Board Certification & Licensure
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State of Tennessee | Acupuncture License (L.Ac)
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National Certification Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) | Diplomate of Oriental Medicine (Dip. O.M.)
SAAT (Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment) | Certified Practitioner
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Holistic Practitioner for the Treatment of Lyme Disease and Tick-Borne Illnesses | Certified Practitioner
Acupuncture Detox Specialist (ABS) | Certified Practitioner
American Organization for Bodywork Therapy of Asia (AOBTA) | Certified Practitioner (ABT-CP) - Inactive
Clinical Neuroscience in Pain Management | Candidate
I am a state licensed in acupuncture and board-certified in acupuncture and Oriental Medicine by The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture (NCCAOM). Previously, I attained my Master’s and Doctorate of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM) degrees at AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine in Austin, Texas. After completing my master’s degree, I pursued the intensive doctoral program to further enhance my clinical training on the care and management of patients with pain and associated psychosocial phenomena. In addition, I am a certified Chinese Manual Bodywork (Tuina) Therapist, Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist, Holistic Treatment of Lyme Disease/Tick-Borne Illnesses and in the Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment (SAAT) for allergies.
I received comprehensive clinical training as an acupuncturist, herbalist, cupping and tuina (bodywork) practitioner at the AOMA Health Clinic and went on to provide acupuncture at various community health centers for the medically underserved, as well as a pain management clinic and a rehabilitation center for addiction. I also completed the intensive externship program at TrueNorth Health Center in Santa Rosa, California, receiving hands-on training and learning how to safely and effectively apply nutritional medicine, including water-only fasting, in an integrative medical setting. In addition, I have volunteered my acupuncture services to provide relief to communities affected by natural disasters, military veterans, and events to help with smoke and alcohol addiction.
After my doctorate program, I joined Vitality Integrative and Functional Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee, where I worked and collaborated with Sommer White, MD, to help patients with autoimmune and digestive conditions. I have also worked with renowned acupuncturist and Western-trained medical doctor Xiao Mei Zhao, MD, OMD at Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. While working with Dr. Zhao, I learned male and female infertility treatments, and manage pain disorders and other complex health conditions.
"The part can never be well unless the whole is well." -Plato
About Dr. Joe Phiakhamta, DAOM
What is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM)?
A Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM) is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in the use of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and other modalities of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to diagnose and treat a wide range of health conditions. The DAOM program is a post-graduate program that typically takes 2-3 years to complete. It focuses on advanced clinical practice, research in TCM, teaching, and deepening the knowledge and skills in the field.
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The program covers advanced topics in the fields of acupuncture and Oriental medicine, including clinical diagnosis, herbology, and acupuncture treatment methods. Graduates of the DAOM program are trained to diagnose and treat complex health conditions taking into consideration the person's physical, emotional, and mental well-being. DAOMs also have a thorough understanding of TCM theory, acupuncture points and meridians, herbal medicine, nutrition and other modalities, such as moxibustion, cupping, and tui na massage.
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In the United States, DAOM programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). In addition to the ACAOM accreditation, the AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine is the only acupuncture school to be regionally accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS).
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The DAOM degree is considered to be the highest level of education in the field of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and is often required for those seeking to advance their careers as acupuncturists or to become leaders in the field.
My Journey into Acupuncture and My Beliefs on Health and Healing
My journey into Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) began in the winter of 2009 when I was struggling with a persistent viral infection. Despite following my primary care physician’s prescribed medications and taking over-the-counter treatments, nothing seemed to help. Frustrated with the lack of progress, I sought out another physician who was certified in medical acupuncture. To my surprise, after one acupuncture session, my illness completely resolved. This remarkable experience piqued my curiosity, leading me to delve deeper into the world of acupuncture. Through my research, I discovered TCM and was captivated by its holistic approach to healing, which ultimately led me to pursue it as a career.
My decision to pursue TCM was driven by my belief in the importance of balance in health-both internally and externally. I view health as a dynamic state of balance encompassing not only the physical body but also the mind, spirit, lifestyle, and diet. As a healthcare practitioner, I work closely with my patients, dedicating the time necessary to thoroughly understand their unique medical needs and concerns. I believe that personal interaction is key to allowing patients to share their full health picture, including their emotional, mental, and physical states.
In my practice, I strive to provide effective, natural modalities tailored to each individual, using a variety of treatment strategies to help them achieve optimum health. My goal is to offer the highest standard of care by ensuring longer, in-depth office visits and minimal wait times for appointments. I also emphasize education and personal health coaching, empowering my patients to take an active role in their own health journey. I believe that by guiding and motivating my patients, they can not only achieve wellness but also sustain it through their own efforts.
Throughout my training and career, I’ve been blessed with the support of my family, friends, and mentors. Their encouragement has made this path even more fulfilling, allowing me to combine my passion for helping others with the deep knowledge and wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine.