Ever since I took a continuing ed course with @davidhartmanndiesel , I knew I wanted to include tuning forks into my sessions. While I’m a complete novice to using these beautiful tools, I’m loving learning how using them on Acupuncture points can help restore balance with or without the use of needles. When an activated fork is placed on a specific point, it gently stimulates that point, bringing it into resonance with the frequency of the fork. When placing an activated fork around a needle that has been inserted into a point, the needle acts as an antenna, gently vibrating with the frequency of the fork, guiding that resonance deeper into the body. Each fork is tuned to a different frequency and has a different effect. In my case, the forks resonate with the following properties: -128hz, also known as Otto frequency-promotes relaxation, eases muscle tension, reduces joint pain, grounds the body’s energy. -256hz, promotes physical stabilization by way of nervous system regulation. -512hz, disperses stagnant energy, restores energetic equilibrium, promotes mental clarity. Looking forward to incorporating these into my sessions and seeing what shifts my patients notice :) #soundhealing #tuningforks #healingharmonics #tcm #youcenteredwellness

Finding a liquid laundry detergent that actually works, smells nice, has zero toxic ingredients and is affordable is rather hard to find…so I made my own. Recipe is live on the blog. Check the stories if you are catching this in real time or head to the Tea Time blog link in bio. Let me know if you have any question :) #nontoxiclaundry #diylaundrydetergent #safeforbaby #safeforsensitiveskin

Take a break from the busyness and take some time to relax and receive peaceful vibes. We begin with a brief check in to feel into the collective energies in the room. Then @acupuncturejo.lkn inserts a needle in a chakra opening and calming point. Next @hypnosis_by_ary guides us into an energy healing infused meditation. @carolbeba1 accompanies the meditation with the magical sounds of her crystal singing bowls. As the bowls continue to play, @hypnosis_by_ary and @carolbeba1 collaboratively provide energy healing for those present. @hypnosis_by_ary gently guides you out of meditation followed by a reintegration period in which insights are shared by all practitioners. If this sounds like how you’d like to spend your Friday night, we’d love to have you. Option for receiving these vibes on a yoga mat or zero gravity recliner.

Did you know morning sickness is NOT exclusive to pregnancy? It can actually happen during several hormonally driven events or even after last night’s dinner not settling well. Either way, it sucks! If this is you, check out this blog post for ways to support your oral health when brushing your teeth sounds like torture. Also, yes, I made this post months ago and completely forgot to tell y’all about it. Oops! Link in my stories if you are catching this in real time. Otherwise, head to the Tea Time Blog link in my bio. Ok Byeeeeeeee :) #morningsickness #alldaysickness #firsttrimester #nausea #hyperemisisgravidarum

Don’t get me wrong, life can certainly be busy. Things can get thrown our way that add to the busyness of the day. Lately, however, I have been embracing even more slowing down and intentionality. I don’t jam pack my schedule in my work life nor in my personal life. I need room to take a mental breath. To process information. To be present and to have space for magic. If I say yes to being constantly busy, I won’t have the space to fit in some fun or be able to serve my clients who have just been told their IUI is tomorrow. You do you. I’ll be over here moving at the speed that feels best for me…and it lacks haste.

My room is not fancy. My practice is very low tech. I have a decent understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The more experience I gain, the more I realize that my knowledge base is just scratching the surface on such a historically rich and profound medicine. I do my best to be gentle and patient when inserting and withdrawing needles but I am by no means the most finessed needler. What I am really good at though…is listening. I hold the space and give time to get past the pleasantries of greetings and the main complaints. After the consultation I ask “is there anything else you want to discuss?” before guiding the patient to the treatment table. I want to do my best to make sure every patient/client feels seen and heard with EVERY visit. I want to answer all their burning questions about a myriad of topics. I don’t have to have the answers, I just need to hold the space. When someone feels witnessed, their nervous system more readily accepts the medicine you offer (even if it is just a cup of tea). This is what makes me special…and I’m pretty proud of it 💕

I’m a huge fan of Holistic Nutrition, Naturopathy and Ayurveda. These practices look at the body as a whole and support many aspects of diet and lifestyle as well as the emotional. Functional Medicine from the right practitioner that gives you tools to help you heal yourself and not just a crazy amount of supplements that are also bandaids. Other supportive practices I really love include: Hypnosis, Bodywork, Chiropractic Care, and Energy Healing (there are many others too).

We begin with some hot tea and a brief check in to get a feel for the collective energies in the room and how to best support everyone. Then, @acupuncturejo.lkn inserts 1 or 2 needles to calm the nervous system and act as antennas for the sound healing frequencies. Next, @hypnosis_by_ary guides us into a Reiki infused meditation while @carolbeba1 plays the crystal singing bowls. All 3 modalities are customized for each gathering providing a unique experience whether this is your first time with us or your 20th. There is a gentle reintegration process before you float your way into the rest of your evening. Please state in your RSVP if you prefer to lay back on a Zero Gravity chair or on a yoga mat on the floor. See you there!

The sun will rise at 7:45am and set at 7:25pm on Sunday, March 3rd. Set yourself up for success and start adjusting your (and your kids and/or pets) schedule to help you ease into the transition. Start waking up just 3min earlier every day from now until then (ex: 7:30, 7:27, 7:24…). Progressively waking up 3min earlier will catch you up to the hour “lost”. Same goes for bedtime. Start going to bed a little earlier each night so you don’t feel like you lost an hour when March 8th arrives. I’m going to start adjusting my dog’s meal times accordingly so the shift isn’t so abrupt for her. Those of you with little ones, consider getting a lamp and timer (or invest in a sunrise alarm) and set it up so that it mimics the amount of light we have now at their wake up time. It’ll be a lot easier to get them going in the morning if it isn’t pitch black when they wake up. On the flip side, consider getting black out curtains for their rooms and start making it dark for bedtime so they aren’t confused about why they have to go to sleep when the sun is still out. If you found this helpful, please share with others so they can ease into the transition too! 🌅🌅🌅

Did you know that Friday the 13th is the most feminine day on the calendar? Come join us and we’ll share why as well as sit in community honoring love and it’s many varieties. We begin with some hot tea and a brief check in to get a feel for the collective energies in the room and how to best support everyone. Then, @acupuncturejo.lkn inserts 1 or 2 needles to calm the nervous system and act as antennas for the sound healing frequencies. Next, @hypnosisbyAry guides us into a Reiki infused meditation while @carolbeba1 plays the crystal singing bowls. All 3 modalities are customized for each gathering providing a unique experience whether this is your first time with us or your 20th. There is a gentle reintegration process before you float your way into the rest of your evening. Please state in your RSVP if you prefer to lay back on a Zero Gravity chair or on a yoga mat on the floor. See you there!

This time of year, I often recommend that my pelvic steaming clients also incorporate facial steaming into their steam care routine. Indoor heating and generally drier climate tend to dry out our skin and our sinuses. This increases the potential for skin irritations and airborne related sicknesses (cold, flu, etc). Benefits of facial steams include: -Decongesting the skin -Moistening dry eyes -Moistening dry skin/lips -Preventing sickness -Clearing out stuck mucus (which can prevent sinus infections) -Reducing sinus inflammation -Assisting in the healing of acne and more! All you need to prepare a facial steam is a bowl/pot filled with hot filtered water, sea salt and a towel. Herbs are a nice ‘plus’ but not essential to receive the benefits listed above. I do take advantage of the fact that I am preparing a pelvic steam for myself, to go ahead and steam my face and sinuses first. It may sound like a spa like experience but it’s really just me bending over my steam throne with a sheet draped around my head. Sometimes my pup shows up and decides to tip over her toy bin and play “death to squeaker”. Either way, my skin always feels really good, and almost grateful, after I do a facial steam. Have you ever received a facial steam? What was your experience like?

With the days getting dark so early, we added these dimmable “movie theatre lights” to create a more relaxing ambiance for our gatherings. They also assist in the reintegration back into awareness without the harsh overhead lights. The combination of gentle Acupuncture, Energy Healing, Meditation & Sound Healing is already elite; but we are always looking to enhance the experience of those that join us. Stay tuned for opportunities to experience these peaceful gatherings in 2026. (Slide to the video with the sound on if you’d like a sneak peak of the vibes).

Feeling like routine prenatal visits aren’t providing you with the support you need? Holistic TCM based Pregnancy Wellness visits do so much more than just check your blood pressure, weight and urine. They can actually help address your pregnancy concerns that get dismissed as “this is normal in pregnancy”. These visits run approximately 75min long and are a combination of self care and education. You get to ask all of your questions, discuss the pros & cons of routine care plus learn about alternatives available to you all while receiving Acupuncture and TCM based treatments. Pregnancy is more peaceful when you feel heard and when you can actually get support for the things that don’t feel so great. It’s also empowering to take an active role in your prenatal care guided by compassion and facts (not fear mongering and compliance). If this sounds like it aligns with you, get on my waitlist for Pregnancy Wellness sessions in 2026. Comment or DM me your email and I’ll reach out to get you added. Limited openings available. Drop any questions you have in the comments. Pricing information is on my website under the Pregnancy Wellness Service (link in bio).

