Acupuncture in South Miami, FL
Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncture for chronic pain, migraines, anxiety, fertility, and whole-body wellness — led by Rafael Padro, DOM, AP, Doctor of Oriental Medicine. Serving Coral Gables, Kendall, Pinecrest & all of Miami-Dade.
What Is Acupuncture & How Does It Work?
Acupuncture is a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has been practiced for over 3,000 years. It involves the insertion of ultra-fine, sterile needles at specific points on the body to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and restore balance. At Mind & Soul Therapy & Acupuncture in South Miami, our licensed acupuncture physician Rafael Padro, DOM, AP uses this ancient practice combined with modern clinical understanding to treat a wide range of physical and emotional conditions.
According to TCM theory, the body contains a vital energy called Qi (pronounced "chee") that flows through a network of channels called meridians. When Qi flows freely, the body is healthy and balanced. When this flow becomes blocked or disrupted — due to stress, injury, poor diet, or emotional turmoil — pain and illness result. Acupuncture restores the smooth flow of Qi by stimulating specific acupuncture points along these meridians, prompting the body's natural healing response.
The Science Behind Acupuncture
Modern research has validated what ancient practitioners knew intuitively. When acupuncture needles are inserted, they stimulate the nervous system in several measurable ways:
- Endorphin release: Acupuncture triggers the release of endorphins and enkephalins — the body's natural pain-relieving chemicals — which is why it's so effective for chronic pain conditions.
- Reduced inflammation: Studies show acupuncture decreases inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6) and increases anti-inflammatory compounds, helping conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia.
- Improved circulation: Needle stimulation increases blood flow to targeted areas, delivering oxygen and nutrients while removing metabolic waste.
- Nervous system regulation: Acupuncture shifts the body from sympathetic ("fight or flight") to parasympathetic ("rest and digest") mode, explaining its profound effects on anxiety, stress, and insomnia.
- Neurotransmitter balancing: Research shows acupuncture influences serotonin, dopamine, and GABA levels — key neurotransmitters involved in mood, sleep, and pain perception.
Acupuncture has been studied for a variety of pain and other health conditions, with evidence varying depending on the condition being treated. With growing research and clinical evidence, acupuncture has become one of the most widely practiced complementary therapies in the world.
Conditions We Treat with Acupuncture
Our South Miami acupuncture clinic treats a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional health conditions. Whether you're dealing with chronic pain, hormonal imbalances, or stress-related symptoms, acupuncture offers a natural, drug-free path to healing.
The Benefits of Acupuncture
Acupuncture offers a remarkable range of benefits — from pain relief and stress reduction to hormone balancing and immune support. Here's why millions of Americans choose acupuncture each year.
Drug-Free, Non-Invasive Pain Relief
Acupuncture provides powerful pain relief without the risks of NSAIDs (stomach ulcers, kidney damage) or opioids (dependency, side effects). It works with your body's natural healing mechanisms.
Reduces Inflammation Naturally
Chronic inflammation is at the root of most modern diseases. Acupuncture decreases inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, TNF-alpha) while boosting anti-inflammatory compounds, helping conditions from arthritis to autoimmune disease.
Calms the Nervous System
Acupuncture shifts the body from sympathetic 'fight or flight' to parasympathetic 'rest and digest' mode. This is why it may support stress, insomnia, and stress-related conditions — it may support nervous-system regulation and relaxation.
Improves Circulation & Energy
By stimulating specific meridian points, acupuncture increases blood flow to targeted areas, delivering oxygen and nutrients while removing metabolic waste. This accelerates healing and boosts energy levels (Qi).
Balances Hormones Naturally
Acupuncture influences the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, helping regulate cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, thyroid hormones, and reproductive hormones — without synthetic replacements.
Enhances Sleep Quality
By increasing melatonin production and calming the nervous system, acupuncture improves both sleep onset and sleep depth — addressing the root causes of insomnia rather than forcing unconsciousness.
Boosts Immune Function
Regular acupuncture treatments enhance immune cell activity (T-cells, natural killer cells), helping your body fight off infections and recover faster from illness.
