 90-minute experience with two practitioners at once: Thomas with acupuncture while Heather provides a custom facial, Indian head massage, and gua sha with Reiki. $299
Acupuncture FAQs
Who provides acupuncture at the Self-Care Center?
Acupuncture appointments are offered with Thomas Washburn and Leslie Broucker-Davis. Read their practitioner profiles to learn about their backgrounds, then check the booking calendar for current availability. If you are not sure whom to choose, text (941) 275-9890 and we will help you find a starting point.
What treatments do you offer — and how do they work?
Acupuncture
Ideal for: Pain, injury recovery, stress, sleep, and overall balance.
Fine, sterile, single-use needles are placed at specific points to stimulate the nervous system, increase circulation, and trigger your body's natural pain-relieving and healing responses. It's used to treat both acute and chronic issues and to support your general well-being over time.
Cupping Therapy
Ideal for: Muscle tension, tightness, restricted movement, and recovery.
Cupping uses gentle suction to lift the tissue, drawing fresh blood flow to tight or overworked areas and helping stubborn tension release. It's especially effective for backs, shoulders, and hard-working muscles, and pairs well with acupuncture for deeper recovery. Any circular marks are temporary and simply reflect increased circulation.
Does acupuncture actually work?
Acupuncture is one of the most researched complementary therapies available, and it's widely used for pain, headaches, stress, and recovery. Most people don't rely on studies alone, though — they judge it by results. The honest answer is that acupuncture works well for many conditions and many people, and your practitioner will tell you candidly whether they expect it to help your specific concern, and roughly how soon you should notice a difference.
Does it hurt?
For most people, no. Acupuncture needles are far thinner than the ones used for shots or blood draws — many are about the width of a hair — and are nothing like an injection. You may feel a brief, dull sensation, warmth, or a gentle tingle at a point, which is normal and fades quickly. Most clients find the experience so relaxing they fall asleep during treatment.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on your concern and how long you've had it. Acute issues sometimes respond in just a few visits, while chronic conditions usually benefit from a short course of regular sessions to build and hold results. Acupuncture works cumulatively, so consistency early on matters. At your first visit, your practitioner will give you a realistic estimate rather than an open-ended commitment.
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes. When performed by a licensed acupuncturist, it's very safe. Thomas is a licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac.), and our practitioners use sterile, single-use needles for every treatment. Serious side effects are rare; the most common are minor and temporary, such as slight bruising at a needle site. Your practitioner will review your health history first to make sure your treatment is appropriate and comfortable for you.
How much does acupuncture cost?
Your initial visit is $150 and includes a thorough health assessment, a personalized plan, and your first acupuncture treatment. Follow-up visits are $115. You can see current pricing and availability when you book online.
Can I combine acupuncture with massage?
Yes. You can book Acupuncture, Neck & Shoulder Massage + Reflexology ($199), our introductory Acupuncture + Massage sessions with 30 or 60 minutes of massage ($150 or $180, while available), or the 90-minute Eastern Medicine Retreat with Thomas and Heather ($299).
How should I prepare for acupuncture?
Wear loose, comfortable clothing, and eat a light meal an hour or two beforehand so you are not arriving hungry. Bring a list of any medications, and let your practitioner know about health conditions or if you could be pregnant.
Do you accept insurance?
We're currently in the process of working with insurance providers. Coverage for acupuncture varies widely by plan, so the best step is to contact us with your insurance details — we'll let you know what may be possible for your situation.
Do you offer acupuncture near Nokomis, Osprey, and Sarasota?
Yes. If you're searching for an acupuncturist near you in Nokomis, Osprey, or Sarasota, Self-Care Center is in downtown Venice at 321 Nokomis Ave S, Suite D — an easy drive from all three. Acupuncture is by appointment only, so reach out to reserve your time with Thomas or Leslie.
Start Feeling Better in Venice, FL
Whether you're dealing with pain that won't quit, recovering from an injury, or simply ready to feel more balanced, acupuncture offers a proven path that works with your body rather than against it.
With Leslie now seeing acupuncture clients three days a week, it's easier than ever to find an appointment that fits your schedule.
Your first visit is the easiest step: an honest consultation with Thomas or Leslie, a clear look at whether acupuncture is a good fit for you, and a plan built around real results. There's no guesswork and no long-term commitment required to begin.
Licensed, Personalized Care — By Appointment Only.
Book Your Appointment Today
Services are provided by appointment only, so if you’re interested, please book online to reserve a date and time.
Have a question? Use the “Send a Message” form to the right, Text Heather at (941) 275-9890, or use the chat function to get a response as soon as possible!
Achieving the results you’re looking for is easier with an experienced and compassionate guide to help you meet your skin health, body wellness, and personal goals. We’d love to be that support for you!