What Is Needle-free Acupuncture and How Did It Migrate From Japan to Alamo Heights?

Needle-free acupuncture is one of many healing methods adopted and refined by renowned TCM practitioner Steven “Doc” Blackstone. Its origins lie in the esoteric practice of Japanese Toyohari Style acupuncture. In their endeavor for perfection the Japanese took over 2,500 years of acupuncture tradition from Chinese teachings and literature and turned it into a powerful, yet gentle art. They accomplished the feat within a span of less than 400 years.

Before he became affectionately known to patients as “Doc”, Steven spent 20 years of intensive study in the area of martial arts and Chinese Medicine before enrolling at the Academy of Oriental Medicine at Austin in the mid 2000s. During his term at AOMA he gained interest in a Japanese style of acupuncture referred to as Toyohari. Deeper interest sparked after his friend and colleague (J.C.) returned having attended the revered all blind Toyohari Acupuncture school in Japan. Inspired by renowned practitioners like Miki Shima, he combined intuitive techniques with the finely honed methods of the Japanese to create an effective healing system free of the use of traditional acupuncture needles.

Doc moved his healing practice from Austin, Texas to the San Antonio area in 2010 where he continued to gain distinction. He now services patients from all over the world from his modest office in Alamo Heights.

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Steven “Doc” Blackstone

As a child I found countless hours of enjoyment unraveling and solving puzzles of every variety. The more challenging the puzzle, the more compelled I was to solve it. Inevitably, that extraordinary interest combined with an innate curiosity of nature and how things work sparked my passion for deciphering the puzzles of human nature; specifically, the development and treatment of illness.

I dedicated decades to learning everything I could about the healing arts. I strived to extract every relevant bit of information from a multitude of healing modalities. Eventually, my studies encompassed topics ranging from Toltec teachings to advanced Western medicine. From numerous healing modalities I plucked the most useful and cohesive techniques and principles.

I am immensely grateful to have been coached by many open, patient and compassionate teachers who have offered insight into various disciplines and humbly pointed the way to self discovery.

In my endeavor to master a variety of key disciplines I found myself embracing one crucial and inevitable discovery.

“Healing is actually a very simple and naturally occurring process!”

Steven “Doc” Blackstone

As a child I found countless hours of enjoyment unraveling and solving puzzles of every variety. The more challenging the puzzle, the more compelled I was to solve it. That extraordinary interest combined with an innate curiosity of nature and how things work inevitably sparked my passion for deciphering the puzzles of human nature; specifically, the development and treatment of illness.

I dedicated decades to learning everything I could about the healing arts. I strived to extract every relevant bit of information from a multitude of healing modalities. My studies eventually encompassed topics ranging from Toltec teachings to advanced Western medicine. From numerous healing modalities I plucked the most useful and cohesive techniques and principles.

I am immensely grateful to have been coached by many open, patient and compassionate teachers who have offered insight into various disciplines and humbly pointed the way to self discovery.

In my endeavor to master a variety of key disciplines I found myself embracing one crucial and inevitable discovery.

acupuncture therapy near me

“I see it as a personal challenge to do what people say can’t be done.”- Doc

orthopedics

Orthopedics

Bones & Muscles
general medicine

General Medicine

Acute & Chronic Illness
children health

Pediatrics

Children's Health
sport medicine

Sports Medicine

Fitness & Injury Prevention
truma

Trauma

Injuries

Isn't All Acupuncture the Same?

There’s the Way Everyone Does It

The average acupuncturist would have a person lie in an isolated room for an extended period of time with acupuncture needles placed in areas of the body. The needles aer expected to attenuate the movement of energy (Qi) without any additional influence from the from the practitioner. Multiple patients at a time are often attended to in this fashion. I liken the situation to leaving a pot on the stove unattended. When the patient is “fully cooked” the needles are withdrawn and that ends the treatment portion of the visit. Few practitioners do evaluations immediately following treatments to determine level of effectiveness. The practitioner may imply that the health condition may take numerous sessions to resolve because “everybody’s different”.

