Acupuncture for Stress and Anxiety: Does it Really Work?

Anxiety disorders are the most frequent type of mental illness in the United States, with over 19 percent of the adult population, or 40 million people, suffering from one each year. An anxiety condition affects approximately 30% of the population at some point in their lives. While some who suffer from anxiety try various therapies and medications, others prefer a more holistic approach such as acupuncture for anxiety. 

As a sliding scale community acupuncture clinic, we have made it our mission to be accessible and affordable for our community regardless of financial circumstances.

At the Zen Den, we know that acupuncture is a powerful and effective tool for helping the body deal with and adapt to stress. We also know that sometimes the most stressful periods in our life are also times when we are the most financially squeezed as well. Nothing brings us greater joy than providing a safe space and an effective,affordable treatment for those in need.

How Does it Work?

By stimulating specific energy points in the body with needles, clinical studies have found that acupuncture has the ability to lower cortisol levels and release pain relieving neurotransmitters and hormones which allow your body to feel good.

When you feel good you make better choices, and when you make better choices you feel even better. This creates a synergistic effect that overtime raises your vibration and puts you in a better place to deal with all that life throws at you.

How Many Treatments Do I need?

The number of required treatments is determined by the severity of your condition and how readily your body responds. The majority of patients have a weekly appointment. Others receive treatment on a greater or less frequent basis, depending on the duration of the effects. 

Your acupuncturist can provide a treatment plan that is personalized for you. On the first or second appointment, you may not experience all of the benefits of acupuncture. You should give acupuncture at least five treatments to experience results if you decide to try it.

While most patients prefer weekly visits, some patients have found that regular and frequent acupuncture not only helps them cope with stress, they find they simply feel healthier and more vibrant with 3-5 acupuncture visits a week. Luckily with our membership programs, this is more affordable than ever.

*Stay Tuned for part 2 of this blog post: Acupressure Points for Anxiety and Stress Relief!

Spring Equinox: Some tips to allow the liver qi to flow!

“Things falling apart is a kind of testing and also a kind of healing. We think that the point is to pass the test or to overcome the problem, but the truth is that things don’t really get solved. They come together and they fall apart. Then they come together again and fall apart again. It’s just like that. The healing comes from letting there be room for all of this to happen: room for grief, for relief, for misery, for joy.”

― Pema Chödrön, When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times

Spring Equinox: What does it all mean, From a Chinese MEDICINE Perspective

Yep, We are all Connected

One of the perks of seeing the volume of patients I am blessed to work with at the Zen Den is that I get a chance to tune in and observe the collective energy of our community and how it is showing up in each patients unique physiology. Sometimes I feel like an energy forecaster of sorts, instead of tracking storms or changes in air pressure, I’m tracking the current energy trends and tendencies showing up for my patients in their bodies, and lives. If anything it makes me feel less alone, after 13 years of practice there’s not much I haven’t seen that I haven’t experienced myself on some level. After years of noticing these patterns of oneness, you can’t help but acknowledge a sense of feeling like we truly are all in this together. 

Energy: It’s not just Woo-Woo Anymore

Believe in energy or not, sutle energies are always at play, whether they be astrological, seasonal, political or even seasonal.  While no one really knows where these energies originate from, I do know we as humans are very susceptible to them. Our energy or electromagnetic energy can effect our mood, emotions, physical ailments, healing, and even the type of partner we attract I do know we are all unique expressions of very similar energies. Once you start to seeThe patterns in patients aliments and presentations are almost comical at times.  Three shoulder injuries in a row, or five patients back to back that just keep waking up at 3am and are feeling irritable in their relationships. Is that all a fluke or is there something more at bay here.

But First, the Chinese Medicine Stuff

Chinese Medicine has a poetic way of  connecting the human body and physiology to our environment and seasonal flow. Eastern philosophy is based on the premise that all life occurs within the circle of nature, things within this matrix are connected and dependent on each other and defined as the complementary energies of yin and yang. When these energies are in balance, chi and life flourishes, when the balance is upset, disaster looms. Yet with each season being an expression of some kind of imbalance, it’s impossible to remain balanced year round.   This is where I feel we are wrong in our thinking at ultimately achieving balance. The truth of it just doesn’t exist.  As Pema Chodron  says “things come together and they fall apart.”  The goal isn’t necessarily to keep things all together and flowing harmonious, its to have awareness and compassion for ourselves and others when they ultimately fall apart.  As a practitioner as Chinese medicine I never feel like I am fixing a patient. I’m harmonizing them.

