What is patient-centered care?

Patient-centered care means that, as the patient, your well-being is primary in your care and the health and lifestyle outcomes you want. Your care becomes a partnership that is coordinated between you and your health care provider. The healing-arts professionals and acupuncturists at San Luis Obispo's Intuitive Acupuncture believe that patient-centered care is a core component of their integrative approach to healing and well-being.

Patient-centered care creates an environment for you and your provider to form a partnership based on trust, respect, and knowledge. Your circumstances are honored as unique. Rarely do two people express the same condition the same way, because how each handles pain and illness is often filtered through emotional and spiritual expectations. In patient-centered care:

• You are heard and respected.

• Your questions are answered.

• The provider is knowledgeable, informs you about available health care options, makes recommendations based on your unique situation, and respects your decisions.

• You are encouraged to participate in your care, communicate the effectiveness of treatments, and consider different treatments if needed.

• You are encouraged to discuss your care plan with your family and include them in your care.

An integrated approach is key

Everyone responds differently to treatments. What works for one may not work for another, and what isn't working for you now may be more effective at a different time. When a provider has a variety of approaches available and one isn't delivering the desired results, another can be recommended. In patient-centered care, a change in treatment is a discussion in which you are fully informed about the options, why one may be preferred for your care, and any side effects you may experience.

The staff at San Luis Obispo's Intuitive Acupuncture offers a range of highly effective options. A principle of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is that the entire being is affected when one part is injured or diseased. An integrated, holistic approach respects that you are a single, integrated being whose needs are unique.

Your experiences are unique

Your thoughts and reactions to the treatments are important — and so is your intuitive sense of your own healing and well-being. In a patient-centered practice, your provider encourages you to be open about your thoughts and feelings.

Information like the following can help fine-tune your healing journey:

• What were your experiences since your last appointment?

• What were your expectations for the last appointment?

• What did you notice to be different after your last appointment?

• What would you like to address at this appointment?

Don't be shy about speaking up during an appointment. Sometimes a reaction, even a good one, is forgotten by the end of the session, so some dialogue along the way is helpful.

Client-centered care at Intuitive Acupuncture

Intuitive Acupuncture has been serving San Luis Obispo and the entire Central Coast since 2013. Education, skills, and professional and life experiences led Jonathan to a career as a licensed acupuncturist, and Traditional Chinese Medicine is the foundation for excellent care, well-being, and improved health for our patients.

The range of healing services offered includes acupuncture, electroacupuncture and orthopedic acupuncture, cupping, herbal therapy, Tuina/acupressure, Gua Sha, and moxibustion. Massage therapy and nutritional counseling are also available. These services can help you recover from a wide range of conditions such as:

• Gastrointestinal issues.

• Stress and anxiety.

• Women's health issues.

• Men's health issues.

• Allergies and asthma.

• Addictions, including smoking.