Episodes
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Hey podcast listeners, I’m putting an indefinite pause on Notes from Your Acupuncturist. This quick episode talks about why, or you can read the written update on Substack here. Thank you for listening!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit notesfromyouracupuncturist.substack.com -
Patients have been asking my opinion on acupressure mats for years. I finally got tired of saying, “I don’t really know,” so I decided to try one out for myself.
If you don’t know what an acupressure mat is…picture a thin rectangular mat, like the kind you used to lie on at nap time in kindergarten, and it’s covered with rows of plastic circles, each about the size of a quarter, and each plastic circle has several short plastic spikes sticking out of it, and you lie on it. It’s like a plastic bed of nails.
So I bought an acupressure mat, and then I thought…why stop with mats? So then I bought a whole bunch of other acupressure tools and asked my coworkers to test them out and report back.
And that’s what we’re diving into in this episode—how these tools work, and why you might want to use them for yourself. You’ll learn:
The fascinating history of the acupressure mat, and how I’ve incorporated mine into my daily self-care routine
The principles of acupuncture meridian and point therapeutics that support the use of acupressure mats
Uses for other acupressure tools such as rings and rollers (including special guest appearances from two of my coworkers, Ali and Sandra!)
I’ll be honest…I went into this little acupressure mat experiment a bit skeptical. I’ve seen some pretty grandiose claims on social media. I don’t think acupressure is a cure-all, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how much I’ve come to love my acupressure mat. Acupressure is a safe, easy, inexpensive, and effective form of self-care, so I hope this episode inspires you to try it out for yourself!
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Check out this episode’s sponsor, Open ACU! Appointment scheduling and EHR software thoughtfully built for acupuncturists, by acupuncturists.
Thanks to AudioCoffee for the music in this episode, and endless love and gratitude to my paid subscribers for contributing to the sustainability of my work!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit notesfromyouracupuncturist.substack.com -
Missing episodes?
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Have you ever found yourself in a difficult and confusing phase of life, wishing you had a guide—someone to sit you down, pour you a cup of tea, help you make sense of it all and show you the way forward?
If you’re navigating perimenopause or menopause, Clarissa Kristjansson is your person.
Clarissa is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner, educator, and an internationally recognized expert on perimenopause and menopause. She offers a wealth of practical advice and recommendations for weathering all of the changes that come with this phase of life, and encourages women to view this time as a holistic journey, and an opportunity for renewal and refocusing.
In this episode you’ll learn:
1. Why menopause is called the Second Spring in Chinese Medicine, and how it offers the perfect opportunity to rest, restore, and reflect on where you want to go
2. Why the TCM concepts of Jing (essence) and Ming (destiny) become even more important during this phase of life
3. Practical advice to help you feel your best amid the hormonal changes of perimenopause and menopause, including deliberate nutrition, mindful movement, and living in harmony with the TCM body clock
4. How to create space for nourishing body and spirit through Yang Sheng Fa or “nourishing life practices”
There’s so much good stuff in this episode, and so many moments of gentle wisdom from Clarissa. Even if you’re not a person going through perimenopause or menopause, trust me—there’s something for you here too. As Clarissa reminds us, Chinese Medicine brings you back to the essence of you. That’s something we can all benefit from, in any stage of life.
You can find Clarissa online at her website, on Substack, or on Instagram, and listen to her podcast, Thriving Through Menopause, wherever you get podcasts.
Clarissa Kristjansson, PhD, has been working as a holistic menopause practitioner for the last 8 years based in Sweden but working worldwide. This followed 28 years in corporate life and an academic background in nutrition and neuroscience. Her approach is rooted in Chinese medicine, Daoism and the practice of self-cultivation. She works works clients to offer a safe and supportive environment for thriving through menopause and stepping into the Second Spring. Her healing tools include Medical Qigong, Chinese food energetics and aroma point therapy to nourish life through food, movement and stillness. Clarissa hosts the Thriving Through Menopause podcast, and offers online consultations and workshops, including Medical Qigong, at her website https://clarissakristjansson.com
References:
7 Times a Woman, by Dr. Lia Andrews
All About the Chinese Body Clock
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Thanks to AudioCoffee for the music in this episode, and endless love and gratitude to my paid subscribers for contributing to the sustainability of my work!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit notesfromyouracupuncturist.substack.com -
“I have recognized myself—as a professional, as a parent, as a partner—that the better I take care of myself, the more I can be present and connected to those that I care about.” -Jason Moskovitz, L.Ac.
One of the things I love about doing this podcast is reconnecting with people I knew years ago, seeing where life and practice has taken them, and hearing some of the wisdom they’ve accumulated in the decades since we first met.
Jason Moskovitz is one of those people. We both studied acupuncture at Yo San University in Los Angeles, and in our recent conversation he reminded me of an oft-repeated saying from one of our shared teachers, Master Hua-Ching Ni:
“There are no incurable diseases, only incurable people.”
And really, that’s what this episode is about: becoming a curable person.