Complements Conventional Medicine
Acupuncture may complement an existing medical treatment plan. It's not either/or; it's integrative. Patients should continue prescribed treatments unless their clinician advises otherwise.
Minimal Side Effects
Acupuncture is generally well tolerated when performed by a qualified licensed practitioner. The most commonly reported response is deep relaxation and improved sleep.
Addresses Root Causes, Not Just Symptoms
Acupuncture can be incorporated into a broader whole-person treatment plan that considers symptoms, lifestyle, and overall well-being.
Acupuncture & Pain Symptom Self-Assessment
Check any conditions you've been experiencing. Share your results with our team at your first visit.
This self-assessment is for educational purposes only and is not a medical diagnosis. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment.
Acupuncture for Pain Relief
Pain management is the most well-researched application of acupuncture. From chronic back pain to migraines to sciatica, our South Miami acupuncture clinic helps patients find lasting, drug-free relief. Dr. Rafael Padro creates personalized treatment plans based on your specific pain condition, medical history, and healing goals. Acupuncture is also a core part of our clinic's broader integrative pain management program, so your care can be coordinated with our other therapies when that makes sense for you.
Acupuncture for Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek acupuncture in Miami. Research suggests acupuncture may provide benefit for some people with chronic lower back pain. Whether you're dealing with a herniated disc, sciatica, muscle spasms, or degenerative disc disease, acupuncture may help reduce inflammation, relax tense muscles, and support the body's natural pain-relief responses. Dr. Rafael Padro targets specific meridians along the bladder and gallbladder channels that govern the back and spine as part of a personalized treatment plan.
Acupuncture for Neck Pain & Stiffness
Neck pain from poor posture, tech neck, whiplash, or sleeping wrong responds remarkably well to acupuncture. By targeting points along the governing vessel and small intestine meridians, acupuncture releases muscle tension in the cervical spine, improves range of motion, and reduces nerve compression that causes radiating pain. Most patients feel significant improvement within 3–6 sessions. For chronic neck issues, we often combine acupuncture with cupping therapy for enhanced muscle release.
Acupuncture for Migraines & Headaches
If you suffer from migraines or chronic tension headaches, acupuncture may be a drug-free option worth considering. Research, including systematic reviews, has found that acupuncture may help reduce migraine frequency for some patients. Acupuncture is thought to work by regulating blood vessel dilation, reducing inflammation around trigeminal nerves, and modulating serotonin levels. For tension headaches, we focus on gallbladder and bladder meridian points that release neck and scalp tension. Many patients who haven't responded to medication explore acupuncture as a complementary option.
Acupuncture for Sciatica
Sciatica — the sharp, radiating pain that travels from the lower back down through the leg — can be debilitating. Acupuncture is a non-surgical treatment option that may be considered for some patients with sciatica. By stimulating points along the bladder and gallbladder meridians (which trace the sciatic nerve pathway), acupuncture may help reduce swelling around the nerve root, relax the piriformis muscle, and support healing of the affected disc. Some patients notice improvement over a course of treatment.
Acupuncture for Knee Pain & Osteoarthritis
Knee pain from osteoarthritis, meniscus injuries, or patellofemoral syndrome is a frequent reason patients visit our South Miami clinic. Acupuncture may be considered as part of a non-surgical approach to knee pain and osteoarthritis symptoms. We target stomach and spleen meridian points around the knee joint to reduce inflammation, increase synovial fluid production, and support tissue repair. Some patients use regular acupuncture as part of a broader knee-care plan.
Acupuncture for Shoulder Pain & Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), rotator cuff strains, and general shoulder stiffness can severely limit daily activities. Acupuncture releases the deep muscle tension that locks the shoulder joint, reduces capsular inflammation, and improves blood circulation to damaged rotator cuff tendons. Treatment focuses on large intestine and triple burner meridian points that govern the shoulder girdle. Combined with gentle range-of-motion guidance, acupuncture can restore shoulder mobility even in long-standing frozen shoulder cases.
