“Surround The Dragon” is a technique used in Acupuncture to promote the healing of tissues in a concentrated area. In this case, I was employing this technique to promote the healing of this surgical scar along with the concurrent complaints (limited mobility, pain, swelling, pins and needles sensation at night, etc.). Patient reported being able to sleep through the night without the pins and needles sensation as well as less pain. Their Occupational Therapist measured their range of motion and there was an improvement of 5° & 10° in flexion and extension. This was just after 1 session, ~8 weeks post-op. In addition to supporting the healing of scars, Surround The Dragon can also be used to help treat things like “knots” or certain nodules (like mastitis or blocked milk ducts) as well as post shingles neuralgia. I have certainly used it for C-section scar recovery and the results are remarkable. Most people don’t realize that scars sever the energetic channel (meridian) and this creates a block in the flow of Qi & Blood. If scar tissue develops, that can aggravate the blockage. Highly encourage getting some kind of scar therapy and mobilization from an Acupuncturist, Bodyworker or PT/OT.

I love using Facial Cupping & Facial Guasha for therapeutic purposes. Both techniques can be so helpful for all kinds of sinus issues including inflammation and congestion due to allergies, sinus infections or recovery after a cold. I also use Facial Cupping & Guasha for TMJ. They are really helpful to relieve tension in the jaw and neck as well as in the surrounding structures on the face. Tension in the face, after all, is a major factor in facial lines and wrinkles. That’s why cupping and guasha can be invaluable tools to promote graceful aging. Besides the face, I also like to use these tools for Lymphatic Breast Health. Cupping and Guasha can be very helpful in stimulating Acupuncture points around the chest that help relieve congestion in the breast tissue. Plus, the gentle sliding of cups/guasha tool help to promote lymphatic movement in the chest as well. Great for breast health and supporting the treatment of things like fibrocystic breasts or mastitis. What questions do you have about Cupping or Guasha?

A really decadent treat that is still low glycemic and free of chemically processed ingredients. No measurements were used, I tasted along the way until I got the flavor I wanted. Use any milk you like. Enjoy! 🍫 ☕️ 😊

I’m not a healer. I can’t just put my magic needles in you and proclaim that you are healed (though I used to think that was the case). Getting to sit with you, listen to you and help bring to your awareness that some things you do are not in resonance with your body can be very helpful. I may be able to connect dots in ways that you haven’t yet. The actions you take to make changes so that you are in more alignment with your body though??? That’s healing! This is part of what makes Virtual Consultations worthwhile. While the Acupuncture itself may be very helpful to bring on immediate relief or start to make shifts in your body, none of that matters if you continue to engage in the same behaviors that got you were you are in the first place. None of us are taught to listen to our bodies. Quite the contrary, we are programmed to outsource the knowing of our wellness to some sort of periodic screening; with little information on how to promote wellness and stay well. That is the role I gladly take on when we work together. I can help put the pieces of the puzzle together but it’s UP TO YOU to make good use of that knowledge. YOU ARE YOUR OWN HEALER I’m just honored to be a guide 🙏🏼✨

🩵Small Biz Love🩵 1- @curiositeawellness teas, my favorite local teas. They offer a variety of yummy teas, cyclical teas and custom teas. 2- @sunbeamcandles via @thebradfordmarket . This gifted lotus candle was one of the most beautiful beeswax candles I had ever seen. 3- @carolinalavenderfarm nothing like locally grown lavender essential oil. 4- @lumenclt low tox candles made with soy wax, cotton wicks and phthalate free fragrance. They burn cleanly and evenly when you follow proper candle care. The “Got Qi” candle is an unscented and private label candle for use in my office. 5- The “Anointed” Oil is made by @theconsciouscosmetologist and she sells it, along with other goodies at @thetemplenc. While the Inner Sense products themselves are not local, I purchase them locally from either The Temple or @apothecurlysalon . Highly recommend both spaces for low-tox/non-tox hair care and more. 6- @simplyashleylane tallow balm. I have had this jar for months! A little goes a long way. @smasheton hand makes these amazing balms and sources the tallow locally when possible. 7- @kfstudioshandmade carries a bunch of locally made items including this Moon Art that was recently gifted to me and @curiositeawellness teas. 8- @fe.wellness This is Sami’s reminder to get people to hydrate after her awesome bodywork services. Highly recommend her! 9- @hbblebanonnc This is a pic of a delicious lunch @hypnosis_by_ary and I shared last weekend. This local spot was formerly known as Restaurant X. Now they have made the menu more Lebanese focused and I am here for it! Everything is delicious and the owners are the epitome of hospitality. 10- While there isn’t anything tangible that I can share, I do want to shoutout @hypnosis_by_ary for her incredible Reiki and Quantum Hypnosis offerings. Seeing the incredible shifts in our mutual patients when they are under both of our care is just epic! I also want to shoutout @drbearder for coming to my rescue whenever I injure myself and for all of the amazing work he is doing in the upper cervical and functional neurology space (just to name a few). 👏 Not All Chiropractors Are Created Equal 👏