Some of the highlights include:
1. Expanding our understanding of the concept of root and branch in Chinese Medicine, and why roots of disease often reach far beyond physiological dysfunction, and into a person’s life circumstances, genetics, history and community
2. Why relief from suffering is rooted in connection, and how to practice and cultivate connection through self-care
3. The importance of asking for help, moving through pain and discomfort, and being both a student and teacher
4. How meditation, movement and other self-care practices cultivate intuition, which Jason calls “a truth from inside your own being”
You’ll also hear about Jason’s journey of incorporating meditation and movement practices into his own life to show up and be more present as a parent, a partner, and a practitioner. I loved this conversation with Jason, and I hope it can serve as a reminder that we all have the potential to be curable humans.
Find Jason online at https://www.newharmonyhealth.com
Buy Jason’s book, Arthritis: Secrets of Natural Healing
Get in touch! Send me an email or a voicemail
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Thanks to AudioCoffee for the music in this episode, and endless love and gratitude to my paid subscribers for contributing to the sustainability of my work!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit notesfromyouracupuncturist.substack.com -
In recent weeks a news story has been making the rounds about a woman who suffered a double pneumothorax as a result of an acupuncture treatment. A pneumothorax is just a fancy way of saying a collapsed lung, and although it’s exceeding rare for acupuncture to cause one, it is a possible adverse event. So I thought this would be a good opportunity to talk about the risks, side effects, and safety record of acupuncture.
Acupuncture is safe. Really, really safe. But like all forms of medicine, it is not entirely risk-free. So let’s talk about what those risks are, and how worried you should be about them.
Episode highlights include:
1. Potentially serious, yet extremely rare adverse events that may occur as a result of acupuncture, including pneumothorax, infection, damage to peripheral nerves and blood vessels, and organ damage. Learn about the many safeguards built in to the practice of acupuncture to minimize these risks, including training, testing, licensing, and the universal use of single-use, disposable needles.
2. Less serious, slightly more frequent, but still pretty rare potential side effects, including bleeding, bruising, pain at the needle site, temporary worsening of symptoms, lightheadedness, and fainting. Learn why some of these shouldn’t even be considered side effects, and are more likely signs of a positive therapeutic response.
3. A little perspective: the potential risks and side effects from acupuncture pale in comparison to other forms of medical care. It truly is one of the safest forms of medicine.
4. Not only is acupuncture extremely low-risk, it often produces bonus side benefits such as better sleep, more energy, and a calmer, more relaxed mood.
While no form of medicine is completely risk-free, acupuncture comes pretty close. It’s safe, it’s effective, and it might even surprise you with a few happy side benefits. So, now you know the risks…time to go get some acupuncture.
Get in touch! Send me an email or a voicemail
Get the latest updates! Check out my website, and follow me on Substack, Facebook and Instagram
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Loved this episode? Leave a rating or a review!
Check out this episode’s sponsor, Open ACU! Appointment scheduling and EHR software thoughtfully built for acupuncturists, by acupuncturists.
Thanks to AudioCoffee for the music in this episode, and endless love and gratitude to my paid subscribers for contributing to the sustainability of my work!
References:
Unlicensed Acupuncturist Is Charged After a Patient’s Lungs Collapse
Adverse Events of Acupuncture: A Systematic Review of Case Reports
Iatrogenic Pneumothorax during Acupuncture: Case Report
Safety of Acupuncture: Results of a Prospective Observational Study with 229,230 Patients and Introduction of a Medical Information and Consent Form
A Multicenter Prospective Survey of Adverse Events Associated with Acupuncture and Moxibustion in Japan
Incidence of iatrogenic pneumothorax following acupuncture treatments in Taiwan
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit notesfromyouracupuncturist.substack.com -
Have you ever had more insomnia during a full moon? Have you ever felt more introspective or melancholy during a new moon? Have you ever wondered if the pull of the moon might be affecting your physical body, your emotional state, and your life? We know the moon affects the tides, and our own bodies contain about 60% water—so why wouldn’t the phases of the moon affect us as well?
Licensed Acupuncturist Dr. Michelle Hamilton has spent a lot of time exploring these questions, and has developed a unique treatment approach she calls Lunar Acupuncture, using the energy of the lunar cycles to amplify the effects of her acupuncture treatments, and help patients take a more active role in manifesting their own healing.
In this episode, we discuss:
How to harness the moon’s cycles to promote healing, set intentions and manifest goals
How the phases of the moon and astrological cycles correlate with certain physical and emotional changes, and how they can help amplify the effects of acupuncture or other natural healing modalities
How non-acupuncturists can apply the principles of lunar acupuncture with non-needling techniques, including acupressure, crystals and essential oils. As Michelle says, “You don’t need to be an acupuncturist to utilize the power of acupuncture.”
Traditional Chinese Medicine is rooted in observation of the natural world, and the understanding that our bodies both reflect and respond to the cycles and rhythms of the universe. Our classic texts discuss the relationship between our bodies and seasonal changes, cycles of life and death, and even times of day, but surprisingly make little mention of the lunar phases. So Michelle developed her treatment approach based on insights from her patients, collaboration with other practitioners, and a deep respect for the key fundamentals of TCM.
I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation, and one of the things that struck me most about Michelle is her genuine curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, collaborating and sharing. She approaches her work with a deep sense of wonder and a desire to grow and benefit others. It's a reminder for all of us to embrace curiosity in our own lives, and to never stop seeking knowledge and understanding.