TCM and other sources of ancient wisdom acknowledge that good digestion requires warmth. Digestive Fire helps food breakdown more efficiently, allowing it to absorb more easily. Modern science has shown that having warm foods and sipping small amounts of warm fluids increases salivation and enzyme activity in the mouth. Cold foods and beverages actually slow down blood flow which hinders the peristaltic movement of your digestive tract (beginning in your throat and ending in the rectum). As we approach a holiday that is known for overeating, taking the time to chew your food well and prioritizing warm foods and drinks will help you actually enjoy your meal and avoid feeling terrible later. #tcmnutritiontip #digestivefire #digestiveenergy #turkeyday #heartburn #constipation #bloating #digestivehealth

TCM and other sources of traditional wisdom believe that nature is always giving us clues for ways to support our health. One of those clues is that a particular food that resembles an organ is likely good for that organ or meridian system. Take for example, the humble walnut. What do you see when you look at a walnut? TCM believes that the properties of the walnut have an affinity for the Lung and Kidney channels, mostly because they resemble the Lungs and Kidneys. Walnuts also resemble the Brain, which is considered an extension of the Kidney channel. When I look at a walnut, I also feel like it resembles the Thyroid gland. Thyroid function, in my opinion, could fall under the properties of the Kidney channel as well. Walnuts are a seasonal food that usually mature in the autumn. If you follow TCM’s belief that foods also carry the properties to support us in the season they are ready to harvest, then we can consider that walnuts are a warming food. This might explain why we are more likely to see walnuts in autumnal recipes. Perfect to warm our bodies in preparation for the cold. What other foods can you think of that resemble an organ that also happens to be beneficial for that organ? I’ll go first, Apples! When you slice an apple, the area around the core resembles lungs. TCM does consider that apples are good for the lungs too. Your turn! Leave your thoughts in the comments 👇🏼

While cinnamon bark does have incredible anti-viral properties, cinnamon twig is actually more effective at pushing out the pathogen before it sets into your body. If you have been out in cold, damp, windy weather, making cinnamon twig tea is actually better at keeping sickness away. This herb is also helpful at preventing colds after getting caught in the rain and walking into cold spaces or after exposure to cold drafts. Like when you walk into the grocery store after getting rained on, for example. This herb is also helpful if you developed any kind of joint pain after being exposed to cold and damp weather or if you have joint pain that acts up in this weather. You can likely find cinnamon twig, known as Gui Zhi, in asian markets or you can order from the website in this video. To make this tea, just boil the cinnamon twigs for a minimum of 10min to extract its healing properties. Having this on hand as a cold preventative during the colder months is a game changer for your health. Just remember that the key is to take it as soon as you can after your exposure to the cold. Also, please please please, for the love of all the is sacred, cover your Wind Gate (back of the head, neck and upper back) with a scarf and appropriate clothing. The wind alone is enough to cause trouble, let alone combined with cold and damp weather. This is your first line of defense. The cinnamon twig tea after further adds to your defenses. Stay healthy lovelies! Let me know in the poll if you learned something new.

In Chinese Medicine, we talk about “Covering the Wind Gate” which is the area between the base of the skull, nape of the neck and the upper back. This area is susceptible to “wind attack” which is when you get exposed to too much wind or a draft. The wind carries pathogens with it that can invade your body and create symptoms of the common cold, flu, and sinus or respiratory infections. In addition, the excess exposure to the wind can cause headaches and stiffness of the exposed areas. In western folkloric medicine, covering the neck in general, is believed to protect against similar illnesses. A modern study showed that covering the neck creates warmth around one of the largest lymphatic clusters in the body (the neck terminal) which helps promote circulation to these nodes. These lymphatic nodes and vessels play a major role in keeping the sinuses and throat healthy. So it seems that most, if not every, system of health sees benefit in keeping the neck covered, especially when it is cold or windy (though protecting it from hot drafts is also beneficial). There must be good reason, eh? Pull out your scarves and keep one in the car just in case the weather turns windy while you are out and about. Some of you will try to justify that you don’t need one by saying things like: -it’s a short walk from the car -my hair covers my neck -i’ll just flip my collar up Etc. And you will likely be the folks developing the sniffles before the month is over. The wind doesn’t care how close your car is and it can certainly blow your hair off your neck and blow back your collar. Save yourself the discomfort later and follow Wu-Tang’s advice. They were on to something!

In today’s culture, we have come to normalize a lot of common complaints. So much so, that we have come to question that, if a pregnancy feels “good”, something must be wrong, right? Is it normal to not have horrible nausea? Is it normal to not vomit, not even once? Is it normal to not develop hemorrhoids? Is it normal to not have to wake up to pee during the night, even in the 3rd trimester? The answer to all of these questions is “Yes”! It is not only normal, but healthy, to feel good during pregnancy. I often see that mommas who invest in preconception care often tend to have the least amount of uncomfortable symptoms. Sometimes, mommas can get nervous that a lack of nausea means things aren’t progressing well but that’s not necessarily true. After all, isn’t the purpose of preconception care to help things progress smoothly??? While pregnancy can be extremely challenging for some, I do think that we should also normalize feeling good in pregnancy. Did you invest in preconception care with your pregnancy? What it helpful is preventing uncomfortable symptoms? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments.

We begin with some hot tea and a brief check in to get a feel for the collective energies in the room and how to best support everyone. Then, @acupuncturejo.lkn inserts 1 or 2 needles to calm the nervous system and act as antennas for the sound healing frequencies. Next, @hypnosis_by_ary guides us into a Reiki infused meditation while @lovehealingmore plays the crystal singing bowls. All 3 modalities are customized for each gathering providing a unique experience whether this is your first time with us or your 20th. There is a gentle reintegration process before you float your way into the rest of your evening. Please state in your RSVP if you prefer to lay back on a Zero Gravity chair or on a yoga mat on the floor. See you there!

I am so excited to introduce you to these Yoni Steam Herbal Blends that I formulated, and my lovely friends Amy and Rayna, helped me bring to life! There are 5 blends in this collection: -Realign: a universally beneficial blend for nonspecific complaints and general yoni care. -Restore: focuses on supporting cases of uterine fatigue (scanty menses, amenorrhea and more) -Refresh: a cooling blend that soothes heat and dryness associated to menopause and hormonal shifts. -Release: a cleansing blend that supports the release of accumulations in the reproductive organs (cysts, fibroids, endometriosis, etc). -Relief: a disinfecting blend that supports relief of bacterial infections (BV), Candida Overgrowth (yeast infections), etc. Yoni Steaming is the practice of sitting/standing/squatting over a pot of freshly boiled herbs. The steam carries the properties of the herbs up into the yoni, the entire pelvic bowl and perineum. This allows the reproductive organs and adjunctive tissues to benefit from the herbs through direct absorption. Currently these herbal blends are exclusively available to my existing clients however, it is possible to coordinate local pick up after a brief consultation. DM for details! Happy Steaming!

With an approaching New Moon, the Autumn Equinox, and the eclipse, it’s the perfect time for new intentions and new blessings. We begin with some hot tea and a brief check in to get a feel for the collective energies in the room and how to best support everyone. Then, @acupuncturejo.lkn inserts 1 or 2 needles to calm the nervous system and act as antennas for the sound healing frequencies. Next, @hypnosis_by_ary guides us into a Reiki infused meditation while Carol (@lovehealingmore ) plays the crystal singing bowls. All 3 modalities are customized for each gathering providing a unique experience whether this is your first time with us or your 20th. There is a gentle reintegration process before you float your way into the rest of your evening. Please state in your RSVP if you prefer to lay back on a Zero Gravity chair or on a yoga mat on the floor. Leave any questions in the comments. See you there!

If you have a bunch of yellow squash or zucchini that you don’t know what to do with, give this squash casserole recipe a try. Only wholesome ingredients, easy to make and reminiscent of Thanksgiving…at least for me. Only video I had was of a story I posted a while back which says I have no recipe, which was true at the time. Head to the Tea Time with Jo blog to get all the deets. Link in my bio. Direct link in my stories/ blog highlights. #summersquash #theveggienotthegame #zucchini #casserole #paleoish #grainfree #glutenfree #vegan #dairyfree #thanksgivingsides

I’m feeling the pull towards community and connection. When: Monday, Sept 15th 2025 6:45pm Offering: Join me for a virtual hang out where I’ll be sipping tea and discussing various health topics with you like your bestie. For this first hang out, I feel called to discuss all things cycle tracking. I’ll start with some general info and then you can chime in and ask me your questions. No slideshow, no formal presentation, just me riffing and you getting clarity. RSVP: To promote an intimate space for open sharing, I am keeping this first circle to 10 VIPs. To sign up, send a small contribution to Zelle, Venmo or Paypal and leave your email in the notes. I will send you a Zoom link to the email provided. Contribution is on a sliding scale from $1-$5. Notes: In order to create a sense of community and encourage engagement, this will be a live event. No recordings will be available so please make sure you can attend before RSVPing. Leave any questions in the comments. Looking forward to hanging out with you!

Society has us convinced that “self care” looks like hair appointments, nail appointments and facials; and sure, those things might help us feel a certain way about ourselves, but at what cost? I feel like these services have an undertone of we are only “x” if we do “y”. We are only pretty enough if our outer appearance is perfect. We are only worthy of love/attention if we alter the way we look, etc. To me, true self care has no strings attached. It reminds me of my innate worthiness rather than seeing it as something I have to work to maintain. True self care also adds to my health and well being. Investing in regenerative, pasture raised and organic foods is self care. Investing in quality water filtration and remineralization is self care. Investing in services that aid my health and wellbeing (acupuncture, bodywork, yoga, energy healing, etc) is self care. It doesn’t make sense to me that exposing our precious temples to harmful chemicals, fumes or environments would be considered self care. Yet, when I encourage folks to prioritize the quality of their food, their indoor air or their water, I often hear about how “expensive” that is. Leave me a comment about your favorite self care methods that do no harm to your body and don’t modify your natural appearance. If you are struggling to find one, I invite you to sit with that and see where you can make a shift.