Acupuncture for Joint Pain & Arthritis
Whether it's rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or general joint wear-and-tear, acupuncture provides natural anti-inflammatory relief without the risks of long-term medication use. By reducing inflammatory cytokines and stimulating endorphin release, acupuncture decreases joint swelling, stiffness, and pain across all major joints — hands, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles. Regular treatments can slow disease progression and improve quality of life for arthritis patients throughout Miami-Dade.
Acupuncture for Nerve Pain & Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy, trigeminal neuralgia, and pinched nerves cause burning, tingling, and numbness that can be difficult to treat with conventional medicine. Acupuncture stimulates nerve regeneration by increasing local blood flow and promoting the release of nerve growth factor (NGF). Research published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies shows that acupuncture can improve nerve conduction velocity and reduce neuropathic pain — particularly valuable for diabetic neuropathy and post-chemotherapy nerve damage.
Acupuncture for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome causes wrist pain, hand numbness, and weakness that can make work and daily tasks miserable. Before considering surgery, many patients find significant relief through acupuncture. Treatment targets the pericardium and lung meridians that pass through the wrist, reducing inflammation in the carpal tunnel, releasing compressed soft tissue, and restoring median nerve function. A clinical trial in The Clinical Journal of Pain found that acupuncture was as effective as nighttime splinting for carpal tunnel symptoms — and often longer-lasting.
Don't see your specific pain condition listed? Contact us or call 305-456-1014 to discuss whether acupuncture can help you.
Acupuncture for Mental Health & Emotional Wellness
As a holistic mental health clinic, Mind & Soul Therapy is uniquely positioned to offer acupuncture as part of an integrated approach to emotional wellness. Acupuncture may be used as a complementary approach to support stress regulation, sleep, and emotional well-being as part of an individualized treatment plan.
Acupuncture for Anxiety
Anxiety affects millions of Americans, and many are interested in complementary approaches to support their care. Acupuncture is sometimes used as a complementary option for anxiety symptoms. Research suggests acupuncture may help by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering cortisol (the stress hormone), and supporting calming neurotransmitters such as GABA and serotonin. Some studies have reported reductions in anxiety measures for patients receiving acupuncture. At our South Miami clinic, Dr. Rafael Padro targets points along the heart, pericardium, and kidney meridians — the TCM channels associated with emotional regulation. Many patients report feeling a deep sense of calm after a session, with cumulative benefits over a course of treatment. Acupuncture is not a substitute for psychiatric or psychological care, but it may be incorporated into an individualized plan. For anxiety, we typically recommend weekly sessions for 6–8 weeks, followed by monthly maintenance.
Acupuncture for Depression
Depression is increasingly understood as a whole-body condition — not just a chemical imbalance in the brain. Acupuncture may be considered as a complementary approach that supports overall well-being, alongside appropriate psychiatric and/or psychotherapeutic care. Acupuncture is sometimes used to help regulate neurotransmitter levels, reduce systemic inflammation (which research links to depression), improve sleep quality, and support energy levels. At Mind & Soul Therapy, we take an integrative approach — acupuncture may work alongside our psychiatric and counseling services as part of a comprehensive plan that addresses depression at the biological, emotional, and lifestyle levels. Acupuncture is not a replacement for prescribed depression treatment.
Acupuncture for Stress Management
Chronic stress is at the root of countless health problems — from high blood pressure and digestive issues to insomnia and weakened immunity. Acupuncture is one of the most effective ways to shift the body out of the 'fight or flight' sympathetic state and into the 'rest and digest' parasympathetic state. During treatment, heart rate decreases, blood pressure lowers, and cortisol levels drop. Regular acupuncture sessions act as a reset for an overtaxed nervous system, building resilience to stress over time. Many of our busiest Miami professionals use weekly or bi-weekly acupuncture as their cornerstone stress management tool — a natural, drug-free way to stay balanced in a high-pressure world.
