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Our Latest Blog Entry

Conceive in 2023

January 9,  2022

Want to get pregnant in 2023 but don't know where to start or just need some support along your journey?


Not everyone's pregnancy journey looks the same and with all the information out there on fertility and trying to conceive it can be confusing on what you should do or where you should even start.


There are soooo many different things that can help someone conceive, from striving for a healthy diet and lifestyle, to how much you exercise and even your sleeping habits. It's important to understand your personal cycle and balance your hormones. Our bodies are amazing and they do so many things behind the scenes we never see, but that doesn't mean that they aren't hard at work. Having someone on your healthcare team to help support you and ask questions is an extra tool in your fertility toolbox!


If you're looking for some support, just want more information or want to pick my brain about things contact me and we talk about your personal journey together!

Our Thirty Second Blog Entry

Luteal Phase 

December 7 2022

Luteal Phase (Days ~18-28) Time to Strengthen Yang & Qi


A time where progesterone rises and then falls towards the end as the uterus prepares for potential pregnancy by thickening the uterine lining. This phase starts when the egg begins its journey to the uterus. If the egg is not fertilized or doesn’t implant during this phase your body transitions to menses.


In TCM this is consider the Qi phase, like the fall phase in your body and the metal element, with an overall goal of it is to slowly prepare and slow things down as your body naturally draws back. Most people will notice they get quite stagnant right before menses and can develop symptoms of PMS like breast tenderness, digestive issues, irritability, sensitivity, cramping, etc. Everyone is different and if you have a condition like fibroids, endometriosis, painful periods, PCOS, or PMDD there may be different recommendations depending on your individual situation.


Activity – Strength

weights, Pilates, barre, yoga – be gentle as period gets closer

Consistency in daily workout until menstruation


Diet – Nourishing foods, which you can prepare beforehand.

Roasted and baked root veggies, big batch cooking, leftovers.

Complex carbs, Zinc, Vitamin B6, Magnesium, High fiber foods, slightly larger calorie intake

Protein: Chickpeas, Navy beans, Turkey, Wild-caught salmon, cod, Halibut, Flounder, Grass-fed beef

Veggies: Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celery, Cucumber, Collard greens, Mustard greens, Onions, Parsnips, Pumpkin, Radish, Squash, Potato, sweet Potato

Fruit: Apples, Dates, Raisins, Peaches, Pears

Grain: Brown Rice, Millet

Nuts and seeds: Sunflower, Sesame, Pine nuts, Walnuts


Herbs: Dandelion root, Burdock root, Red raspberry leaf, Ginger


Extras: Dark chocolate, Garlic, Spirulina, Peppermint Tea


Self-care: Clarify your needs, simplify and follow your intuition


Essential oils: Jasmine, Neroli, Rose


Sex: Evaluate any issues that arise, Chill date night, Slower sex with more foreplay


Focus on: Wrap up projects, admin tasks, organize, focus on details  

Our Thirty First Blog Entry

Ovulation Phase 

October 4, 2022

Ovulation (Days ~13-17) Time to Strengthen Yang and Regulate Qi & Blood 


A time where estrogen peaks triggering the pituitary gland to release Luteinizing Hormone and to start the process of ovulation and your fertility window. Ovulation is when a mature egg is released from one of the ovaries and moves along the fallopian tube towards the uterus.


In TCM this is consider the yang time, like the summer phase in your body and the fire element, with an overall goal of it is to build up yang energy and manifesting. Most people will notice them having more energy during this time and transition into more strenuous activity, even if they might not notice actual ovulation.


Activity – Stamina and Endurance

Strength training, HIIT, spin class, group fitness class, Pilates, bootcamps, kickboxing barre, running, floor based workouts


Diet – Nourishing foods, warm broths, and leafy greens can help you prepare and nourish the blood to make the next phase of your cycle less painful.

Lightly steamed foods, saute, stirfry

Protein: eggs, tuna, quinoa, lentils, shrimp, lamb, salmon

Veggies: leafy greens, cruciferous veggies, bell peppers, brussels sprouts, spinach, cucumber, tomatoes, berries, corn, eggplant, swish chard, asparagus, chives, scallions

Fruit: coconut, strawberries, raspberry, fig, apricot, cantaloupe, guava, persimmon

Grain: high fiber, red lentils, quinoa, amaranth

Nuts and seeds: almonds, pecans, pistachios, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, pumpkin, almond


Herbs: dandelion root, burdock root, turmeric


Extras: magnesium, vitamin C & B’s, tahini. Maca, kimchi, sauerkraut, pickled veggies, dark chocolate


Avoid: inflammatory food


Self-care: Socialize, communicate, marketing, social media, network, negotiate, have fun. 


Focus on creativity & expression - networking, pitching ideas, attending meetings, connecting with others


Sex – lots of quality time, group dates and parties, orgasmic sex, first dates

Our Thirtieth Blog Entry

Regulating Hormones With Acupuncture 

September 28, 2022

𝙃𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘽𝙤𝙙𝙮'𝙨 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙎𝙮𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙢


They are small chemical messengers that are excreted into our blood system from our endocrine glands - thyroid, ovaries, testes, adrenal.

They are then transported in our blood to other glands, organs and other parts of our body to help regulate development, physiological changes, mood and behavior.


Hormone levels can be affected by:

- Age

- Genetics

- Health History

- Medications

- Illness

- Diet

- Physical Activity

- Emotional issues

- Stress


We all have hormones like; adrenaline, insulin, melatonin, cortisol, serotonin, dopamine, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, etc

However differences in production and how they interact within various organ systems is what makes us feel and see differences.

Hormones have the ability to overall create a domino effect within body. Whether it's a positive or negative.


Symptoms of Hormone Imbalances can include:

- PMS

- Anxiety/depression

- Fatigue

- Acne

- Digestive problems

- Appetite changes

- Trouble sleeping

- Irregular cycles

- Low libido

- Feeling overwhelmed/burnt out


Acupuncture can be a positive type of treatment for hormone imbalances. Acupuncture can influence the body's natural functions and regulatory mechanisms through complex reactions within the nervous and hormonal system. 

Our Twenty Nineth Blog Entry

Regulating your period 

June 8, 2022

Regulating an irregular period isn’t a DIY activity. If you’ve noticed changes in your cycle or stop getting a period, your irregularities might be something worth bringing up to your acupuncturist, or perhaps even a reason to try acupuncture for the first time.  

Irregular period is a personal experience in that its definition can mean a few different things for different people. You might have a period that arrives every two weeks, or maybe it doesn't even show up some months. To provide a personal acupuncture experience that really targets the individuals’ concerns, acupuncturists ask a series of questions to get to know their patients' issues. For example, we may ask about the length of your cycle, the color of your blood, how heavy or light your period is, if there’s any blood clots and even about other PMS symptoms. All these things mean something to us as Chinese Medicine Clinicians.  We do an intake where we really get to know our patient and what’s going with them because Chinese Medicine can help in a variety of ways, but we need to understand what’s going on with the person in order to implement the right treatment for them specifically.  