Dr. Michelle Hamilton is the owner of the Zen Den, a hybrid community style acupuncture clinic and healing center in San Luis Obispo, CA. She’s been in practice for 14 years, and has also developed educational offerings including her Lunar Acupuncture course and Community Acupuncture school. You can learn more about Michelle, her practice, and her courses at her website, https://www.drmichellehamilton.com
Curious to learn more about Lunar Acupuncture? Use coupon code NOTESFROMTHEMOON to save $80 off course enrollment! Enroll here!
Follow Michelle on Instagram at @dr_michellehamilton
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Thanks to AudioCoffee for the music in this episode, and endless love and gratitude to my paid subscribers for contributing to the sustainability of my work!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit notesfromyouracupuncturist.substack.com -
“China has had many epidemics over its thousands of years of existence, so Chinese Medicine developed an exquisitely complex and sophisticated understanding of disease, especially epidemics and infectious disease.” -Luriko Ozeki, L.Ac.
Licensed Acupuncturist Luriko Ozeki has specialized in pediatrics for many years. But at the start of the covid-19 pandemic, she took on a new role: offering telemedicine services for adults who were suffering from the effects of long covid, and desperate for help. She’s gone on to work with many long covid patients, both adults and children, using Chinese Medicine to help guide their bodies back to a healthy and balanced state.
Long covid is estimated to occur in at least 10% of severe SARS-CoV-2 infections, and it’s estimated that around 200 million people worldwide have some form of long covid. And those numbers are likely higher due to undocumented cases. One study published in the Lancet found that two-thirds of long covid patients required a reduced work schedule or weren’t working at all. Even if you haven’t been personally impacted by long covid, chances are you know someone who has.
Fortunately, Chinese Medicine offers real help to long covid patients. In this episode, Luriko and I discuss:
1. What long covid is, how it manifests in the body, and the physiological systems it affects
2. How Chinese Medicine theories of disease progression, including two of our classic texts the Shang Han Lun and Wen Bing, inform an acupuncturist’s understanding of long covid and our treatment approach
3. The concept of a latent pathogenic factor, and its relationship to inflammation and the body’s immune response
4. Practical tools for helping the body expel pathogenic factors and fortify its infrastructure, so it can be in an even healthier state to fight off future infections
You’ll learn about heat pathogens, cold pathogens, latent pathogens, phlegm, dampness, levels of disease and all of the other fascinating topics that Chinese Medicine practitioners love to talk about!
As Luriko reminds us, Chinese Medicine has developed over thousands of years against a backdrop of epidemics and infectious disease. So acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and other modalities of Chinese Medicine are uniquely suited to help remind the body of its innate intelligence, and remember how to be healthy again.
Licensed Acupuncturist Luriko Ozeki has been in practice in 2008, offering both in-person services at her Los Angeles clinic, and telemedicine services for patients worldwide. She specializes in non-needling pediatrics, women's health, and long covid. She has developed a vaccine preparedness program to help people prepare their bodies to receive and benefit from vaccines while also mitigating side effects.
Fullscript - Iyashi Wellness Dispensary: Create an account if you don't have one in Fullscript already and get access to all of Luriko Ozeki's protocols.
Iyashi Wellness Vaccine Preparedness Workshop: Take Luriko’s vaccine preparedness course.
You can learn more from Luriko and get in touch via her website iyashiwellness.com, or follow her on Facebook and Instagram
References:
Long COVID: major findings, mechanisms and recommendations
Characterizing long COVID in an international cohort: 7 months of symptoms and their impact
Viral persistence, reactivation, and mechanisms of long COVID
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Loved this episode? Leave a rating or a review!
Thanks to AudioCoffee for the music in this episode, and endless love and gratitude to my paid subscribers for contributing to the sustainability of my work!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit notesfromyouracupuncturist.substack.com -
When 李道玲 Camellia Dao-Ling McDermott Lee contacted me about coming on the podcast as a guest, I knew that theirs was a perspective I wanted to hear and share. As a biracial member of the Asian diaspora, and a fifth-generation Taiwanese healer, Camellia has spent years trying to understand why their own Asian family members would express disdain for the ancestral healing traditions of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. Was it internalized racism? Survival instinct? Perhaps even, love?
Camellia's narrative is interwoven with tales of war, empire, and anti-Asian racism that profoundly impacted their family's choices. Their unique academic path, against the backdrop of societal issues of racism, colonialism and systems of oppression, all coalesce into a captivating exploration of identity, heritage, and healing.
Along the way, we discuss:
1. The history of acupuncture in the United States, the financial barriers to acupuncture education, and its relationship with the broader issues of cultural appropriation, gentrification, violence, and displacement.
2. The far-reaching implications of Orientalism on marginalized groups, and the structures of power, money, and domination it reinforces.
3. The inherent reciprocity at the foundation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the importance of participating in energetic exchanges on both the individual and community levels.
Towards the end of the episode, we talk about Camellia’s new book, Elemental Healing: A 5-Element Path for Ancestor Connection, Balanced Energy and Aligned Life. Camellia shares why they were inspired to write it, and the lessons and guidance it can offer to all of us, regardless of our background.