...And There's the Way Doc Performs Therapy

The way Doc performs his techniques is really not like acupuncture at all. In fact, application of needle-free acupuncture methods requires more time in direct physical contact with the patient than Chinese acupuncture methods. Doc Blackstone focuses on one person at a time getting to know how you developed your health condition. He explains what is happening and what will occur during treatment. As the body gravitates to a renewed level of wellness each therapy session changes accordingly. Doc talks to patients throughout a session unless he believes total silence is best. Most practitioners do not have the stamina to perform the  dynamic work Doc does on a regular basis.

Expertise in Traditional Chinese Medicine and extensive knowledge of other healing modalities led to the evolution of a cohesive new practice- Sacred Healing Tree. The healing model includes techniques and theories that extend beyond ancient Chinese and Japanese healing traditions. Sacred Healing Tree therapy embraces knowledge of medical concepts and technology that was not available to practitioners in ancient times. The cornerstone ideals and strategies have been meticulously revised over the course of the last 30+ years. Only the most powerful and effective healing methods throughout history remain in use.

Time-Tested Healing

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese healing practice that dates back over 2,500 years. The Japanese perfected its methods for an additional 400 years developing it into an esoteric art. Over the last 20 years Doc has extracted needle-free acupuncture methods from Japanese Toyohari style acupuncture and incorporated them into an amazingly effective therapy regimen.

Doc’s Approach: “One Up”

Accurate diagnosis is paramount. Doc will devise a therapy plan and discuss it with you. Then, initiate the most ingenious treatment you’ve ever had.

In addition to the dismissal of needles from the acupuncture process Doc has adopted a one-on-one approach to therapy. No multiroom office complex where your time is divided between numerous other patients.

  • One patient.
  • One room.
  • One session at a time.  


As the healing process takes place during the course of therapy, the treatment is modified accordingly. Each person receives the maximum amount of stimulation required to achieve their health goals. As such, every therapy session will be a different experience, unlike chiropractic or physical therapy where the same techniques are applied repeatedly.

Where herbal formulas would work better… Doc may recommend a high quality Chinese patent formula.

Find Your Path to the Best Acupuncture in San Antonio

Are you in search of the best acupuncture and Chinese Medicine services in San Antonio? Look no further! Doc Blackstone is a top-notch practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) well versed in the healing arts.

Don’t Worry! You Are Making the Right Choice.

Find Your Path to the Best Acupuncture in San Antonio

Are you in search of the best acupuncture and Chinese Medicine services in San Antonio? Look no further! Doc Blackstone is a top-notch practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) well versed in the healing arts.

Don’t Worry! You Are Making the Right Choice.

Doc Blackstone is highly respected by doctors.

Title of the document Click to see how many doctors recommend him.
Why People From Around the World
Choose Doc Blackstone

Doc has dedicated over 35 years to being the best. Numerous doctors can vouch for his level of skill. Doc’s patients trust him to assess and provide therapy for every type of health issue imaginable; not just migraines and allergies.

Treating the whole person is essential, addressing the root causes and symptoms of your health concerns. Emotional and psychological factors are also assessed according to specific need. PTSD, ADHD or bipolar disorder… .bring it on!

“One-on-one” means your practitioner (Doc) is with you for every minute of your therapy session! Your treatment plan is tailored in such a way that as you heal your sessions will be different every time. 

Your comfort is a gateway to the healing experience. Doc provides a getaway amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. You can expect a soothing and relaxed atmosphere with controlled lighting, sound, and temperature while the magic happens. Doc’s ability to communicate and heal transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries. That quality puts people at ease.

Doc Blackstone specializes in the care and management of ideopathic diseases (diseases of unknown origin). Historically, he achieves success where no other medical professionals can.

Call Doc Blackstone! Save his number to your phone. It’ll be the best health care decision you ever made.

