At Harmony + Health Acupuncture Phoenix, we go way beyond symptom management to address the root of your health problems. The only way we can do that is to understand the big picture.
Our goal is to get to the root of your health problem(s), and in order to do that, we need to know all about you. This is why it is so important that you are honest and thorough in filling out your new-patient paperwork and answering all of our questions at your first appointment.
Eastern medicine doctors have been diagnosing patients for thousands of years, long before the advent of modern medical technology—and we start with good old-fashioned careful observation. We also use some special methods of examination. We’ll start by carefully evaluating your pulse. We may ask you to stick out your tongue so we can evaluate its size, color, and coating. If you have pain, we will use our hands to feel the quality of your muscles and will evaluate the circulatory function in different parts of your body. By the time we finish the exam, we will have formed a comprehensive understanding of why you are in pain or sick, and we will develop a plan to improve your condition.
If we honestly believe we cannot help you, we will tell you, right upfront. We will not waste your money or our time unless our clinical experience leads us to believe you are a good candidate for the therapies we offer. It is impossible to know for sure who will be helped by acupuncture (or any medical treatment, for that matter), but with many years of training and experience, we will make an educated prediction. Within the first two weeks of treatment, we will be able to recommend a plan of action. This will include the number of acupuncture visits as well as the frequency of treatment. We will tell you if we think you would benefit from herbal medicine, dietary changes, bodywork, and/or lifestyle changes.
After the assessments are complete, it’s time to get this show on the road. You will be asked to get comfortable on a massage table or in a recliner chair. In most cases, there is no need to remove clothing. After sanitizing our hands and cleaning your skin, we will insert between 6 and 20 sterile, single-use needles. In some cases, the needles are placed in areas that are far from the problem, but don’t worry; that’s how acupuncture works. For example, the most important points for treating headaches are in the feet and for back pain are in the hands. The insertion of the needle can feel something like a mosquito bite or small pinch. Within seconds, the sensation will dissipate, and you will feel relaxed. We guarantee that every patient will be comfortable during treatment; in fact, many people fall asleep.
Some people notice an immediate change after their first treatment, but this is not necessarily typical. Often, especially with chronic or severe problems, it takes several acupuncture sessions to see results. Acupuncture is kind of like eating right or exercising: you don’t do it once and expect a lasting change. The good news about acupuncture is that most people don’t have to continue with it forever. Our goal is to work ourselves out of a job as quickly as possible and send you on your way healthier and happier than when we first met.
For best results, hold up your end of the bargain. The people who get the best results from acupuncture are the ones who are willing to participate in the process. We can tell you one thing for sure: you will be disappointed if you come to Harmony + Health Acupuncture expecting to be fixed without any effort on your part. One of the most important things that you can do to increase your success is to commit to the treatment plan we recommend for you. Your treatment is your acupuncture dose, and just like Western medication, an adequate dose is critical for treatment effectiveness. We may make recommendations for changes to your diet and lifestyle, but we promise to be practical, realistic, and gentle when it comes to the changes we ask of you.