Following the flow of seasons and making space for imbalances that more than likely will show up not only prevents disharmony, it can empower you by making space for the transformation that more than likely is on the horizon.

The energy of spring is embodied by the wood element, sprouting, pioneering and change. It’s about cultivating action after a period of gestation (winter). Winter is about contraction, while the Wood energy is about the initial movement after contraction. Organs affected the most during this shift are the Liver and Gallbladder.  Working specifically with these energy channels will aid in a smooth transition to spring and optimum health.  When the liver energy becomes stagnant, we often experience what is commonly called liver qi stagnation: frustration, anger, and irritability are all emotions associated with liver qi stagnation. I know for me they seem to manifest the most early spring: it’s an angsty type energy that leaves me wanting good weather, dry trails to explore and a freedom to work on projects after a long winter. There can be feelings of frustration about life situations, relationships or delays at this time.

Some of the physical symptoms associated with liver qi stagnation include:

• breast pain and tenderness

• side body pain

• abdomen pain

• digestive upset

• irregular menstruation

Somethings you can do to counter balance this energy stagnation is to work on Liver 3 with some essential oil and some acupressure.  Liver 3 is located between the first and second toes on both feet, palpating down from the webbing of the two toes about an inch, you will feel a tender spot, which almost feels like a bruise. 

Simply massaging this point or anointing it with essential oils is enough to shift the energy in the liver.  Some good essential oil choices for this point would be lavender, chamomile or blue tansy.  All of these oils help regulate and encourage a smooth flow of qi.

Exercise is another activity that can help move liver qi.  It doesn’t have to be a crazy complicated cross fit workout, or marathon training, a simple walk is enough.

The other organ associated with this season is the gallbladder. The emotional component of the Gallbladder is courage or will power.  When the gallbladder energy becomes out of balance, we will feel a bit frozen in our path, indecisive  or sometimes even depressed.  Either lack of confidence or discipline will cause these types of emotions.  When these feelings come up it’s important to first accept them, and allow them to just be. Incorporating more discipline in your life is a great way to counterbalance this energy. Through self-parenting we can create the opportune containers of disciple which, ironically leads to flow and freedom.

Other physical symptoms of Gallbladder stagnation include:

Migraines

Nausea

Gallstones

Hip pain

Herbs and supplements to consider during this time would be powdered liver greens or dandelion tea.  Depending on your constitution, the spring is also the one time of the year where raw foods and juices is encouraged.  It’s a great time to do the standards process cleanse, if you’ve been wanting to do it, you can check out my how to video HERE, and pick up your cleanse kit at Zen Den to get started!

These are a few of My Favorite (SPRING) Things

Recommended reading for this season: Pema Chodron When things Fall Apart

Essential Oils to work with: Blue Tansy, Chamomile, Lavender

Acupressure points: Liver 3

Foods: Raw greens, fresh juices, dandelion, chamomile, lemon water in the mornings

Supplements: Powdered liver greens, standard process cleanse

Thank you so much for your continued support in my baby the Zen Den.  We’ve got some exciting things in the works this month: an acupuncture sound bath, a free community/photo shoot event, and the launch of our new lunar acupuncture moon circles. I hope to see you soon!

Big Love,

Dr. Michelle Hamilton

What is Pediatric Acupuncture?

Pediatric Acupuncture is a specialized approach to acupuncture. It involves the insertion of hair-fine needles under the skin, or other similar methods, for children between 1 month to 18 years old. The main goal of acupuncture is to regulate, balance, and strengthen the body. We offer two types of acupuncture. Both styles promote a child's body to heal naturally and improve function

• Shoni-shin: This is a painless Japanese style of acupuncture without needles. Trained practitioners use small metal shoni-shin tools to gently scratch, tap, or brush on the child's skin over acupuncture pathways. This treatment gently relaxes and stimulates the child's body back into balance. Shoni-shin was developed in Japan and is still a main method for pediatric healthcare there.
  

• Acupoint Stimulation: This type can include the following:

  • Acupressure: Touching or massaging specific acupoints on the child's skin.

  • Acupuncture: Inserting very thin (as thin as a hair) sterile, single-use needles into the skin at specific acupoints on the body. Sometimes, small bandages with tiny stimulating points or magnets are used. These are called press-tacks.

