Community Highlights: Meet Joe Phiakhamta of True Acupuncture and Wellness

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Phiakhamta.

Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey into the realm of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) was an unexpected yet transformative experience. In the winter of 2009, I found myself grappling with a persistent viral infection.

Despite using prescribed medications and over-the-counter remedies, my condition showed no signs of improvement. At that point, a friend recommended acupuncture. Although my background was in carpentry, quality assurance specialist for a medical device company, and I was also studying engineering, I was intrigued enough to give it a try. To my astonishment, I felt completely renewed after a single 40-minute session, with all my symptoms—alternating chills, fever, cough, and congestion—disappearing.

This transformative experience ignited a passion in me for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Driven by my newfound interest, I spent the next several months diving deep into the literature and research on acupuncture and TCM. Eventually, I made the life-changing decision to resign from my job, sell my possessions, and move to Austin, Texas, where I enrolled in acupuncture school. The study of TCM resonated with my holistic view of health, and I quickly became engrossed in its art, philosophy, and healing techniques.

My journey through acupuncture school was both challenging and enriching. I was fortunate to have a robust support network of family, friends, and mentors, which helped me navigate the rigors of the program. Remarkably, I completed my Master’s in 3.5 years—faster than the usual 4-5 years—and went on to pursue a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM), specializing in pain management and psycho-social phenomena. Alongside my academic pursuits, I gained critical clinical experience in diverse settings.

At AOMA Health Clinic, community health centers, and specialized facilities for pain management and addiction rehabilitation, I honed my clinical skills. A defining moment in my training came during an intensive internship at TrueNorth Health Center. There, I acquired hands-on expertise in the application of nutritional medicine, including the practice of medically supervised water-only fasting. This experience was further enriched by the opportunity to work closely with patients facing severe and complex health challenges. My collaborations with seasoned clinicians also deepened my expertise in providing holistic patient care.

Upon earning my Doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in 2016, I established True Acupuncture and Wellness. Simultaneously, I joined forces with Dr. Sommer White, MD, at Vitality Integrative and Functional Medicine. Our collaboration focused on assisting patients with autoimmune and digestive issues. In addition, I apprenticed under Dr. Xiao Mei Zhao, a highly regarded acupuncturist and medical doctor, at Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. This mentorship significantly refined my acupuncture techniques, broadened my knowledge in fertility treatments for both men and women, and enhanced my skills in managing various pain conditions and complex health disorders.

Currently, I am a licensed as an acupuncturist and am board-certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture (NCCAOM). This organization rigorously assesses the competence of its National Board-Certified Acupuncturists, evaluating their core knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for an entry-level practitioner in the field of acupuncture and Oriental medicine. Beyond that, my certifications extend to Chinese Manual Bodywork (Tuina), Acupuncture Detoxification, Holistic Practitioner for the treatment of Lyme Disease and other tick-borne illnesses, and mold detoxification. I’m also certified in Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment (SAAT), specializing in the management of alpha-gal syndrome as well as food and environmental allergies.

In my practice, I employ a multitude of TCM techniques including acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping therapy, gua sha, tuina, electro-acupuncture, auricular acupuncture, myofascial trigger and motor point release and moxibustion. Recently, I’ve expanded my team to include a specialist in female and male fertility, adolescent gynecological disorders, menstrual health, and a range of women’s hormonal conditions like PCOS, fibroids, and endometriosis.

Health philosophy and beliefs: I view health as a harmonious balance between internal and external factors, inclusive of lifestyle choices and dietary habits. As a dedicated healthcare practitioner, my approach emphasizes individualized care, giving each patient the time and attention needed to address their unique medical concerns. I’m a strong advocate for open dialogue, as I believe that effective treatment hinges on a comprehensive understanding of a patient’s physical, emotional, and mental state.

To best serve my patients, I employ a versatile range of natural healing methods, tailoring each treatment plan to the individual’s needs. My commitment to superior healthcare is reflected in the extended duration of my office visits and the minimal wait times I strive to offer. Equally important, I focus on patient education, guidance, and coaching, empowering individuals to take charge of their own well-being.

My treatment philosophy is an integrated one, accommodating both acute and chronic conditions while looking at the full spectrum of a patient’s well-being—physical, mental, and emotional.

The ultimate reward in my practice comes from patients reporting improvements in their conditions, validating the power of the healing modalities I offer at True Acupuncture and Wellness. I maintain an open line of communication to ensure that patients feel at ease discussing any questions or concerns before, during, or after their treatments.

To stay at the forefront of advancements in Traditional Chinese Medicine, I actively participate in continuing education courses. This ongoing learning includes an annual cadaver lab, specialized training in pain and allergy treatments, as well as the latest insights into Lyme disease, tick-borne illnesses, and herbal medicine.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting my journey as a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Franklin, TN has been a fulfilling yet challenging experience. While it hasn’t always been a smooth road, the hurdles I’ve faced along the way have only strengthened my determination to grow my acupuncture and herbal medicine clinic.

One of the initial struggles was establishing myself in a new area. Being a recent graduate, I had to work diligently to build a name for myself and gain the trust of the local community. The first year after acupuncture school was a pivotal time when I began to shape my vision for the practice. I created a detailed business plan, outlining the kind of practice I aspired to build, and continuously refined it as I gained more experience.

However, having a well-thought-out business plan doesn’t guarantee success on its own. It became evident that success hinged on more than just paperwork; it was about building trust with patients and making them feel better. At the start, I was proficient in the technical aspects of acupuncture, but I realized that to fully treat my patients, I needed to establish a deep rapport with them.

