My Background

I am a graduate of Tri-State College of Acupuncture (TSCA) in New York City, where I successfully completed a three-year clinical Master's Degree in Acupuncture.  I have over 3,000 hours of clinical training in traditional Chinese Acupuncture, as well as Acupuncture Physical Medicine, which integrates classical acupuncture with modern myofascial trigger point therapies. While at TSCA, I was also honored to study Japanese acupuncture under Kiiko Matsumoto, and Motor Point Acupuncture with Matt Callison.

I hold a Diplomate in Acupuncture from the NCCAOM, earning my national board certification in 2007, and I currently hold a state license to practice acupuncture in Pennsylvania. I am a member in good standing of the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AAAOM) as well as the Association for Professional Acupuncture (APA).

Before setting up my practice in Pittsburgh, I was in private practice in New York, and over the last few years I have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work in community clinics in New York City and Beijing, China.  These clinics afforded me a chance to work with a wide patient population, including patients with complex issues such as fibromyalgia, severe pain conditions, autoimmune disorders, and addiction recovery.  In 2005, I was certified by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA), and in 2006, I studied in Beijing, China as part of a World Health Organization (WHO) sponsored program at the Beijing Traditional Medicine Training Center of WFAS.  During my time in Beijing, I completed a portion of my practical training in the acupuncture wards of two community hospitals. 

I've been affiliated with the Neuropsychiatry Center in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania since 2008.  There I have an opportunity to work closely with doctors and nurse practitioners to provide complimentary acupuncture treatments for patients suffering from chronic pain, head injuries and emotional disorders. Since 2009, I have been providing acupuncture services through the Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's Shadyside Campus. 

My clinical experiences continually inspire me to futher my studies.  My current special interest areas and ongoing studies include motor point acupuncture, scalp acupuncture and Zero Balancing™. 

Prior to joining the acupuncture community, I earned my undergraduate degree at the Pennsylvania State University, majoring in Communications and Media Studies.  My previous work experience includes over 12 years in marketing positions for both corporations and non-profit organizations. 

Tricia Smith, M.S., L.Ac. 
NCCAOM Board-Certified
Acupuncturist

Specializing in acupuncture for the treatment of pain related to injury, structural imbalance or myofascial constriction:

• Facial Pain (TMJ or Trigeminal Neuralgia)
• Neck/Upper Back Pain
• Middle/Lower Back Pain
• Limb/Joint Pain
• Sports Injuries
• Tendonitis/Tennis Elbow
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Headache/Migraines

Other Conditions Treated:

• Insomnia
• Anxiety/Stress/PTSD
• Depression
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Vertigo/Dizziness
• Tinnitus  (Ringing in the ears)
• Sinusitis/Allergies
• Cough/Asthma
• Shingles Pain
  
• Psoriasis/Eczema 
  
• Acne
• Hypertension
• Addiction Recovery
• Hormonal Imbalances
  
• Stroke Recovery
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Bell's Palsy
• Reflux Esophigitis (GERD)
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Gastritis
• Colitis/Hemorrhoids
• Urogenital Conditions
• Gynecological Conditions
• Fertility Support
• Pelvic Pain
• Edema (Excess Fluid Retention)