Featured Testimonials

Ro Car
Ro Car
2023-05-03
DOC helped me with my neuropathy and my back and neck in ways that no other doctor could. He twisted me like a pretzel but I felt so much better I was emotional! He provided the best relief for me and I had been in pain for 20+ years. I recommend DOC 100% and the key to relief is to “listen” to his advice for healing and follow his plans to feeling better.
Andrew
Andrew
2022-10-13
Our daughter was sick for more than 2 weeks with an apparent stomach virus and our concern was growing. Doc treated her and she showed immediate improvement and was able to go back to school. Then the next week he called us to check on her progress , I couldn’t recommend him more highly
Pure Romance by Monique Rene' McGuire
Pure Romance by Monique Rene' McGuire
2022-09-21
Doc has helped me tremendously over the last few years! When I went to my first appointment, I could barely walk. I was in so much pain. Doctors had told me that I would need surgery on my knee if I ever wanted relief. Doc worked on my knee for an hour and when I got up off the table, I could walk so much better than I had in years. He worked on my knee a few more sessions and my knee has never caused me problems again. He has helped with my knees, hips, shoulders, back, and neck. He has done acupressure, acupuncture, and cupping on me. I go to Doc every other week now because it is the best therapy for me! He is so amazing! You definitely have to schedule an appointment with Doc!
Nathalie Wil
Nathalie Wil
2022-09-21
I was recommended to Steve by an obstetric patient of mine back in May 2014 when I asked her about her pain scale during her appointment. As I too have suffered in great pain since January 2003, I decided to Google who this Steve was and what TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) was. I booked an appointment right away and have not been disappointed in doing so. Steve has been the ONLY treatment to date on my pain management [and other things such as scoliosis, nerve problems, chipped bone sticking out under my skin in finger, low blood volume, horrific menstrual pain, and the lidt goes on] that has been successful in helping to alleviate my daily sufferings for lengths of time. When I moved out of San Antonio TX to England for 3 years, I would travel every 6 months to get my pain lowered. Steve old website gave a great overview of the things he can help with and I go to him and highly recommend his services as no Western (Traditional) Medicine has been able to help me as much as Steve has been doing since May 2014! Thanks Steve!
D Lee
D Lee
2022-09-16
I was in a terrible accident that totalled my vehicle which rolled over 3 times and left me in excruciating pain. Steve has been helping me deal with horrible pain since June 2022. His treatments have helped with my pain by about 80% thus far and brought back functionality in which I could barely stand up or use my arm for any length of time. Highly recommended.
Ivy Watson
Ivy Watson
2022-09-16
With all of the medical stuff I've dealt with at a young age, I've never chosen another doctor to deal with such problems unless I had to. I ALWAYS come to him first. Steven has consistently steered me to him for the RIGHT answer instead of going to the ordinary doctors and getting wrong or inaccurate information. I will continue getting care from him as he's the absolute best of the best!
Amy Karle
Amy Karle
2022-09-15
Steve "Doc" helped me deal with exacerbated nausea and vomiting that I had been dealing with for a year and a half. Western doctors and G.I. specialists couldn't get it under control. After a detailed exam and some prescribed herbs, within 2 weeks I was feeling amazing! I can't thank Doc Blackstone enough for his wisdom and knowledge. I no longer require prescription medication for G. I. upset or nausea. I highly recommend Steven "Doc" Blackstone for any ailments you may have.
Dawn Bishop
Dawn Bishop
2022-04-13
Doc's been a real lifesaver for me. I came to San Antonio last summer from Austin where I'd had decades-long, chronic & debilitating health issues and where I'd finally found a biomechanics genius to get me walking after 10 years of being on crutches. So when I came to SA I knew I needed an expert independent thinker who welcomes challenges. And Doc is that person. He's who I trust with my health issues in my new home. He's taken me over the line in walking with no assistance. I ditched my braces and can now put my bare feet to the ground - and move! I also saw a chiropractor in Austin who repeated the same adjustment on my hips for years, and Doc treated it once, and it's held. In following up on another hip issue, regarding recovery, he said, "I want 100%." I like this! But Doc does more than just fix bio-mechanical issues. I get his opinion on any doctor-treated issues, because he'll likely know more about whatever it is. He treats the whole person, mechanically, physiologically and emotionally - with hands, herbs, and insight. Highly recommended. 🙂
Valerie Palomo
Valerie Palomo
2021-12-29
I have known Steven for a several years and he’s guided me in my fertility process with success along with other things. My son is now almost 2 and I’m 44! I highly recommend him. He’s also awesome in performing body work as well.
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