Empowered Yin Acupuncture

Bring balance into your life!

Empowered Yin specializes in Five Element Acupuncture and Chinese medicine. The practice focuses on individualized care.

Shayna Stringer, Doctor of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine, is a licensed acupuncturist in Florida. Her practice, Empowered Yin is a Five Element Acupuncture, Chinese, and herbal medicine clinic in Gainesville, Florida. 

Shayna Stringer

Welcome to Our Patient Center

Free Consultation

Empowered Yin offers a free 30 minute phone consultation to all new patients to explore how treatment can best support you. Conversations can be in-person or online. Schedule below to see if we're a good fit!

Intake

All new patient visits begin with a 2 hour intake so we can best understand your unique case. This session may or may not include an acupuncture treatment. For more info, please review our FAQs.

Fees

Initial intakes are 2 hours and cost $140. Following treatments are 1-2 hours and range between $80-220 depending on the services and time provided. We care about making this medicine available for all, so if you're experiencing financial difficulties please reach out.

Services

illustration of acupuncture needles

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is part of the ancient practice of Traditional Chinese medicine. With over 2,000 points connected by pathways, these meridians create an energy flow through the body that is responsible for overall health. 

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Disruption of the energy flow can cause disease. By applying acupuncture to certain points, with the insertion of very fine, sterile, single-use needles into specific superficial locations on the surface of the body, it is thought to improve the flow of Qi, thereby improving health.

Chinese Medicine

Chinese medicine is a rich medical system that has existed in some form for more than 3,000 years. Its basic concept is that a vital force of life, called Qi, surges through the body. Any imbalance to Qi can cause disease and illness.

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It operates under the premise that humans are microcosms of the larger surrounding universe, and are interconnected with nature and subject to its forces. Balance between health and disease is a key concept. The Five Elements represent the five phases of Qi as it moves through nature and our bodies. The Elements work interdependently in an elegant and systematic balance, each one sustaining and supporting the next in the cycle. Treatment seeks to restore this balance specific to the individual through acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, massage, herbal remedies, and movement exercises such as qi gong.

acupuncture injection illustration as a flower

Acupuncture Injection Therapy

Acupuncture Injection Therapy (AIT) is a specialized technique that combines acupuncture with the injection of therapeutic substances such as vitamins, homeopathic remedies, or Chinese herbs directly into acupuncture points or trigger points.

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AIT can be used for the managment of chronic or acute pain, vitamin deficiencies, immune support, fatigue, as well as many other conditions. 

Tuina

Tuina is a form of bodywork originating in China. It is a type of massage used to stimulate acupressure points that can to increase circulation and the flow of qi throughout the body. 

Zero Balancing

Zero Balancing is a type of manual therapy drawing from the principles of osteopathy. It uses skilled touch to address the relationship between energy and structure in the body. 

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It was originally developed by Dr. Fritz Smith. He proposed that the energetic body can be affected by manual manipulation. Zero Balancing utilizes fulcrums, or pressure points, to deeply engage the body and mind to promote rapid reorganization towards healing. 

acupuncture moxa illustration

Moxa

Moxibustion, also called “moxa”, is a form of heat therapy used to increase circulation and stimulate acupuncture points. Dried and aged plant material from Chinese mugwort is burned on or near the surface of the skin. 

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The intention is to warm and invigorate the flow of Qi in the body by strengthening the blood to encourage homeostatic balance. Moxa often feels warm and nourishing, bringing the patient into a deeper state of relaxation due to the aromatic nature of the plant.

Cupping

Cupping is one of the oldest and most globally practiced medical treatments in human history. “Suction therapy” is seen in stone carvings and drawings throughout the world. It utilizes negative pressure to release stagnation in the fascia and surround tissues.