Diffusing hair should be considered an endurance sport. It requires patience and the ability to hold a position for a prolonged period of time in order to allow the products to set around the curls. Your girl needed to wash her hair today, and like any TCM practitioner recommends, I dried it as soon as I could to avoid any cold invasion; especially as my menses draws near. What I had forgotten was that I had done some cupping on my neck yesterday because I was outside for a bit and didn’t want the wind exposure to set in. Blasting air into a freshly cupped area is basically exposing that area to “wind”. I had, in essence, done to myself exactly what I was trying to avoid. 🙄 As a result, my neck muscles started to spasm as I was drawing near the end of my diffusing session. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Thank heavens I had an Acupuncture appointment scheduled today and @acupuncturetina worked on me to help expel this wind (among other things). My neck is feeling so much better already. Wind invasion aside, diffusing curly hair is a process y’all! You gotta stand in all kinds of positions to keep your neck and back from tightening up. Drop a 🙌 in the comments if you feel me and the next time you see a curly girl, tell her that her hair looks amazing! 😉

Another high protein breakfast idea: -Unbuns tortillas used as a wrap for 2.5 eggs and avocado with a little mayo (19g of protein) -1/2 an Unbuns tortilla with cashew milk cream cheese and jam (5g of protein) -Organic chicken sausages (10g) 34g of protein total I made 2 of these and split with the hubby, that’s how I have 2.5 eggs and half a tortilla. Enjoy!

I’ll be hitting road for more continuing education. To help accommodate follow up appointments, I’ll be opening on Monday the 18th. Let me know if you want to get in then before I’m gone for the weekend. Otherwise, I’ll see you the following week.

Pelvic Hydrotherapy aka Vaginal Steams It’s like preparing and delivering a medicinal tea right to your pelvic bowl. The warm steam has antibacterial and anti fungal properties as well as being relaxing and promoting circulation. The properties of the herbs travel through the vapors of the steam absorbing through the vaginal and rectal tissue. Evidence of Vaginal Steaming is recorded among the history of all the continents. Some dating as far back as the ancient Babylonians and Mayans. Steams may help with ovarian cysts, dark menstrual blood, menstrual pain, labor prep, postpartum recovery, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse and more. It is currently being used in asian hospitals to assist in the treatment of various cancers (including prostate and colon), and in Czech Republic hospitals to assist in labor. What questions do you have about Pelvic Hydrotherapy?

This is me these days 😂 I started learning to bake sourdough bread in 2021 but all of my loaves were turning out dense. Luckily @ayoungcoconut gave me some pointers and 2024 has marked the beginning of my sourdough era. As someone who doesn’t tolerate gluten well, organic, homemade sourdough has been a game changer. Here are 3 reasons why: -Fermentation time allows for some of the gluten to breakdown and be more easily digested -Organic flour is free of pesticides that can actually damage the gut lining -True sourdough doesn’t use commercial yeast or sugar which means it doesn’t contribute to candida overgrowth or high blood sugar Benefits of organic sourdough include digestible sources of plant based protein, fiber and nutrients such as folate and plant based iron. Scroll through the pics to see my progress in my most recent loaves. . . . meme credit: @electricsourdoughco