What can pediatric acupuncture help with?

Allergies

Ear infections

ADHD

Emotional outbursts

Anxiety

Headaches

Asthma

Muscle weakness and fatigue

Bed wetting

Pain of all kinds

Cold and flu symptoms

Poor sleeping patterns

Colic

Skin conditions such as acne and eczema

Constipation

Seizures and epilepsy

Cough

Stomach aches

Cancer treatment side effects

Does pediatric acupuncture hurt?

Most children do not think the treatments are painful. They say Shoni-shin feels like tickling or a small mosquito bite, if they feel it at all.

Is pediatric acupuncture safe?

Yes, pediatric acupuncture is safe. For children with low immune function or blood diseases like leukemia we may make adjustments to the type and timing of treatments.

What can I expect at my child's acupuncture appointment?

At your child's first appointment, a pediatric acupuncturist will evaluate your child's condition and decide on a treatment plan. This may include acupuncture, herbs or supplements, and nutrition and lifestyle changes.

Before acupuncture treatment

• Have your child eat before their appointment. It is best for your child not to receive acupuncture if they have an empty stomach. However, your child should not eat a heavy meal before or after the session. Do not give your child caffeine for several hours before and after treatment.

• Do not brush your child's tongue. The acupuncturist will look at the color and texture of your child's tongue during the appointment as part of their diagnosis.

• Have your child wear comfortable, loose clothes to the appointment. The acupuncturist may need to roll up your child's sleeves and pants to the knees and elbows.

During acupuncture treatment

• After evaluating your child's condition the acupuncturist will put sterile, superfine needles at points where your child needs them. These needles are about three hairs thick and are used only once. The acupuncturist will dispose of them immediately after your child's treatment.

• Acupuncture makes your child's body relax, and they may fall asleep during the treatment.

• A typical acupuncture appointment lasts 1 hour. This includes time to talk about your child's progress as well.

• Each child responds to acupuncture at a different pace. Children with acute conditions may be treated within 6-12 acupuncture sessions. Children with long-lasting conditions may need more treatment. Your acupuncturist will give you and your child an estimate for treatments at your child's first appointment.

After acupuncture treatment

• Your child will usually feel great after an acupuncture treatment. However, their body is still re-balancing.

• To maximize the effects of acupuncture, have your child relax and maintain their normal level of activity or take a nap if they feel like it.

• Make sure your child drinks plenty of water. It's important to keep hydrated to help the body heal and recover.

Acupuncture for Optimum Digestion: What Can Acupuncture Do for your GUT?

Most people know acupuncture can help with pain, headaches, and allergies, but many are surprised when they learn that acupuncture can be effective at treating digestive issues was well. What digestive conditions can acupuncture help?

Acupuncture can help manage the symptoms of a number of different digestive conditions:

·       Crohn's Disease

·       Ulcerative Colitis

·       Celiac's Disease

·       Irritable Bowel Syndrome

What digestive symptoms can acupuncture help?

·       Bloating

·       Digestive pain/cramping/discomfort

·       Constipation

·       Diarrhea

·       Irregular bowel movements

It's also been suggested  that acupuncture can help with "leaky gut syndrome," i.e., strengthening the mucosal barrier of the digestive tract. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4507100/

In a 2007 systematic review  in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, it was found that acupuncture improved quality of life for IBS, Crohn's and Ulcerative colitis patients in each study they reviewed https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4146776/

OK, so it works, but what does an Acupuncture Treatment for a Digestive issue look like?

Curious about what happens during acupuncture treatment for a gastrointestinal (GI) disorder? Keep in mind that TCM treats the whole body and acupuncture is only part of a complete disease management plan. This means that there is no specific treatment plan for every ailment but rather the practitioner designs an individualized plan for each patient. Remember as well, that you should not quit any medication that you are taking unless you notify your physician and confirm it with your acupuncturist or doctor of TCM.

Even when a problem manifests in the abdominal area, your treatment plan could include acupuncture points elsewhere on the body, such as the arms or legs. For example, a female patient may come in with symptoms of bloating and gas. After assessing her using TCM diagnostic criteria, the practitioner could select acupuncture points on her left hand between her thumb and index finger and sites below her knees. Another patient may have the same symptoms, but his treatment could call for acupuncture points on his back and the back of his legs. Treatment could also vary from session to session for the same patient.