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The term "stagnation" includes excess carbon dioxide and other cell wastes, lactic acid build up, or even food additives that our body cannot process. By allowing the tissue to be lifted upwards, it increases the space for underlying tissue, flushing out capillary beds, assisting the pores to expand and discharge some of these waste toxins, while revitalizing the area with new blood. It is used to release muscle tension, detoxify tissues, and boost circulation. Cupping can also be used to address digestive disorders, respiratory issues, pain and inflammation, immune dysfunction, and scarring restricted fascial adhesions.

Gua sha

Gua sha is a form of Chinese medical massage where the skin is pressed, in strokes, by a round-edged instrument. It is characterized by the unique petechiae that is left behind on the skin, little bruises with a sand-like appearance.

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It promotes healthy circulation by extravasating blood, lymph, and metabolic waste which is often congested in connective tissues and muscles. Gua sha is a valuable tool in the treatment of pain, muscle spasms, upper respiratory and digestive conditions, acute infectious illness, and many chronic disorders.

Contact Shayna

Frequently Asked Questions

How does acupuncture work?

From a western medical perspective, acupuncture works by decreasing inflammation and stress, increasing circulation, stimulating the immune system, decreasing muscle tension, and stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. From a Chinese medicinal perspective, acupuncture works by restoring the healthy flow of energy along the meridians.

What is Chinese medicine and acupuncture?

Chinese Medicine is one of the oldest continually used medical systems in the world. This well-developed form of healthcare has evolved from over 3,000 years of clinical experience, resulting in time-tested, safe and effective treatments for an enormous range of illnesses.

The primary modalities include Acupuncture, Chinese herbs, diet and lifestyle education, heat therapies (cupping or gua sha), movement and breathing exercises (qi gong or tai chi). The combination of these modalities promotes the body’s own healing mechanism to maintain strength and adaptability with changing environmental stresses. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine addresses not only the symptoms of an illness, but also the underlying cause of the disharmony.  It not only is effective for chronic and acute conditions, but has traditionally been used as a form of preventative medicine, allowing the body to maintain and repair its own health.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine works by adjusting the flow of Qi in the body.  The concept of Qi is not easy to translate, but it can be thought of as a vital life force or energy flowing through the body and connecting all things.  Any misdirection or blockage in the amount, flow, or balance of Qi may result in pain, dysfunction, and sickness. The meridians show the flow of Qi in the body. Each pathway, also known as channel or meridian, has a close relationship to a specific organ.

Is acupuncture safe?

When performed by a trained, licensed acupuncturist, acupuncture is a very safe and effective form of healing.  We use only sterile, disposable needles so there is virtually no chance of infection or contagion. 

What should I expect from my initial visit?
  • The first treatment will begin with a comprehensive intake of your health history, review of systems, and treatment goals. This allows me to get a sense of who you are and how best to treat the root cause of your symptoms. I will feel your pulses, look at your tongue, and perform a physical exam to gather further information. This first treatment may or may not include needles. This depends on how long it takes us to get through the health history and diagnostic examination. Typically, this appointment lasts about two hours.
  • All following treatments typically last 1 hour. Acupuncture points will be selected geared towards each individual's condition. If possible, we will burn moxibustion on the points, then needle afterwards and incrementally feel your pulse.
How should I prepare for my treatment?

Please wear comfortable clothing, and make sure you are well hydrated and have eaten. Also, please do not wear any makeup or scented products, including essential oils, perfume/cologne, scented deodorant, lotions, etc. These products interfere with part of the diagnostic process.

Does it hurt?

Acupuncture needles are solid and very fine, typically not much thicker than a hair.  Insertions are usually painless.  With the insertion of a needle, I am looking for a “Qi sensation” to fully activate the point. This sensation can be tingling, warmth, heaviness, dull achy, or a feeling of Qi moving up and down the channel. If you have needle sensitivity, we are happy to work with you through this. Most people find acupuncture extremely relaxing. 