-Individualization of care. -The way it zooms out to see the whole pattern. -How relevant and important your emotions are. -How it considers the weather and seasons. Many people are surprised at how long and thorough an initial assessment is in the practice of Chinese Medicine. Rather than just elaborating on the current complaint, I want to know everything there is to know about you. The gold is in the details, and sometimes, those details that seem insignificant can be a huge piece of the puzzle. Being able to see how you interface with life (past & present), tells me a lot about the state of your meridians and the different systems in your body. That relentless cough that developed after your beloved pet passed away, may very well be due to grief. If it gets worse every autumn, it’s because the autumn is associated with the Lungs (the organ associated to grief). If you struggle with constipation as well, it’s because the Large Intestine is partners with the Lungs in TCM. This means that a long standing issue in the Lungs will eventually affect the LI as well. No amount of inhalers, steroids, or allergy shots is ever going to cure that cough. Not amount of fiber is going to resolve the constipation. Your body must process and release the grief. Acupuncture and herbs can help. Just an example of why your cough/constipation is not the same as someone else’s and therefore, must be addressed individually. The same goes for any of your complaints. Rather than zooming in at the problem, TCM zooms out to see the full picture. It’s like a big “connect the dots” that starts off with each complaint being a random dot on the page, until they get connected and a pattern emerges. TCM is not the only medicine that sees things this way. Ayurveda and Homeopathy are both very good at seeing the pattern rather than focusing on just the complaint. There is wisdom and magic in the ancient.

Pasture Raised Eggs. Nearly the perfect food. I usually eat eggs with my breakfast every morning. The key to not getting bored with them is to switch up how you make them. Here are some of my recent morning scramble ingredients: -Green onions -Deli turkey and onions -Deli turkey and applegate pepperoni -Mushrooms and onions -Mushrooms and pepperoni -Mushrooms and sausage If I can find good quality salami, I like to make what I call “Salami Saucers”. I fry up the salami on one side, when I flip it over, it typically curls up into a cup shape. I crack an egg into each “cup”, put a lid on them, and let the whites cook for about 3min. So good! Other times I make what I call “Egg white Surprise” which is when I sauté up some veggies (onions, peppers, maybe add some sausage) and I crack the eggs on top and just let them fry. The white cook around the veggies and I still get the yumminess of a fried egg with a softer yolk 🤤. When I really need to switch it up, I make egg salad with Lusty Monk mustard, good quality mayo and green onions. Delicious! This is great for meal prep since I can make enough for the work week and keep it in the fridge. I do warm mine up before eating. I just rotate through various iterations, switching up ingredients. Also, I typically always make my eggs in butter (unless I’ve just made bacon; in which case I use the bacon grease) and I let the butter brown a bit which adds even more deliciousness. Sometimes I just have “brown butter eggs” (scrambled eggs in browned butter) which I find so freaking delicious and can eat pretty much anytime. If I want creamy scrambled eggs, I make them in a soft scramble on low heat, swimming in butter, whisking continuously until they are just cooked. Perfect for spreading over sourdough toast. Yum! My mouth is watering just writing this! What’s your favorite way to enjoy eggs? #brownbuttereggsforthewin

This is just a reminder that… If you are exhausted by: -your job -Your family life -your relationships -your fitness routine -the foods you eat -your lack of sleep You may develop hormonal dysfunction that looks like: -acne and other skin issues -menstrual irregularities and pain -menstrual bleeding that is either heavy or scanty -difficulty conceiving -breast health or lactation issues -highly symptomatic postpartum, perimenopause and menopause -difficulty maintaining healthy weight -premature greying of hair It may be helpful to: -Work on one area of exhaustion at a time. If you can’t find work that feels meaningful and brings joy, work on eliminating toxic relationships. If that feels overwhelming, work on getting a good sleep routine. Etc. -Engage in joyful movement that nourishes you rather than exhausts you. Remember that you can build strength in many ways (resistance training, calisthenics, pilates, etc). Walking is always a great place to start. -You were built to run on the ebb and flow of the menstrual cycle and the circadian rhythm. Your body thrives on the beautiful synergy of estrogen and progesterone. Trying to live your life as if you ran only on testosterone and the circadian rhythm is not in alignment with your biology. This mismatch could be the source of your health complaints.

With an approaching New Moon, it’s the perfect time for new intentions and new blessings. We begin with some hot tea and a brief check in to get a feel for the collective energies in the room and how to best support everyone. Then, @acupuncturejo.lkn inserts 1 or 2 needles to calm the nervous system and act as antennas for the sound healing frequencies. Next, @hypnosis_by_ary guides us into a Reiki infused meditation while @carolbeba1 plays the crystal singing bowls. All 3 modalities are customized for each gathering providing a unique experience whether this is your first time with us or your 20th. There is a gentle reintegration process before you float your way into the rest of your evening. Please state in your RSVP if you prefer to lay back on a Zero Gravity chair or on a yoga mat on the floor. See you there!

Actual words I uttered to a client yesterday. “Wet Cupping” is the practice that combines bloodletting with cupping. As dramatic as it sounds, this procedure can be performed in such a way to just allow for a few drops of blood to be released from the body. For this treatment, I made little tiny pricks over Acupuncture point DU14 with a lancet and placed a cup over it to induce the letting of blood. The suction of the cup really helps with this. For this particular treatment, I was just looking for a few drops of blood to exit from the pricks. Doing so over this point helps to vent out heat from the body (great for fevers, skin rashes, cystic acne and other heat disorders). If you swipe, you’ll be able to see an example of how the cup looks after the blood is released (not the actual cup from this most recent treatment). While it looks like a lot of blood, this wouldn’t even be enough to saturate a 1/4 of a cotton ball but it is enough to have profound effects and provide relief. Believe it or not, there is little to no discomfort with this particular type of treatment. In cases where there is severe heat and toxicity, a 3 edge blade made be used to make larger lacerations in the skin prior to adding the cup. This may result in much more blood releasing but is extremely helpful for those for whom this treatment is indicated. Oftentimes the blood released in those treatments is dark and viscous. Bloodletting treatments are not for everyone. So far, this is only the 3rd blood letting treatment I have performed this year and have gone entire years without doing a single one. What questions do you have about TCM bloodletting?

She said “I just need to take a break…it’s not you, it’s me”. This woman is an extremely busy mom and wife. I’m always trying to get her to slow down. She was feeling overwhelmed and over scheduled, and she respectfully asked for space. I applauded her for speaking up and setting boundaries. Even self care appointments can become a burden when it becomes stressful to plan for one more thing on the schedule during a busy season of life. Whenever she is ready, I will welcome her back with open arms. My point with this post is don’t be afraid to take a break and to talk to your providers about doing so. Sometimes clients just ghost because they want to avoid the conversation. However, that leaves the provider worried about what could’ve happened to them. I love when patients feel comfortable enough to communicate with me and take breaks when needed. In fact, I encourage it and I am so proud when patients do what they need to take care of themselves. Have you ever temporarily broken up with a provider? How was it received?

When I was in school Chinese Medicine school, one of my teachers was Master “Gordon” Xu. He was an expert in Chinese Medical Massage (Tuina) and all things related to Chinese Orthopedic Medicine. He taught me the importance of taking the time to walk backwards every so often; especially after spending most of the day standing or walking. He emphasized that we often neglect to train our posterior chain of muscles in the opposite direction, because we often only move forwards. Walking backwards is especially useful for those who experience back pain, in general, or associated to walking. Think about it, its an entire group of muscles that are only engaged in one direction. That is a lot of over training one way and doing nothing the other way. Like the equivalent of always training arms and skipping leg day. I’m sure there is more science-y stuff that belongs in this post but for now, just listen to Dr Xu and walk backwards every so often. Report back and let me know how you feel :)

It is usually my advice that moms take home their placentas after birth regardless of whether or not they plan to encapsulate it. The placenta is rich with stem cells and a *very* valuable organ to scientists researching the regenerative properties. It likely isn’t being discarded in hospital settings. Do your own research. Take home your own placenta.