During the procedure, while you’re comfortably lying down, the practitioner inserts sterile single use tiny needles into your skin at selected points, aiming to achieve a ‘needling sensation’ called de qi. This sensation includes feelings of heaviness, aching, tingling, numbness, electricity, and warmth. It is quite soothing and patients often fall asleep during treatment, which could include leaving the needles in place for 20-45 minutes.

After treatment, patients may feel tired, or a bit groggy, as if they have just woken up from a nap. It’s a good idea not to plan anything over-stimulating, such as vigorous exercise after treatment, and to drink plenty of room temperature or warmer water as this often helps to re-energize following treatment.

Sessions could range from a daily occurrence to as few as once per month, or even once per season, but usually a management plan includes treatment once or twice per week.

If you're struggling with digestive issues, acupuncture may be able to help, please schedule a free 15 minute consult with one of our Acupuncturists to learn more about how acupuncture can be a viable treatment for you.

Do your Knees Hurt When the Weather Changes?

“You’re young one day, then one day you wake up and you can feel when the rain is going to come in your knees.”

Feeling weather changes in your knees is a common occurrence…but what does that mean and why does it happen?

Chronic knee pain which worsens when the weather changes is described as “Damp Bi Syndrome” in Traditional Chinese Medicine. “Bi” literally means obstruction and can be caused by one or a combination of an invasion of external wind, cold or dampness. When the body or a joint gets invaded by one of these external pathogenic factors, it causes stagnation to the body’s qi, blood and body fluids, eventually resulting in the accumulation of phlegm, stress, heat or pain in the effected area.

Acupuncture is highly effective at treating this condition; the act of inserting hair thin acupuncture needles into acupuncture points stimulates the qi to move where it has been previously blocked, while decreasing pain and reducing inflammation. Moxabustion or infared heat lamps are also highly beneficial at treating this condition, as they warm the sinews and invigorate the channels.

If you have knee pain that:

• Changes with the weather, such as cold or rain.

• Gets worse with overuse, like long walks or standing for long periods.

• Prevents you from climbing stairs comfortably kneeling in your garden.

• Is an old injury that never really went away…

Try Acupuncture!

For chronic knee pain I recommend coming in once a week for 6-8 weeks, then we can space out treatments a bit, to see if you can go 2-3 weeks or months and still maintain results.

What to wear to Community Acupuncture?

Basically, think PJ-chic.

Community Acupuncture calls for comfortable, loose, soft and comfortable clothing.

Receiving a community acupuncture treatment entails being treated in a tranquil group setting. You’ll lay in your own personal recliner to receive your treatment so looser clothing with easy access to acupuncture points is ideal.

Some of the most powerful acupuncture points are located on the limbs, specifically below the elbows and knees, so its recommended that pants should be able to come up above the knee - comfortably, without feeling like you're cutting off your circulation. Shirt sleeves should also be able to comfortably roll up to you elbows, with a tank top being ideal.

Tight leggings, skinny jeans, and tight sleeves should be avoided as they cut off blood circulation and restrict the flow of qi in the body. We strive to keep the temperature of the clinic ideal for wearing minimal clothing and also have heat lamps, hot pack sand blankets on hand to keep your body cozy and comfortable.

It’s also important to note that even if you have pain in a specific area of the body (say, wrist pain, for example), it's pretty likely that your acupuncturist will put needles in OTHER areas of your body as well, to help address that pain.

These points are called "distal" points (aka, far away from the area of pain) and are used because everything in the body is connected, according to Chinese medicine.

So even if you have wrist pain, it's likely your acupuncturist may still want to put needles in at your knees and elbows. Wearing comfy clothes that allow access to these areas is the way to go.

If you're coming after work and can't wear pajama-like clothes, no worries. We'll always figure out a way to access the necessary points and allow you to still be comfy enough to take a nap!

But if you ever have the chance, try wearing your PJs to acupuncture (or bring them along so you can change), and see how much easier and comfier it is!

Dr. Michelle's Product Picks for Summer

Collagen and Bone Broth Latte Recipe

BB’s Bone Broth Latté

Two of my favorite supplements at the moment are the bone broth protein and multi-collagen from Ancient Nutrition. Since I’ve been taking those supplements regularly I’ve noticed my hair and nails are thicker and I’m also recovering from my workouts faster.  

