Absolute Integrated Medicine (AIM) in Vero Beach was founded in 2002 by Jill Jaynes, AP, DOM. Since then, two additional board certified and licensed doctors of oriental medicine have joined the staff, providing additional appointment times. In 2013, AIM expanded its offerings to include a community acupuncture clinic, which is the first of its kind in Indian River County.

Dr. Jaynes, Alexis Edwards, AP, DOM, and Tammy Anderson, AP, DOM, tailor care for each patient, whether they are being treated in the community or private setting. The doctors have a common goal to empower their patients to become healthy and whole on all levels, whether through acupuncture treatments, nutrition and diet, herbal supplements, or emotional and mental health.

“Chinese medicine provides a deep, holistic understanding of an individual’s physical, emotional and energetic state, and provides clear direction for the process of healing,” states Dr. Jaynes. “Our focus is empowering you to live a healthy, happy life. This involves education regarding your health situation from both the Western biomedical and the classical Chinese perspective.”

Dr. Anderson adds, “We use all the signs and symptoms to arrive at a Chinese medical diagnosis and develop a treatment protocol that will improve your overall health, not just a symptom.”

What makes the AIM office truly unique is the availability of both private appointments and the community acupuncture space, so that anyone, regardless of income or insurance coverage, can enjoy the healing modality of acupuncture. Both treatment settings offer the same treatment, including a thorough intake, consultation, and the highest quality care from an acupuncture physician.

“Truly the only difference is that instead of being in a private room, the patient is in a larger room, sharing space with other patients,” states Dr. Anderson. “There are additional benefits of treatment in a more communal setting, including no appointment necessary and the lower cost of a flat fee of only $25.”

Further accessibility to acupuncture is offered the third Saturday of every month at Karma Acupuncture Day, where donations of any amount are accepted in lieu of the regular fee for a community acupuncture treatment. All donations are given to a local charity.

Acupuncture stimulates movement of energy within the body, allowing natural healing to take place, and has been used successfully in China for more than 3,000 years. AIM doctors note that acupuncture helps to prevent illness by improving the overall functioning of the body's immune and organ systems. It is also helpful for treating existing illnesses and injuries.

But Absolute Integrated Medicine truly lives up to its name by offering integrated treatments that go well beyond acupuncture. Patients can benefit from laser acupuncture, acupoint injection therapy, nutritional counseling and Chinese herbal medicines. As opposed to Western medications that function by suppressing symptoms, Chinese herbal medicines stimulate the body’s innate healing response to restore normal, balanced physiological function.

What makes the AIM office truly unique is the availability of both private appointments and the community acupuncture space, so that anyone, regardless of income or insurance coverage, can enjoy the healing modality of acupuncture. 

Additional modalities offered at AIM include Nambudripad Allergy Elimination Technique (NAET), cupping and ultrasonic therapy. NAET is an alternative medicine technique that treats allergies and was founded in 1976 by a U.S. chiropractor and acupuncturist. Cupping is an ancient Chinese treatment using special cups that are placed on the body where they create a vacuum, which promotes healing in that area due to increased blood circulation. Ultrasonic therapy involves sending high-frequency sound waves deep into tissues, which creates gentle therapeutic heat that can assist with conditions such as pain, muscle spasms and joint problems.

An initial consultation at AIM will involve evaluation and diagnostics, acupuncture and other treatments as needed, along with a plan for a course of treatment including herbal recommendations and educational materials. Follow-up consultations also include evaluation and diagnostics, in order to monitor progress and ensure appropriate treatment at each visit.

In addition to the variety of modalities and the ability to select private or lower cost community treatment settings, AIM is highly accessible in terms of location and hours—open six days per week for private appointments and three days per week for community walk-in treatments.

“The office is tranquil, warm and inviting, with every patient receiving the attention and time they need. The private rooms are spacious and comfortable and the community setting is also comfortable and lovely,” says Elizabeth Powell, a patient of AIM for more than five years. “No matter which doctor in the office you see, you receive the same type of treatment with the same approach. The treatments are seamless.”

AIM patients not only receive seamless treatments in a tranquil environment, they also learn about their particular health issues and gain an understanding of their unique constitution and the factors that contribute to their dis-ease. Through consultation, education and treatment from the acupuncture doctors at AIM, patients get on the path of being able to regain control of their body and overall well-being.

Absolute Integrated Medicine, 1575 Indian River Blvd, Ste C-136, Vero Beach. 772-770-6184. AcupunctureVeroBeach.com. Open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Community Acupuncture Hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.