I am so grateful to all the midwifes, doulas and birth workers that refer their clients with Breech presenting babies to an Acupuncturist for Moxibustion. The success rate in getting a baby to flip to a cephalic presentation (head down), is over 80% when moxibustion therapy is started at around 34 weeks. However, it is my preference to combine moxibustion therapy with Acupuncture in almost all cases. Why? Because the odds of success are so much better when both strategies are employed. Coupling Acupuncture with Moxibustion helps to create space in the abdomen to give baby room to turn. Acupuncture is also a useful tool in addressing factors that make it difficult for baby to turn. It can help influence the waters as well as provide more Qi (energy) to mom and baby to facilitate movement. Acupuncture is also soothing to the nervous system and can help relieve some stress and tension the mom might be feeling, which honestly, might be the most helpful part. Some babies are just meant to be born breech, and that’s ok. Breech is a variation of normal after all. If you are in a situation where you really want to encourage baby to reposition though, Acupuncture AND Moxibustion are likely to yield better results. If mom is over 35 weeks, I also encourage chiropractic care and bodywork (such as Myofascial Release) to facilitate cephalic presentation. I have had the cases where baby hadn’t turned after a course of treatment and the moms resorted to have an ECV. In every case, the baby was able to move so quickly and easily during the ECV that the medical provider even remarked on how they barely had to do anything. It is my hope that more and more OBs and Midwives become trained in breech birth. Until then, Acupuncture and Moxa are great helpers in getting baby head down. @breechwithoutborders is a great resource for breech births and training for those who’d like to support birthing women with breech babies. Did you have a breech baby? Please share your story in the comments if you are open to doing so :)

Exciting news everybody! The @bornfreemethod has offered me a code to share with all of you that gives you 12 month access to their entire course for $100 off! Inside the Born Free Method, you’ll find 60 hours of learning, covering everything from fertility, pregnancy, birth and postpartum broken down into 180 lessons. You’ll be learning in community as they offer regular group calls and private groups to connect with others on this journey (even a group just for men!). This course is great for anyone who is pregnant, planning on being pregnant, birth workers or any one who is just skeptic of the way things are done in the medical system. Theres even a program that helps you navigate pregnancy loss (absolutely free but also included in the 12 month access). Get all the details and code in my stories. I saved all the info to my Born Free highlight as well. Feel free to ask any question in the comments.

Have you ever met the person that gets sunburned even when wearing a high SPF? Yes, genetics play a role, but many factors are also lifestyle dependent. What you eat contributes significantly to your skin’s resilience to sunburn. Why? Because excessive UV exposure is basically an oxidative stress on your skin. Bodies who have low inflammation and healthy antioxidants levels can mitigate this UV assault much more efficiently. Certain foods, such an inflammatory oils, actually make you more likely to burn. Consider avoiding canola, sunflower, safflower, rapeseed and vegetable oil to help make you less sensitive to the sun. . The SPF you use also matters. Sunscreens that use physical barriers like zinc oxide or titanium oxide are more effective and safer than chemical sunscreens that contain benzenes (which are carcinogenic). . Wearing sunglasses in the sun? That actually increases your likelihood of burning. Why? When your eyes perceive sunlight, they send a message to the body to produce more melanin. Its an evolutionary response to sun exposure. When you wear sunglasses, you interfere with that response. Choose a wide brimmed hat, cap or bucket hat instead, to keep your eyes protected. . Staying hydrated (with water and electrolytes) is also helpful as skin that is hydrated from the inside is more resistant to the dryness from sun exposure. This makes watermelon and coconut water the perfect snack for sitting out in the sun. They are cooling and refreshing even at room temperature. Alcoholic beverages dehydrate you and create more oxidative stress. Perfect combo for sunburns, so put down the White Claws if you want to save your skin. Just wearing sunscreen is not the most effective way to prevent skin cancers or wrinkles. The whole body approach works way better.

I know we are in a heatwave but please resist the temptation to sit facing the a/c or under a draft. When you are hot and sweaty, your body is more susceptible to Wind Invasion. Wind Cold in particular if you blast cold air on your face/neck/body. Wind Cold looks like: -Tension or pain in the occipital area (nape of neck) -Upper back tension -Scratchy/itchy throat -Watery eyes -Sinus congestion -Runny nose/sniffles with clear or white mucus -Slight cough -May or may not be accompanied by sweating Wind Heat looks like: -Tension in occiput or neck -Sore throat -Red/dry eyes -Dry Cough -Runny nose with yellow mucus -Fever (can be low grade) -Tendency to sweat easily I have a post, a few posts back, in which I share how to cool off the TCM way, and avoid contracting Wind Invasion. I keep these formulas on hand for my family and myself and they usually nip symptoms in the bud if taken at the very onset. You can find these through my Fullscript account (link in bio) or @theeasternphilosophy . Please do not purchase Chinese herbal formulas from Amazon to make sure you are getting effective and safe products. *Consult with your healthcare provider prior to taking*

At least not in most cases. It’s called Fetal Ejection Reflex (FER), and your uterus is designed to do it. It’s what all the contractions/surges are working towards. TV shows and movie scenes have us convinced that once a woman reaches 10cm dilation she is ready to push. However, pushing at that stage may actually cause more harm than good. Pushing at the start of a contraction may be even further damaging. There are other structures that may still be obstructing the baby’s path if not enough time is allowed to allow them to retract. Pushing too soon can cause these structures to get trapped and/or dragged down with the baby as it moves through the birth canal. Furthermore, coached pushing (often referred to a “purple pushing” because you turn purple from how hard you are straining), is very exhausting for the mom especially if done for a prolonged period of time. So when should a woman push? This is very nuanced as every birth is different, but generally speaking, the best time to push is when she can’t NOT push. When the urge is irresistible. If the mom has an epidural, and can’t feel these sensations, it’s best to wait until the head is becoming visible and a few seconds after a contraction begins. If you did not push at all, the contracting uterus can usually generate enough energy to eject the baby, in healthy moms. Allowing baby to “labor down” as low as possible before pushing also allows time for baby to get positioned with the best alignment for birth. This is optimal for reducing tearing and avoiding prolapse. Where you aware of this?

If you grew up in the 90s, chances are you were told that all fat was bad. The truth is, we need fat, it is essential for our survival. Fat plays an important role in hormone synthesis, it protects our organs, it protects our nerve cells, it allows us to absorb certain vitamins. In Chinese Medicine, fats are moisturizing in nature. They help support “Yin” which keeps our tissues plump and juicy. As women age, we have the natural tendency to lose Yin which contributes to dryness. Skin dryness is annoying but when it affects your yoni, it can downright affect your quality of life and your marriage. Healthy nutrient dense fats actually help to fight inflammation as well. Here are some of my favorites: -Full fat coconut milk/pulp -Pasture raised beef -Pasture raised eggs -Grass fed butter/ghee -Avocado/Avocado oil -Chia seeds -Olives/Olive oil -Full fat bone broth -Wild caught fish (sardines, salmon, tuna, etc). -Pasture raised animals fats (tallow, lard, etc). Consuming adequate amounts of these fats are actually helping your body to balance hormones, improve egg/sperm quality, support graceful aging and more. If you thought, “but these foods are high in cholesterol”, you would be right, but guess what? Cholesterol is also not the bad guy it was framed to be. Cholesterol is actually protective. Triglycerides however…different convo. What’s your favorite nutrient dense fat?

Here’s the deal, we are meant to be drinking natural spring water which is inherently clean and full of electrolytes (a type of minerals). While tap water is a modern marvel that allows us to live in densely populated areas without the fear of contracting deadly bacteria, the additives in tap water aren’t exactly great for us. So the first step in good hydration is starting with filtered water. This process, however, does remove a lot of the electrolytes we need to properly hydrate. This is why it’s important to replenish them. Sea salt is a great source of naturally occurring electrolytes and so is 100% fruit juice (not from concentrate). Having large amounts of either of these has its drawbacks so you want to add just enough salt to your water that borders on the threshold of tasting salty to you, and a splash or 2 of juice to balance out the flavor. Coconut water is also a great source of naturally occurring electrolytes. Some herbal teas like nettle and oat straw are also rich in electrolytes. As the temperatures rise here in the QC, it’s not uncommon to sweat a bunch just walking to your car so the need for electrolytes increases even without you having to work out. Menstruating, pregnant or lactating women also have an increased demand. Do your body a favor and “season” your water before drinking it. My patients know I always carry salt in a little jar with me so I can add a pinch whenever I’m out and about. I get bougie and add multiple salts to get an even greater electrolyte profile. What’s your favorite way to properly hydrate?

Here’s what I made: 1-Sourdough Discard Tortillas 2-Sugar Snap Peas 3-Garlic Butter Mushrooms 4-Venison Taco Meat 5-Marinated Skirt Steak 6-Lamb Meatballs 7-Tomato Chicken (“to-mah-to” if u fancy) 8-Roasted Sweet Potatoes 9-Sourdough Boules 10-Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls 11-Sourdough Everything Bagels The cinnamon rolls and bagels are @farmhouseonboone’s recipe. The Tomato chicken is @liezljayne’s recipe. Everything else is just trial and error over the years (aka the FAFO method). Most of the sourdough goodies are me planning ahead for Fathers’s Day/Mom’s birthday. Everything freezes so well and reheats beautifully. I hope this inspires you to meal prep. It’s so worth making the effort and knowing there is food in the fridge already prepped for me and the hubs. I usually post my #mealprepmonday in my stories but thought I would try posting it on my feed and see what y’all prefer. Do you prefer these meal prep ideas on my feed or stories?

Before studying Pelvic Hydrotherapy, I always heard that the uterus is “self cleansing”. But is this true? If you are seeing dark or brown bleeding, your uterus might need some help. There are lots of factors that can keep our wombs from being able to properly shed lining. Older blood and tissue can show up as darker bleeding towards the beginning and/or end of a menstrual bleed. Dark clots can also be a sign of old residue. Pelvic steaming soon after menstruation ends can gently encourage the uterine lining to shed more completely. Many cultures practice this as part of Menstrual Self Care. This practice, over time, can help reduce cramping as the body has to make more effort to release old stagnant tissue which can contribute to the pain. Besides the menstrual benefits, regular steaming also helps maintain proper pH levels, suppress the growth of harmful bacteria and candida (yeast), helps heal any bumps from ingrown hairs or vulvar cysts and the list goes on! While steaming is very safe when practiced appropriately, the timing and frequency of steams is going to depend on the individual. The herbs used to steam are also going to vary based on the presentation. If you need some guidance and you aren’t local to Davidson, @steamychick has a directory of practitioners that will assist you in putting together a customized steam plan. Many will also do remote consultations. What questions do you have about Pelvic Steaming?

