Medical Acupuncture
How Acupuncture Works
Acupuncture is a traditional form of medicine that is over 3000 year old. It involves strategic placement of fine needles in anatomical locations that ultimately affect the body's fascial system, circulation, and oxygenation. Dr. Forbes has found that knowledge drawn from traditional Chinese medicine teachings can help provide a more holistic view of many different diseases. Acupuncture treatment can be another way to address disease without medication, or when medications fail/have unwanted side effects.
Acupuncture treatment is recommended after Dr. Forbes has done a full initial evaluation, including review of your medical history and a physical and dental exam. Any lab tests and imaging will be reviewed or ordered if necessary. These initial appointments are usually about 2 hours long, with the goal of finding a pattern or root-cause diagnosis that shapes your acupuncture treatment plan.
Patients try acupuncture for many reasons, including back and neck pain, headaches, joint discomfort, digestive concerns, stress, and trouble sleeping. It can be used on its own or alongside conventional care, and it is often a helpful option for people who would like a gentler approach before or together with medication.
Here in Phoenix, many patients appreciate having one physician who can bring both perspectives into the same visit. Dr. Forbes can order labs, review medications, and consider the full medical picture while also using acupuncture as part of the treatment, so nothing is happening in isolation.
Booking and What to Expect
You can book acupuncture on its own or fold it into a primary care visit, whichever fits your schedule better. Patients of every age are treated here, children included.
Most people are surprised by how little they feel. The needles are very fine, and many patients find the session itself deeply restful. Treatment usually means a series rather than one visit, and Dr. Forbes will give you a realistic sense of that at your first appointment.
At your first visit, Dr. Forbes will review your history, ask what you are hoping to address, and perform an exam before treatment begins. Once the needles are placed, they stay in for a period of rest while you relax in a quiet room.
Some people notice changes after the first session, while others find that improvement builds more gradually. Mild soreness or a small bruise at a needle site can happen but usually resolves quickly. As you continue, Dr. Forbes will track how you are responding and adjust the points and frequency of treatment to fit your progress.
Acupuncture gives Dr. Forbes another tool to reach for before turning to a prescription.