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments you need depend on the duration, severity, and nature of your main complaint.  You may need only a few treatments for an acute condition.  A series of 6 – 10 treatments may resolve many chronic conditions.  Some degenerative conditions may require many treatments over time.  Please keep in mind that disease is a process.  It took time for your body to become ill, and it can heal itself only if given the proper time and treatments.  The effect of acupuncture treatments builds on one another. I recommend treatments once a week for 3-5 weeks, then every other week for 6-10 treatments. Ideally, you can phase out treatments as your symptoms improve and may only need to come seasonally to maintain wellness. 

What does acupuncture treat?

Weight Management - Excessive Hunger, Slow Metabolism, Poor Digestion

Physical Pain - Back Pain, Neck Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Arthritis, Sciatica, Headaches, Migraines, Carpel Tunnel Syndrome , Fibromyalgia

Emotional Conditions - Anxiety, Depression, Irritability, Fatigue, Insomnia, Poor Concentration, Memory

Digestive Problems - Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Constipation, Diarrhea, Acid Reflux, Heartburn, Nausea, Hemorrhoids, Ulcers

Neurological Symptoms - Numbness and Tingling, Shingles, Post-Stroke Symptoms

Gynecological/Genital Problems - Male Infertility, Female Infertility, PMS, Hot Flashes, Endometriosis, Fibroids, Incontinence, Sexual Dysfunction, Urinary Tract Infections, Irregular Menstruation, Heavy Menstruation, Painful Menstruation

Respiratory Problems - Colds, Sinusitis, Allergies, Asthma, Bronchitis,  Chronic Cough,  Smoker’s Cough

Cardiovascular and Other Problems - Poor Circulation, Hypertension, Drinking Problems, Palpitations, Angina, Weight Gain, Smoking Addiction

