Balance Acupuncture & Wellness

11/17/2025

As the weather turns colder, here’s a gentle reminder from a Chinese Medicine perspective: wear your socks. 🧦❄️

Keeping your feet warm isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protecting your Kidney system, which is deeply connected to your energy reserves, hormonal balance, bones, ears, and even how well you age. The Kidney channel begins on the bottom of the foot, so when your feet get cold, that cold can easily pe*****te and drain your reserves over time.

A few simple benefits of keeping those feet cozy this season:

🌬️ Protects the Kidney Qi — prevents cold from settling into the body and helps maintain your core vitality.
😴 Supports deeper sleep — warm feet increase circulation and help the body shift into a restful state.
🦴 Supports your low back + joints — because the Kidney system governs the bones and low back in TCM.
💆‍♀️ Helps your whole body relax — warm feet = calmer nervous system.

So as temps drop, give your body a little extra love. Slip on those socks or soft slippers—especially in the mornings and evenings—and notice how much better you feel.

Your future self (and your kidneys!) will thank you. 💛🧦

11/15/2025

What are the benefits of using a TDP lamp?

💪🏼 Provides temporary relief of muscle and joint pain and stiffness, and minor joint pain associated with arthritis

🩸 Temporarily improve local circulation where applied, relaxing muscles, resulting in relieving muscle spasms, sprains and strains, and muscular back pains

☀️ Infrared heat pe*****tes much deeper than surface heating, such as electric heat

🌍 Mineral plate made of 43 elements essential to the human body emits a special band of electromagnetic waves similar to wavelengths released by the human body, facilitating effective absorption

🔥 The heat of TDP Lamps creates a very comfortable and relaxed feeling, which can help with insomnia

11/14/2025

✨The Power of Goji Berries (Gou Qi Zi)✨

Goji berries may look small, but in Chinese Medicine they’re considered a superfood for vitality. 🍒

These bright red berries nourish the Liver and Kidney systems, support healthy vision, and help replenish Yin—the body’s cooling, moisturizing, and restorative energy.

Here are a few ways Goji berries can support your well-being:

🌿 Promote eye health and reduce dryness or strain (perfect for those of us on screens all day)
🌿 Support energy and endurance without being overstimulating
🌿 Nourish the blood and promote a healthy complexion
🌿 Aid sleep and mood balance when used consistently

You can add a handful to your tea, oatmeal, soups, or trail mix for a gentle daily boost.

In TCM, food is medicine—and small, mindful choices like this help bring the body back into balance.

Have you tried Goji berries in your daily routine? I’d love to hear how you enjoy them! 🌞

11/13/2025

“Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.” (Henry James)

Wishing you a beautiful World Kindness Day. ♥

11/11/2025

What is my acupuncturist doing with that soup spoon??

Most likely, your acupuncturist is using a technique called gua sha. The term 'gua' means 'to scrape,' and 'sha' refers to the reddish colored "rash" that often appears on the skin after treatment

Gua sha involves using a smooth-edged tool, often made of jade, horn, or other materials. We use it by gently scraping or rubbing the skin's surface along the meridian, lymphatic drainage, and muscle belly pathways in a light, sweeping motion.

Gua sha is a therapeutic technique used to promote blood circulation, release tension, and stimulate the body's natural healing response. It is often applied to areas of the body experiencing pain, stiffness, or stagnation. conditions, it can also help with sinus pressure, TMJ, nasal congestion, and headaches.

11/11/2025

11/10/2025

Have you heard of the Starbucks Medicine Ball?! I hadn’t until a patient filled me in on the secret…. 🤫

But here is a do it yourself dupe.

✨ DIY Starbucks Medicine Ball ✨

The cozy, soothing drink we all need on sick days (or any day!). Warm, minty, peachy goodness with a little citrus boost 🍋 🍑

Ingredients:
• 1 cup hot water
• 1 cup warm lemonade
• 1 mint tea bag (like Jade Citrus Mint)
• 1 peach tea bag (like Peach Tranquility)
• 1 Tbsp honey
• Sliced lemons for garnish 🍋

How to Make It:

1️⃣ Steep both tea bags in hot water for 2–3 minutes
2️⃣ Add warm lemonade + honey
3️⃣ Stir until the honey melts
4️⃣ Add fresh lemon slices + sip the comfort! ☕️✨

Tag me if you try it! 💛

11/05/2025

Give this 5 minute Qi Gong practice a try each morning for a week and see how you feel.

Are you more energized? Do you feel like your eyes are brighter/clearer? Did it help to move your body before you even start your day?

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

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11/04/2025

Castor Oil Packs: Ancient Remedy, Modern Wonder

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.

What is a Castor Oil Pack? 🛁🌿
A Castor Oil Pack is a therapeutic cloth soaked in cold-pressed castor oil (from the seeds of Ricinus communis) placed on the skin—typically over the liver, abdomen, or lymph nodes. Covered with a barrier (wool) and warmed with a hot water bottle or heat pack, this ancient remedy has stood the test of time—from Cleopatra’s beauty rituals to 21st-century detox protocols ✨.