With a female’s reproductive cycle, your hormones are shifting extensively at each phase. These are all translated in Chinese medicine models. Acupuncture helps to build Yin, Yang and Qi while regulating blood and body fluids through each phase. It normalizes blood flow which causes the period to regulate, increases egg quality and regulates the cycle. There can be many different causes behind an irregular period. 

Periods can be affected by conditions and factors like: 

  • Pregnancy  
  • Oral contraceptives  
  • PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) 
  • Perimenopause  
  • Thyroid disorders  
  • Weight changes  
  • Eating disorders  
  • Excessive exercise  
  • Stress 

Acupuncture could promote the recovery of the menstrual cycle through acupoint selection and manipulation. The implementation of acupuncture artificial cycle therapy according to the change of female menstrual cycle can achieve remarkable results. Modern studies have confirmed that stimulating relevant acupoints can regulate the function of hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis, help ovulation by promoting the development and secretion of follicles to improve the level of sex hormones, increase your serotonin level and allows your body to self-regulate.  There are various acupuncture therapy applied for patients with irregular menstruation, such as filiform needles, electroacupuncture, scalp acupuncture, and acupuncture combined with medications. For women, acupuncture can help regulate reproductive issues such as irregular menstruation. It could reduce stress, improve blood flow in the pelvic area, and thicken the endometrium to improve menstrual cycle. 

Acupuncture is a natural and effective healing modality for women’s health in every stage of life. 

Our Twenty Eighth Blog Entry 

Follicular Phase 

May 25, 2022

Follicular Phase (Days ~7-12) Time to nourish yin and blood


A time where estrogen begins to rise to help your body develop a fresh new lining after your shed. Your body also produces Follicle Stimulating Hormone which helps in developing a maturing follicle in the ovaries. This is important as a fully matured follicle will eventually release an egg during ovulation.


In TCM this is considered the yin phase, like the spring phase in your body and the wood element, with an overall goal of increasing your energy and building things up.

In this phase we want to nourish yin and blood. This means eating more nourishing foods and doing exercises and activities a little slower and quieter.


Activity – moderate exercise and restorative movements

Take part in dynamic activities – first few days' light physical activity like yoga or Pilates and then slowly begin to move into more cardio/weight/HIIT

Mild yoga, warmup yoga, stretching, outdoor activities, cardio-based workouts, running, dancing, biking, etc


Diet – continue eating nourishing foods

Raw veggies and salads, blanching and roasting, fresh, vibrant light food, fresh with a baked side dish

Steamed and sauteed veggies

Veggies: artichokes, broccoli, broccoli sprouts, carrots, lettuces, green peas, string beans, zucchini, rhubarb, parsley

Fruit: avocadoes, citrus – lemon, lime, grape, plum, pomegranate, cherry, goji berries

Grain: oats, barely, rye, wheat

Nuts and seeds: pumpkin, flax, Brazil nuts, cashews

Protein: lentils, black eyed peas, eggs, poultry, trout, shellfish


Herbs: nettle, basil – blood building herbs


Extras: nut butter, olives, pickled veggies, sauerkraut, kimchi, vinegar, vitamin E, probiotic supplements


Self-care - Focus on creative tasks, brainstorm, strategy, etc

Gardening, walks in nature, map out inspirations, create


Essential Oils - Rose geranium, rose absolute, neroli, citrus, peppermint


Sex - Try new things together – creative date night, new things in bed  

Our Twenty Seventh Blog Entry

Painful Periods 

May 18, 2022

Have you ever struggled with painful periods including insane cramps, and thought this was normal? 

Periods can suck! Some women often suffer through their menstruation, and to combat the symptoms some women do take oral contraceptives and hope for the promised (and desperately wanting) lighter flow, fewer cramps and clearer skin.


But did you ever know Acupuncture can be another safe, effective and gentle modality other than just painkillers and medications. Who knew that being pricked with a bunch of tiny needles could help regulate a woman's cycle and relieve dysmenorrhea – painful period.


Acupuncture is a technique of healing using tiny needles to stimulate specific areas of the body. It is based on the idea that illness is caused by imbalances. By correcting the imbalances through needle stimulation, the body can work to heal itself. From a Chinese Medicine perspective, it’s a therapy that balances the ‘energy’ systems of the body. From a Western perspective, it is a way of getting messages into and balancing neuro-hormonal mechanisms.


Acupuncture helps move the energy flow within a woman's body, which gets “stuck” and is thought to cause the pain we experience with every cycle. Stagnation is the main reason for menstrual cramps and PMS. Stasis is when the body’s energy and blood are stuck. Most women with stasis have mood swings, bloating and cramping with clots. Inserting acupuncture needles into strategic spots helps get the blood and energy flowing like it should regularly, alleviating many of our biggest menstrual symptoms


For dysmenorrhea acupuncture is a great preventative measure, helping while you are feeling bad but also helps prevent painful cycles. Weekly treatment is common, but once to twice a month prior to or during your period works too for 3-6 months. But women often see improvement after the first month. Some people improve and do not need further treatment. Others need ongoing or occasional maintenance by the way of monthly tune-ups around the start of your cycle.


If you’ve been struggling with heavy, painful and seemingly never-ending periods, you should give acupuncture a try. It certainly can’t hurt and just might be the self-care technique you’ve been missing to finally feel better each month and have long-term improvements. 

Our Twenty Sixth Blog Entry

Menstruation Phase

May 11, 2022

Menstruation (Days ~1-6) - Time to conserve and maintain energy


A time where progesterone and estrogen have suddenly dropped causing the lining to shed – starts your cycle


In TCM this phase is like the winter phase in your body and the water element, with an overall goal of is to lean into rest as your hormones are naturally lower, and resting to support the gentle circulation and discharge of blood and emotions . In this phase we want to move Qi and Blood.


TCM: pain free period, low PMS symptoms, blood and yin are being lost-getting acupuncture during the is phase is directed at movement of blood in the uterus to reduce pain and treat other symptoms. During this time there is a lot of transformation, you want to make sure we support the spleen. Some people can experience a buildup of fluids, important not to give into cravings of sugary, ice cream and dairy prior to menses.


Avoid cold in the uterus – extreme menstrual pain – eat warm foods, apply heat to the uterus and dress warm to help the smooth flow of blood


Avoid emotional stress as much as you can before and during the cycle as it can cause Qi to stagnate.


Activity - prioritizing rest and gentle movement

Refrain from excessive physical activity in the first few days and the move to a slow-paced activities like yin yoga, meditation, walking and napping – just listen to your body


Diet – warm, nutrient dense and easily digestible foods, nothing too heavy, blood boosting foods

Slow cookers are your BFF, leftovers are king, more proteins and fats

Soups, stews, broths

Veggies: Kale, beets, mushrooms, sea veggies – dulse, kombu, kelp, seaweed, collard and hearty greens, sweet potatoes, root veggies

Fruit: dark colored berries – cran, black, blue, concord grapes, watermelon

Grain: buckwheat and wild rice

Nuts and seeds: pumpkin, flax, chestnuts, peanuts

Protein: kidney beans, adzuki beans, duck, pork, shellfish, sardines, grass-fed red meat and liver


Herbs: red raspberry leaf, nettle leaf, turmeric


Extras: miso, himalayan salt, tamari/liquid aminos, trace minerals, drink extra water, iron rich foods, b-vitamin rich foods, omega 3 fatty acids, warm decaf teas and liquids


Avoid sugary, heavy, greasy, dairy, cold and raw foods at this time as they can impede the circulation of fluids and blood


Self care

Rest, reflect and evaluate, journal, create intentions, trust instincts


Essential Oils

Lavender, rose, chamomile, jasmine


Sex

Interest in sex may be low, focus on self-care and quality alone time  

Our Twenty Fifth Blog Entry

Acupuncture for Stress & Mental Health 

May 4, 2022

Finding ways to improve your mental health is so important and truly one of the best self-care practices you can do for yourself.