Throughout our conversation, Camellia generously shares their unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of reconnecting with ancestral practices amid a labyrinth of cultural and systemic pressures, while offering a poignant reminder of the necessity to challenge our perceptions and strive for empathy and understanding. This episode serves as a call to action, urging us to consciously dismantle these structures of harm through our interactions and conversations.
You can learn more about Camellia’s work and subscribe to their newsletter at https://www.camelliadaoling.com
Camellia’s book, Elemental Healing: A 5-Element Path for Ancestor Connection, Balanced Energy and Aligned Life, is available from any bookseller.
Follow Camellia on Instagram
Camellia’s meditations on Insight Timer
References:
National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA)
Tyler Phan
Get in touch! Send me an email or a voicemail
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Loved this episode? Leave a rating or a review!
Thanks to AudioCoffee for the music in this episode, and endless love and gratitude to my paid subscribers for contributing to the sustainability of my work!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit notesfromyouracupuncturist.substack.com -
No, acupuncture is not “just a placebo.” Let’s talk about why.
I can’t tell you how many times I and every other acupuncturist I know has been asked, “Isn’t acupuncture just a placebo??” Usually it’s by someone who’s keen to dismiss the legitimacy of one of the world’s most enduring forms of medicine, simply because they don’t understand how it works.
First of all, don’t knock placebos. They work. Sometimes they work just as well as the Real Thing. For example, which would you rather undergo: real knee surgery or pretend knee surgery? One study showed that they’re equally effective!
And secondly, just because we don’t fully understand how something works, doesn’t mean its effectiveness is solely due to the power of suggestion.
Turns out placebos are nuanced and a bit mysterious and actually quite fascinating! Is acupuncture “just a placebo?” Well, no. But…it’s complicated. So let’s dive in.
In this episode you’ll learn:
1. What placebos are and they role they play in research and development of new medical interventions
2. Theories as to how and why placebos work, including by prompting behavior changes, relieving anxiety, and the concept of remembered wellness
3. What sham acupuncture is, and why research shows that sham acupuncture and “real” acupuncture have very different effects on the body
4. Examples showing how the benefits of acupuncture can’t simply be explained away by the power of suggestion
Finally, I think it’s good to remember that placebos help people in very real and measurable ways. They remind our bodies what it is to be well, and can encourage us, in ways both subtle and powerful, to heal and be whole.
P.S. This is my 20th episode of the podcast! I’m super excited to hit this milestone, and YOU can help me celebrate by leaving a rating or a review. You can do that on your podcast listening app of choice, or on my website. Thanks!
References:
Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy versus Sham Surgery for a Degenerative Meniscal Tear
Placebos Work Even When You Know
Placebos without Deception: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Pains and needles: brain scans point to hidden effects of acupuncture
The Magic of Placebos
Get in touch! Send me an email or a voicemail
Get the latest updates! Check out my website, and follow me on Substack, Facebook and Instagram
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Loved this episode? Leave a rating or a review!
Thanks to AudioCoffee for the music in this episode, and endless love and gratitude to my paid subscribers for contributing to the sustainability of my work!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit notesfromyouracupuncturist.substack.com -
Chinese Medicine history, philosophy, and practical advice…all in one episode!
What happens when you blend ancient wisdom with modern understanding? Jeffrey Schiffinelli, licensed acupuncturist and practitioner of Chinese medicine, provides an enlightening exploration into holistic disease models, the power of adaptogenic medicine, and the beauty of this ancient practice that views the body as a whole functioning organism, reflecting the natural cycles and biological systems that exist on our planet.
In this episode, Jeffrey and I journey through some of the classic texts of Chinese medicine, a few scholarly theoretical concepts (which we try our best to break down into plan English), and a host of philosophical detours!
You’ll learn about:
1. The foundational concept of the microcosm and macrocosm, how our bodies reflect the natural cycles of the world around us, and the inherent blueprint for health that exists within each of us
2. The inclusive, circular nature of Chinese Medicine wisdom, and how it informs patterns of disease progression, differential diagnosis, and a treatment that is always individually crafted to meet each patient’s unique needs
3. How acupuncture and Chinese Medicine function an adaptogenic medicine, shoring up the body so it can handle the stresses of life
4. The concept of the immune system in Chinese Medicine, and how our Zheng qi or “upright qi” repairs and strengthens the body from within
5. How Chinese Medicine continues to evolve and address new and emerging diseases, by encouraging us to live in harmony with nature and trust our instincts
If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about the unique, circular approach of Chinese medicine, this is the episode for you! Jeffrey shares profound insights into trusting ourselves, aligning with nature, and the resonance of our bodies with the world around us.
Jeffrey Schifanelli is a Licensed Acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine practitioner in Savannah, GA, and has been practicing since 2011. His clinic, Savannah Community Acupuncture, is a 501c3 nonprofit clinic that makes Chinese Medicine more accessible.
Learn more about Chinese Medicine at Jeffrey’s blog
Follow Savannah Community Acupuncture on Facebook and Instagram
Get in touch! Send me an email or a voicemail
Get the latest updates! Check out my website, and follow me on Substack, Facebook and Instagram
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Loved this episode? Leave a rating or a review!
