End your search for an Acupuncturist here! Dr. Joukar, who I jokingly refer to as 'cousin,' is a one-in-a-million type of man and health care professional. I have an internal fight with myself as a part of me wants to gate keep this incredible team and the other part of me wants to share Dr. Joukar's magic with everyone.
Upon my first visit, I really had no idea what to expect. I was nervous, had way too many questions, and I was a little skeptical about acupuncture and the wonders it can do for one's body, both physically and mentally.
Dr. Joukar is so KIND and has the best bed side manor I have ever experienced with a doctor in my entire life. He does not rush you, he makes you feel heard & taken care of, he consoles you in the sweetest of ways during the emotional release of energy your body is experiencing, (yes this happens), and he always finds a way to put a smile on your face when you step in to his office. I always leave happier than when I arrive and that is saying a lot when visiting a doctor, especially one who specializes in needles.
I unfortunately cannot share a comparison of Dr. Joukar to other Acupuncturists, because after I found him and started my weekly visits, my search ended there. One and done!
What to expect upon your first visit:
- Make sure to explain any pains or discomfort you may be experiencing, (back pain, neck pain, depression, issues breathing, anxiety, body swelling, acne, etc.). I would suggest taking the pamphlet Dr. Joukar offers and Email him a detailed breakdown of everything your body is experiencing using his target areas. I did this, and upon my next visit he had my email printed in my file and he was using it as a guide to target all of my troubled areas. I can tell he thoroughly went through everything because he highlighted specific areas where I described pain for his personal reference. And take it from me, it was a dense Email.
- Is it painful? Answer: not at all. 97% of the time, you do not even feel the needle. I'm not sure if this is normal because I have no previous Acupuncturist to compare to or if this is a testament to how gentle Dr. Joukar is with his patients. Sometimes he will add pressure in three areas counting 1, 2, or 3, and he will ask which areas are the most painful and in return you tell him which number you felt the most pressure. This helps him determine where he will place the needles.
- Once the needles are placed, BREATHE! - And try to stay still. Once the needles are placed, if you make sudden or big movements, you will feel a sharp cramping in the body part that you are moving. I recommend closing your eyes and listen to the music provided. If you need anything while you are in resting position, make sure to tell Dr. Joukar and he will assist you. You typically lay either face down or face up on a massage-like table with the needles in place for about 20-25 mins. Dr. Joukar will periodically check on you to make sure you're okay.
- After your resting time is up, Dr. Joukar removes the needles (100% painless) and you will start to feel the improvements of your body over time.
For me, I started to notice visible changes around 6 visits. The most noticeable being cramping/tightness in my calves and appetite suppressants. Yes - you can utilize acupuncture for weight loss.
The last thing I want to touch up on is the efficiency and kindness of the office staff. These ladies learn your name and really make you feel welcome. Scheduling is painless, and insurance authorizations are swiftly taken care of so not to disrupt your healing journey.
I cannot praise this team more. Experience it for yourself! Dr. Joukar takes LA Care for those who are on Medi-Cal.
1000/10 will recommend. read more