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 turned it into a powerful, yet gentle art. Within the last 400 years they incorporated improvements and named one new form “Toyohari Acupuncture” which shared many new ideas on how to diagnose and regulate energy flow for the purpose of healing.
During the same period, another distinct branch of acupuncture arose—Shonishin. Shonishin is a non-invasive method of acupuncture which was developed with a gentleness in mind specific to the needs of children. Special instruments were developed to gently brush, press, tap, or rub reflex zones and meridian pathways on the torso and the extremities.
In less than 20 years, “Doc” Blackstone has incorporated methods into his practice that distinguish him from nearly all practitioners around the world.
The masterful physician uses a teishin (specialized non-insertive acupuncture tool) where an acupuncture needle would typically be called for. When therapy requires a more substantial tool for deep muscle and tendon reformation, Blackstone uses a ceramic soup spoon to dexterously perform complex manipulations without damaging the skin.
This unique skill has prevented surgery in countless patients who were diagnosed with knee and shoulder problems. Most practitioners have a level of skill limited to use of such a tool to perform gua sha using only surface level scraping movements.
For over 35 years, Doc Blackstone has mastered the ancient Japanese art of needle-free acupuncture—delivering superior therapeutic results without a single needle touching your skin. If fear of needles has kept you from experiencing acupuncture’s proven healing benefits, your solution is here!
✓ Chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain
✓ Arthritis and joint pain
✓ Fibromyalgia
✓ Headaches and migraines
✓ Sports injuries
✓ Post-surgical pain
✓ Neuropathy
✓ Knee surgery candidates
✓ Shoulder surgery (rotator cuff, impingement)
✓ Back surgery (herniated discs, spinal issues)
✓ Carpal tunnel syndrome
✓ Other orthopedic conditions
✓ Fertility support (natural and IVF)
✓ Menstrual irregularities
✓ Menopause symptoms
✓ PCOS and endometriosis
✓ Pregnancy support
✓ Anxiety and depression
✓ Insomnia and sleep disorders
✓ PTSD and trauma
✓ Stress management
✓ ADHD symptoms
✓ Diabetes
✓ Hashimoto’s disease
✓ Migraines
✓ Lyme disease
✓ Coronary artery disease
✓ Idiopathic diseases (unknown origin)
Services you won’t find everywhere else:
Are you tired from temporary relief from medications? Frustrated by physical therapy? Desperate to avoid surgery? You deserve immediate relief.
After examination, Doc will make permanent anatomic corrections to injured or damaged areas circumventing the need for surgery.
Doc identifies areas of physical pain and disease caused by depression, anxiety, emotional trauma and addresses the root cause.
Pediatric Tui Na is a specialized branch of TCM meticulously designed for the treatment of children – without the use of acupuncture needles.
Competitive athletes demand more from their bodies- and from their treatment. Doc applies advanced techniques that dramatically accelerate recovery and keep you performing at your peak.
Sometimes energy work is the key to accessing deep healing. Doc Blackstone is a master of Chinese Medical Qigong trained to activate your body’s healing abilities.
Toyohari represents the pinnacle of acupuncture evolution. Japanese practitioners didn’t simply adopt Chinese acupuncture—they refined it over 400 years into an elegant, precise system that achieves profound results with minimal intervention.
Tuina is a traditional Chinese massage therapy that focuses on manipulating the body’s muscles, joints, and energy pathways (meridians).
Tapping: Gentle percussion along meridian pathways
Stroking: Smooth movements to regulate Qi flow
Pressing: Sustained pressure on key points
Rubbing: Friction techniques for specific reflex zones
Pediatric tuina was specially designed centuries ago for children, Doc Blackstone has had the unique privilege of studying pediatric tuina under the tutelage of the distinguished Dr. Yongxin Fan (China).
Doc Blackstone has at his disposal a selection of the very finest herbal products superior in safety and efficacy- herbs for every condition.
Learn more about premium Chinese herbal products >
Doc Blackstone’s healing sanctuary is nestled within the historic Stewart Center Building at 5108 Broadway in Alamo Heights, offering a perfectly accessible location in the center of San Antonio that welcomes clients from all areas of the city.
Step into a visually inviting and calming environment designed to enhance your therapeutic experience and allow for deeper connection during treatments. The space is thoughtfully crafted to provide a haven that borders the vibrant energy of downtown while maintaining a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle just outside.
Ambiance & Comfort: The treatment rooms feature soft, variable lighting that can be adjusted to your personal comfort level, creating the perfect atmosphere for relaxation and healing. Temperature controls ensure that each session is tailored to your individual needs, allowing you to focus entirely on your wellness journey.
