For the purpose of devoting as much time and focus on your health goals at your appointment here are the most commonly asked questions answered in depth.
Don't see a question you have? Reach out and I will do my best to provide you with an answer - it may even be added to this Q & A!
Don't see a question you have? Reach out and I will do my best to provide you with an answer - it may even be added to this Q & A!
I fear needles, how am I supposed to receive treatment?
You aren’t the only one. Most of our first experiences with needles are abrupt, forced, and uncomfortable – your fear is understood. Most of my patients are amazed by how small the needles actually are and how often they feel very little to nothing. If you are still nervous, I recommend gentle-slow-deep breathing on the table – this helps to relax the mind and body, relaxing the muscles and skin surface to receive the acupuncture with greater ease.
I already have an acupuncturist. I heard you’re unique. Do I need to stop seeing who I am to see you? And should I stop other therapies to see if this is working for me?
You aren’t the only one. That is what people say, and I find everyone to be unique, I know you are too! You definitely do not need to stop – you can receive benefit from periodic treatments at Harmonized Health while maintaining your regular acupuncture appointments elsewhere. The unique experience at Harmonized Health nurtures, repairs, and supports the union between the mind, body, and spirit enhancing the body’s ability to heal, adjust appropriately to past and present circumstances, and respond to therapies being received allowing all parts of the body and the efforts of the practitioners you’re seeing to work together – it takes a village for many things to be possible!
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Good to note that each treatment in it length is like an initial exam – we spend a considerable amount of time to look at what’s been going on, what’s been coming to the surface, and what you’re ready to release mentally and physically to find greater presence in the now and connection to your divine spirit. Though acupuncture is a part of the session, it is only an element.
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Good to note that each treatment in it length is like an initial exam – we spend a considerable amount of time to look at what’s been going on, what’s been coming to the surface, and what you’re ready to release mentally and physically to find greater presence in the now and connection to your divine spirit. Though acupuncture is a part of the session, it is only an element.
What exactly is it you do?
I hold ceremony for individuals and groups. I provide comfortable space for people to process through the difficult things in their lives, whether old or present, that give them a challenge with being in the moment, finding joy, healing, and being a consistent positive part in their lives and the lives of others. I weave together time to share and express, custom tea to answer your body’s needs that day, and treatment which includes some combination of acupuncture with energy work, shamanic healing, cupping, guahsa, sound, and song. All is intended to help people to face what is at the surface, process what has been held, and release what is ready to pass, creating space to receive the abundance of life that is here in the present to aid in healing and live the life one feels called to explore.
How long do the results last? I hear it can be for years, the rest of one’s lifetime, or only 3 to 4 days?
This depends on where you’re at in your stages of healing. For those who receive what seems like instantaneous results, they have done the steps in investing the time in themselves, shifting and changing things in their lives such as mental habits, eating habits, adding in physical practices such as appropriate exercise and breathing techniques; others are somewhere on their journey – maybe they’ve just begun or maybe they’ve been at it for a while. With each treatment we will highlight simple practices to support the body’s current needs, often in the form of word or short phrase to assist in re-writing the story that dictates how the body receives, processes, and releases – balancing and harmonizing these three is crucial for optimal healing, experiencing, and thriving, extending relief beyond the minimum 3 to 4 days. The simple practices also aid in lessening one’s tendency to react to a re-arrival of discomfort, building a state of embrace and trust that the experience is present to teach and guide and that the body is healing in the way and order it needs to and remembering that your full mental support is needed (think of how well someone would heal if everyone told them they were doomed, would never get better, and pointed out just how awful it is and focus on every detail as often as possible with a negative tone and story – if this is you, don’t fret, this is a common theme in people’s minds; good thing is, we can do something about this!).
How often should I come?
Initially once a week for the first two weeks – then we agree on an appropriate spacing from there. Return patients after their initial 2 to 6 treatments find a frequency somewhere around once every 1 to 6 months to be most beneficial.
What is your typical patient? Age? Are there people you can’t help?
All of my patients have some sort of physical and/or emotional disharmony that brings them in, though the state of their physical and mental health and presentation and age (anywhere from months to 96 years of age) varies widely from patient to patient. Your diagnosis (a relatively static general definition and assumption of your future) is not as important to us as how your body is currently presenting itself, what it’s asking for, and what you actually need to do to improve your health and wellbeing. Those I cannot help are looking for a quick fix. I’m here to support people on their unique journey of healing and self-discovery, resulting in a patient of growing independence and self-efficiency with an overall sense of wellness and belief in their ability to heal and overcome challenges. True healing and accomplishment come from persistence, adaptability, positive thoughts, intention and action, and a team with your highest benefit in mind with you being the number one leader.
How did you become a shaman?
Shamanism has been a part of the lineage of Traditional Chinese Medicine and artifacts show their great influence from the very beginning – imparting wisdom and techniques that have been passed on to this day. It was not until the early 1900’s Chinese medicine was forced into a western medical model leaving behind the secrets to connecting, healing, and liberating the mind, body, and spirit. This aspect however was only briefly mentioned in school. I began my shaman training off campus in 2012 with a small select group of students under the guidance of one of our teachers. She introduced our group to tuning into the subtle signs and messages all around us, drumming for healing and accessing journey⁞altered states, and communication with spirit. The 12+ years that followed refined my abilities and techniques by providing other options to remedy my physical, mental, and life challenges and has forever changed the way I see, hear, feel, taste, smell, sense, and interact with the world around me. These and every new experience have and continue to shape the unique ceremonious experience I share with each of my patients.
Are you a licensed acupuncturist? Where did you go to school? How long was your education?
I am a licensed acupuncturist in the State of Michigan and certified in Oriental Medicine by our national certification body NCCAOM. After completing my undergraduate studies I went to school in Chicago, IL at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine receiving a masters in traditional oriental medicine. School was year-round for a total of 3 years and 9 months studying elements of both eastern and western medicine.
I have a group of people interested in an event and some are anxious as they don’t like to share publicly – how does that work?
They aren’t alone; this is common. Everyone is invited to share at their comfort level. For the greater part of the experience participants will be silent. For those who feel called to remain silent during the opportunities to share continue the role of holding space and anchoring the group in the present moment; oftentimes to many of these peoples’ amazement their questions are answered, they feel re-charged and energized, and realizations come to the surface. Sometimes, people who were anxious prior to the event actually end up sharing.
What is the minimum needed for an event?
10 people is the minimum – this way we’re able to bring in a variety of energies, personalities, and life experiences creating an environment that stimulates and encourages those parts within us that are stuck or afraid to come to the surface. The communal presence raises our confidence and we feel energetically supported by each other, naturally filling in gaps and deficiencies.