The ear houses over 90 Acupuncture points that correspond to different areas of the body, almost like how reflexology sees the hands and feet. Auricular Therapy consists of placing either needles or press seeds/tacks on specific ear points in order to support a desired effect. The NADA protocol is a widely known Auricular Therapy protocol that is used around the world to support folks in disaster zones (helping to regulate their nervous systems in the wake of trauma). In my practice, Auricular Therapy is often used to enhance the results of an Acupuncture session however, it has standalone benefits as well. Some of the conditions I support with Auricular Therapy include: -Stress/Anxiety -Back Pain -Neck Pain -Joint pain -Liver Detox Support -Acne -Allergies -Menstrual Support -Hormonal Regulation Auricular Therapy allows you to dip your toes in the Acupuncture waters without the time (or financial) commitment of whole body sessions. After a brief consultation, needles are inserted and you are allowed to rest for 20-30min. Afterwards, the needles are removed and you are free to go about your day. Auricular Therapy is safe for everyone, including those who are pregnant. Keep your eyes on my stories to see when I have openings for these sessions. I will share them to my highlights if they are still available after the story expires.

2 full days of expanding my knowledge to better serve you. I got to listen to some great presentations on topics like: -boosting male testosterone naturally -treating hot flashes (or “bursts of qi”) -Ozempic vs TCM nutrition -effects of Covid in pregnancy and impacts on fertility -how to prevent and treat mastitis as well as overall breast health (hint-lymphatic guasha and massage were encouraged DAILY) -Postpartum Support -what makes a good prenatal vitamin and other supplement facts for egg and sperm -Etc, Etc, Etc… So much goodness in just 2 days. I am reminded of the basic tenant: treat everyone as an individual. Not all of these speakers agree with one another’s strategies but they all get great results. Find a practitioner who is aligned with you and you will both go far ✨ Super grateful for @yosanuniversity for putting this event together and the amazing speakers that took the time to share their knowledge with us. 🩵🙏🏼🩵 I’m off to not look at another screen for as long as possible. ✌🏼

Yesterday’s post was all about the benefits of fermented cabbage. Here is an example of a high protein breakfast I routinely make to enjoy with my sauerkraut. The enzymes help me to digest this nourishing food. The K2 helps my body to absorb vitamin D and calcium. The vitamin C helps me to absorb iron and produce collagen. There is all sorts of synergy, bioavailability and goodness in this meal! ~30g of protein (for those who are needing ideas for high protein breakfasts). A tall mug of @curiositeawellness Cosmic Chai because that also has beautiful benefits for digestion, immune health and womb health. What are you having for breakfast?

Current favorite health food…the humble sauerkraut. Fermented Cabbage contains bioavailable sources of: -Vitamin C, K2, U and B vitamins -Acetylcholine (neurotransmitter that aids digestion) -Minerals (sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, etc) -Probiotics & -Prebiotics This nutritional powerhouse offers so many benefits for digestion, which in turn, benefits the immune system and thyroid hormone conversion. The naturally occurring K2 helps in the absorption of Vitamin D from food (such as pastured eggs) and calcium. I often avoided sauerkraut in years past because I saw it as a raw and cold food, which TCM is not big on. Then my understanding grew as fermented foods are not necessarily considered “raw”. I realized I could take out a serving and let it come to room temperature before consuming + pair it with a warm meal or hot tea. Did you know that sauerkraut was one of the most important foods for sailors to avoid scurvy???

Who says you can’t multi task in one session??? One of the things I love about Chinese Medicine is being able to employ different tools in order to address multiple complaints. This particular treatment was meant to bring balance to multiple organ systems and meridians while also relieving tension and pain. Dark cupping marks are a sign of stagnation; places where blood and Qi are not able to flow freely. This can be due to emotional stress or physical stress (such as improper posture, strength training, repetitive motions etc). The suction of the cups helps being fresh blood into the tight muscles. As crazy as these cupping marks look, they are not painful and will fade within a few days. Have you ever experienced fire cupping 🔥?