This world is a crazy and hectic place and it can easily take a toll on your emotional and mental health. More people than ever are dealing with mental health issues. Our mental health affects all areas of your life – how you think, feel, deal with situations, and take action. Without a healthy mind, it’s hard to live a healthy and fulfilling life.


Acupuncture has become a staple in complementary care. Acupuncture helps to remove blockages and restore energy flow, balancing your organs, mind, and body. One of the methods for treating anxiety is auricular acupuncture.

The basis of auricular acupuncture is the fact that the human ear is actually a microsystem and represents the rest of the anatomical body on the outer auricle portion. 


Through the stimulation of specific spots on the ear certain conditions, such as anxiety, can then be treated.

• Difficulty Sleeping – falling asleep or staying asleep, restless and unsatisfying slumber

• Muscle Tension – constant balling of the fists, flexing of muscles or even jaw clenching

• Excessive Worrying – thoughts occur persistently on most days of the week for months on end and interfere with daily life

• Digestive Issues – irritable bowel syndrome, nausea and diarrhea

• Constant Tiredness –strain caused by anxiety can leave people feeling fatigued or cause headaches


In addition to bringing relief from anxiety, auricular therapy has other benefits compared to medications. Typically, anti-anxiety medication can cause adverse side effects, but this is not a concern with auricular therapy. Patients experience a reduction in their symptoms after their very first auricular therapy session and can continue to diminish several days after the treatment session.

Make your emotional, psychological and social wellbeing a priority today, and your body and mind will thank you for it.

Our Twenty Fourth Blog Entry

Vitamins & Minerals for optimizing women's health 

April 27, 2022

There are tons of different vitamins, minerals, supplements and herbs out there. Today I'm talking about a few options to help with women's stress, energy and immunity.


With so many on offer, it's hard to know what you actually really need. Personal vitamin needs will vary, I've listed the top eight vitamins and minerals for women - as well as what health benefits each supplement can offer.


Iron

Essential for a wide variety of functions in the body, including supporting immune function and oxygen flow throughout the body, maintaining muscle function and improving energy levels.

High foods like beans and legumes, leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, quinoa, shellfish, red eat


Vitamin B12

Supports proper brain, nerve and cardiovascular function whilst improving energy and mood. You'll find that Vitamin B12 is commonly paired with folate - this is because they depend on one another for proper absorption and function.

Found high in foods like beef, liver, chicken, fortified foods, yogurt, eggs, cheese


Calcium

Essential for the building and maintenance of strong and healthy teeth and bones. Calcium is also needed for the proper functioning of the heart, nervous and muscular systems.

Found high in foods like dairy, cheese, milk, salmons, almonds


Magnesium

Assists and supports cardiovascular health whilst also boosting mood, reducing symptoms of PMS and reducing muscle weakness and cramps.

Found high in foods like whole grains, dark leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, cashews


Vitamin D

Supports proper brain, muscle and immune function and is also good for heart health whilst maintaining bone and teeth health.

Found high in foods like fish, fortified milk products, sardines, liver


Zinc

Improve immune health, helps balance functional metabolism and levels out thyroid hormones

Found high in foods like pine nuts, peanuts, shellfish, beef, baked beans, chickpeas


Omega 3 fatty acids

Helps with your immune system and keeping you health, promotes proper nervous system health and hormone balancing

Found high in foods like mackerel, salmon, cod, flax seeds, chia seeds, walnuts, soy beans


Vitamin C

Improves immune system development, muscle strength, mineral absorption, and healthy skin

Found high in foods like citrus fruits, bell peppers, strawberries, tomatoes, cruciferous vegetables 

Our Twenty Third Blog Entry

Why Acupuncture should be a part of your monthly self-care routine...

April 20, 2022

If you’ve never experienced the benefits of acupuncture, the idea of getting poked with needles to relax might not sound that appealing. But committing to routine acupuncture appointments is actually a very easy, low maintenance habit that can help to heal pain and fight chronic stress.


The link between body and mind, between stress and disease, has been claimed by Eastern medicine for hundreds of years.


Benefits include:

~ Disease prevention

Acupuncture effectively relieves stress by lowering the stress hormone cortisol and stimulates the release of endorphins in the brain.

~ Improves overall sleep

Sleep is one of the most important aspect of good health. Poor sleep contributes to everything from inability to lose weight to faster aging.

Acupuncture improves sleep activity and quality, as well as melatonin production. Patients receiving acupuncture fall asleep faster, are less active at night and are less stressed.

~ More rejuvenating than a nap

Patients go into a deep, sort of lucid dreaming state during treatment. After acupuncture, they slowly return from this relaxed state and feel balanced, grounded and fully recharged, as if they just returned from a week vacation.

~ Well - being and emotional stability

Each emotion has a corresponding organ. For example, frustration, anger and irritability are ruled by the liver. By doing acupuncture regularly, you’ll be able to keep the liver energy moving and prevent the irritability and frustration from starting in the first place.


Acupuncture has a cumulative effect on your health overall. And if you’re less stressed, are sick less often, sleeping better and waking more restful you are going to be more productive. And you’re also going to have a higher quality of what you produce.

Our Twenty Second Blog Entry

What Can Stress Cause...

April 13, 2022

At some point, everyone has had to go through various types of stress. However, when it becomes persistent and gets to chronic levels, it not only makes you feel awful emotionally but can also bring about various health problems to women.


You might be wondering what can stress do to a woman’s body? It’s important to consider the relationship between stress and disease.


Stress can be linked to:

- Depression & Anxiety: Depression is triggered by a stress-inducing episode before it “takes on a life of its own.” Stress throws the various brain neurotransmitter systems such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, out of balance. This leads to affected mood, appetite, libido, and sleep. Stress also causes elevated levels of cortisol in the body thus altering the hippocampus and permanently damaging the brain functionality. 

- Obesity & Heart Disease: A stressed-out individual is likely to experience increased heart rate and blood flow causing the release of cholesterol into the bloodstream causing obesity, which are known to indirectly increase the risk of heart disease. Emotional stress is also linked to serious cardiac problems like heart attacks.

- Sexual & Reproductive Dysfunction: Stress is known to accelerate PMS causing women to have mood swings, food cravings, depression, fatigue, bloating, irritation, and acne. Chronic stress can also affect the fertility of women since the stress hormone will affect the hypothalamus which is responsible for the secretion of reproductive hormones. During pregnancy chronic stress, affects blood flow to the placenta and could lead to severe consequences such as miscarriages, premature births, or low birth weights.