Thanks to AudioCoffee for the music in this episode, and endless love and gratitude to my paid subscribers for contributing to the sustainability of my work!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit notesfromyouracupuncturist.substack.com -
You know an herbal supplement is having a moment when it’s mentioned in a New York Times headline. I’m not on TikTok, so I had no idea berberine was a rising social media star until the attention-grabbing NYT headline landed in my inbox, asking “Is Berberine Nature’s Ozempic?” And that’s how I learned that influencers on TikTok, Instagram and who knows where else were touting it as the newest and hottest weight loss aid—a natural, cheaper version of Ozempic. But let’s be clear: berberine is not nature’s Ozempic. There’s no such thing as “nature’s Ozempic,” because Ozempic is a pharmaceutical drug and berberine is a chemical compound found in some plants.
But instead of getting all cranky about the never-ending co-opting of plant medicine to push an unachievable beauty standard and feed the beast of capitalism, I decided to use berberine’s 15 minutes of fame to talk about how cool it is…when it’s prescribed by a qualified herbalist. Berberine may be the latest TikTok fad for weight loss, but in this episode we’re separating hype from reality, and talking about what it actually is.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
* What berberine is, where it’s found in nature, and some of its documented uses, including for the treatment of diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and polycystic ovarian syndrome
* How the flavor and temperature properties of Chinese herbs reflect their action in the body
* The fascinating connection between the Chinese herb Huang Lian, aka coptis rhizome, and one of the major medical breakthroughs of the 20th century
* The story of another Chinese herb, Ma Huang, aka ephedra, which illustrates the disastrous results of extracting single compounds from whole herbs
* Why herbs should always be taken under the guidance of a qualified health practitioner, and not a social media influencer
So…is berberine nature’s Ozempic? The short answer is no, but the long answer meanders through centuries-old Chinese herbal practices and principles, modern allopathic medical breakthroughs, and a whole lot more. Just remember: TikTok is for entertainment and not medical advice.
And while we’re on the subject of weight loss, checked out episode 15 of the podcast if you haven’t already done so. You’ll learn why it’s good to be skeptical of the hype anytime a product or practice is touted as a weight-loss miracle.
References:
Can Berberine Really Help You Lose Weight?
Nobel Prize for H. pylori Discovery
Barry James Marshall - Discovery of Helicobacter pylori as a Cause of Peptic Ulcer
Reduction in Ephedra Poisonings After FDA Ban
Stay in touch with Notes from Your Acupuncturist! Connect via website, Substack, Facebook and Instagram.
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Notes from Your Acupuncturist is a reader-and listener-supported publication. If you enjoy my work, you can buy me a coffee or become a paid subscriber for just a few dollars a month on Substack.
Endless love and gratitude to my paid subscribers for contributing to the sustainability of my work!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit notesfromyouracupuncturist.substack.com -
At every stage of pregnancy, acupuncture benefits parents and babies, and offers natural, drug-free relief from common ailments in pregnancy.
Back in episode 11, Jerusha DeGroote Stephens and I talked about the benefits of Chinese Medicine for infertility and IVF support. Today, we’re talking about what happens AFTER the positive pregnancy test.
Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also be a time of great anxiety, particularly for someone who’s been through a pregnancy loss. As Jerusha says, acupuncture creates the space for your brain to downshift and let go of the stress of appointments and schedules and medications. An acupuncture treatment is a time to let someone else take the wheel and take care of you (and a time when no one will ask you for a snack!)—a respite that’s desperately needed for pregnant patients and parents of young kids.
In this episode, Jerusha and I discuss:
Redefining self-care as a survival and not a luxury, and why self care is so crucial during pregnancy
How acupuncture can treat common health issues that arise at each stage of pregnancy, including nausea morning sickness, anxiety, carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, joint and ligament pain, sciatica, gestational diabetes and hypertension
Research studies supporting the use of acupuncture for cervical ripening and labor preparation, and moxibustion for turning a breech baby
How acupuncture can help during the “fourth trimester” or post-natal period, by calming anxiety, replenishing qi and blood, reducing inflammation, minimizing pain and even facilitating lactation
Towards the end of the episode, Jerusha and I discuss two of my favorite things about treating pregnant patients. One is that they almost always report a lot of fetal activity during a treatment. Turns out babies in the womb love acupuncture! And increased fetal activity kind of blows that whole “acupuncture is just a placebo” argument out of the water. Another is that pre- and post-natal treatments often make for some of our best acupuncture stories, like the time my patient had her baby in the car on the way to the hospital after getting acupuncture. Jerusha shares a few of her own powerful patient stories of acupuncture doing the seemingly impossible.
I hope you enjoy this discussion on the many ways acupuncture helps support mothers, families, and new life.
Love and gratitude,
Your Acupuncturist
P.S. We do discuss pregnancy loss, so if that’s a difficult subject for you, you might want to skip this episode.
You can keep up with Jerusha online at Sprouted Heart Acupuncture and Wellness, learn more about her collaborative, integrated fertility treatment model online at Paradigm, follow Sprouted Heart on Facebook and Instagram, or contact Jerusha by email.
References:
Moxibustion for Correction of Breech Presentation: A Randomized Controlled Trial:https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/188144
Acupuncture for Cervical Ripening and Induction of Labor at Term - A Randomized Controlled Trial:https://europepmc.org/article/med/11802511
Stay in touch with Notes from Your Acupuncturist on our website, Substack, Facebook and Instagram.