Sometimes it’s a struggle to take my supplements regularly due to the demands of everyday life. So many pills and powders to take, and only so much time - right? I’ve found the secret to taking something regularly is to make sure it tastes GOOD! Funny how we always find time to eat treats; yet never seem to have the time to get the healthy stuff in. This latte tastes so good; I never forget to drink it. ☺ At 29 grams of protein per serving, I consider it a mini-meal all by itself. Enjoy.

Ingredients

1 Scoop Ancient Nutrition (Pure) Bone Broth Protein

1 Scoop Ancient Nutrition Multi-Collagen Protein

1 Cup Almond Milk (regular or vanilla)

1 Heaping tablespoon Organic Raw Local Honey

1 Dash of Cinnamon

Tools

Coffee Cup, Small Pot, Whisk

Serving Size

1

Directions

Pour one cup of almond milk into pot, place over medium heat on stove top. 

Quickly add one heaping tablespoon (to taste) of local, organic raw honey, and whisk to mix thoroughly with almond milk.

Quickly add 1 scoop each, collagen and bone broth powders.

Whisk vigorously to dissolve powders into almond milk.

Pour into coffee cup, top with cinnamon… enjoy.

Pro Tips

Do not heat up hotter than drinking temperature or leave too long over heat, otherwise you “cook” the bone broth and can ruin the taste. Some almond milks foam more than others & foam tends to not taste great, so either scoop out the foam, block the foam with the whisk when pouring, or better yet use an almond milk that doesn’t foam (Almond Breeze Original works well). If you want to be the envy of all your friends and the talk of the town… make your own almond milk and use that. Experiment with honey ratio to your taste.

Health Benefits

29 Grams of Protein – a great start to your day! Great for gut (mood) health, joints, ligaments, hair, skin and nails. (If you drink one a day, you should notice your hair and nails growing healthier and faster!). Some people, including Jordan Rubin (Author, Founding CEO of Garden of Life, Co-founder of Ancient Nutrition) who created and marketed the first dehydrated bone broth while living on the Central Coast of California, believe bone broth to be the most beneficial “superfood” that has ever come along, and a potential fountain of youth. 

Falling Into a (Pumpkin Flavored) Fall Season

One quick trip through trader Joe’s and you can’t deny that fall is here on the central coast.  Pumpkin Cream Cheese, pumpkin bread, pumpkin pancakes, its pumpkin everything in there! No, the leaves haven’t changed yet, but the flavor of our lattes and cream cheese have changed to the ever alluring “pumpkin flavor”….which in SLO town, means Fall is here! Living in our mild San Luis Obispo climate we don’t find ourselves noticing extreme shifts in weather; but our bodies still go through energetic shifts as the seasons change.  The more aware you can get with these seasonal energetic changes in your environment and in your body, the greater the potential for you to harness the wisdom the season can provide.

The energy of the fall season is the Metal Element. The metal element correlates to the Lungs and Large Intestine organs.  At this time of year it’s a season and a time for colds and flus. The kids go back to school and come home with not only a new teacher and new friends, but also a whole new set of pathogens.  After the skin, the Lungs are the first defense system in the body to fight off pathogens in Chinese Medicine. The Large intestine organ in Chinese medicine specifically correlates to the colon.  The shift in weather and climate can also cause digestive disharmony within the body.

The emotional component of the lung is grief.  The lungs store unresolved grief in the body; some physical manifestations of this can include chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, and shortness of breath. I have found when processing  grief it’s important to develop a deep sense of gratitude for what has served us in the past, yet is no longer in our present. Let it be a relationship, a home, a job or even a loved one, the path to transforming grief is through gratitude and appreciation for what and how those things served you. 
Respiratory illnesses are heightened this time of year as the weather shifts and we find ourselves susceptible to upper respiratory infections.  I see an abundance of asthma, bronchitis, and coughs walk through my doors this time of year. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs are excellent at building the body’s immune system to support this seasonal transition with ease. Some great essential oils to treat upper respiratory conditions at home include eucalyptus or rosemary.  Applying a drop these oils in carrier oil to the acupuncture point Lung 1 is very beneficial at opening the lungs while also tonifying the immune system.

The emotional aspect of the Large Intestine captures the active/yang side of grief, the ability to “let it go.” It’s about deciphering what needs to stay and what needs to go in order for you to function at you highest potential.  Just as the Large Intestine releases toxic waste from the body, it’s has an emotional energetic capacity to clear out the negative emotions and patterns which no longer serve the highest version of ourselves. Low vibrational emotions such as shame, guilt, anger and fear can be very powerful to release this time of year.  