- Skin Disorders: There are many skin disorders caused by stress such as acne, prolonged itching of the skin, psoriasis, hives, rosacea, and eczema.

- Ulcers & Stomach Issues: Chronic stress often affects the immune system allowing the H. pylori bacteria (the bacteria responsible for stomach ulcers) to thrive.

- Memory & Concentration Problems: Chronic stress damages short-term memory, especially verbal.


This makes stress to be considered a critical illness that affects a number of functional systems in the body.


It's important we can take proactive steps to help eliminate, slow down and decrease health conditions that arise from our stress. Some steps to help combat the effects of stress include: healthy eating, herbal tea, going for a walk, stay hydrated, deep breathing, massage therapy, getting outside, crafting, reading, aromatherapy, meditation, puzzles, journaling, music, gardening, and of course self care maintenance acupuncture treatments


Stress can disrupt the flow of energy throughout the body causing disharmonies, acting like a domino effect trickling into digestion, blood pressure, pain and sleep .Acupuncture can help dissipate the blockages, helping energy flow smoothly and alleviating stress and anxiety.


Acupuncture has been found to ease stress by releasing endorphins, the natural pain-killing chemicals in the brain, improves blood circulation throughout the body which oxygenates the tissues and cycles out cortisol and other unwanted chemicals. The calming nature of the treatment also plays a factor in decreasing stress, and helps relax your muscles 

Our Twenty First Blog Entry

Acupuncture for Women's Health 

April 6, 2022

Are you struggling with painful periods, trouble sleeping through the night, constantly feeling bloated, or fighting the flush of hot flashes?!


Traditional Medicine therapy's like acupuncture may help you find relief in your symptoms in any stage of life. Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years from everything from pain, indigestion, sleep, stress and even child birth.

Today I use acupuncture to help with very specific women's health issues.


Consider trying acupuncture for:

~ Menstrual issues: intense cramping, headaches, clotting or mood swings associated with their menstrual cycle. Acupuncture can help to regulate your cycle and lessen pain by normalizing blood flow

~ Peri/Menopause - hot flashes, night sweats and insomnia. These symptoms can be brought on or intensified by stress, anxiety and changes in your hormones. Acupuncture targets your hormonal imbalances, allowing you to hopefully stress less and sleep better.

~ Pelvic pain due to Endometriosis: swelling and severe pain, endometriosis can be debilitating. Acupuncture causes the brain to stimulate your body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals – lessening your pain and improving blood circulation to reduce swelling.

~ Fertility: whether it's natural, medication, IUI or with IVF conceiving can cause stress, which can disrupt the flow of your fertility hormones. Having an irregular menstrual cycle can also affect your likelihood of getting pregnant. Lessening your stress and improving your blood flow can help regulate ovulation. Acupuncture can help address all of these issues.

~ High stress and poor sleep: Too much stress can lead to poor diet and sleep habits. Acupuncture can work to relax you and restore your body’s natural circadian rhythms so that you can live a healthier, more stress-free life.


Every woman is different. Your individual experience with pain or health issues can have negative effects on how you go about your everyday routine. Acupuncture can help relieve your symptoms and get you back to living the life you want to live.

Our Twenty First Blog Entry

Boost Your Immunity With Acupuncture 

January 5, 2022

f you are looking for a way to provide your body with extra support in boosting your immune system, acupuncture can help you. Your immune system can be weakened in a number of ways - when you are suffering from lack of sleep, changes in your diet, not getting outdoors enough, and even by changes in the season. We all want to keep our immune system working at it's best so that we can feel healthier and can do all the things that make life enjoyable.


Your immune system protects your body from external factors such as viruses and bacteria that cause illness and infections. If you frequently catch cold or other infections this shows that your immune system is weakened and needs support.


Signs of a poor immune system include:

- frequent colds/flus (more than 2-3 times per year)

- feeling fatigued and run down

- unhealthy hair or skin

- slow healing of injuries

- digestive problems


Acupuncture stimulates the body’s immune response and strengthens your body to improve your resistance to infection. Studies have shown the effectiveness of acupuncture in improving the body’s immune function by increasing white blood cell and T-cell numbers. It also helps reduces the symptoms, speeds up the healing process, and regulates the immune response system. It improves your cells’ ability to “communicate” with another and therefore increase the abilities of your defense system.


Many things that affect your immune system negatively, like poor sleep, stress and anxiety can also be addressed through acupuncture, so that the underlying issues affecting your immune system can be improved as well as treating the immune system directly.


Acupuncture is very beneficial as a preventative treatment, or if you have existing conditions. I recommend that you receive treatment year-round, and I encourage you to start today!

Our Twentieth Blog Entry

Acupuncture & Indigestion

December 20, 2021

This holiday seasons brings joy, cheer and tons of food, sweets and drinks of celebration.


With an over indulgent of goodies, postprandial distress syndrome (PDS), a form of indigestion characterized by early fullness after eating and upper abdominal bloating is very common to occur.


PDS is usually treated with antacid medications, such as Tagamet, Pepcid, and Axid. However, acupuncture could be a safe and effective alternative. Acupuncture patients have experienced decreased and often complete resolution of their symptoms including constipation, instead of just a band-aid to the symptoms without recurrent episodes.


Acupuncture works by manipulates the flow of energy along the meridians of the body and get it moving in the direction it is supposed to be going. Just as gastrointestinal disorders may be seen as problems with the movement of food through the stomach and intestines, acupuncture seeks to address the “counterflow” of energy through the body.


In Chinese medicine, stomach energy needs to move downward through the digestive tract. If there is something moving upward, then the qi (life energy) is rebelling. It needs to be balanced. There is evidence that it acts on the autonomic nervous system, in this case the vagus nerve, and this may alter stomach motility and relaxation.


Acupuncturists may treat conditions like PDS by inserting needles far from the source of the problem. Other recent research has found that treating the digestive disorder with turmeric yielded similar results to treatment with simethicone, the main active ingredient in drugs such as Alka-Seltzer Anti-Gas and Mylanta Gas Maximum Strength. Others may use herbal treatments like enteric-coated peppermint oil or other herb combinations, or dietary interventions. 

Our Nineteenth Blog Entry

Foods That Can Boost Your Warmth

December 8, 2021

As the new year approaches, lots of us start to thing about resolutions for the new year. One of which could be cleaner eating or eating a more well balanced diet.

Chinese Medicine is based on the maintaining energy balance. Yin foods are more of the cooling and moistening and yang foods are more warming and drying. Diets are dynamic and constantly changing depending on the person themselves, their environment, health, lifestyle and availability.


Warming or Cooling does not refer to the amount of spice or temperature of a food, but rather its energy.


When someone has too much cold in their body from maybe being sick with a cold/flu or having a deficiency, that can cause problems like fatigue, mental fuzziness or diarrhea. When someone does have a deficiency like this, by eating warming foods the idea is to find a balance, which varies from person to person and is based on that individual’s constitution.


Some examples warming foods include:

- Ginger

- Cinnamon

- Almonds

- Garlic

- Red Beans

- Leeks

- Coffee

- Carrots

- Oats 

Our Eighteenth Blog Entry

4 Tips to Avoid & Manage Holiday Stress

December 3, 2021

🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄


Christmas can be the happiest and most stressful time of year all at the same time. The leading cause of holiday stress can be family/social interactions, money pressure and lack of time. But remember you are not alone!


