Ms. Larissa Gay Stewart L.AC.

Acupuncturist

1402 Dancing Fox Rd Decatur GA, 30032 Show map

About
Contacts & Locations

About

Larissa Stewart is a nationally board certified acupuncturist with over 16 years experience, and nearly 23 years of experience teaching qigong, taichi and yoga. She loves acupuncture because it works – naturally, with no extreme side-effects, for a wide variety of conditions. She believes passionately in the body’s extraordinary ability to heal itself. When acupuncture activates that powerful healing force – pain disappears, illness resolves, depression and anxiety lift, weight is lost and vitality is restored. Larissa’s approach is straightforward and compassionate – creating a safe space where clients can feel heard, at ease and receptive to acupuncture’s healing effects. People seek her out because she’s good at eliminating pain, and at “untangling” complex/mysterious health conditions. Her eclectic style blends Traditional Five-Element Acupuncture, Dr. Tan’s Balance Method and non-needle techniques such as acupressure, guasha, moxibustion, hands-on qigong and Matrix Energetics.

Education and Training

Maryland University of Integrative Health Masters of Acupuncture 2002

Board Certification

National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

Provider Details

FemaleEnglish

Ms. Larissa Gay Stewart L.AC.

Ms. Larissa Gay Stewart L.AC.'s Expert Contributions

My Answers

How long does acupuncture pain relief last?
Acupuncture can be very effective for relieving pain. How long the pain relief lasts really depends on what's going on that's causing the pain, how long you've been experiencing the pain and a little bit more about you as an individual and how you got into the condition that's causing pain. Most people who seek pain relief acupuncture will feel a significant shift in their pain on the first visit; however, it generally requires several consecutive visits (usually 1x/ weekly, but sometimes 2-3x/wk). I typically recommend 6-8 consecutive treatments to start, evaluated weekly to make sure we're making progress. After that time, we can determine a maintenance schedule if you are able to sustain a pain free state for 7 days. Be well, Larissa Stewart, L.Ac READ MORE
How quickly does acupuncture work?
How quickly you experience lasting relief from your neck pain depends on many factors including what's at the root of your neck pain, how long you've had the pain, what types of self-care practices you employ as well as the acupuncture methods your acupuncturist uses. Some acupuncturists who use the balance method can help you get relief in the first session, but it will take repeat treatments to repattern the body and brain for long-term pain relief. How many sessions depends on you and the nature of your pain. READ MORE
Is it normal to feel dizzy after acupuncture?
People report that they experience a variety of sensations following acupuncture. Often, there is a healing response which is the body's way of healing. While dizziness is not a typical response, if it is something in your history, it could be a healing response. There are many possibilities. It could be an indication that the treatment was too much for your body to assimilate, or perhaps that you hadn't eaten or drank enough beforehand. I would encourage you to address your questions directly to your acupuncturist so you can both evaluate the treatment performed and adjust accordingly. Be well, Larissa Stewart, LAc. READ MORE
Can acupuncture ease the pain of a broken heart?
Yes. Acupuncture can help to settle the emotions and allow the process of grieving a loss to happen with more ease. I have found it to be immensely helpful in my own personal experience healing the heart from emotional traumas no matter how big or small. I would recommend looking for an acupuncturist who is trained in five element acupuncture rather than a practitioner of TCM, traditional Chinese medicine. I find they have a better understanding of the emotions and how they affect the overall wellbeing of an individual. They will have a more compassionate approach. Be well, Larissa Stewart, LAC. READ MORE
Does acupuncture help with depression?
Yes. Acupuncture can help to settle the mind and spirit which often get uprooted when there's emotional upset due to things like divorce. Acupuncture also helps to smooth out energetic patterns of disharmony in the body that can contribute to or be at the root of depression. Patients report feeling a greater sense of well being and being more at peace with their life after acupuncture, even though their life circumstances have not changed. Be well, Larissa Stewart, LAC READ MORE
Can my rash be from acupuncture?
The needles I use are stainless steel, and it's not typical for someone to have an allergic reaction to them. That said, if you are allergic to nickel, it's possible that you may have reacted to the nickel in the stainless. Other needles are an option, but I don't currently have those needles in stock. READ MORE
Is it normal to feel lethargic after my session?
Often, acupuncture can bring present the true state of energy in the body. So, if you have been burning the candle at both ends or under a lot of stress, the body may be signaling that you need to get a good night's rest. Also, it has been my own personal experience that a strong acupuncture treatment may induce a feeling of tiredness while the body is trying to integrate the changes induced by the acupuncture. Be well, Larissa Stewart, LAc READ MORE
Can acupuncture help in treating lower back pain?
Yes, acupuncture is very effective at providing relief from low back pain. It can also help you manage the stress that you're experiencing at work. Many people who have regular acupuncture report that it helps them relax, sleep better, feel more balanced, and have a greater sense of well-being. READ MORE