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Thanks to AudioCoffee for the music in this episode.
Loved this episode? Leave a rating or a review!
Notes from Your Acupuncturist is a reader-and listener-supported publication. If you enjoy my work, you can become a paid subscriber for just a few dollars a month on Substack.
Endless love and gratitude to my paid subscribers for contributing to the sustainability of my work!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit notesfromyouracupuncturist.substack.com -
Meridians. They’re where the qi flows, where the acupoints are located, and what we tap into with acupuncture needles… But like, what ARE they?
Acupuncturists tend to use analogies to describe meridians. Meridians are like blood vessels, but they carry qi instead of blood. They’re like a system of roadways. They’re rivers of energy flowing through your body. They’re all of these things and more.
Meridians are hard to define because they’re immaterial, yet they do so much. Without them, we’re not alive. They flow in predictable patterns, and yet we can manipulate them with needles, massage, movement and breathwork, or even mere thought.
And there are LOTS of them—different types, with various purposes, carrying qi to every cell of your body. And they’re interconnected, a completely closed circuit. You could even say that your body is just one big meridian with a million different branches.
Meridians are fascinating! And this episode is all about what they are, how they work, and why we acupuncturists love them so much. I hope it inspires you to love them too.
Check out my guest interview on the Midlife Fulfilled podcast!
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Recently my daily Google news alert for acupuncture has been blowing up with headlines about new research showing that acupuncture may help you lose weight. Can it really? Today’s episode of the podcast takes a closer look.
A press release by researchers in Japan, and accompanying presentation at the 2023 European Congress on Obesity, is what kicked off the latest flurry of news stories about weight loss and acupuncture. In their study, researchers concluded that “acupuncture on the ear may aid weight loss when paired with diet and exercise. It’s likely that acupuncture has a positive effect by curbing cravings and appetite, improving digestion, and boosting metabolism.”
But is it really that simple? (It’s not)
Also, why do researchers and doctors fixate on body mass index, aka BMI? Is it a true reflection of a person’s state of health? (Not really)
But isn’t being overweight bad for your health? (That’s debatable)
Why is our society so weird about weight anyway? (Blame capitalism)
This episode tackles the question of whether or not acupuncture can help you lose weight…and a whole lot more.
Love and gratitude,
Your Acupuncturist
Stay in touch with Notes from Your Acupuncturist on our website, Substack, Facebook and Instagram.
Become a paid subscriber! Visit https://notesfromyouracupuncturist.substack.com
Thanks to AudioCoffee for the music in this episode.
Loved this episode? Leave a rating or a review!
Notes from Your Acupuncturist is a reader-and listener-supported publication. If you enjoy my work, you can become a paid subscriber for just a few dollars a month on Substack.
Endless love and gratitude to my paid subscribers for contributing to the sustainability of my work!
References:
2023 press release: Ear acupuncture with beads may help shed the pounds
2020 study: Auricular acupuncture with beads helps support sustained weight loss
Summary of auricular acupuncture research
Maintenance Phase: The Body Mass Index
Maintenance Phase: The Obesity Epidemic
Maintenance Phase: Is Being Fat Bad for You?
Global Weight Loss and Weight Management Market Size
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Can acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and simple self-care techniques can help you prevent, manage and even eliminate pain? Yes!
Albert Vaca and I met literally on the first day of acupuncture school. We started as part of a small cohort of students in the summer term, and most of our classmates were already a semester or two ahead of us in their studies. I remember feeling like I was at the bottom of a very tall mountain, trying to catch up to other hikers who had already gotten a head start. Fortunately I wasn’t alone—Albert was a fellow bewildered adventurer there at the bottom of the mountain with me.
That was more than two decades ago, and in the ensuing years Albert has gone on to establish his practice at the world-renowned Tao of Wellness in southern California, and has co-authored the book BACK to Pain-Free Health: Secrets of Natural Healing for Back Pain, along with our teacher and school’s co-founder, Dr. Maoshing Ni. He’s completed advanced studies in Acupuncture Orthopedics and specializes in helping people live pain-free with Traditional Chinese Medicine. He takes a multifaceted approach to pain management, emphasizing self-care practices such as movement, nutrition, acupressure and stress management.
As a lifelong athlete and practitioner of martial arts, Albert has had his share of injuries, and knows firsthand how pain can sideline you and affect every area of your life. The knowledge he shares comes from his experience as both a practitioner and patient. He truly practices what he preaches, and his own advice has helped him stay active and healthy as a practitioner, athlete, and father.
In this podcast episode, Albert and I discuss:
* The healing power of breath work and movement, including simple breathing exercises to support your back and massage your internal organs
* The connection between stress and pain, and how emotional healing facilitates physical healing
* The role of nutrition in fighting inflammation and pain, and the benefits of an anti-inflammatory diet
* Simple, daily practices for preventing back pain and musculoskeletal pain, and self-care tips to treat pain naturally
My biggest takeaway from this conversation with Albert is that so much of the power to heal, and live a life free from pain, comes from within.. As Albert says, “You CAN get better, but you have to be patient with it, and you have to do the things that will push you towards a pain-free life, little by little.”