If you would like to look further into this concept I would highly recommend the book Letting Go by David R. Hawkins.

This book transformed my life; as it fell into my hands as I was processing my divorce and struggling to create a positive new life for my family.  With this book I was able to release a lot of negative emotions, and habits that were holding me back while creating space for new beliefs and thought patterns. A great read for anyone feeling stuck.   

I hope you find yourself healthy and happy this Fall Season with a pumpkin-flavored-something in your near future. ☺

What’s different about Community Acupuncture?

We are Sliding Scale

All our treatments are sliding scale, so YOU decide how much feels right to you, and allows you to afford as many treatments as you need. We adopted the sliding scale because it is important to us that Acupuncture treatments are affordable and accessible to everyone, regardless of financial situation.

You are treated in a Group Setting

Yes, it’s true…You will be treated in a large room with OTHER people in the room. While this can seem odd or invasive to some, (Americans like their privacy) it’s surprisingly a very soothing to experience a healing modality in a community setting. There’s something more powerful about being in a space with others; creating the collective intension to heal. From clinical experience, Michelle has noticed that patients seem to heal faster when they are treated in a room with other people.  Much like meditating or doing yoga in a group vs. alone-it just feels different.

All of our Treatments are Distal-Style

All of our treatments utilize the Balance Acupuncture Method which is a technique created by Dr. Richard Tan. His techniques utilize distal acupuncture points located on the lower arms, lower legs, head and face that can effectively and quickly treat anywhere in the body. Essentially, this means we can treat your neck pain by needling your wrist. This technique has allowed us to administer thousands of treatments, addressing anything from neck pain to menstrual cramps, without asking the patient to do more than roll up their pant legs.

Community Acupuncture is different and it’s important to understand it is not always the best fit for everyone. Some patients have very complicated cases that require lab work and careful monitoring, while some patients just like the privacy of being treated one-on-one. Private treatments can still be booked with Michelle Hamilton at the SLO Wellness Center. The primary goal of Zen Den is to make acupuncture available to anyone in the community and with the sliding scale community acupuncture model, we are able to provide just that.

5 Tips to Prepare for your Acupuncture Visit

So you’ve decided to make the plunge and try some acupuncture.  You’ve found a solid acupuncturist, booked an appointment and now you are wondering what to do next.  Acupuncture doesn’t require a whole lot of prep work on the patient’s part, but there are 5 things to consider before your first acupuncture treatment. 

1.    Schedule Well.

Be mindful about when you schedule your appointment.  Allow plenty of time after the treatment so you won’t feel rushed.  Avoid scheduling your appointment before or after something strenuous like a stressful meeting or hard workout.  Some people feel pretty relaxed and groggy after a treatment, so allow plenty of time after your treatment so you don’t feel rushed.

2.    Arrive Nourished.  

Everyone has different metabolisms, but it’s generally a good idea to eat at least 2 hours before your acupuncture visit.  This is an important one; it’s not advised to show up to an acupuncture treatment with light-headedness, low blood sugar or a rumbling stomach.

3. Avoid Coffee 2 Hours Before your Appointment. 

 Coffee is a stimulant, which increases sympathetic nerve activity; kicking the body into fight or flight mode. Meanwhile, acupuncture does the opposite; shifting you away from that sympathetic fight or flight mode more towards parasympathetic mode, which encourages rest and digest. When utilizing natural medicinal modalities, its best to work with the process and not against it, as it may confuse the body.

4.    Avoid Alcohol.

This seems obvious, but is worth mentioning. Acupuncture has a way of getting us more in touch with our physical bodies.  Alcohol on the other hand, does just the opposite; numbing our physical experience down. Best to limit the alcohol before a treatment and really get in touch with your body during this deeply meditative experience.

5.    Make a List.

Before you come into your appointment it’s best to sit down for a minute and make a couple lists.   Sometimes by the time we sit down in front of a practitioner we can tend to get anxious and forget all those little physical details we wanted to share about our bodies. On another list, write down all the medication and supplements as well as dosages of each.  As a primary care provider, Acupuncturists will want a current list of all medications, especially if they are making herbal or supplement recommendations to assure there aren’t any contraindications with their recommendations. 

Acupuncture is amazing healing and relaxing modality and I hope these recommendations increase your ability to maximize the benefits of your treatments.