Acupuncture for Insomnia & Sleep Disorders
If you struggle with falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking unrefreshed, acupuncture can help restore healthy sleep architecture. Research published in the Journal of Neuropsychiatry shows that acupuncture increases melatonin production, reduces sleep onset latency, and improves overall sleep quality scores. Treatment targets the heart and kidney meridians (which in TCM govern the spirit and willpower), along with points that calm the mind and relax the body. Unlike sleep medications, acupuncture addresses the root causes of insomnia — whether that's anxiety, hormonal imbalance, pain, or an overactive nervous system — without creating dependency or grogginess. Most patients see sleep improvements within 2–4 sessions.
Acupuncture for Women's Health, Fertility & More
Acupuncture has been used for centuries to support women's reproductive health, hormonal balance, and overall wellness. Today, modern research confirms what ancient practitioners knew — and extends its benefits to allergies, digestion, weight management, and more.
Acupuncture for Fertility
Acupuncture is sometimes used as a complementary therapy during fertility treatment and IVF to support overall well-being and treatment-related stress. Acupuncture may also be incorporated into a broader plan that supports the menstrual cycle, ovarian blood flow, reproductive hormone balance (FSH, LH, estrogen), stress, and endometrial thickness. Dr. Rafael Padro creates individualized fertility acupuncture protocols based on your cycle, hormone panels, and reproductive history. Whether you're trying naturally, preparing for IVF, or navigating unexplained infertility, acupuncture may be used as a complementary, supportive approach. It is not a substitute for fertility medical care.
Acupuncture for PCOS & Menstrual Health
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects up to 1 in 10 women and is a leading cause of irregular periods and infertility. Acupuncture is remarkably effective for PCOS because it addresses the underlying insulin resistance and hormonal imbalance that drive the condition. Clinical studies show that regular acupuncture improves menstrual cycle regularity, reduces testosterone levels, enhances insulin sensitivity, and promotes ovulation in women with PCOS. Treatment targets the spleen, kidney, and liver meridians that govern reproductive and metabolic function. Combined with our integrative approach that may include nutritional guidance and bioidentical hormone therapy, acupuncture helps women with PCOS regain hormonal balance naturally.
Acupuncture for Hormonal Balance & Menopause
From PMS and perimenopause to full menopause, hormonal fluctuations can cause hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, fatigue, and weight gain. Some studies suggest acupuncture may help reduce hot-flash symptoms for some patients, and acupuncture may also support sleep and mood during menopause. By stimulating the endocrine system through specific meridian points, acupuncture may support the body's natural balance of estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol. Many women in South Miami use acupuncture as a complementary tool for navigating perimenopause and menopause.
Acupuncture for Weight Loss Support
Acupuncture isn't a magic weight-loss solution, but it is a powerful support tool that addresses the underlying factors that make weight loss difficult. By regulating the endocrine system, acupuncture helps balance hormones that control appetite (ghrelin and leptin), improves insulin sensitivity (reducing sugar cravings and fat storage), lowers cortisol (which causes belly fat accumulation), and boosts metabolism. Ear acupuncture (auricular therapy) is particularly effective for appetite suppression and stress eating. At Mind & Soul, we combine acupuncture with nutritional counseling and peptide therapy for a comprehensive weight management approach that addresses the root causes — not just the symptoms — of weight gain.
Acupuncture for Allergies & Sinus Congestion
South Florida's year-round allergy season can be miserable. Acupuncture may be used as a complementary approach for some patients experiencing seasonal allergy symptoms. Treatment may help reduce histamine release, decrease sinus inflammation, regulate immune overactivity, and improve lymphatic drainage. The large intestine and lung meridians — which in TCM govern the respiratory system — are the primary focus. Patients should continue any prescribed allergy medications unless their clinician advises otherwise. For Miami's pollen-heavy spring and fall seasons, some patients begin treatments before allergy season peaks.