My favorite period panties are by @theperiodcompany They have seriously improved my quality of life while on my moon time. Prior to that, I loved using a @lunettecup The TENS unit I am using is meant for use with Acupuncture needles but has the option for adhesive pads. You can purchase one on Amazon just make sure you learn how to use it properly. The goal on the first 3 days of flow are to rest as much as possible, hydrate with electrolytes (minerals) as much as possible and make sure I eat enough warm, easy to digest meals. Only gentle movement (walking, stretching, Qigong, Restorative Yoga). I take CBD tincture if needed for cramping on days I can’t just lay down with the heating pad. Of course menstrual care for me is all cycle long. I prepare myself pelvic hydrotherapy (aka v steams) and castor oil packs regularly and do my best to get good sleep, good nutrition and good hydration all month long. How do you nourish yourself during your moon time?

We begin by getting comfy on the floor with yoga mats, blankets and cushions and a warm cup of tea. Then, I perform the Acupuncture on a chakra opening and calming point. Ary then guides us with Reiki infused meditation, all the while Carol is playing her beautiful singing bowls which activate and harmonize our chakras. Each gathering is customized to support the energies of those present, which makes each gathering uniquely special. We conclude the evening with a period of reintegration and the opportunity for those present to share their experiences to gain more clarity, if they choose. Organic connections are known to happen at these events so don’t worry about coming on your own. We can almost guarantee you’ll make new friends here. Please bring whatever you need to be comfortable laying down. See you there!

Meet 🌹Mei Gui Hua 🌹(aka mini rose) This is one of the few herbs that has affinity for the uterus according to TCM. In addition, it also enters the Liver and Spleen channels and helps to promote movement of Qi and Blood. In layman’s terms, that means that drinking mini rose tea is ideal for those with PMS, especially if there is breast tenderness or flank tenderness. It is also helpful for painful periods and for digestive disorders that are affected by stress (indigestion, constipation, period poops, etc). One of my teachers used to explain this herb by saying “imagine how it feels to be given a bouquet of roses from someone you love; that’s the effect mini rose tea has on your organs”. This is a gentle herb which means it can be ingested daily or most days of the week. It can take a while to see the effects in your body so it does require some consistency for best results. Not only is this such a beautiful herb to look at but it’s gently soothing effects on women’s health issues and its floral aroma make it my favorite herb of all time. Have you had mini rose tea before? What’s your favorite herb? P.S. this herb is also suitable for men who have digestive disorders due to stress.

That white stuff that shows up on your tongue actually serves as a vital sign in TCM. I remember hearing that seeing too much coating on the tongue just meant that you needed more water. It turns out, water has little to do with it. So what DOES it mean? -Having very scanty coating, like the tongue in this picture, is actually a sign of dehydration. Especially when there are several horizontal cracks like those pictured here. This dehydration is deep and refers to more than just lack of water. -Having thick, white coating that covers the surface of the tongue, so much so that you can’t see the color of the tongue through it, is a sign of inflammation. If it’s mostly on the center of the tongue, that means it’s more digestive in nature. -Coating towards the back of the tongue is common and normal. However, if it is really thick, as mentioned above, it tends to indicate inflammation in the lower part of the body (could relate to inflammation in reproductive organs). -Someone with a mix of really thick coating and areas that have no coalition (aka geographic tongue) often have complex health issues related to both inflammation and dehydration. The color of the coating also matters. Yellow=Heat pathology (when it isn’t from food/drink). Green=more serious pathology. -A normal, healthy, tongue coating is thin and translucent. You can see the color of the tongue underneath it. If it has any color, it is white. Tongue coating is just one aspect of the tongue that we analyze. We also check the color and shape on the tongue itself. The tongue is also a map for the organs so variations that show up on the tip or sides also mean something. The whole thing is fascinating! Did you learn something new today? What questions do you have about tongue coatings?

Scenes from the treatment room. I’ll leave this gentle reminder for you as you move forward into this new week. May you be filled with kindness and self compassion.

I recently came across one of those internet gadgets that makes slicing pineapple really easy. You just insert it into the top and start twisting and it does most of the work for you. My gripe with the product is that it separates the core from the flesh. I’m here to tell you, you should keep the core and eat it! Pineapple core is rich in fiber, polyphenols (antioxidants) and an amazing enzyme called Bromelain. Bromelain is helpful for so many things including digestion, reducing inflammation, reducing swelling, breaking down mucus and improving drainage. It can even break up blood clots or prevent them from developing. What I’m trying to say is that the core of the pineapple is where the magic is. If you find it too tough to chew, consider grilling your pineapple, it’s delicious! You can even make a pineapple salsa with red onion, cilantro and lime juice which will help soften the core a bit. What’s your favorite way to eat pineapple? 🍍 🍍 🍍🍍🍍🍍🍍🍍🍍🍍🍍🍍🍍

Yes, I do! In fact, I get whole buckets at a time. “Aren’t you concerned about the heavy metals reported in Redmond’s “? …The short answer is no. Natural products from the Earth contain heavy metals. It’s just part of the package. Naturally occurring heavy metals in *trace* amounts, like what is present in Redmond’s, is not of concern to me. You know what else doesn’t concern me? The naturally occurring lead or cadmium in good quality chocolate. Something else that doesn’t particularly bother me…the salt used in LMNT electrolyte packets. Maybe, I’ll feel differently in the future when we have a different understanding of the data but, for right now, I’m sticking with what feels good both in my body, and in my intuition. Do what feels good for you.

Did you know that some of the earliest factors that lead to a birth full of medical interventions include exposure to the bright lights in the hospital, how you fill out your paperwork and agreeing to get an IV started? Experienced Doulas know all about this and so much more. This is why it so important to build a relationship with your Doula as early as possible in your pregnancy. Not only does it help your relationship build but an experienced Doula is a wealth of knowledge and is usually tapped in to the network of other peri-natal practitioners. Many are also experienced in supporting you through pregnancy loss should that ever happen (and if it does, the support is so helpful) regardless of whether it is super early or later in the pregnancy. Did you have a great experience with your Doula? Tag them in the comments so that others can find them!

✨Sparkle the Unicorn✨ “Sparkle” is a vision @acupuncturetina had that one of her clients brought to life in this colorful painting. She dons Acupuncture needles and a flower crown and she is surrounded by a colorful cosmos of stars. I like to tell patients that she overlooks your Acupuncture journey, guiding you to where you need to go for healing and then safeguarding your return. “Acu-stoned” is the affectionate term given to the relaxed and blissful sensation that most people feel after receiving a session. “Sparkle” is a huge fan of this feeling. It’s a vibration most humans really benefit from feeling even if it is fleeting. It’s hard to feel anything but peace and communion with a higher power in this state. What does “Acu-stoned” feel like for you?

Looking for non-toxic and sustainable laundry detergent? My latest blog shares my recipe for homemade laundry detergent powder, and if you know how I roll, you know the recipe pops up first and all the other details are on the bottom. Link to the blog is in my stories for the next 24 hrs and will be saved to my “blog” highlights after that. Do you have a favorite non-toxic and sustainable laundry detergent?

As I close out another wonderful week of work, it occurs to me that this month marks 15 years since I became an Acupuncture Physician. I know so much more now than I knew then, and yet still less than I’ll know in 15 more years. I’ve gone from working in busy group practices where I’d see 3-5 patients an hour to working one on one with clients in a solo practice. I’m so grateful to all of you who have laid beneath my hands and have allowed me to practice the medicine I love so much and continue to learn from. I’ve healed no one, but I hope I have helped remove blockages to my patients healing themselves. I am humbled by all the support that you all have given me. I continue striving to be a soft place to land. To create a space where you can fully be yourself, come undone, and be gently woven back together. Your trust in my care means so much to me. Thank You 🙏

Cold foods and drinks are frowned upon in TCM. When you ingest something cold, you temporarily slow down the flow of Qi & Blood in your stomach and digestive system. To maintain homeostasis, your body then has to use Qi to warm your insides back up again. So how does one cool down without cold foods and drinks? TCM recognizes that foods and beverages have an inherent energetic property and thermal nature. Therefore, you can help your body cool down by consuming cooling foods, rather than cold. Some examples of cooling beverages (without adding ice): -Matcha/Green tea -Peppermint tea -Chrysanthemum tea -Chamomile tea -Good Ol’ H2O Cooling Foods (consumed room temp or lightly cooked): -Cucumber -Watermelon -Celery -Apples/Pears -Bananas -Most citrus -Kiwi -Asparagus -Bok Choy -Button mushrooms -Snow Peas Those with weak digestion or with painful periods should approach these foods cautiously or at least make sure to consume them hot/cooked. Which cooling food or drinks is your fave?