It's important to get in front of your stress before it gets in front of you.

Some tips to help ease holiday anxiety include:


⛄️ 1 - Holiday to do list - helps timely plan your holidays out

* Makes everything seem more manageable and allows you to feel more grounded

* Decreases the mind spiraling


⛄️ 2- Spending budget - set realistic goals

* Make sure all usual expenses are accounted for first ​

* Decide on an amount you're comfortable and work around it

* Set a 4 Gift Challenge


⛄️ 3 - Manage Expectations - Be realistic

* Don't let the unrealistic goals of social media get you down. Instead put your energy into positive strategies to change what you do not like

* Feel ok to say no and feel ok being you


⛄️ 4- Healthy Habits: Decompress and take care of yourself

* Self Care and Destress Acupuncture.

Acupuncture has been found to block the elevations of chronic stress hormones and may also hold a protective effect against the stress response in the body and help relax you

*Declutter - with possibly new items coming into your home, destash and get rid of what you don't need and donate what someone else could use.

Being in an organized environment can decrease any feeling overwhelming stress

Our Seventeenth Blog Entry

Healing Athletic Injuries With Acupuncture 

November 25, 2021

Next time you twist your ankle on a trail run or get tendonitis from repetitively throwing a baseball around, consider acupuncture in your rehab routine. Acupuncture can quickly and effectively address trauma to any part of the body and promote the body’s natural healing process. Acupuncture frees the joint, helps increase the flow of blood and Qi and facilitates healing by reducing pain and swelling in acute common injuries like sprains and strains.


When nursing an injury, I’m sure most of you know the acronym R.I.C.E from Western doctors. In TCM Rest is obvious in helping the injured area and elevation is helpful as well. However, when it comes to Ice Chinese Medicine takes a different perspective. Ice is typically not used after the first 24 hours, as it contracts blood vessels, stagnates and congeals blood and fluids, which slows healing and can constrict the flow of blood and Qi energy in the injured area. Instead, Liniments or herbal ice is often used instead. Compression of bandages is also used to push the stagnate blood and fluids to the edge of the bandage away from the injured area and promote healing. Chinese Medicine can help heal safety without drugs and reduce further damaged tissue. It can be used on it’s on or in conjunction with Western Medicine.


A few things to remember when thinking about choosing to try acupuncture for athletic injuries:

  • The sooner the injury can be treated the better the outcome. Chronic injuries and issues can also be treated, they just may take longer to treat
  • Acute injuries can be address in fewer treatments spaced closer together over a few weeks. Chronic issues can be treated weekly for a longer duration
  • After seeking out Western diagnosis, acupuncture can also be used as a pre-op preparation to speed up recovery time
  • Topical liniments made from Chinese herbs can be recommended to help penetrate the joints and muscle to help stop pain, reduce swelling and inflammation and disperse stagnate qi and blood
  • Listen to your body – running through the pain can sometimes increase injury and slows down healing  

Our Sixteenth Blog Entry

Auricular Therapy 

November 20, 2021

Our ears are not just for hearing and balance, they are small organs that stimulate and effect our entire bodies. Auricular therapy is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine energetic and neurological reflex correspondence, between specific areas of the external ear and other parts of our body.


It looks at the ear being a microsystem reflection of the body, allowing for manipulation and signal stimulation to areas of the body to help in treating any sort of stagnation or blockage and relieve symptoms of disharmonies. Treatment can be achieved by applying acupuncture or acupressure to create this stimulation.


Auricular acupuncture is exactly how it sounds, where filiform needles are inserted into a few selected points of both ears. This type of treatment can be beneficial for someone who has hard time lying down during the complete duration of an acupuncture treatment, along with an issue sitting very still. The needles are retained in the ear for a similar duration as a traditional acupuncture visit, however if needed the patient can sit up and are able to move about a little if needed.


Auricular acupressure or also called Ear seeds can be used in conjunction with an acupuncture treatment, where ear seeds are applied to different areas of the external ear to enhance and prolong the effects of the treatment. Ear seeds come in the form of the traditional Vaccaria flower seed, stainless steel plated pellets or titanium plated magnets. The ear seeds are applied to the patient's ear with an adhesive back, allowing for the seeds to stay on while the patient partakes in their day-to-day activities and can last for up to a few days after application.

Once the seeds are applied, it recommended for the patient to massage the ears seeds a few times a day, each time any of the symptoms arise. You can apply pressure by rubbing the seeds with a single finger or by applying pressure between two fingers one on each side of the ear. Rubbing the seed in a circular motion for a few minutes is all you need. Ear seeds are very safe being a non-invasive TCM remedy. However, if the patient is being overzealous with the pressure and number of times of stimulation small bruises can arise. If for any reason the ear seeds are uncomfortable, they can be removed as easy as a band aid.


A very common application of this type of treatment is called the NADA protocol – National Acupuncture Detoxification Association, that can address many psycho-somatic issues involved in emotional trauma, PTSD, addictions and much more. However auricular therapy is not limited to just treatment of these conditions.


Auricular Therapy is also very good in helping with:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Insomnia
  • Stress
  • Migraines
  • Pain
  • Infertility
  • Weight Loss
  • Cravings & Addiction

Auricular therapy can be done by itself as a standalone treatment; however, it can have a more substantial effect in combination with traditional acupuncture, incorporation of herbal medicine and diet and lifestyle changes to improve your overall health.  

Our Fifteenth Blog Entry

Super Food For Men's Health 

November 7, 2021

Healthy foods are important, but certain foods can be more beneficial for males, especially for those with issues that affect men or more prone in men; like decreased testosterone levels, low sperm count, Prostate Cancer, high cholesterol and heart disease.


Some subtle difference in nutrients for men include:

Vitamin C, E, D – helps with male fertility – 1 in 6 couples are diagnosed with infertility and 30 % of case are male related

Vitamin D – needed to produce enough testosterone, maintain strong bones, promote brain health, prevent mood disorders, control cholesterol and blood pressure levels

Vitamin B12 – allow for proper absorption of medications you may be taking

Antioxidants – Fights against free radical's damage, which helps fight aging and disease associated with aging

Vitamin K – helps build and maintain healthy bones, and preventing heart disease

Magnesium –regulates calcium, potassium, sodium levels, helps prevent conditions like high blood pressure, muscle spasms, heart disease and headaches

Potassium – important for maintaining proper cardiovascular health


These nutrients can be found in vitamins and supplements, they can also be found in a wide variety of foods you already may be eating.