Acupuncture for Digestive Health
Digestive disorders like IBS, acid reflux, bloating, and chronic constipation respond exceptionally well to acupuncture. The enteric nervous system — often called the 'second brain' — is deeply connected to the central nervous system, which is why stress so often triggers digestive symptoms. Acupuncture regulates gut motility, reduces intestinal inflammation, rebalances stomach acid production, and calms the stress response that exacerbates IBS. Treatment focuses on the stomach and spleen meridians (which govern digestion in TCM). Clinical trials show that acupuncture significantly improves IBS symptoms, reducing abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel habits. For patients with chronic digestive issues, we combine acupuncture with dietary guidance for comprehensive gut healing.
Rafael Padro, DOM, AP
Doctor of Oriental Medicine & Acupuncture Physician
Rafael Padro is a licensed Doctor of Oriental Medicine (DOM) and Acupuncture Physician (AP) serving patients in South Miami and throughout Miami-Dade County. With years of clinical experience in Traditional Chinese Medicine, he has worked with patients seeking acupuncture and integrative care for chronic pain, anxiety, infertility, hormonal imbalances, and a wide range of other health conditions.
Dr. Padro takes a truly holistic approach — combining classical acupuncture techniques with modern clinical understanding, Neuro Emotional Technique (NET), cupping therapy, and herbal medicine. He works closely with the psychiatric and therapy teams at Mind & Soul to provide integrated care that addresses the whole person: body, mind, and spirit.
Licensed Acupuncture Physician (AP)
State of Florida
NET Certified
Neuro Emotional Technique
Integrative Care
Holistic & collaborative
What to Expect During Your Acupuncture Session
If you've never had acupuncture before, it's natural to feel a little uncertain. Here's exactly what happens from the moment you walk into our South Miami clinic — so you know exactly what to expect.
Comprehensive Consultation
Your first visit begins with a thorough health assessment. Dr. Rafael Padro reviews your medical history, current symptoms, lifestyle factors, medications, and health goals. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, we also examine your tongue and pulse — these diagnostic tools reveal internal imbalances that blood tests can't detect. This holistic evaluation helps us identify the root cause of your condition, not just the surface symptoms. Expect this initial consultation to take 60–90 minutes.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Based on your consultation, Dr. Padro designs a customized acupuncture treatment plan tailored to your specific condition and healing goals. He explains which meridians will be targeted, how many sessions are recommended, and what outcomes to expect. Acute conditions may respond in 3–6 sessions, while chronic conditions typically require 8–12 sessions for full benefit. You'll always understand the 'why' behind your treatment — no guesswork, no one-size-fits-all protocols.
Gentle Needle Insertion
Treatment involves the insertion of ultra-fine, single-use sterile needles — significantly thinner than a standard medical needle (about the width of a human hair). Most patients feel little to no discomfort. You may experience a mild tingling, warmth, or dull ache at certain points — this is called 'de qi' and indicates the energy is moving. Many patients are surprised by how comfortable the experience is, and a significant number fall asleep during treatment.
Relaxation Period
Once the needles are placed, you'll rest comfortably for 20–40 minutes while they work. This is your time to relax — many patients describe it as the most peaceful part of their week. The needles stimulate your nervous system, release endorphins, reduce inflammation, and restore energetic balance while you simply rest.
Post-Treatment Review
After your session, Dr. Padro removes the needles and discusses your response to treatment. He may recommend complementary therapies (cupping, NET, herbal remedies), lifestyle adjustments, or dietary changes to enhance your results. You'll leave with a clear understanding of your progress and next steps. Most patients feel relaxed and energized after treatment — some notice immediate improvement, while others experience gradual changes over the following days.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
This is the most common question we hear — and the answer surprises most people. Acupuncture needles are ultra-fine (0.16mm–0.30mm thick), much thinner than a hypodermic needle or even a human hair. Most patients feel nothing at all during insertion, or at most a brief, mild sensation. During the treatment, you may feel tingling, warmth, heaviness, or a dull ache around certain points — these are signs that the energy is moving and the treatment is working. The vast majority of patients find acupuncture deeply relaxing, and many fall asleep on the table. After treatment, you may feel relaxed, energized, or slightly sleepy — all normal responses.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Most insurance accepted · Same-week appointments · Telehealth available
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Articles
Learn more from our clinical team.