Albert shares so many free and low-cost resources too. His book, BACK to Pain-Free Health: Secrets of Natural Healing for Back Pain, guides you through a comprehensive, holistic approach to preventing and managing pain. His qigong and stretching videos are available on the Tao of Wellness YouTube channel, and he shares more articles and tips on the Tao of Wellness Pasadena Facebook page.
I hope this episode helps you see that a life with less pain IS possible, and that the power to heal is in your own hands.
Love and gratitude,
Your Acupuncturist
Notes from Your Acupuncturist is a reader-and listener-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Stay connected with Albert:
Buy Albert’s book!
Tao of Wellness
Tao of Wellness newsletters
Tao of Wellness on YouTube
Tao of Wellness Pasadena on Facebook
Tao of Wellness on Instagram
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Thanks to AudioCoffee for the music in this episode.
Loved this episode? Leave a rating or a review!
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Endless love and gratitude to my paid subscribers for contributing to the sustainability of my work!
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Last episode was all about science! This one not so much.
You might recall that last episode of the podcast explored the science of how acupuncture works. Research articles were cited, physiological processes were discussed, long words were used. Today we’re ditching all that and talking about how acupuncture REALLY works. We’ll dive into qi and blood, heat and cold, yin and yang, and all sorts of other interesting concepts that help acupuncturists understand what’s happening in the body. Think of this episode as Year One of acupuncture school condensed into 25 minutes.
So just a refresher…episode 12 discussed the physiological effects of acupuncture in a few key areas: improving circulation, reducing inflammation, regulating the nervous and endocrine systems, increasing endorphins, and modulating brain waves. In today’s episode we look at those key areas and explain an acupuncturist’s perspective on how exactly acupuncture produces all those changes in the body.
While the physiological changes that happen in response to acupuncture are fascinating, it's the theory and philosophy behind it that truly explains its efficacy. Hopefully you’ll enjoy this completely unscientific explanation of the science behind how acupuncture works.
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Loved this episode? Leave a rating or a review!
Notes from Your Acupuncturist is a reader-and listener-supported publication. If you enjoy my work, you can become a paid subscriber for just a few dollars a month on Substack.
Endless love and gratitude to my paid subscribers for contributing to the sustainability of my work!
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Today on the podcast I’m answering another frequently asked question about acupuncture: How does it work? Now, I love talking about qi and meridians and Chinese Medicine theory, but today’s show is all about exploring the science of acupuncture.
Patients know that acupuncture works, and researchers are keen to understand its physiological effects on the body, so acupuncture has been extensively studied, to help scientists and doctors understand how and why it works. In this episode, I’ll talk you through the scientific research in a few key areas. Specifically, acupuncture has been shown to:
* Increase blood flow in key arteries and improve circulation throughout the body
* Reduce inflammation
* Regulate the nervous system, including the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which encompasses sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) modes
* Increase endorphins, our body’s natural painkillers and “feel-good” chemicals
* Regulate the endocrine system, including blocking chronic, stress-induced elevations of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis hormones
* Modulate brain waves
The physiological effects are well-researched and documented. So the next time someone tells you acupuncture is unscientific…just have them listen to this episode.
Thanks to AudioCoffee for the music in this episode, and endless love and gratitude to my paid subscribers for contributing to the sustainability of my work!
Notes from Your Acupuncturist is a reader- and listener-supported publication. If you enjoy my work, you can become a paid subscriber for just a few dollars a month at https://notesfromyouracupuncturist.substack.com
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References:
Evaluation of the Effects of Acupuncture on Blood Flow in Humans with Ultrasound Color Doppler Imaging: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3388479/
The Effects of Acupuncture on Cerebral Blood Flow in Post-Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial :https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4739128/
Acupuncture enhances generation of nitric oxide and increases local circulation: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17242084/
The Anti-Inflammatory Actions and Mechanisms of Acupuncture from Acupoint to Target Organs via Neuro-Immune Regulation: https://www.dovepress.com/the-anti-inflammatory-actions-and-mechanisms-of-acupuncture-from-acupo-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-JIR
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Acupuncture at ST36 Point: A Literature Review in Animal Studies: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2021.813748/full
Acupuncture and Related Techniques for Pain Relief and Treatment of Heroin Addiction: Mechanisms and Clinical Application: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7755848/
Acupuncture and Endorphins: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15135942/
Series of studies first to examine acupuncture's mechanisms of action: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/676751
Deqi Induction by HT7 Acupuncture Alters Theta and Alpha Band Coherence in Human Healthy Subjects: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2017/7107136/
Impacts of acupuncture at twelve meridians acupoints on brain waves of patients with general anxiety disorder: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23885609/
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“After my first IVF patient got pregnant, I was so inspired by helping people grow their families. I was like, this feels like I’m really helping people, in a way that’s beyond placebo, beyond pain. It’s a continuation. It’s a legacy for this family.” -Jerusha DeGroote Stephens, L.Ac.
Jerusha DeGroote Stephens and I first met in 2008, when we worked together at a group practice in Memphis, TN. She’s since built her own practice, Sprouted Heart Acupuncture and Wellness in Flowood, MS, specializing in fertility. She’s even collaborated with a local reproductive endocrinology clinic to provide acupuncture services onsite for patients during in-vitro fertilization (IVF), before and after their embryo transfer. As someone who has experienced the pain of infertility herself, Jerusha is passionate about using acupuncture and Chinese medicine to help patients grow their families.