These super foods are rich in nutrients and help to maintain proper men’s health at any age:

  • Spinach – Packed with magnesium, carotenoids, Vitamin C, K, folic acids, iron and calcium; helps reduce inflammation, improve blood circulation to limbs, improve libido
  • Bananas - Packed with potassium; betters cardiovascular health by helping with sudden spikes in blood pressure, also helps with boosting blood flow in male reproductive health 
  • Tomato – Full of lycopene's; help fight off toxins that cause cell damage, improves quality of sperm, and improve prostate health
  • Chili Peppers – boosts levels of testosterone
  • Watermelon – big source of L-citrulline and lycopene;  stimulates blood circulation for male reproduction health
  • Ginger – improves blood flow, increase level of testosterone and sperm motility
  • Pomegranates – one of the best foods to boost libido, high antioxidants; boost blood flow, increase male reproduction health
  • Green Tea – contains catechin; helps burn fat and speed up blood flow in male reproduction health, help with libido, helps lower cholesterol, and helps protects prostate health
  • Dark Chocolate – boosts serotonin levels; reduces stress
  • Oatmeal – high in L-arginine; help with erectile dysfunction, reduce level of cholesterol, and increase blood flow
  • Brazil Nuts – contains selenium; good for hormonal health, increases fertility, promotes brain health and lower cholesterol in small amounts
  • Pumpkin Seeds – contains zinc, magnesium and healthy fats; which boosts libido, good for prostate health and testosterone levels
  • Cherries – high in anthocyanins; helps eliminate plaque in arteries, increase blood flow
  • Salmon – high in omega – 3 fatty acids, increase dopamine, full of good cholesterol; helps boost prostate health, improves blood circulation, and helps people relax
  • Sweet Potatoes – high source of potassium; helps keep healthy blood flow and libido
  • Carrots – improves sperm count and motility
  • Lean Meat –high in zinc, vitamin D; boost levels of testosterone
  • Oysters – contains Zinc, D-Arginine acid and N-methyl D-aspartate, commonly called an aphrodisiac; helps increase testosterone levels and improve sexual potency
  • Berries – high in vitamin C and antioxidants; prevent free radicals from damaging cells
  • Beans – high in plant protein, and fiber; helps promote prostate health
  • Maca Root – boost male fertility, balances hormones, improves quantity and quality of sperm
  • Ashwagandha – increase vitality, reduces stress/anxiety and helps impact male reproductive health
  • Ginseng – helps boosts testosterone, enhance erection, sperm count and sperm motility
  • Horny Goat Weed – boosts production of quality sperm, increasing testosterone and stimulating sensory nerves
  • Flaxseed Oil – rich in fatty acids; improves blood flow, and promote prostate health
  • Fenugreek – boosts male fertility, increases testosterone, libido, and decrease cholesterol

These are just a some of the biggest bang for your buck foods to name a few. Of course, diets are also personally dependent and every person may be in need of different nutrients. There is no guarantee answer that diet can fully prevent any disease or conditions, however the food you feed your body can always impact health and reduce risks of conditions.


The food we take in reflects on your body ability, and what you take in can help promote good health now and in the future. 

Our Fourteenth Blog Entry

10 Areas Acupuncture Can Improve Your Health 

October 28, 2021

These are my magic wands!! They may be small, but they sure are mighty.


Benefits of acupuncture are almost endless. Sometimes getting poked with needles doesn’t always sound that relaxing to some, but committing to self-care and adding acupuncture into your routine can do wonders for the body, mind and soul. Some of the biggest effects can be:

  • Head: sessions of electroacupuncture can reduce the number of migraines
  • Nose: for seasonal allergies suffers, acupuncture can reduce symptoms and allow people to use antihistamines less often
  • Mood: for your well-being and emotional support, acupuncture regulates happy-making neurotransmitters in the brain
  • Throat: for acid reflux and heartburn, acupuncture can help regulate acid secretion and speeding digestion
  • Heart: for stress, acupuncture can help decrease markers of stress and lower blood pressure
  • Immune System: for disease prevention, acupuncture can help boost activity of immune cells and seek out and destroy infections
  • Sleep: for insomnia, acupuncture can stimulate an increase in neurotransmission of relaxation and sleep
  • Back: acupuncture can locally decrease pain in lower back and muscle tension
  • Menopause: for hot flashes, acupuncture can ease and decrease the quantity and degree by helping to regulate body temperature and over decrease stress that comes along with hormonal changes
  • Weight: acupuncture can help with fluid metabolism and nutrient absorption

It is important to remember for some people it may take several treatments to start to notice a change in their body and with some the effects are immediate. Everyone’s body is different and their treatment is just that.


Acupuncture has a combined effect on your overall health. When you’re less stressed, sick less often, sleeping better and waking most rested, you are more productive and in general feel better.  

Our Thirteen Blog Entry

Insomnia Got You Up...

October 14, 2021

Turning off our brains, clearing our minds and falling asleep can sometimes be the hardest thing we do all day.


One in three people struggle with poor sleep, which in turn affects their daily functional ability's.


Insomnia is a common problem that can impact sleep on mainly levels including: trouble falling asleep, waking up during the night and unable to fall back asleep or waking up early.


Causes of insomnia can be different for everyone, the most common being: sleep apnea, anxiety, chronic pain, or irregular schedules. All insomnia is caused by underlying disharmony within the body. Ordinary sleeping pills or other pharmaceuticals can be prescribed to help with the problem; however, acupuncture is an alternative method.


Acupuncture can help increase nighttime melatonin production, increase total sleep time, fall asleep faster, decrease stress, improve sleep quality, and help decrease chronic pain that can contribute to sleeplessness.


Acupuncture premise is to the treat the root of the disharmony. Specifically, acupuncture can help increase biochemically the concentration of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) - which decreases activity in your nervous system causing a more calming effect and increase bodily serotonin – which helps in many body functions like - cognitive functions, mood, appetite and sleep.


Both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have long established history in relieving insomnia.  

Our Twelfth Blog Entry

Acupuncture influence on menstruation & fertility

October 6, 2021

Most people think of menstruation as the week aunt flo comes to visit once a month, but in reality, it’s actually the entire month.


Hormones change from week to week causing shifts to the bodies physically, mentally and emotionally. That’s why one week you can feel great and have all the confidence and energy in the world and then the next you're hungry, tried, feeling low and hadn’t changed anything in your routine.


There can be irregularities of menstruation like heavy, absent, irregular and painful periods. There are also other conditions that cause menstrual and hormonal changes like infertility, low sex drive, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease and endometriosis are amongst the most common.

Acupuncture and TCM can help with menstruation by promoting balance and movement of energy/Qi, increase blood flow to encourage menstruation, target hormone imbalances, stimulate the brain to release natural pain-relieving chemicals and decrease all the stressors that come along with aunt flo.


Acupuncture and TCM can impact all areas of menstruation:

  • Menstrual issues: acupuncture can help regulate the cycle, decrease pain and normalize blood flow
  • Menopause/perimenopause: acupuncture can help target hormonal imbalances- allowing for decrease stress and sleep better
  • Pelvic pain - acupuncture can trigger the brain to stimulate the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals, increase circulation and reduce swelling
  • Fertility: Acupuncture can help balance hormones, regulate cycles, lessen stress and improve blood circulation to help ovulation  

Our Eleventh Blog Entry

Naturally Support Lung Health...

September 29, 2021

Are you feeling under the weather, feel the sore throat coming on, the cough in the chest. It’s flu season and it’s important support your lungs and respiratory system.