This led me to reevaluate my approach and refine my health philosophy. I shifted my focus to providing individualized care, ensuring that each patient received the time and attention necessary to address their unique medical concerns. I became a strong advocate for open dialogue because I understood that effective treatment relied on a comprehensive understanding of not only the physical aspects but also the emotional and mental well-being of my patients.

Over time, these changes in my approach paid off. I began to witness the positive impact of my treatments on my patients’ lives, especially those struggling with chronic pain, Lyme disease, tick-borne illnesses, allergies, anxiety, and various health conditions. The challenges I faced in the early days taught me the importance of patience, persistence, and the power of a holistic approach to healing.

Today, I’m proud to say that my clinic has grown, not just in terms of the number of patients but also in the depth of care I can provide. While the road wasn’t always smooth, the journey has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m excited to continue helping my patients achieve better health and well-being through acupuncture and herbal medicine.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine based in Franklin, TN, with a passionate commitment to holistic healing. My practice specializes in the treatment of a wide range of health conditions, with a particular focus on providing effective solutions for patients dealing with:

1. Chronic Pain Management: My expertise lies in helping individuals manage and alleviate chronic pain, offering holistic solutions that not only address the physical discomfort but also enhance their overall quality of life.

2. Lyme Disease and Tick-Borne Illnesses: My clinic has earned a reputation for proficiency in addressing complex conditions like Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. I employ a combination of acupuncture and herbal medicine to support patients in their journey to recovery.

3. Allergies, Including Alpha-Gal Allergy: Allergies, especially the challenging alpha-gal allergy, as well as food and environmental allergies, can be burdensome. My practice is known for providing specialized treatments that empower patients to effectively manage and cope with these allergies.

4. Anxiety and Mental Stress: I understand the critical role mental health plays in overall well-being. To this end, I offer acupuncture and holistic therapies that help individuals manage anxiety and mental stress, promoting emotional balance and resilience.

What truly sets my clinic apart is our unwavering commitment to individualized care and fostering open dialogue with every patient. I firmly believe that each person is unique, and their treatment plans should reflect this individuality. I invest the time to comprehensively understand not only the physical aspects of their health but also their emotional and mental well-being. This approach ensures a holistic and tailored strategy for healing.

I take immense pride in the trust I’ve cultivated with my patients over the years. Establishing strong rapport and deeply understanding their concerns lie at the core of my practice. This trust has been the driving force behind the meaningful improvements in the health and lives of those I’ve had the privilege to treat.

Now, I’m thrilled to share that our clinic has expanded to include a highly skilled female acupuncturist who brings a wealth of expertise to our team. She specializes in a range of health areas, including:

1. Female and Male Fertility: Our new team member is well-versed in fertility treatments, providing support for couples and individuals striving to start or expand their families.

2. Adolescent Gynecological Disorders and Menstrual Health: She has a strong background in addressing adolescent gynecological issues and promoting healthy menstrual cycles in young individuals.

3. Post Post-birth Control Syndrome and General Women’s Hormonal Health: Her expertise extends to helping patients navigate post-birth control syndrome and managing various women’s hormonal health conditions such as PCOS, fibroids, endometriosis, and more.

4. Migraines: If you suffer from migraines, our specialist can offer acupuncture and holistic solutions to alleviate your symptoms and improve your overall well-being.

5. Bell’s Palsy and Various Eye Disorders: Our team member is skilled in treating Bell’s Palsy and various eye disorders, promoting better eye health and recovery.

6. Gastrointestinal (GI) Disorders: She can provide effective acupuncture treatments for various GI disorders, helping patients find relief from discomfort and improve their digestive health.

This expansion reflects our unwavering commitment to offering a comprehensive range of holistic healthcare services to address a diverse array of health conditions. We understand that each patient’s needs are unique, and we are dedicated to providing personalized care that takes into account the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of their well-being. Together, our team aims to help you achieve optimal health and a better quality of life through acupuncture and herbal medicine. Your unique needs and circumstances are at the forefront of our care, and we look forward to accompanying you on your journey to wellness.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
One of my favorite childhood memories takes me back to the small town where I grew up. In that quaint setting, there weren’t many options for entertainment, so I spent the majority of my time outdoors, immersing myself in nature and engaging in various activities.

I have fond memories of playing sports, fishing, and swimming in the nearby lake. The simple pleasure of biking around the lake and feeling the wind against my face is etched in my mind. But perhaps some of the most memorable moments were spent with friends during summer days.

Playing basketball at the local park with friends brought a sense of unity and pure joy. Similarly, being part of a soccer team that traveled to different cities and states for tournaments created lasting memories of competition and teamwork.

However, if I had to pick a favorite childhood memory, it would undoubtedly be those peaceful moments spent fishing. It wasn’t just about catching fish; what I truly treasured was the calmness of those moments. I often found myself sitting under a large willow tree, surrounded by the calmness and hush of nature.

Looking back, I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was essentially practicing mindfulness meditation and engaging in self-reflection during those fishing trips. There was something profoundly soothing about it, a sense of being in the present moment. It was like hitting the reset button for my young mind, and I emerged from those moments feeling refreshed and renewed.

That initial experience with mindfulness and breath-focused exercises has had a lasting impact on me. I’m convinced that this simple practice has been instrumental in helping me handle the complexities and uncertainties that life throws my way. In a time where mental health issues are increasingly prevalent, I strongly encourage taking a few minutes for mindful breathing as a strategy that could benefit everyone. It’s a simple yet powerful tool that can help us find peace and clarity amid life’s hustle and bustle.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.trueacupuncturewellness.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjoe.taw/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drjoe.taw/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-phiakhamta-daom-l-ac-1b7530a2/