Contact Us

angela hyseangela hyse
21:17 06 Oct 24
I’ve been receiving support from Shayna since she was a student at The Academy for 5 Elements and recently witnessed her practice strengthen with her completion of a doctorate in TCM.Her medicine is innate, she is certainly tending to her life path by doing this work. And it is deeply felt. I’m so grateful for her dedication, I’m so much more me (mind, body, spirit) because I know her.
Danny OspinoDanny Ospino
21:10 06 Oct 24
Shayna is incredible. Offers so much support and holds so much space and is so intentional with her practice. Every session has truly been a blessing.
Kara AverellKara Averell
21:52 17 Sep 24
I recently delivered via c section my second child and found myself in a traumatic and very weak place both physically and emotionally. The first day I got home from the hospital, Shayna gave me a treatment and my appetite went from 0 to 8 in a matter of hours and the next day my nervous system felt like it had taken a huge exhale. I contribute those results to my time with Shayna. I felt completely held, loved and supported by Shayna during my postpartum experience. She held me during my darkest period. I suffered with intense anxiety and depression 1 month in as well and each time Shayna came to give me a treatment, I felt a renewed sense of hope and almost instant relief. She not only is incredibly knowledgeable but she is empathic, personal and reassuring that I would recover. I am a few weeks in from having intense PPD and PPA symptoms and they have reduced by almost half. I am forever indebted to Shayna for her time with me. It has healed me on every level and allowed me to show up for my babies as a healed and loving mother.
House Of Waking LifeHouse Of Waking Life
16:39 07 Aug 24
Getting to be treated by Shayna is a gift to myself every time. Her space is a sanctuary, as is the elemental garden she has created as a place to integrate after your session. The points she has treated have always been spot-on in ways that treat from a deep level and wholistic understanding of what is going on in my system. She attunes to where I am that day, and I leave feeling renewed. Thank you Shayna!! I highly recommend booking a session with her and getting ongoing treatment for the evolution and health of your whole self.
Angela DragonAngela Dragon
14:35 09 Oct 23
Shayna has been supporting me over the last year, during one of the most challenging times of my life. She has not only provided treatments that felt supportive, but has also held space for me and guided me to find my inner wisdom. She's the ideal mix of practical knowledge and compassionate presence.I wholeheartedly recommend her for anyone who wants to explore deep healing and regain their full vitality.
Amy AndersonAmy Anderson
01:20 07 Oct 23
Empowered Yin is an amazing place to go for healing in a pristine, and serene setting. Shayna is kind, compassionate and most importantly knowledgeable. I highly recommend her, if you are even considering acupuncture try a visit, you won’t regret it.
Hannah MontgomeryHannah Montgomery
15:56 11 May 23
I’ve been apprehensive to try acupuncture as I’m not one for needles, and I have loved my experience with Shayna. She is kind, patient, and extremely knowledgeable. Truly one of the best humans I’ve met. I highly recommend!
Johannah BirneyJohannah Birney
17:21 09 May 23
Empowered Yin is a sanctuary for me. Each time I walk through the gate, through the garden, and into her office, I am blown away by the sense of serenity that I feel. After my first appointment, I experienced clear-tangible results in my life. I highly recommend this medicine to anyone who is willing to show up. It is such a relief to experience a medical professional that truly cares.
Mike SextonMike Sexton
03:25 15 Feb 23
I came to Shayna with a wide variety of chronic and more recent pain, nerve, and musculoskeletal issues and she was able to resolve half of them within a couple sessions. I am experiencing notable and continuous improvement with each visit on my more acute issues as well. I appreciate the comprehensive and detailed care I receive at Empowered Yin and highly recommend seeing Shayna to heal quickly and completely from your ailments.
Alexandra JamesAlexandra James
07:53 25 Jan 23
Gentle needling. Caring and empathetic. Warm and inviting space as well as practitioner.
Clinic AcademyClinic Academy
07:43 25 Jan 23
Shayna provides exceptional care. Undivided attention. Warmth and connection.
Jena OsmaniJena Osmani
19:20 23 Jul 22
Shayna is an incredible and attentive acupuncturist who I could not recommend enough. I had no other prior experiences with receiving acupuncture and she made sure I felt relaxed and assured during my first session. I appreciate her attention to detail, grounded and gentle nature, and enthusiasm in sharing her knowledge as I usually ask many questions about the points she works on as well as the five elements philosophy. Receiving therapy from her has been truly transformative.
Caleb von RaduggeCaleb von Radugge
16:10 30 Mar 22
I started seeing Shayna at a time when I was going regularly to a student clinic and had seen several different practitioners over the course of almost two years. I was immediately impressed with the way that Shayna conducted sessions. She was incredibly thorough, without feeling clinical at all. She is an impeccable listener and communicator which made my sessions all the more impactful. I always felt like I was being met exactly where I was, while also being challenged just at my edges. Her needle work has been remarkably gentle and powerful. I would, and have, recommend Shayna to anyone looking to recieve acupuncture.
Linda CliftonLinda Clifton
13:40 30 Mar 22
I meet Shayna when she was finishing up her internship at Five Elements Accupunture Academy.She worked her magic on me for about a month & a half. Now she has opened up her practice in a beautiful setting, that brings peace & comfort to your soul. I had the honor of being her first client in her magical setting & she again brought comfort to my body as she preformed accupunture on my tired body.I cannot say enough about Shayna. She is gentle with her hands, comforting with her soft voice & very knowledgeable in her profession. I feel very relaxed & cared for while she cares for me. Accupunture has changed my life.Thank you Shayna! ❤️🙏
Maya Nicole BrownMaya Nicole Brown
15:56 29 Mar 22
Whether you've had many experiences with acupuncture or this would be your first time, I highly recommend Shayna. Her presence is warm and welcoming & immediately puts me at ease. Her healing space is tranquil and beautiful and I've always felt deep emotional and physical benefits after receiving treatments with her. I'm always curious to learn more about the elements and the points she's working on & she's always able to explain it in a way I can absorb and connect with. Thank you Shayna, for sharing your gifts with us!
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