The Lungs are one of the fundamental components of our respiratory system, fluid metabolism and a key in overall health and immunity. They take the energy and nutrients we breath in from the air around us. It then disperses the oxygen we breathe in to cells in our bodies for our body to perform regular functions. 


The Lung works closely with the Stomach to governor immunity or the protective/Wei Qi for our body has to fight off pathogens. The Stomach absorbs nutrients from food and drink we eat and the lung absorbs nutrients through the nose for the body to use.


The Lungs also controls the skin and opening and closing of the pores, part of what is compromised when immunity is weak.


The Lungs can be affected by environmental pathogens like Wind – like Hayfever, dry cough, Cold, Heat – cold/flus Damp and Dryness – chronic cough and asthma.

Along with proper breathing, adequate nutrition, your lung can be supported with herbs simple foods to add to your diet They can organically be added in your diet through you daily routine to give your lungs an extra boost through the food we eat, teas we drink and herb supplements we can take.


Lung supporting herbs include:


     Thyme (Bai Li Xiang) – pungent herb for excess phlegm and shortness of breath

    • Can be ingested in daily food we eat, or some people like to diffuse the oil
    • Antioxidant activity
    • Anti-inflammatory activity
     Mullein (Jia Yan Ye)– promote Qi energy in the lungs
  • Treating chronic cough, shortness of breath, hoarseness and other respiratory side effects
  • Analgesic – reduce physical discomfort
  • Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral
  • Antioxidant

     Astragalus (Huang Qi) – promotes lung health during cold and flu season

  • Boosts immune system
  • Combating inflammation and viruses
  • Helps with allergies
  • Aids in healthy digestion
  • Reduces stress
  • Promotes energy

     Platycodon (Jie Geng)- helps form lubrication for the lungs and supports lung 

     health 

  • Opens the lungs
  • Promotes the flow of Lung Qi
  • Helps expel phlegm
  • Anticough effects, asthma
  • Strong antioxidant activity
  • Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory

     Licorice Root (Gan Cao)– traditional remedy for colds, coughs and ongoing

     respiratory issues 

  • Thickens lung membrane, making it more resilient to irritation and inflammation
  • Antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory- protects sensitive tissue from infection or irritation

Our Tenth Blog Entry

Autumn Season is Here...

September 22, 2021

As the leaves change and cooler air moves in there is a transition into Fall Season, all about letting go and clearing out. The Season of the Metal Element – contraction and moving inwards. Metal governors the Lung & Large Intestine – descending and dispersing energy to the body and letting go and getting rid of things our body no longer needs.


Lungs control what we breath, disperse it within our body and are susceptible to dryness. The skin is also the largest organ involved in our respiratory system and why it is so important when it comes to change of cooler temperature it’s important to cover up and keep warm


When Balanced:

  • Strong immune defenses
  • Healthy and regular digestion
  • Relaxed and strong mental health
  • Proper circulation, comfortable body temperature and moist skin

When Imbalanced: 

  • Coughing, shortness of breath
  • Sinus congestion, sniffles
  • Colds, sore throats, nose bleeds
  • Stiff arms, neck, shoulders
  • Diarrhea and digestive bloating

Things to remember to balance Fall Energy:

  • Keep back of neck and shoulders covered from chills
  • Cook with less water and for longer time and lower temperature – instead of boiling, bake or saute
  • Eating fewer salads and more soups to support digest to nurture the body’s yin and body fluids
  • Support your mental health as the days get shorter and we are exposed to less sunlight
  • Add acupuncture into your fall routine to boost immunity, fight colds/flu and support mental health
  • Proper rest, exercise and enough water for regular body functions
  • Create time for yourself to relax and unwind and spend time with friends and family
  • Clean out and go through your closets, desks, garages etc and declutter anything you are no longer using or in need of

Fall has the taste of Pungent. Helpful foods and herbs include:

  • Root veggies – thicken the blood for colder months
  • Sourdough bread, lemons, pickles, sauerkraut, yogurt, plums, grapes
  • For dryness add: spinach, millet, barely, pears, apples, almonds, pine nuts, peanuts, eggs, pork, flaxseed and fenugreek
  • Pungent foods help disperse excess phlegm like onions, garlic, ginger and horseradish
  • Orange and deep green foods help support the surface of the skin and mucous membrane and support immunity
  • Carrots, winter squash, pumpkin, parsley, broccoli, kale and algae

To live in harmony during the fall season remember take it slow, take each day as it comes, breathe in clean autumn air to energize your body and excrete anything you are no longer needing and any impurities.  

Our Ninth Blog Entry

Impact Acupuncture has on the lose of taste and smell post COVID-19

September 16, 2021

COVID has been on everyone's mind for almost the past two years

Patients who have experienced the impact of the COVID-19 virus have reported many lasting symptoms even post viral. Most commonly being a diminished sense of taste, smell and chronic fatigue.


Research has shown in the Journal of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, that Acupuncture has benefited the ability in restoring the sense of smell function, sense of taste, salivary flow and content along with an improved quality of life score in patient questionaries' in the post viral recovery.


Other types of treatment methods being researched using pharmacologic therapy to help treat post viral infection symptoms have can have been reported to have other sides effects including trouble or painful swallowing, insomnia and difficulty sleeping.


In other studies reviews by the HealthCMi, Chinese Herbal formulas have shown an impact on shortening the time from the initial symptoms to recovery, improving the recovery of chest abnormalizes caused by influenzas and reducing pulmonary inflammation, improves host immune function and significantly reduced the COVID-19 mortality rates


Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a new alternative regimen for post-viral infections causing impacts on senses of taste and smell.


For more information check out the complete article and other references below

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20304268/


For more information on how the sense of smell can be impacted by a virus check out this article

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jnc.15197

Our Eighth Blog Entry

What Does Acupuncture Feel Like? Does Acupuncture Hurt?

September 9, 2021

These are some of the most common questions I get when I tell people I’m an Acupuncturist.


Acupuncture is one of the main components of Eastern Medicine. It focuses on the balance of yin and yang within one's body and any imbalance can come out as a sign or symptom of a condition.


Acupuncture works by inserting needles which create a signal to the body’s nervous system. This triggers neurotransmitters, pain receptors, endorphins, immune reactions, hormones to influence sensory and involuntary body function like blood pressure, body temperature and blood flow.


Acupuncture needles are small hair thin like needles. In fact, over 20 acupuncture needles could fit inside a single medical hypodermal needle. When acupuncture needles are placed into different areas of the body, a guide tube surrounds the needle, which is pressed against the skin before insertion and most commonly not felt by the patient.


Once needles are inserted, they can be stimulated by the practitioner. There can be sensations that patients feel while this is happening, like aching, warmth, energy moving or heaviness is quite common. Most people find acupuncture quite relaxing. It is important that you relax during your treatment, do not change positions or make any sudden movements.


Acupuncture does have little to no side effects, and substantially lower than that of many other drugs that can be taken for the same conditions. 


Our Seventh Blog Entry

The Late Summer Season 

September 3, 2021

Late Summer Season is all about optimizing and strengthening digestion.

The Season of the Earth Element -stability and encourages activities that keep you grounded. Earth governors the Spleen & Stomach - transforming everything we eat/drink into nutrients into energy needed to sustain our body. 


