James A. Lugo, DAOM, MPH, L.Ac., CPH
About Dr. Lugo
James A. Lugo is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM), Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.), East Asian Medical Practitioner (EAMP), Nationally Board Certified Diplomate in Acupuncture (NCCAOM) and Advanced CranioSacral Therapist with over twenty years of clinical experience as well as Board Certification in Public Health and professional training in public health, disaster management and humanitarian relief.
Dr. Lugo is dedicated to bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary forms of medicine to deliver effective, socially inclusive and sustainable integrative health care, whether in a traditional clinic setting or in the field when disaster strikes.
Dr. Lugo is one of a small number of practitioners in the United States with a Clinical Doctorate in Oriental Medicine. In addition to his doctoral studies, which specialized in geriatric diseases and women's health, he also completed original research and developed a promising, acupuncture-based treatment protocol for the neurodegenerative disease called Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. ALS made national and global headlines back in 2014 due to the ice bucket challenge, which raised hundreds of millions globally for ALS research.
Choosing to focus his doctoral research on ALS was personal for Dr. Lugo, after learning that one of his Navy brothers was battling this horrible disease. Of note, Veterans are diagnosed with ALS more than any other demographic. Exposure to chemicals while serving in the military, which is unfortunately all too common, is believed to be a contributing factor. Gulf War Veterans are more likely to develop ALS than other Veterans.
Completion of post graduate training and nearly 2 decades or clinical practice in Toyohari, a refined system of Japanese Meridian Therapy and a dynamic part of Traditional East Asian Medicine, further sets Dr. Lugo apart from the majority of acupuncturists in the United States. Toyohari is different from most other forms of acupuncture in that it uses gentle, often non-insertion, needling techniques as well as a host of specialized treatment methods unique to Toyohari. An emphasis on the use of pulse diagnosis and palpation skills, developed and refined over time, as well as the ability to effectively treat children, seniors and those who may be needle phobic, often with remarkable results, is why Toyohari is such a vital part of Dr. Lugo's practice.
Dr. Lugo first completed a year long basic training in Toyohari and a few years later, an advanced program, which focused on original research as well as advanced skill acquisition. However, the training and practice never ends as regional, national, as well as international trainings in Japan, continue to bring new perspectives to ancient techniques. This is the chosen path followed by Toyohari practitioners, an ongoing journey to refine one's techniques, similar to how dedicated martial artists continue to refine their skills. This is no coincidence, as many Toyohari Sensei are also highly skilled masters of martial arts who incorporate bushido into their lessons with a focus on breathwork, posture and a calmness of mind.
Beyond Acupuncture and Oriental medicine, Dr. Lugo has completed extensive training in the integrative manual therapies of CranioSacral Therapy (CST) and Visceral Manipulation (VM). In fact, Dr. Lugo was trained directly by the world renowned and highly respected osteopathic physician, Dr. John E. Upledger, DO, the creator of CranioSacral Therapy. CST is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the CranioSacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.
Using a soft touch, generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the CranioSacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system. By complementing the body's natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction.
Always looking to advance his knowledge and gain new skills, Dr. Lugo completed a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree with a concentration in Global Disaster Management and Humanitarian Relief. This is the only MPH program of its kind and is part of the Global Health department at the University of South Florida, Tampa, FL. This two-year MPH program culminated in original research on the use of Traditional Medicine in Appalachia.
In addition to completing the MPH degree, Dr. Lugo earned Board Certification in Public Health (CPH) by the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE). According to the NBPHE, "The Certified in Public Health (CPH) credential distinguishes public health professionals at the cutting edge of an ever-evolving field. The credential – the only one of its kind for public health – demonstrates knowledge of key public health sciences, but also a commitment to the field through continuing education focused on emerging and established public health issues."
Dr. Lugo also completed graduate certificates in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance and has researched the role of acupuncture and other Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapies in the treatment of relief worker and first responder stress and fatigue. The goal of this research is to assist in the effective integration of CAM therapies during and after disasters.
Dr. Lugo has served his community and country his entire life. First, as a sailor in the US Navy during the early 1990s and now, a US Navy Veteran, he continues to serve as a volunteer with the Pinellas County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), American Red Cross, and Pinellas County Emergency Management. To further enhance his experience working with first responders and emergency management personnel, Dr. Lugo has completed advanced coursework with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The desire to serve his community and country continues into his clinical practice, where he is honored to serve his patients.
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