Absolute Integrated Medicine (AIM) in Vero Beach was founded in 2002 by Jill Jaynes, Acupuncture Physician and Doctor of Oriental Medicine (AP, DOM). Since then, four additional board certified and licensed doctors of oriental medicine have joined the staff, and treatment modalities and clinic hours have increased. In 2013, AIM expanded to include a community acupuncture clinic, which remains the first and only one of its kind in Indian River County.

Acupuncture has become a mainstream treatment modality in the U.S., and many times has the benefit of insurance coverage yet, some people do not realize that it is a diverse and effective treatment for many health issues. Acupuncture can be used as a preventative to illness and to improve the overall functioning of the body’s immune and organ systems. It is also extremely effective for illnesses, injuries, pain, allergies, anxiety and insomnia, along with issues related to pregnancy, stroke, addiction and more.

The actual process is based on more than 3,000 years of successful treatment experience in China. It involves insertion of very fine needles at specific points, which stimulates the movement of energy or qi (pronounced “chi”) within the body and allows natural healing to take place.

“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 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.”

Options for receiving acupuncture at AIM is what makes the practice unique. There are private appointments and a community acupuncture space, so that anyone, regardless of income or insurance coverage, can have access to the healing modality of acupuncture. Both treatment settings offer the same treatment, including a thorough intake, consultation and the highest quality care from a licensed and certified acupuncture physician and doctor of Oriental medicine.

The community acupuncture space is a walk-in clinic, no appointment necessary, with a lower cost flat fee of $30 per treatment. The only difference is that instead of a private room, the patient is in a larger room with other patients, yet the space is tranquil and soothing.

It was Jaynes’ original vision to provide the healing benefits of acupuncture and Chinese medicine in an accessible and affordable way. “This vision became a reality and has been a resounding success within the community,” adds Jaynes.

In addition to Jaynes, the team at AIM includes four other AP, DOM: Alexis Edwards, Tammy Anderson, Rick Jahn and Monica Gfrorer. The acupuncture physicians at AIM have substantial combined experience, certifications and passions, which results in a diversity that meshes together to enhance the team’s ability to help all patients live healthier, happier lives. 

For instance, Jaynes, is certified in the Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Technique (NAET), which is a highly successful treatment for chronic allergies that helps to uncover and heal allergies that may be caused by physical, mental or emotional trauma. She is also trained in Chinese facial diagnosis and scalp acupuncture, which is an extremely effective treatment for traumatic brain injury and stroke.

Edwards practices acupuncture, traditional Oriental medicine, Body Type Diagnosis, non-needle cold laser acupuncture, cupping and herbology. “My two children are the reason I integrated non-needle laser acupuncture into my practice — it’s great for treating children,” says Edwards. She also specializes in treating patients for fertility and pre and post pregnancy. Edwards utilizes Body Talk in her practice, a unique and effective treatment for all issues affecting health and well-being.

Anderson believes in empowering her patients to take charge of their own health for optimal well-being. “Using an integrated treatment approach allows the body to slow down and relax thus allowing healing to occur on many levels; physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual,” states Anderson. She has a resounding success treating patients with Standard Process whole food supplements. She is also trained in Body Type Diagnosis and Chinese facial diagnosis.

Jahn joined AIM to work specifically in the Community Acupuncture Clinic and has since expanded his work with private patients. Jahn has worked in western medicine hospitals as well as alternative medical clinics in China and New Zealand. He enjoys “helping patients to better understand their health as well as how acupuncture can be utilized to treat everything from metabolic and digestive disorders to weight loss, stress and pain.”

Gfrorer joined AIM’s practice in August and is the team’s newest acupuncture physician, assisting with the Community Acupuncture Clinic. “In 2014, I had my first treatment in a community acupuncture setting in Orlando and fell in love with the experience,” states Gfrorer, who decided to relocate to Vero Beach and join AIM’s ever-growing practice. In addition to acupuncture, she uses herbs, auricular therapy, cupping and homeopathy for her patients.

No matter which AP is seen at AIM, all patients receive an initial consultation and can be assured that the treatment plan will be specifically tailored to his or her needs. All practitioners at AIM have a common goal to empower patients to become healthy and whole on all levels, utilizing acupuncture treatments, nutrition and diet, herbal and whole food supplements, homeopathy, NAET and unique diagnostic systems. Follow-up consultations also include evaluation and diagnostics in order to monitor progress and ensure appropriate treatment at each visit. In these ways, Absolute Integrated Medicine truly lives up to its name — offering integrated treatments that go well beyond acupuncture.

AIM patients receive treatments in a tranquil environment, 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 doctors at AIM, patients get on the path of regaining optimal health and overall well-being.

Absolute Integrated Medicine, 1575 Indian River Blvd, Ste C-130 & 136, Vero Beach. 772-770-6184. AcupunctureVeroBeach.com. Open for private appointments Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Community Acupuncture hours are Monday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.