Meet Tanya Miszko: Japanese Acupuncture Expert at AO–The Space in Greenville
Meet Tanya Miszko: Rooted in Healing, Guided by Precision
At AO–The Space, we’re proud to have practitioners who don’t just treat symptoms—they treat the whole person. One of those practitioners is our incredible acupuncturist, Dr. Tanya Miszko, whose journey to Japanese acupuncture is as unique as her approach to patient care.
I sat down with Tanya to ask her questions that would help us get to know her better. Let’s jump in!
A Path from Research to Hands-On Healing
Q. Tanya, your background is so fascinating! Can you share a bit about your journey and how it led you to Acupuncture?
A. Most certainly! I have always loved helping people get and stay healthy. After getting my Doctorate in Exercise Science & Gerontology from the University of GA (Go Bulldogs!), I started doing research at the VA and Emory University in Atlanta. While I loved investigating the functional benefits of different exercise protocols, I missed working directly with people. I wanted more clinical hands-on time with clients. A friend of mine was currently in Acupuncture school and started telling me about it, and it sounded like the type of help and healing I was looking to do! So, I went back to school to study acupuncture!
Why Japanese Acupuncture?
Q. You specialize in Japanese acupuncture. How does it differ from other styles, and what drew you to it specifically?
A. Great question! The biggest difference is how we diagnose. Japanese acupuncture focuses on the hara (abdomen) and pulse to diagnose a disharmony, while Chinese acupuncture focuses on the tongue and pulse. Japanese acupuncture can utilize more adjunctivesduring a treatment (i.e. moxibustion, tui na, gwa sha, cupping, polarity, etc.), but the acupuncture points are the same. Oh, and the needles . . . Japanese style acupuncture typically uses smaller, thinner needles. Most people like that, lol.
I gravitated more towards Japanese acupuncture after a personal experience with Chinese acupuncture. Energetically, Chinese acupuncture was too much for my body and Japanese acupuncture opened everything up and let everything flow. It felt better in my body – still does.
The “Ah-Ha” Moment
Q. Was there a moment or experience that confirmed for you that this was your path?
A. The first time I was able to feel Qi (energy)! My face lit up and I was like, “Wow, this is what it’s all about!”
What to Expect in a Session
Q. What’s your process when a new client walks through the door? How do you build trust and tailor a session to their needs?
A. Even before a patient walks into my treatment room, I’ve already gone through their health intake so I’m familiar with why they’re coming to see me. I like to be prepared. I will highlight things that stand out to me so I can ask further questions. Then, we’ll talk – about anything and everything. I’m not an “all business” Acupuncturist. I like to get to my patient, not just their symptoms. I love to eat & I love dogs, so somewhere in our conversation, those two topics will come up. I’m treating the whole person so their personal life matters to me. Then, based on our talk and their main reason for seeing me, I’ll develop a treatment protocol and we’ll get started.
Q. For someone who has never tried acupuncture, how would you describe its feel and what it can do for your body and mind?
A. If someone has never had energy work before, acupuncture can make you feel a little “light”, woozy, and totally relaxed, but also energized. I know that’s contradictory, but there’s something about getting your energy flowing that allows your nervous system to relax and downregulate, while also giving you energy because your systems aren’t blocked anymore. It can be a very euphoric feeling. It’ll relax your body and your mind.
People will ask me if it hurts. No. You may feel a little prick when the needle goes in, but you may not feel anything.
A Whole-Person Approach
Q. What types of conditions or concerns do you most often help clients with?
A. Most often, patients come to me for stress-related symptoms, GI issues, sleep disorders, hormone balance, women’s health, and pain management.
Q. What’s something about Japanese acupuncture that you wish more people knew or understood?
A. I wish more people knew about Japanese acupuncture, period. Knowing that there are different types of acupuncture available empowers patients to seek the treatment and care that is right for them. And, I wish they knew that it is a gentle, yet powerful form of acupuncture.
Q. Do you incorporate any other wellness modalities or philosophies into your treatments? (Breathwork, medication, cupping, etc.)
A. I talk a lot with my patients to get to know them and their needs. Based on our conversation, I might give exercise advice (I’m also a Functional Strength Coach), recommend supplements, or recommend a resource to help with whatever they need. If they’re coming for sore muscles or aching joints, I might cup them and/or do some moxa. Sometimes they just really need someone to listen and acknowledge how they’re feeling. It all depends on what they need.
Q. What advice do you have for someone who’s curious about acupuncture, but maybe a little nervous to try it?
a. Just like trying a new vegetable (i.e., Brussels sprouts) – you never know until you try it. In all seriousness, the best way for someone to get over their hesitation is to schedule an appointment. I will show patients the needle so they can see how thin and flimsy it is. I can explain everything so they are more comfortable. And, of course, they can ask as many questions as they’d like.
Q. What do you want your clients to walk away feeling or thinking after a session with you?
A. I want them to walk away feeling better. After one treatment, I don’t expect 100% better, but I do want them to feel a difference. I want them to feel more relaxed, at peace, and grounded.
Finding Her Space at The Space
Q. How has your time at The Space shaped or enhanced your practice?
A. I started at The Space as a client and loved it so much that I wanted to share that holistic energy with my patients. So, initially, it literally provided a space. As I’ve grown there, personally and professionally, it has exposed me to different types of holistic health and self-care and to meet so many like-minded people all looking to be the best versions of themselves – inside & out. These are my people!
Q. How do you stay grounded and inspired in your wellness journey?
A. I stay grounded by my faith. In today’s world of hustle and chaos and more, more, more – my faith provides hope, peace, and keeps me focused on what truly matters. Being strong and healthy, myself, enables me to keep doing what I love, which continues to motivate me. 😊
Q. What do you find most rewarding about your work as an Acupuncturist?
A. When patients say they feel better. That’s why I do what I do!
Q. What’s one treatment, herb, or ritual you can’t live without?
A. Personally, that would be movement. Whether it’s a strength workout or walking, I just need to move my body. Professionally, helping someone feel better. Whether it’s needles, laser, or moxa, I want them to feel better when they get off my table.
Dr. Tanya working out in her 30 Minutes of Everything Studio
Beyond the Treatment Room
Q. And just for fun . . . what’s your ideal slow morning like? (Bonus points for favorite tea, music, or self-care ritual!)
A. I love slow mornings! I say I’d sleep in, which really means I’ll not get up until 7:30am (vs 5:30am). Then I will, of course, sip (I mean, gulp!) my dark roast coffee with almond milk lavender flavored creamer, read my devotionals, and journal. While drinking my 2nd cup of coffee, I’ll start making breakfast. At some point, I’ll get out of my pajamas and start to do something, LOL.
Dr. Tanya enjoying her morning coffee
The Wrap
If you’ve been searching for a gentle yet effective acupuncture treatment in Greenville, Dr. Tanya Miszko is here to help you restore balance, relieve stress, and support your overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with pain, hormonal changes, sleep issues, or simply want to feel more grounded, Tanya’s Japanese acupuncture sessions are tailored to your unique needs.
📅 Book your acupuncture appointment at AO–The Space today and take the first step toward feeling better—mind, body, and spirit.
Thanks for sticking around and getting to know our amazing team member, Tanya! Keep up with her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/30minutesofeverything/
Stay healthy, stay well, and have a beautiful day!
xoxo - Jessie