Sensory Experience: Light herbal aromas gently infuse the air, complementing the Chinese herbal therapy and moxibustion treatments that Doc incorporates into his practice. These subtle fragrances enhance the therapeutic environment without overwhelming the senses.
Prime Location: The Stewart Center Building, built in 1940 in the heart of Alamo Heights on Broadway, offers both historic charm and modern accessibility. Whether you’re coming from north, south, east, or west San Antonio, you’ll find this centrally located clinic easy to reach while still maintaining the intimate, neighborhood feel that Alamo Heights is known for.
Doc Blackstone’s modest Alamo Heights clinic has gained distinction among patients from all over the world, yet the space maintains its welcoming, personalized atmosphere. His acupuncture clinic is a space where ancient healing tradition meets modern comfort—a true sanctuary for those seeking needle-free acupuncture, Chinese herbal therapy, moxibustion, and holistic wellness therapies.
A blunt-tipped metal rod used to contact acupuncture points without piercing. Doc applies precise pressure and subtle movements to regulate Qi with extraordinary effectiveness.
Doc’s signature tool for deep tissue work. This specialized ceramic spoon performs complex muscular and tendon manipulations that have prevented countless surgeries—particularly knee and shoulder procedures.
The Ceramic Spoon Technique allows Doc to:
Countless patients scheduled for knee and shoulder surgery have canceled their procedures after experiencing the results of this technique.
Optimal application of needle-free acupuncture methods requires more time in direct contact with the patient than Chinese acupuncture methods. Doc Blackstone remains engaged with one person at a time. He tailors each and every therapy session to best suit the needs of the individual.
As the body resonates to a renewed level of wellness, each therapy session is modified. No two treatments are quite alike!
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 intact.
This comprehensive approach means you’re not just getting needle-free acupuncture—you’re receiving a complete healing system that addresses your condition from every relevant angle.
Doc will:
Your first treatment begins during your initial visit. You’ll experience:
Many patients notice changes during or immediately after their first session:
Acute Issues (recent injuries/illness): Often resolve in 1-3 sessions
Chronic Conditions (months to years duration): Typically require 6-12+ sessions for significant improvement, with initial weekly treatments
Surgery Prevention Cases: Variable depending on severity; many patients see dramatic improvement within 3-6 sessions
Maintenance/Prevention: Some patients continue periodic sessions to maintain results and prevent illness or injury
Important: Doc never pressures you into packages or unnecessary ongoing treatment. You decide at each visit whether to continue based on your results and needs.
Testimonials
Steven “Doc” Blackstone is a renowned practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine with over 35 years devoted to mastering the healing arts. Before enrolling at the Academy of Oriental Medicine at Austin in the mid-2000s, Doc spent 20 years in intensive study of martial arts and Chinese Medicine, building the foundation for his sophisticated understanding of Qi cultivation and energy work.
During his formal TCM training, Doc developed a deep interest in Japanese acupuncture styles, particularly after learning about the Toyohari method from colleagues who had studied at the prestigious all-blind Toyohari school in Japan. Inspired by masters like Miki Shima, Doc combined these refined Japanese techniques with his own decades of martial arts and energetic training to create the Sacred Healing Tree healing system.
Doc moved his practice from Austin to the San Antonio area in 2010, where he has continued to gain distinction for his unique approach and remarkable results. His Alamo Heights clinic now serves patients from around the world who seek his specialized expertise.
Experience the profound healing benefits of acupuncture without the fear of needles. Don’t accept “nothing can be done” when surgical prevention may be possible. You needn’t settle for symptom management when true healing is achievable.
✓ Zero needles, zero fear, maximum results
✓ 35+ years of mastery in Japanese techniques
✓ Unique ceramic spoon surgical-prevention method
✓ One-on-one exclusive attention throughout treatment
✓ Dynamic, responsive therapy tailored to your needs
✓ Sacred Healing Tree comprehensive approach
✓ Proven success with complex chronic conditions
✓ Hundreds of surgeries prevented
✓ Respected by physicians throughout San Antonio
✓ Patients traveling worldwide for his care
Doc Blackstone has attained a level of acupuncture mastery whereby needles are no longer required to achieve high level results. Methods derive from Japanese Toyohari style acupuncture techniques, Chinese Tui Na, and Chinese Medical Qigong.
Most people have never heard of it. Many acupuncturists have never heard of the needle free techniques much less been challenged with the task to master them. Doc was honing master level acupuncture skills in Chinese Medicine school swiftly adapting to his "zero needle" mindset.
There is sooo much more to it than that. Please look over the website for a greater understanding. Call Doc directly if you still have questions.