When Balanced:

  • healthy and regular digestion 
  • strong immune defenses 
  • abundant energy 
  • relaxed mood  

When Imbalanced:

  • bloating and indigestion 
  • low immune system with frequent colds, flus or allergies 
  • lethargy or lack of energy 
  • chronic worry 
Things to remember to help balance Late Summer Energy 
  • Get outside & Stay Active 
  • Mindfulness & Avoid Worry 
  • Summer Nutrition 
  • Promoting Immune Health 
Promote Immune Health by: 
  • Diffusing eucalyptus or headache essential oil blends while sleeping and inhale from palms throughout the day 
  • Drink cold support and Turmeric Ginger tea throughout the day and evening 
  • Adaptogens & Mushrooms like Chaga, Reishi, Ban Lan Gen and Astragalus are ideal for daily wellness and immune support 
  • Holistic treatment like acupuncture sessions are recommended to promote optimal health during the transition between seasons


Late Summer has the taste of sweet. Helpful herbs include:

  • Patchouli: amazing at transforming dampness that results inn nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomaches and overall sluggish digestion
  • Licorice: helps to nourish all signs of deficiency and boosts immune system 
  • Coix Seed: help transform damp accumulation in the body 
  • Mint: cooling quality of mint helps ease the damp heat that late summer aggravates in some individuals 

Our Sixth Blog Entry

What to Expect on Your First Visit 

September 3, 2021

When coming in for your initial consultation, aka your first visit will be done in the form of a sit-down meeting with the patient and practitioner. A discussion of the patient's chief complaint, medical history, digestion, sleep, stress, etc will be completed, along with an assessment of their tongue and pulse. This information allows the practitioner to understand imbalances the patient is having, along with developing a treatment plan.


After the assessment, the patient will be asked to lay down on a treatment bed, allowing for the purposed treatment to be done. Treatment could include but is not limited to acupuncture, tui na, gua sha, cupping, and auricular therapy. During the acupuncture component of the treatment, the practitioner places tiny needles in specific areas of the body. The needles are then left for a few minutes for the patient to get comfortable, followed by a check-in from the practitioner. The patient is then left to relax in a low-lit room along with a heat lamp to help assist the body in its natural healing process.


Patients are left for about 20 minutes, allowing time for a complete circulation of their energy to cycle through their body. Before leaving, the practitioner may recommend a herbal formula or diet modifications, as well ear seeds may be placed for the effects of the treatment to continue outside of the clinic.


Some things to remember for your first visit:

  • Wear loose comfortable fitting clothing
  • Eat before you come, but avoid having a full stomach during treatment
  • Drink lots of water before and after each treatment
  • Be honest with your practitioner, so an accurate assessment and treatment can be done


If you or anyone you know is having trouble with sleep, stress, nagging pain, hormonal issues or fatigue concerns, I recommend you come in for a consultation and see if Chinese Medicine is right for you and assisting in optimizing your health.  

Our Fifth Blog Entry

What is Chinese Medicine?

August 28, 2021

Chinese Medicine is a branch of medicine that was developed thousands of years ago with the premise of treating patient as a whole – mind, body and soul. Meaning your mental and psychosocial health is just as important in treating your physical health.


The holistic approach within TCM focuses on the balance of all levels and preventing disease. TCM practitioners are taught to detect and recognize patterns of disease through the signs and symptoms of the patient, along with interviewing, observing and evaluating patients. Treatments are then customized to treat the branch of all the symptoms and the underlining root of the problem.


TCM has multiple components and different treatments, which can include:

  • Acupuncture
  • Herbal Medicine
  • Gua Sha
  • Tui Na Cupping Therapy
  • Qi Gong & Tai Qi
  • Diet & Lifestyle Therapy

For example, a patient comes in reporting lateral ankle pain that showed up one day with no previous injuries or issues. The patient was asked a serious of questions by the TCM practitioner, who learns that this particular patient has anxiety and has a tendency to overthink everything. In Eastern Medicine the Gallbladder governors the thinking. With this in excess, the Gallbladder meridian could be over compensating, when it’s being overstretched that decreases the balance in the body. The Gallbladder meridian pathway follows down the lateral side of the leg and around the outside of the ankle. Due to the imbalance, a stagnation has been created and pain in the localized area had come up. Yes, the patient reported a physical injury and pain, but that doesn't necessarily always mean it can have a physical cause.


Chinese Medicine focuses on rebalancing the body to a normal state, with a wide range of treatment options. Each treatment is different and unique to the individual who is receiving it. Eastern Medicine can be given along with Western treatments to better the patient's prognosis. As the goal with any type of treatment is to help the patient return to optimal health.  

Our Fourth Blog Entry

The art of cupping...

August 19, 2021

Cupping therapy is a deep- tissue therapy that uses cups to create suction, either left on the skin or glided around. In contrast of a massage that uses pressure on a muscle area, cupping instead applies a suction sensation. Muscle and skin are gently pulled upwards to disperse and breakup the cellular debris causing stagnation and congestion in the area. Cups are placed on different areas of the body that are source of pain or need of nourishment.


Fire cupping is the traditional method of cupping, performed with glass cups using the energy exchange of fire to create suction. Heat from cupping can also nourish people who are drained, tired or have any lingering cold/dampness.

Cupping can be performed for the purpose of pain, increase circulation, along with clearing of congestion from allergies, the common cold and other respiratory conditions.


Benefits for cupping include:

  • Increase blood circulation and Qi flow
  • Stimulate healing
  • Remove toxins
  • Breakup cellular debris and promote cell repair
  • Loosen fascia
  • Reduce pain
  • Clear congestion  

Our Third Blog Entry

Why Acupuncture?

August 13, 2021

Acupuncture is one of those things that people love, never heard of or are skeptical to try and don’t even think it works. Acupuncture has been practiced and mastered for thousands of years. It was derived from the belief of how our surrounding Qi (Energy) within our bodies flow

Traditional Acupuncture is a technique using small needles to balance the energy and overall well-being of the individual. Needling acupoints stimulates the release of chemical signals, hormones, change the experience of pain, and influence the body's internal system. Overall improving energy, healing, correct imbalance of internal organs and impacting the individual's emotional well-being.

Acupuncture has now become used in Western cultures as a form of alternative medicine and used in the holistic healing of many different conditions, syndromes and for preventive purposes.

Acupuncture is performed with thin hairlike needles that are rounded at the end. No need to be afraid. But no worries if you have some concerns, similar treatments can be done without acupunctures.

Acupuncture can:

Help Ease Anxiety

Natural Pain reliever

Improve Immune system

Improve Quality of Sleep

Ease PMS

Improve Digestive system

If you’re interested and want some extra reading and evidence on acupuncture, check out this article written by the Mayo Clinic

https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/reasons-people-dont-get-acupuncture

Our Second Blog Entry

Welcome New Patients!

August 11, 2021

Now accepting new patients at Chinook Chiropractic, Massage & Physiotherapy.

Direct billing to most major insurance companies.  

Our First Blog Entry

Chinese Medicine 

August 9, 2021

The magic behind holistic healing. A multifaceted discipline and the theory behind my philosophy 

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