I’m in a city of transplants where many individuals are far away from family and life long friends, many women feel alone if they suffer any complications during pregnancy; feeling that it is too much burden to share with newer friends. Others feel guilty asking for help in the postpartum period. “I’ll be home alone with the baby, off work, I’ll be able to manage” they tell themselves. While making adjustments to nutrition, supplements and lifestyle habits may be very helpful in preconception prep, building community is just as important. Critical changes that occur in the mom’s blood and blood vessels can have a big impact on whether or not mom develops hypertension in pregnancy, pre-eclampsia or postpartum depression. Mom needs to feel nourished in order for things to go optimally. While food is a source of nourishment, it would also benefit us to ask “what nourishes this mom’s soul”? “What else does she need to feel supported”? From a TCM perspective, it boils down to sufficient Blood and Qi. If mom is exhausting herself with work, house work, social obligations, etc, her Blood & Qi have to be diverted to meet all those needs rather than just being able to focus on building placenta and a healthy baby. Community and connection are essential parts of being human. Pregnancy and postpartum is no exception. I encourage aspiring parents to go to the childbirth education classes, take the prenatal yoga/fitness classes, meet with the homeschool co-ops or whatever other groups align with you in this phase of life and invest in building community. When the body feels safe and supported, so many complications can be prevented. How nice would it be to have friends help you make meals, or babysit older kids so you have time with your newborn? Maybe you just want to shower without stressing about your baby. You don’t have to do it all alone but you do have to be willing to ask for help.

Have you ever wanted to learn about tongue diagnosis? Maybe you want to learn how to use an at-home cupping device or a TENS unit? Perhaps you are a holistic practitioner and want to consult on a case to get the TCM or Pelvic Hydrotherapy perspective. This offering allows you to pick my brain or receive your own little private master class on a variety of topics. Sessions may be virtual or in person and you can bring a friend. Please inquire for details as this service is not yet on the website. *This service does not take the place of an assessment and does not offer medical advice.

Guys, it’s not your fault. You haven’t been educated and many other people in your community may have said these statements as well. So what’s the truth?: 1-There is no such thing as being “a little pregnant”. A woman is either pregnant or she isn’t. The faint line is referring to the levels of HCG in her system. This line gets darker according to the amount of HCG that is in her system but she does have to be pregnant to produce HCG at all.* 2-The moment a woman’s body starts producing HCG, her body starts preparing for pregnancy. This can cause aches in the round ligament. Additionally, the first trimester is arguably the most metabolically demanding because the mother is building the baby, the sacs, the umbilical cord AND the placenta. This causes a high demand for caloric intake and energy which can make mom very tired and hungry. 3-The womb starts to expand as soon as HCG is produced. This can often look like bloating in the lower abdomen. Changes in size can start as early as the first few weeks of pregnancy for some. What other statements have you heard from male partners, or others, that are complete misunderstandings of early pregnancy? *some rare medical conditions can also cause low levels of HCG but that’s not what we are discussing here.

Reducing your exposure to toxic ingredients in your skincare routine can be as simple as looking around you and seeing what natural replacements are already in your home. The marketing of skincare companies will have you convinced that you need “proprietary active ingredients” to get results but where do you think those active ingredients came from?? Most of them are naturally occurring and scientists just get paid to recreate them synthetically. This cuts down on costs, allows them to duplicate the product for mass orders and ensures they can make product even if there is a supply chain issue. Coconuts contain several active ingredients such as lauric acid, linoleic acid, pantothenic acid, antioxidants like Zinc and vitamins (C, E, K, and some Bs) and minerals (magnesium, copper, manganese etc). All of these nutrients help improve skin elasticity, lock in moisture, reduce age spots, soothe irritation and inhibit fungal and bacterial growth. All of that from the humble coconut (or rather the coconut milk can 😉). What other household/pantry items can you think of that would work great for skincare?

One of the most common questions I get about Acupuncture is “how deep do the needles go”? The answer is: it depends on the area being working on and the angle of the needle. In some places, like the ear, it’s merely millimeters. In areas with thick muscles or more adipose tissue like the glutes or hips, it can be up to several inches. Here is how I use the most common needle sizes in my practice: 0.5- ears, face, wrists, feet 1.0- most common size. I use these all over the body. 1.5-Larger muscle areas (or on larger body types) like the back, thighs, hips, glutes. 3.0-Reserved for extra thick areas (or larger body types) like the hips, thighs, glutes. All of these needles are very thin in gauge (similar to 1-2 strands of hair in thickness). Also, these needles are not meant to be inserted all the way down to the handle so the entire length of the needle doesn’t always penetrate the skin. Fact: sensory nerves are located just underneath the skin. Once the needle goes a certain depth, you actually don’t feel much of the needle going any deeper. You may however experience a variety of sensations called “De Qi” which is what we refer to as the feeling you get with the needle meets Qi in the body. What questions do you have about Acupuncture needles?

Ear Acupuncture (aka Auricular Therapy) is the placement of Acupuncture needles in specific points on the ear. The ear, in Chinese Medicine, is seen as a microsystem with different areas corresponding to different parts of the body. Since the whole body is represented in the ear, we can use ear Acupuncture to support a variety of symptoms. I love using Auricular Therapy to help with: -Menstrual Cramps -Nervous System Regulation -Insomnia -Stress -Back Pain -Allergies -Headaches Just to name a few. For these sessions, a quick consult is performed, followed by the insertion of the needles. I then leave you to rest for 20-30min, usually covered by a soft blanket and with the heat lamp on your feet. Afterwards, the needles are removed and you are free to go about your day. While Auricular sessions are meant to be supporting an existing wellness practice, they are a great option for those who can’t commit to full body Acupuncture treatments or those who need little tune ups in between sessions. They are also great for those who have limited time and want a quick self care session or are looking to get an introduction into Acupuncture without having needles placed all over the body. Auricular Therapy is also safe for all stages of pregnancy. Have you had Auricular Therapy before? What did you think of it?

Pooh just gets it 🍯 . . . . Can you relate?

Not all menstrual products are created equal! Some of them are helpful in assisting our bodies with shedding uterine lining. Some of them might actually hinder that process. It’s not just the product itself but the materials it is made from. Want to learn more? Sign up for the virtual Menstruation Re-education Workshop taking place next Monday (03.10) at 7pm. You’ll learn all about the different products and which might be better for you. You’ll also learn all about the menstrual cycle, ovulation and cyclical living. To register, send a Venmo for $33 to the link in my bio and write your email address in the notes. I’ll send you the Zoom link the day before. Can’t make it live? A recording will be sent to all who register. Looking forward to sitting with you and sharing this knowledge :)

Did you know that Thermography isn’t a regulated industry? That’s why it’s important to visit a Thermographer who is experienced and providing the highest quality images along with an actual medical report. I recently got to have a full body Thermography session at @fullspectrumhealthandwellness and I had the best experience with @thewellnesscoordinator. She really does her best to make you comfortable during the whole process. I learned so much about my body and got validation that all my lymphatic breast care has paid off! Highly recommend looking into Thermography as a way to assess your overall health and as a potential alternative to routine screening tests that expose you to radiation. What questions do you have about Thermography?

Just a few days left to register for this informative and interactive workshop. Some things we’ll cover: -How to properly track your cycles -Why apps aren’t ideal for tracking -The different phases of the menstrual cycle through both eastern & western understanding -How to live in alignment with each phase -Why ovulation is the most important event of your cycle -Sustainable period products -And more! Come learn all of things about your body that you should’ve been taught in health class. To register, send a Venmo to the link in the bio, and write your email in the notes. Excited to sit with you and pass on some wisdom that has been passes down to me :)

Just a few days left to register for this informative and interactive workshop. Some things we’ll cover: -How to properly track your cycles -Why apps aren’t ideal for tracking -The different phases of the menstrual cycle through both eastern & western understanding -How to live in alignment with each phase -Why ovulation is the most important event of your cycle -Sustainable period products -And more! Come learn all of things about your body that you should’ve been taught in health class. To register, send a Venmo to the link in the bio, and write your email in the notes. Excited to sit with you and pass on some wisdom that has been passes down to me :)

The clocks “spring forward” next Sunday (March 9th). This is your reminder to gently transition your body this week so that it is prepared for the shift. Helpful tips: -Turn off all overhead lights as of 6pm and use lamps or dimmed lights instead. -Dim the brightness on your phone/tv around 6/7pm. If you have the “night shift” option, have it turn on around that time. -Do magnesium based foot soaks or baths this week, no later than 8pm. This will help you fall asleep a little earlier. -On that note, try to go to bed 10-15min earlier each day this week. With each passing day, make it 10 additional minutes earlier. By the time DST arrives, you would’ve made up the hour lost if you start by Monday night. The name of the game is stimulating natural melatonin production earlier in the evening which, in turn, will help you fall asleep earlier. By the time DST arrives, you should have an easier time adjusting. Give this tips a try and come back next week to let me know if they help. If you have any helpful tips, drop them in the comments 👇🏼 so we can all benefit. Happy Sunday :)

This event marries the beautiful energy of Reiki and the harmonizing frequencies of Crystal Singing Bowls with the balancing and opening properties of Acupuncture. It is truly one of the most peaceful and relaxing experiences one can have. Join us as we settle in with a cup of @curiositeawellness tea before I gently place a needle in a chakra opening and calming point. Then, @hypnosis_by_ary leads us into a beautiful Reiki practice while @carolbeba1 plays her chakra attuned Crystal Singing Bowls. It is even dreamier than it sounds 🫶🏼

I found a common denominator to the complaints of the vast majority of my patients. It might be what is keeping you from feeling your best. Hint: it’s the reason why, what used to work for you, isn’t cutting it anymore. Tea Time Blog has all the “tea” 🫖 Link in Blog highlights.