In this podcast episode, we discuss:
* How acupuncture improves fertility from a physiological standpoint, including stimulating blood flow and follicle development, releasing endorphins, and stimulating nerve tissue
* What patients can expect when using acupuncture to help improve fertility (for both females and males!), whether they’re trying to conceive naturally or through the use of Assisted Reproductive Technology such as IUI or IVF
* What happens after the positive pregnancy test - how acupuncture supports a healthy pregnancy
* Practical advice for anyone who wants to improve their fertility, including her favorite book on the subject, Making Babies by Sami S. David and Jill Blakeway
One of the greatest benefits of acupuncture for infertility is the emotional support and stress relief it provides during what can be one of the most difficult and painful periods of a patient’s life. As Jerusha says, “This is slow medicine. This is not take a pill and fix it in a snap. This works with your body, not against it, and we have to give that time.”
Towards the end of the episode, Jerusha and I take a little walk down memory lane and reminisce about the time I shook hands with the governor of Mississippi, as he promised to sign into law Mississippi’s inaugural acupuncture practice act. Jerusha spearheaded the effort to pass an acupuncture licensure law in her state, and was the first Licensed Acupuncturist in Mississippi.
Even though we discuss a serious topic in this episode, Jerusha and I laugh a lot too. She’s an absolute delight, and I hope you enjoy hearing about her compassionate and committed approach to patient care as much as I did.
Love and gratitude,
Your Acupuncturist
Notes from Your Acupuncturist is a reader- and listener-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
You can keep up with Jerusha online at Sprouted Heart Acupuncture and Wellness, learn more about her collaborative, integrated fertility treatment model online at Paradigm, follow Sprouted Heart on Facebook and Instagram, or contact Jerusha by email.
Huge thanks to Jerusha DeGroote Stephens for the great conversation, and to AudioCoffee for the music in this episode.
And endless love and gratitude to my paid subscribers for contributing to the sustainability of my work!
References:
Paulus study: The influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction technology
Making Babies: A Proven 3-Month Program for Maximum Fertility by Sami S. David and Jill Blakeway
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Lots of good advice in today’s episode…courtesy of YOU!
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Recently I posted a question to my readers and listeners on Substack and social media: what health advice would you give to your younger self?
The responses I got were so thoughtful, so loving and compassionate, I thought they deserved their own podcast episode.
Even though these bits of wisdom are intended for an imagined younger self, you can start practicing them at any age (well…most of them anyway). No matter what your age, I hope some of this advice is meaningful for you.
Stay in touch with Notes from Your Acupuncturist on Substack, Facebook and Instagram.
Thanks to AudioCoffee for the music in this episode.
Loved this episode? Leave a rating or a review!
Notes from Your Acupuncturist is a reader-and listener-supported publication. If you enjoy my work, you can become a paid subscriber for just a few dollars a month on Substack.
Endless love and gratitude to my paid subscribers for contributing to the sustainability of my work!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit notesfromyouracupuncturist.substack.com -
Can acupuncture help you love yourself more fully? For Dr. Natalie Kilheeney, the answer is a resounding yes.
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Dr. Natalie Kilheeney radiates positivity. She’s an acupuncturist and qigong instructor, and the owner of Beyond Zen Studio, and multidisciplinary clinic in Granger, Indiana. When I asked her to share some of the keys to her success as a business owner, I ended up with a huge dose of inspiration on awareness, acceptance, mindset and self-love.
In this episode, we discuss:
Her multidisciplinary approach to treatment, and how it benefits patients far beyond their physical health.
Her keys to success as a business owner (which turn out to be great life advice too!)—including being a heart-driven leader, empowering her team, remembering your mission and purpose, and having a clear mind and a core sense of self.
How to cultivate a healthy mindset and why it’s so important.
How to develop self-care practices to bring more self-love into your life.
Dr. Natalie’s advice can benefit anyone who wants to cultivate more awareness, authenticity and purpose in their life. But she didn’t always live in such a heart-centered way. Towards the end of the interview, Dr. Natalie shares more of her own story, and why she credits acupuncture and qigong with changing her life, and starting her on the path to self-love and true healing.
There are so many gems of wisdom in this episode. I hope you find one that speaks to you.
P.S. One correction - in my intro I say that Dr. Natalie is the founder and owner of Beyond Zen Studio. It was actually founded by her friend and yoga instructor Bridgette. When Bridgette relocated, Dr. Natalie merged her own acupuncture practice with Beyond Zen, and is now the owner and CEO.
You can keep up with Dr. Natalie and the wonderful team at Beyond Studio at their website, and on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Stay in touch with Notes from Your Acupuncturist on Substack, Facebook and Instagram.
Thanks to AudioCoffee for the music in this episode.
Loved this episode? Leave a rating or a review!
Notes from Your Acupuncturist is a reader-and listener-supported publication. If you enjoy my work, you can become a paid subscriber for just a few dollars a month on Substack.
Endless love and gratitude to my paid subscribers for contributing to the sustainability of my work!
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