ACUPUNCTURE
in Sarasota, Florida
The
Center For Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine Inc of
Sarasota, Florida, is an
excellent provider of chinese medicine with more than 30 years of experience to serve our patients.
MEET Dr. Liang
Shan Liang, DOM, AP, is a doctor of Oriental medicine and a Florida-licensed acupuncture physician certified by the National Commission for Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, as well as a diplomate in acupuncture and Chinese herbology.
He received his medical training at Shandong University School of Medicine, where both conventional and traditional Chinese medicine is integrated in one of the best medical schools in China. Dr. Liang was a medical physician for seven years at Qian Fu Shan General Integrated Hospital, where both Western and Chinese medicine are practiced.
Dr. Liang has been practicing and teaching TCM in the U.S. since 1992. He specializes in treating neurological and immune deficiency disorders with complimentary medical and TCM approaches. He provides continuing education courses for acupuncturists and has given educational presentations at the University of South Florida and Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, FL. He has had personal training from Li Chun Huang, renown auricular specialist and Zhaohao Wang, M.D. author of Practical Neuromuscular Acupuncture. Dr. Liang's grasp of integrative medical approaches combined with his TCM knowledge made his practice highly successful.
He specializes in an integrated approach and works effectively with Western medical doctors. Dr. Liang has had great success in the treatment of spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, sport injuries, lower back pain, arthritis, depression, anxiety, insomnia, headaches, general pain, fibromyalgia, neck pain, frozen shoulder, allergies, peripheral neuropathy, cancer side effects and so much more. Published an article of "Treatment of Fibromyalgia with Traditional Chinese Medicine" as well as a research paper of "Significant neurological improvement in two patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis after 4 weeks of treatment with acupuncture injection point therapy using enercel" on Pub med.
His unique combination of acupuncture, point injection, homeopathy, and Chinese herbal therapy also benefits most common ailments, including cold and flu symptoms, hypertension, insulin resistance, weight loss, and skeletal, muscular, and neurological disorders.
Our philosophy is to support the integration of conventional and alternative health care in order to cultivate wellness and treat illness.
Meet Dr. CARLSON
Dr. Ashley Carlson is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture Physician, licensed through the state of Florida and certified by the National Commission for Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
Her education background started at the University of South Florida where she received her Bachelors degree in Biomedical Science. After this she attended East West College of Natural Medicine where she earned a Bachelors degree in Health Science and her Masters degree in Oriental Medicine. She is expanding her knowledge through advanced clinical training.
She has experience in treating a variety of health concerns including chronic pain, musculoskeletal pain, stress management, insomnia, digestive issues, sciatica, neuropathy, allergies, fatigue, neck and shoulder pain, women’s health, and anxiety.
Dr. Carlson is dedicated to treating the whole person, not just symptoms. During your sessions, she will take the time to listen to your concerns and create tailored treatment plans that align with your unique health goals. Helping you cultivate a balanced life.

Meet Dr. Laplante
Dr. Shawna LaPlante is an Acupuncture Physician and practitioner of Chinese Herbology, nationally certified through NCCAOM and licensed within the state of Florida. She received a Master’s of Science in Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine from East West College of Natural Medicine, and is completing her Doctorate Degree in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbalism at Yo San University.
Dr. LaPlante’s treatments extend to reproductive health, emotional healing, inflammatory conditions, digestive disorders, insomnia, anxiety, post-stroke sequelae, integumentary disorders such as eczema and acne, aches and pains including arthritis, sports injuries, chronic headaches and more.
Also, a certified reiki practitioner and yoga instructor, Dr. LaPlante’s treatments aim to rebalance and realign, with patients leaving feeling recharged and at ease in their body and mind. Helping patients find the tools and habits to improve their lifestyle and body harmony is principle in the Traditional Chinese Medicine community, Dr. LaPlante has found this monumental in her own health journey & welcomes you to begin yours with us at the Center for Acupuncture!

Meet Alayna
Alayna has been an important part of our team since 2022, bringing organization, dedication, and a warm, welcoming presence to our clinic. She helps ensure every patient feels comfortable and supported from the moment they arrive.
As our Office Manager, she oversees daily operations, coordinates scheduling, manages patient communication, and helps maintain an efficient and organized environment for both patients and staff. In addition to her administrative role, Alayna is a
Licensed Medical Aesthetician and Certified Acne Expert, with specialized training in age-management, and personalized treatment planning.
Meet KATY
Katy Funk is our Clinic Intern Director, bringing over two decades of nursing experience and a strong foundation in natural medicine through her education at East West College of Natural Medicine here in Sarasota. Her combined clinical background and integrative approach allow her to guide our interns with insight, professionalism, and consistent support. Known for her exceptional efficiency and organization, Katy ensures that both clinic operations and the intern program run smoothly each day. Her ability to anticipate needs, streamline processes, and support staff and interns with clarity, care, and clinical expertise makes her an invaluable part of our team.