That Feeling When… . . . Do you have these feelings? Because I’m teaching all about how to get them in my Menstruation Re-education workshop on 03.10 at 7pm It’s virtual and you can get the recording if you can’t make it. Early bird pricing ends tomorrow (2.28)-$22 After that, it’s $33. Huge bargain for all the info you’ll get. Send me a Venmo (link in bio) with the appropriate rate, add your email to the notes and I’ll send you the Zoom link the day before. Drop your questions in the comments 👇🏼

Time is running out to register for this workshop at the Early Bird rate! Come get the Seggs Ed you should have gotten in school. Learn so much about your cycle, how to properly track it, how to live in alignment with your inner seasons, why using apps for tracking cycles is not the best and so much more! Link to Venmo is in my bio. Send your payment with your email in the notes and I’ll get you signed up! Drop your questions in the comments 👇🏼

Have you wanted clarity on how to accurately track your cycles? Have you wanted to understand why ovulation is the most important part of your cycle (not your period)? Did you want to align more with cyclical living and the seasons of your cycle? Come join me for this informative and interactive workshop where I’ll go over all the menstrual cycle information you should’ve received in school but never got. Bonus Q&A section to provide clarity. Write your email in the notes on Venmo and I’ll send you the link to join the day before we meet. Can’t make it? A recording will be sent out to those who register. Newsletter subscribers got the heads up about this workshop and Early Bird pricing at the beginning of the week. If you want to be the first to know about future workshops, the Link to subscribe is in my bio. Venmo link is also up there 👆 Looking forward to a night of connecting with my community. Oh, and bring your husbands/brothers/male friends along so they can learn about this to support you, their daughters and female loved ones too :)

Cold exposure, especially if there is wind, can lead to contracting what is referred to as “Wind Cold”, in Chinese Medicine. Early symptoms include sneezing, cold sensation on the upper back, tension on the back of the head and/or upper back, watery nasal discharge that is clear, aversion to cold and or wind. Most people don’t think much of these early symptoms and just ignore them or “wait to see what happens”. In all actuality, these symptoms are the warning signs that you have a limited amount of time to kick out this Wind Cold pathogen before it starts to settle in your body. Enter these beautiful herbs: Cinnamon Twig, Ginger and Jujube Date Ginger is warming and helps disperse the cold. It’s also helpful in resolving mucus. Together with Jujube Date, it protects the Wei Qi which is the outermost energetic level of the body. The barrier we need to shore up to prevent a pathogenic invasion. Cinnamon Twig (different than cinnamon bark) is warming and has an affinity for dispelling cold in the body and releasing pathogenic invasions on the exterior of the body (which is what Wind Cold is). You would be doing a lot for yourself if you made a tea with these herbs at the very first onset of the above symptoms. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to have some of this tea as a preventative measure after being exposed to the cold. You’ll know it’s working when it elicits a little bit of sweating. Have you ever had this tea?

It’s called Naegele’s Rule and it assumes you have a 28 day cycle and that you have a 14 day follicular phase. Why does this matter? A lot of women don’t fit those parameters which can make their Estimated Due Date (EDD) off by as much as 10 days, possibly even more. This becomes a big issue when gestating women are being pushed to induce at 39 weeks. If they have a 35 day cycle for example, the actual EDD is off by a week. Can you imagine being fear mongered into an induction when it turns out you are really on 38 weeks along? Learning how to use more modern and accurate estimations is just one of the ways you can protect yourself from getting pressured to induce. It’s also a good motivator to learn how to accurately track your cycles so you have factual data to make these estimations. This is just a tidbit of knowledge that I have learned from the Birth Consultant training I am undergoing with @whapio_and_thematrona So excited to learn even more ways to help my clients navigate the landscape of pregnancy, birth and beyond.

When I take you on as a new client, in person or virtual, I like to make sure I have the bandwidth to support you as best as I possibly can. This means: -Appointments that allow ample time to discuss your concerns - Helping you navigate conversations with other providers, if necessary - Answering questions about any recommendations/suggestions so that you understand why and how to follow them - Respond to you in a timely manner - Being accessible via direct communication (no messaging portal or communication through other staff) Etc. I’m not perfect, and things don’t always go as planned, but being available for you is a just part of how I care for you. Yes I have to have boundaries around my time as well so that I can take care of myself too, but I always want you to feel like it’s ok to reach out with questions, updates and concerns. In most cases, there is no need to wait until your next appointment to discuss something that has been weighing on your mind. I aim to be the kind of provider that is approachable and accessible. That knows you well enough that you can ask me if a certain supplement/food/latest trend is good for you instead of asking a search engine that knows nothing about you. Your trust in my care means everything to me and I want you to rest easy knowing that, as a provider, I’m really invested in your journey.

I like to give all my patients this “call button” before I walk out of the room and leave them marinating with needles. When I come back into the room and ask if everything was ok, I’ll hear “I got cold” or “my phone kept buzzing” or some other reason that kept the patient from fully relaxing into the experience. When I ask “why didn’t you press the call button”? The number 1 response I get is “I didn’t want to bother you”. Let me just clarify, you don’t bother me. Your entire appointment time is dedicated to just you. I want you to feel comfortable enough to melt on the treatment table and just float out of the office when your session has concluded. If your phone is vibrating incessantly and it’s making you anxious, buzz me and I’ll come it and hand you your phone so you can have peace of mind that it isn’t your baby sitter or some actual emergency. Body temperature drops as you relax so if you start off comfortable but then get cold, buzz me, I’ll come in and turn the space heater on or drape the sheets on you in a way that doesn’t disturb the needles. My point is, if there is something within my control that I can do to make you more comfortable, I’m happy to oblige. That being said, sometimes devices fail. If I’m not in the room within 20 seconds, press the button again. If that doesn’t work, just call out “Jooocceeeyyyy” and I’ll come in to check on you. By the way, when you press the button, it buzzes me on a pager. No alarm is going to sound so you don’t have to worry that you’ll disturb anyone else. At any rate, you’re the one with needles on so you’re the priority. Happy Acu-Napping :)

What a great way to start a Sunday. Get this delicious recipe on the blog. . Link live in my stories now. . Saved to my Blog highlights just in case you need it later :) . Enjoy!

The last time I cut my hair, it was 2021. I had suffered a bout of Telegen Effluvium post sickness and had lost roughly 1/3-1/2 of the density of my hair. With some new scalp and hair care practices, my hair grew back thicker than I had ever recalled it being. It also grew down to hip length. Despite being long, the ends were thin; holding on to the memory of the major hair loss in 2021. It also held the memories of the challenging times my loved ones where in the hospital (one of which was especially difficult for me). Our hair requires Blood and Qi to grow. As it does, it carries with it the Qi of the present moment; over time becoming a collection of all the things you have lived as it has grown. With the turning of the year and starting a year long course devoted to all things birth, I felt like it was time. Time to release the challenges and struggles of the last 3-4 years and make room for growth and new energy. I held my own ritual/prayer for this release, washing my hair afterwards with intention of releasing the old and welcoming the new. I have never smiled more during a hair wash after a hair cut. Have you felt called to release any old, stuck patterns? How are you letting go and how do you feel?

I’m as shocked as you are 👀

Join us for our first ever Acu + Reiki + Sound Healing gathering! Receive Reiki healing energy facilitated by @hypnosis_by_ary , Acupuncture on a chakra opening and calming point performed by yours truly, & Sound Healing facilitated by @carolbeba1 and her chakra attuned Crystal singing bowls. A delicious cup of @curiositeawellness Tea is included in your RSVP We have meditation cushions and yoga mats but feel free to bring whatever you need to be comfortable on the floor. Acupuncture needles act like antennas for the frequencies emitted by the singing bowls. This is truly a unique experience that is further enhanced by the Reiki energy. RSVP soon as space is limited! See you there :)

Believe it or not, I’m even happier than Bush. . . . . #bushmeme #gbspositive #vaginalsteam #lowmorphology #malefactorinfertility #heavyperiods #heavybleeding #laborprep

Batman and I have your back ✊ . . . . Which one of these modalities is your favorite?

My treatment room is a container for your rest and wellbeing. You will often hear me say these words after the treatment has concluded and you reintegrate back into daily living. What I want you to know is that these words can continue with you long after you leave. As you go about your day, take your time and move slow. You are moving at your own unique pace and you don’t need to match anyone else’s. Huge thanks to all of those who have trusted me with their care and to all the feedback I have received about the memes I recently posted. Stay tuned for more :)

Dang! Drake knows his stuff! . . . #castoroilpack #eatbeforeworkout #highproteinbreakfast #bloodsugarbalance #coffeewithbreakfast #coffeeisnotbreakfast #adrenalhealth #hormonalhealth #healthmemes

I am extremely lucky to have amazing clients who are typically excited to come in and never miss their sessions. Unfortunately, every so often something can come up and you might need to cancel your appointment last minute. While I understand that things come up, I need you to understand that a late cancellation is a considerable financial hit for me. When you schedule an appointment with me, I am committing 100% of my time to be present with you, and only you, for the length of that appointment. Not seeing multiple patients an hour is one of the ways I can provide excellent care. Please understand that assessing a late cancellation fee is necessary to keep my practice running and sustainable. It is not at all something to take personally. Thank you for your understanding 🙏 #smallbusinessproblems #thankyouforyoursupport #itsnotpersonal

I say it because I care about you! . . . Check the last post for TCM cold weather tips and context.