Related Services at Mind & Soul Therapy
Pain Management
Natural, drug-free approaches to chronic pain relief in Miami.
Anxiety Treatment
Integrative anxiety treatment including psychiatry, TMS & acupuncture.
Depression Treatment
Integrative depression care including TMS and supportive therapies.
Psychiatry & Mental Health
Integrative psychiatric care for anxiety, depression, and more.
TMS Therapy
Non-invasive brain stimulation for treatment-resistant depression.
BHRT
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for hormonal balance.
Peptide Therapy
Advanced peptides for healing, weight loss & anti-aging.
Therapy & Counseling
Evidence-based therapy for anxiety, depression & trauma.
Acupuncture Near You in Miami-Dade County
Looking for acupuncture near you in Miami? Mind & Soul Therapy & Acupuncture is conveniently located at 7600 SW 57th Ave, Ste 102, South Miami, FL 33143, just minutes from Coral Gables, Pinecrest, Kendall, Coconut Grove, the Coral Way corridor, and Palmetto Bay.
Our South Miami office sits just off SW 57th Avenue, making it an easy trip for patients coming from surrounding Miami-Dade communities. South Miami remains our home base, and we welcome patients traveling from across the nearby area. Call 305-456-1014 to schedule your appointment today.
Schedule Your Acupuncture Consultation
Ready to experience the healing power of acupuncture? Dr. Rafael Padro and the team at Mind & Soul Therapy & Acupuncture are here to help you find relief from pain, stress, and chronic conditions — naturally.
What Happens During Your First Visit
We know starting therapy or psychiatry can feel intimidating. Here's exactly what to expect — no surprises, no pressure.
Step 1: Schedule Your Visit
2 minutesCall 305-456-1014 or book online. Our team verifies your insurance and finds a time that works for you — often same-week.
Step 2: Intake Questionnaire
10 minutesBefore your visit, you'll complete a brief intake form covering your symptoms, history, medications, and goals. This helps us prepare for your appointment.
Step 3: Comprehensive Evaluation
60 minutesYour provider conducts a thorough evaluation — not a rushed 15-minute check. We explore your mental health history, lifestyle, hormones, sleep, and physical health to identify root causes.
Step 4: Personalized Treatment Plan
Same visitTogether, you and your provider build a personalized plan — which may include therapy, medication, TMS, acupuncture, BHRT, or lifestyle changes. No two plans are alike.
Step 5: Follow-Up & Ongoing Care
OngoingWe schedule follow-ups to track your progress and adjust your plan. Most patients begin noticing improvement within 2-4 weeks of starting treatment.
📍 7600 SW 57th Ave, Ste 102, South Miami, FL 33143
Free parking · Monday–Friday 8 AM – 5 PM · Telehealth available statewide
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Booking your first appointment is simple. Dr. Padro and our team will listen to your story, understand your needs, and build a personalized treatment plan just for you.
We Accept Most Major Insurance Plans
Many of our services — including TMS therapy — are covered by insurance. Call us at 305-456-1014 to verify your specific coverage.
Coverage varies by plan and service. Contact our office to confirm your benefits before your first visit.
What Our Patients Say
"The team at Mind & Soul truly changed my life. The combination of acupuncture and therapy helped me manage my anxiety in ways I never thought possible."
"Rafael and his team are incredible. The holistic approach they take is unlike anything I've experienced—I feel balanced and at peace for the first time in years."
"I was skeptical about TMS therapy but it truly helped my depression when nothing else did. The staff is compassionate and professional."
"The IV therapy and NAD+ sessions have been amazing for my energy levels. I love that they take a whole-body approach to health."
"Best decision I made was booking a consultation. They really listen and create a plan that works for you—no cookie-cutter solutions here."
"Telehealth appointments are so convenient and the care is just as good as in person. Highly recommend for anyone in the Miami area."
Contact Us
Send a message or request an appointment — we'll get back to you shortly.
South Miami Office
South Miami, FL 33143
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