By Denise Sansosti
After six years of practicing acupuncture in Sarasota, Dr. Ashley Carlson has expanded her practice with the opening of a new office in Brandon, bringing her work closer to home.
A licensed acupuncture physician and doctor of oriental medicine in the state of Florida, Dr. Carlson is also certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Her path to medicine began at the University of South Florida, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in biomedical science. While originally planning a career in pharmacy, her own health challenges shifted her direction.
“I was getting five to 10 migraines a month,” Dr. Carlson shared. “I tried pharmaceuticals and injections, but I experienced strange side effects, and nothing really worked.”
Seeking a more natural approach, acupuncture relieved her migraines and gave her a new calling. Dr. Carlson attended East West College of Natural Medicine, earning a bachelor’s degree in health science and a master’s degree in oriental medicine. She is currently completing her doctoral program with a focus on reproductive health, orthopedics and cancer care.
While pain relief is the most common reason patients seek acupuncture, Dr. Carlson emphasizes that its benefits extend far beyond that.
“Most people don’t think about acupuncture for chronic conditions like insomnia, anxiety or digestive issues,” she explained. “Many people are in so much pain they can’t sleep, or their minds just won’t shut off. Acupuncture helps balance the system so the body can rest and reset.”
Becoming licensed in Florida requires four board certifications and extensive training.
“We have to complete Western medicine boards, and we also have the Chinese herbal board,” Dr. Carlson noted. “We still go through all of the anatomy and physiology classes required in Western medicine, plus we study Western and Eastern nutrition.”
What she values most is seeing real change in her patients.
“Helping people regain quality of life is the most rewarding part,” she said. “Watching someone recover mobility after a stroke or improve their speech through acupuncture is incredible. This medicine is minimally invasive and has virtually no side effects.”
If you have a fear of needles, she also provides other traditional Chinese medicines, such as acupressure, cupping, moxibustion, tui na and Chinese herbs. For more information, for office hours or to schedule an appointment, visit https://floatingspringsacu.com/ or call 813-535-0693.
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