East Meets Southwest Florida

First-hand experience with acupuncture’s health benefits changed Barbara Barrocas’ life, both physically and professionally. 

The story begins almost 30 years ago when she was a massage therapist for a chiropractor who also offered acupuncture. That ancient Asian therapeutic medical technique came into play when Barrocas started developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Two chiropractic treatments later and her symptoms had disappeared. 

“Then I went to another acupuncturist who treated me for digestive issues,” said Barrocas. “I had gone to several doctors and had different tests to see what was happening with my digestive system, and they couldn't figure it out. And then I saw her (the acupuncturist) for, like a couple, of sessions. I also had herbs and it all made a world of difference. I was just amazed by it and I decided to make it a career.”

With that, she began transitioning from patient to passionate practitioner.

Today, the Miami native is a Licensed Acupuncture Physician who recently began utilizing her more than two decades’ experience in the healing arts to treat patients at Renew Wellness Center at Skin Renewal Systems Salon and Spa on Marco Island. She specializes in pain management, anxiety and depression, fertility and other chronic conditions.

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicinal system that involves the insertion of thin, hair-like needles in specific points on the body to alleviate pain and treat various physical, mental and emotional issues. The system essentially enhances the body’s natural healing abilities to achieve wellness.

“It is effectively used for pain management, anxiety and stress as well as chronic auto-immune conditions,” explained Barrocas. “Many times, a patient will come in with some form of pain or a digestive issue and then report having relief from other ailments such as insomnia or anxiety. It’s excellent for overall health and well-being.”

Now practiced widely in the West, the original Chinese method is joined by Japanese and Korean varieties, along with Five Element Acupuncture, Electro-acupuncture, Auricular Acupuncture, Scalp Acupuncture, Acupressure, among others. 

Acupuncture may be associated with discomfort in the minds of those who are unfamiliar with the treatments. The result may be a reluctance to give them a try. 

“Patients will sometimes come see me as a last resort,” said the Naples resident. “They have been prescribed opioids, medications, and surgery which have not been able to alleviate their symptoms. That’s when they finally decide to come in for acupuncture treatments. The patients end up saying, ‘Oh, I should have come to you from the beginning.’”

Barrocas blends Traditional Chinese Medicine, nutritional counseling, and Transpersonal Life Coaching; engaging the mind, body and spirit to achieve balance and wellness in all aspects of life, while providing knowledge that will allow them to participate in their own healing process.

Before coming to Spa Renew in August, she operated her own practice in Miami for two decades. Prior to that, she became a Diplomate in Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2002 from Miami’s Chinese Medicine Institute. Following a two-year training program, she obtained a certification in Transpersonal Life Coaching in 2017.

In 2020, Barrocas received training from Germany in NeuroTango, a holistic therapy that uses simple steps and music from Argentine Tango to treat neurological conditions. 

“It has been effectively used to help disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and stroke recovery by improving balance and creating more fluid movements, meanwhile increasing the patient’s confidence when walking and improving their mood and overall well-being” said Barrocas. 

She’s also an expert lecturer for University of Miami and a member of Acupuncturists Without Borders.

The experiences that led to acupuncture treatments and a career in the field inform her appreciation for being able to help enhance the well-being of others. 

“I've had my own health challenges, which makes it very rewarding and fulfilling to be able to connect with another person who is experiencing something similar, and say to them, ‘I know how you are feeling and this will get better,’” said Barrocas. “It’s a beautiful thing to be a part of their healing journey.”

Spa Renew at Skin Renewal Systems Salon and Spa is located at 1000 N. Collier Blvd. in the Heritage Square plaza. For more information about Barbara Barrocas, Spa Renew and to make appointments, please visit skinrenewalmarco.com/ or call 239-394-1083.