Traditional Modalities, Modern Understanding
Each treatment method we use has centuries of clinical refinement behind it. We combine them based on your unique needs, creating a personalized approach to your health.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body to regulate the flow of qi (vital energy) and blood. At White Phoenix Wellness, Dr. Sanmiquel practices both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Five Element acupuncture styles, giving her a broader diagnostic and treatment framework.
Who is it for?
Acupuncture is effective for a wide range of conditions including chronic and acute pain, headaches, digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances, anxiety, insomnia, and fertility support. It's also valuable for general wellness and stress management.
What does a session feel like?
You'll lie comfortably on a treatment table while thin needles are placed at specific points. Most people feel a mild sensation at insertion, followed by deep relaxation. Needles typically remain in place for 20–30 minutes. Many patients fall asleep during treatment.
How many sessions?
For acute conditions, you may notice improvement in 3–5 sessions. Chronic conditions typically require 8–12 sessions to see meaningful change, with ongoing maintenance as needed. Treatment frequency starts at 1–2 times per week and reduces as you improve.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal medicine uses combinations of plant, mineral, and occasionally animal-based ingredients to create formulas that address your specific pattern of imbalance. Each formula is carefully tailored. We don't use one-size-fits-all supplements.
Who is it for?
Herbal medicine is particularly helpful for digestive conditions, hormonal imbalances, menstrual irregularities, fertility support, immune support, insomnia, anxiety, and chronic conditions that benefit from daily treatment between acupuncture sessions.
What does a session feel like?
After a thorough diagnosis, Dr. Sanmiquel will prescribe a custom herbal formula. Herbs may come as granules dissolved in hot water, pills, or raw herbs for decoction. She'll explain what each ingredient does and how to take your formula.
How many sessions?
Herbal formulas are typically taken daily and adjusted every 2–4 weeks based on your response. Most patients use herbs for 2–6 months depending on the condition, though some chronic conditions benefit from longer-term support.
Medical Qigong
Medical qigong is one of the five main branches of Chinese medicine. It uses gentle movements, breathwork, meditation, and practitioner-directed energy work to regulate the body's vital energy. Dr. Sanmiquel has been practicing and teaching qigong since 1998.
Who is it for?
Medical qigong is especially beneficial for patients dealing with stress, anxiety, chronic fatigue, pain conditions, and those who want to actively participate in their healing process. It's gentle enough for all ages and fitness levels.
What does a session feel like?
A session may include practitioner-applied energy work while you rest on the treatment table, as well as prescribed qigong exercises to practice at home. These exercises are simple, gentle movements coordinated with breath.
How many sessions?
Qigong is often integrated into acupuncture sessions or offered as standalone treatments. Home practice exercises are prescribed to extend the benefits between visits.
Adjunct Therapies
In addition to our primary modalities, we incorporate several traditional adjunct therapies to enhance your treatment. These time-tested techniques are often combined with acupuncture sessions based on your specific needs.
Who is it for?
Adjunct therapies are used to complement acupuncture and herbal medicine treatments. They are particularly effective for musculoskeletal pain, respiratory conditions, cold or deficiency patterns, and areas of chronic tension or stagnation.
What does a session feel like?
Depending on your treatment plan, Dr. Sanmiquel may incorporate one or more of the following into your session.
How many sessions?
These therapies are typically integrated into acupuncture sessions as needed, or offered as standalone treatments for acute conditions.
Moxibustion
Burning dried mugwort (artemisia) near or on acupuncture points to warm the body, stimulate circulation, and strengthen qi. You'll feel a pleasant warming sensation and the treatment room will have a distinctive herbal aroma. Particularly effective for conditions involving cold or deficiency, certain types of pain that worsen in cold weather, digestive weakness, fatigue, and some fertility conditions.
Cupping Therapy
Glass cups are placed on the skin to create suction, drawing blood flow to the area, releasing muscle tension, and helping move stagnation. Cups are left in place for 5–15 minutes. Circular marks may appear afterward. These are not bruises but indicate areas of stagnation, and they typically fade within 3–7 days.
Gua Sha
A smooth-edged tool is used to apply repeated strokes across lubricated skin, releasing fascial adhesions, increasing blood flow, and reducing inflammation. You may experience temporary redness that typically resolves within 2–4 days. Most patients report immediate relief of tension.
Conditions We Treat
Women's Health
- Fertility & IVF Support
- Prenatal Care
- Labor Preparation
- Postpartum Recovery
- Perimenopause & Menopause
- Hormone Balancing
- PCOS & Endometriosis
Pain & Musculoskeletal
- Chronic Low Back Pain
- Neck & Shoulder Pain
- Sciatica
- Headaches & Migraines
- Joint Pain & Arthritis
- Sports Injuries
- Post-Surgical Recovery
Mental & Emotional Health
- Anxiety & Stress
- Depression
- Insomnia
- PTSD
- Emotional Wellness
- Burnout & Fatigue
- ADHD (Adults & Children)
Digestive Health
- IBS & Bloating
- Acid Reflux
- Nausea
- Appetite Issues
- Food Sensitivities
- Chronic Constipation
Family Medicine
- Pediatric Care
- Puberty Support
- Immune Support
- Allergies & Sinusitis
- Common Cold & Flu
- General Wellness
Neurological
- Neuropathy
- Bell's Palsy
- Post-Stroke Recovery
- Tremors
- Dizziness & Vertigo
- Tinnitus