With the lows being in the teens this winter, it can feel impossible to stay warm. Here are some tips to support your body in generating warmth and preventing cold pathogens during the winter. -Wear thick socks that come up to the bottom of your calf muscles. -Take warm baths or foot soaks with warming herbs like ginger, cinnamon and clove. -Wear an undershirt that you can took in to your bottoms. This helps cover the kidneys and other internal organs. -Drink hot tea but avoid cooling herbs like peppermint, or cooling teas like matcha/green tea. -Eat more nutritiously dense calories (good quality meats and healthy fats) and marrow based broths/soups. I hope these tips are helpful for you. I know most of my patients already know to keep their Wind Gates covered, eat warm foods and avoid going out with damp hair so I wanted to share additional tips you may not have heard yet. What’s your favorite way to warm up in winter?

Switching to non-toxic products is a big thing you can do to improve your hormonal and overall health. I visited @therefillerylkn and was able to find some goodies that are sustainable as well as non-toxic. If you are new to Zero Waste shopping, the concept is to reduce the amount of waste (especially plastic) by offering reusable and/or refillable products. While not always the case, many zero waste products are also non-toxic. Don’t overwhelm yourself by throwing out all of the products you currently own and making the swap all at once. You can slowly start replacing products as you run out of them. @therefillerylkn Encourages you to bring your own bottles to refill the bulk items like hand soap, dish soap, rinse aid and shampoo (which you can purchase by weight so you can take as little or as much as you need) but they do have lots of refillable containers for purchase as well. Drop any questions in the comments and let me know if you have ever shopped at a zero waste store before. #zerowaste #refillable #lkn #mooresville #smallbusiness #nontoxic #hormonalhealth

As an aspiring Birthkeeper, these are just some of the ways that I would be supporting clients through labor. The truth is, I’ll be teaching Dad/partner most of these things so that they can stand in the role they deserve to be in. Who’s touch would mom prefer during labor anyway?! Probably theirs. My role is to hang out in the background, providing reassurance and support as needed, without interfering in the scared moment that is 2 people coming together to bring life into this world. I’m not the hero of the birth, nor is it my place to be. I’m just the conscious observer that can be called upon for reassurance as needed. Women’s bodies have been perfectly capable of birthing since humanity began. They don’t need to be managed as if pregnancy and delivery were inherently dangerous or pathological. If you’d like to support me in this endeavor, I am raising funds to attend a year long Birthkeeping course that would allow me to become a certified Birth Consultant and Family Advocate. The course starts Feb 1st, which is right around the corner. I would be so grateful if you would feel inclined to support me achieve this goal. Link to my Venmo is in my bio and more details can be found in the “Fundraiser” highlight. Thank you in advance for your support.

Guasha is both a therapeutic tool and a diagnostic one. If an area receives Guasha and petechia develops, it tells us that the area has a blockage that has caused congestion of Qi/Blood flow. This congestion builds up inflammation (we call it “heat” in Chinese Medicine). This can be seen as an “excess” condition. If an area receives Guasha and no petechia develops, it could still have some stagnation but not long standing enough to where it has created heat OR the lack of Qi/Blood flow is stemming from deficiency (not enough of it to reach those areas). Guasha is not performed with the goal of developing petechia but rather with the intent to bring more circulation to the area and bring balance to the affected energetic meridians. If petechia develops, we know the area might need to vent some of that heat. With Guasha gaining a lot of popularity in recent years, many practitioners of varies backgrounds are picking up Guasha tools and going to work on their clients. The problem is, there are many different types of scraping techniques and they are all being referred to as Guasha when they are not. If the practitioner isn’t working with knowledge of the meridians and understanding of “excess” conditions vs “deficient” conditions, then it is simply NOT Guasha. If the practitioner is continuing to scrape the area, with the goal of getting petechia, it is NOT Guasha. Guasha is a particular style and technique that involves scraping but there is a rhyme and a reason for which area to scrape and which direction to scrape. It isn’t willy nilly. Furthermore, no true Guasha practitioner will apply an excess amount of force or pressure for the sake of getting petechia development. This is just downright cruel and unnecessary. I love that this modality is becoming more and more accessible but it should be performed responsibly and with the right amount of training. If you want to start incorporating scraping as a technique in your bodywork, that’s great, but please do so responsibly and please don’t call it Guasha. …thanks for coming to my Ted Talk ✌️

Have you caught up with the Tea Time Blog? The latest entry (aside from my fundraising post) is all about Peri-menopause. I talk about the way Eastern and Western medicine view Peri-menopause and even bring up the use of HRT. You can click the link in the bio or in the Blog highlights to check it out. Let me know what other topics you’d like me to cover in future blogs!

To fast or not to fast? To avoid carbs or to eat carbs? Is cardio good or bad? Are you unsure of who’s advice to follow? The reality is, there is a lot of nuance when it comes to wellness and not every concept is going to apply to every single human being. Furthermore, so much of the info that we have on exercise and lifestyle habits is based on male physiology. The best thing you can do is meet with a wellness practitioner, have them assess you and then offer you tailored advice for your particular body; even if that advice contradicts everything on the internet. You are unique and you deserve personalized care. Do you have a particular health topic that you keep getting conflicting information about? Drop it in the comments! I might be able to provide some clarity.

So many of you have asked me what my favorite things to get at Costco are so here are some screenshots of recent orders my hubby and I placed via Instacart. You can tell which items are most likely for him 😂 I use Instacart because it saves me time and I don’t have a Costco near me. If you’d like to try it out, DM me and I’ll send you a referral link that helps us both get discounts. You do have to have a Costco membership ID number in order to get their member pricing. Some other things not pictured here that I like to get are: -Organic All Purpose Flour -Dr Brew Kombucha -Raw Apple Cider Vinegar -Wild Caught Sardines -Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Mayo -Organic Roasted Turkey Deli Slices -Organic Mushrooms Let me know if you found this post helpful and if you’d like to see what I typically order from Sprouts.

I got to experiment in the kitchen over the holiday break. I also made some favorites that just tend to take more time. -Sourdough mini pizzas 🍕 -Sourdough everything bagels -Sourdough tortilla chicken enchiladas (one side of it has cheese for the hubby) -Handmade egg pasta (also for the hubby) -Sourdough starter pancakes -Sourdough bread -Mini crab cakes & Sourdough cinnamon rolls (not pictured) Needless to say, my hubby was very happy with all of these delicious eats. I was keeping my sourdough starter on the counter and feeding it daily but typically it lives in the fridge and it gets fed once every week or 2 (when I don’t need it for recipes). I didn’t intend for this post to advocate for keeping a starter 🤣 but as you can see, there are plenty of things you can make with it besides bread. I don’t do well with gluten but I can eat all of these fermented foods without any issues. Did you try any new recipes over the holidays? Tell me how they turned out 😋

UPDATE #2: Goal has been met 🙌 Y’all are seriously the best. I feel so loved and supported. To say that I am grateful is an understatement. I pledge to do right by all of you and our community to bring this much needed knowledge into our space. Thank you so much for contributing and for sharing. You truly have no idea how grateful I am. 🥹🙏💕🫶🏼 UPDATE: Still accepting contributions for this dream. About 1/3 of the way there and only 2 weeks to go! Please like, share and contribute if you can. Original Post: Your girl has goals for 2025 but it’s going to take a village! I’m on the pursuit of embarking on a year long cohort for “Quantum Midwifery” training. I’ve written a blog post with all of the details (see story/highlight for link) but the truth is, I need your help to attend this course. I know how this sounds, but I truly need your help. I feel so passionate about gaining this knowledge that I am setting my pride aside and asking for your assistance. If you are able to contribute, I have linked my Venmo in my bio. You can also use Zelle if you prefer. Reasons for not using a crowdfunding site, and the answer to many of your probable questions is in the blog post. Please feel free to DM or email if you need further clarity on anything. Thank you so much for your ongoing support. May your contributions be returned to you 10 fold! With so much gratitude, Jocey :)

This delicious coffee is what I make my hubby so he can get his caffeine hit without stressing his adrenals. I like to cold brew the coffee the night before to keep the coffee low in acid. After pressing the cold brew in the french press, I add these to a small pot: -Grass fed butter -Full fat coconut milk -Maple syrup -Coffee -Cashew milk (or milk of choice) -A splash of homemade vanilla extract Give everything a good mix with the frother and serve. Any leftover cold brew coffee can be refrigerated for at least 5 days. If you want to learn more about how you can consume coffee in a way that doesn’t stress your hormones, check out the tea time blog and search “coffee”. #coldbrew #coffee #frenchpress #refinedsugarfree #healthyfats #cafecito #dynamiteroastingco

Yesterday marked my last work day of 2024. I am so incredibly grateful for my little corner in Davidson. This room has been a cozy container for so many beautiful souls. Laughs were shared, tears were shed, Acu naps took place and many, many sacred conversations were had. I’m even more grateful for the beautiful souls that blessed me with the opportunity to practice my passion here. Thank you for trusting me with your care. Thank you for choosing me to be a steward of your first experience with Acupuncture. Even if it wasn’t your first experience, thank you for allowing me to continue your care with this beautiful medicine. Thank you to all the beings who have sat in one of our circles and took a moment for themselves. Every time you came and laid on this comfy table, you chose self care, and I am so proud of you for that. Looking forward to being of service next year and to continuing to expand my knowledge so I can better serve my community. May you all have a blessed and peaceful holiday and New Year 🕊️🎄🎉