Let’s Talk Science 🔬🧠
Why is castor oil more than just an old wives’ tale? Science is catching up:

1. Ricinoleic Acid – The Star Ingredient ⭐
About 90% of castor oil is made up of ricinoleic acid, a rare unsaturated fatty acid with powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects 💥.

Research Highlight:
A 2009 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that ricinoleic acid activates EP3 prostanoid receptors—which are involved in immune function modulation, pain regulation, and smooth muscle contraction. That means castor oil can calm inflammation, ease pain, and stimulate flow—especially in the lymphatic and digestive systems 🌿💪.

Benefits of Castor Oil Packs
Here’s what the research and clinical practice suggest these gooey little wonders can do:

1. Lymphatic Drainage Booster 🌀💧
The lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump like the heart—it relies on movement and flow. Castor oil packs may stimulate lymphocyte production (white blood cells), encouraging better lymph drainage and detoxification 🚿.

Clinical Insight:
A study from The Townsend Letter for Doctors reported increased lymphocyte counts within hours of castor oil pack application—suggesting improved immune and lymphatic activity 🧬.

2. Liver Love & Detox Support 🌿🫀
Placed over the liver, castor oil packs may improve liver enzyme function and bile flow—essential for detoxification, hormone balance, and digestion 🌱.

3. Gut Health & Constipation Relief 🚽💨
One of the oldest uses of castor oil is for constipation relief. Packs applied to the abdomen may support peristalsis (bowel movement) and reduce bloating and cramping 🫃.

Bonus: A study published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice (2011) showed that elderly participants with constipation experienced significant improvement using abdominal castor oil packs ✅.

4. Hormone Harmony & Menstrual Relief 🌸🕊️
Castor oil’s anti-inflammatory nature may help relieve menstrual cramps, support ovarian and uterine health, and even help with fibroids and cysts (when used consistently with professional guidance) 💗.

How To Use a Castor Oil Pack
It’s as simple as 1-2-3: ✨

You’ll Need:
• Cold-pressed, hexane-free castor oil 🧴
• A piece of flannel or wool (about the size of your hand) 🧵
• A protective cloth or sheet 🧼
• Hot water bottle or heating pad ♨️
• Old clothes or towels (because it will get messy!) 🧺

Step-by-Step:
1. Soak the flannel with castor oil until it’s saturated but not dripping 🌊.
2. Place it over your target area (liver, abdomen, joints, lymph nodes) 🎯.
3. Cover with your protective layer 🧻.
4. Add heat and relax for 30–60 minutes ⏳.
5. Repeat 3–5x per week for best results 📆.

Pro Tip: Do not use during menstruation or pregnancy unless cleared by a professional 🚫🤰.

Who Should Avoid Castor Oil Packs?
• Pregnant women (castor oil can stimulate uterine contractions) ⚠️
• Active infections or open wounds at application site 🛑
• Allergy to castor oil (always patch test!) 🧪

In a Nutshell…‼️
Castor oil packs are like nature’s version of a warm hug: soothing, detoxifying, and deeply nurturing to your organs and lymphatic flow 🫶. With modern research backing what ancient cultures knew, they’re a safe, accessible tool for anyone on a healing or wellness journey 🌍✨.

So grab your oil, wrap yourself up, and let the healing begin 🌙.
Because sometimes, the simplest remedies are the most profound 🌿💫.

©️

11/03/2025

“What on earth is Evil Bone Water?!” 😆

Despite the spooky name, this powerful herbal liniment has been used in Chinese Medicine for over 500 years to help support the body’s natural healing process.

I love recommending it for:
• Muscle aches + tightness
• Bruises + sprains
• Joint discomfort
• Post-workout soreness
• Neck + back pain

It absorbs quickly and feels refreshing on the skin — like your muscles can finally take a deep breath. 🌬️

If you’re curious whether EBW might help you, feel free to message me or ask about it at your next appointment!

🌿 Your body works hard — let’s give it some support.

☯️ Now for sale at Balance Acupuncture & Wellness.

11/02/2025

🍂⏰ The time change this Sunday can throw our internal clock off — especially sleep, digestion, stress levels, and our overall rhythm. In Chinese Medicine, we honor the body’s natural cycles and how each organ system thrives with consistency. Here are a few gentle ways to help your body adjust more smoothly:

✨ 1️⃣ Protect Your Sleep + Calm the Shen
Stick to a consistent bedtime. Dim lights early, shut down screens, and create a quiet landing space for your nervous system. Calm Shen = smoother sleep transition.

✨ 2️⃣ Nourish the Spleen
The Spleen thrives with warmth and routine. Start the day with a warm breakfast (think oatmeal, eggs, miso soup) to support digestion and energy instead of feeling groggy.

✨ 3️⃣ Morning Movement to Regulate Qi
A short walk outside in morning sunlight signals the Liver and Gallbladder systems to regulate hormones, mood, and sleep cycles.

✨ 4️⃣ Avoid Too Much Late-Night Stimulation
Heavy meals or intense workouts late in the day disrupt the Heart and Liver systems when they’re trying to reset for restful sleep.

If you’re feeling extra off this week — sluggish, anxious, not sleeping well — acupuncture can help reset your internal rhythm and support a smoother seasonal transition. 🍁💛

11/01/2025

Don't forget to fall back...