As an acupuncturist, I'm always trying to help my patients create healthy choices and habits that support them feeling good in their bodies. Diet and lifestyle are important components of Chinese Medicine, and getting the most out of acupuncture treatment. Sometimes acupuncture is the first step in a patient's journey, and other times it might be step 3 or 4 on the path to decreasing pain, losing weight, reducing hot flashes, or whatever our end goal might be. The reality? Making new habits is hard. Like an old dirt road, our habits get solidified into deep ruts. When you try to drive out of them, it's a struggle and you often get tugged back into those grooves. And that's okay! But i
I have been totally MIA from social media for a couple weeks, and I blame this book! It's totally addicting in its own right, and very enlightening. Want to put a spotlight on your phone/tech/internet use? I recommend this book. Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping us Hooked, by Adam Alter. At this point in our culture, there's no avoiding technology. And why would you? There are so many ways it benefits us, and makes our lives easier. But the reality is that our physiology is susceptible to getting hooked as we advance further and further with tech. From dopamine hits, to the stimulation of blue light, to the sense of long distance social connec
Those new to acupuncture are often pleasantly surprised that it is in fact relaxing! And of course seasoned acupuncture patients who come back for more understand just how relaxing it can be. Who knew being stuck with needles could feel so good?? But sometimes, especially when working on an internal disharmony without immediate direct effects, I get asked: "Is acupuncture just relaxing me?" It can be concerning to think that nothing is actually happening! But from research we know many definitive mechanisms of action through which acupuncture effects change in the body. These include effects on blood flow, muscle & fascia tension, inflammation, hormones, etc. There are several reasons w
As an acupuncturist, two of the most common questions I get are: 1) Do you get acupuncture yourself? 2) Do you treat yourself with acupuncture? The answers? YES! And kind of.. I absolutely get acupuncture. I enjoy and look forward to my treatments. I currently get acupuncture for stress management, prevention and immunity, and my overall well-being. Do I do these treatments to myself? Honestly, not usually. While it's possible to do some self-care treatments to myself, I much prefer going to another practitioner. I can reach and treat my feet and legs, so when my knee acts up after a run I might do a mini local treatment. But when I'm looking for the full effect, I opt for a full bod