It is such a rare event for me to eat out for every meal when I travel. Luckily this was a short trip. All of the places and meals mentioned were 👌 @bibi.eatery inside the @poncecitymarket I had the “Mahi” dish which is actually Salmon, served with rice, pickled veggies and a delicious dill sauce @dancinggoatscoffee Cinnamon Cardamom Latte (my sister had this, I of course had tea 😂 it was a rose blend and it was delicious). @kimballhouse was simply perfection. Pictured are the blurriest pork belly lettuce wraps you have ever seen; as well as a beautifully plated ribeye with roasted veggies, pavê and onion ring. Vanilla crème brûlée. The lettuce wraps were so good, we debated getting a second order! The ribeye was so tender, you didn’t really need a knife. The roasted veggies were maybe the best I have ever had and the crème brûlée was rich, thick and delicious. I avoided eating the pavê and onion ring as both contained gluten. I did have some of the crème brûlée (I tasted it as-is but then ate just the custard without the caramelized sugar…I know, sacrilege!) so a little dairy and sugar there. @flyingbiscuitatl English breakfast tea alongside over medium eggs, sausage patties and fruit. There was a misunderstanding about my order and they still brought out the biscuit but I didn’t eat it cause gluten. @brashcoffee Oat milk latte (again that was my sister’s, I had a lemongrass herbal tea that was delightful!). On our way back to CLT we stopped in Greenville, SC and ate at @pitahousesc which was fantastic! We had a Chicken Shawarma over Humus plate and a Mediterranean Plate…so good! If you decide to visit, make sure you take cash as they don’t accept cards and don’t have an atm on sight. They have a fantastic market attached to the restaurant that sells all kinds of imported middle eastern goodies! Aside from the 3 spoonfuls of crème brûlée, all of the either meals were gluten/dairy/sugar free. Road snacks consisted mostly of meat sticks, applesauce pouches, Hu chocolate and fruit. Which of these meals sounds like something you would enjoy??? #travelmeals #travelfood #glutenfree #dairyfree #sugarfree #tea #oatmilklatte #atl #atleats #decatur

Quick trip to ATL with my adventure buddy @hypnosis_by_ary Stay tuned for a “what I ate on this trip” post. @poncecitymarket @bibi.eatery @modernmystic_shop @dancinggoatscoffee @kimballhouse @candlelight.concerts @brashcoffee @pitahousesc

There is a popular misconception that if a women suffers a #miscarriage it is solely due to an issue with her body and the health of the sperm has nothing to do with it. In reality, that is factually incorrect. #Sperm carry 50% of that baby’s DNA. If there is an issue with the genetic material provided by the sperm, it can lead to issues in the replication of the cells that ultimately lead to a #pregnancyloss . The general standard of care in my area would require a person to suffer through 2-3 losses before their doctor will consider it worth investigating. There have even been patients who have experienced a #chemicalpregnancy (really early loss) and the doctor refused to count that as a loss. This is unbelievably insensitive and heartbreaking. The good news is that, in the majority of cases, there is typically a solution to the cause, however, lab work/evaluations needs to be conducted in order to determine what the appropriate plan should be. Sometimes IVF is the answer…sometimes it isn’t. I would encourage anyone who experiences pregnancy loss to look into the cause rather than just continuing to try and set themselves up for heartbreak. If your doctors is dismissive, find a new doctor!

If you have undergone IVF, or are thinking about undergoing it, I would love to get your thoughts on this situation. Does it affect your desire to pursue IVF? Does it make you want to do it sooner before more states adopt similar laws? How do you feel about it? Also, do you follow @stevenpaltermd ? His account has great info on all things A.R.T.

Self care is a big part of how I fill my cup so I can pour into others’. My session at @thetemplenc consisted of a quick touch base/consultation about how my hair, scalp and skin have been since my last visit. Then Brittany prepared a beautiful face mask and warm hair mask suitable for my needs. After getting comfy and cozy on her spa bed, she lovingly covered me with a blanket and began applying the face mask and hair mask. Brittany is skilled at creating a safe and comfortable experience that just eases you into relaxation. Her face massage and scalp massage are just so soothing and dreamy. The masks are a delight for the senses. Today’s masks included pumpkin, orange and vanilla…yum! The scalp scrub and hair wash had me transcending into another dimension…they were so relaxing to receive. Then came the blow dry and flat iron to really press and seal all the goodness into my hair. I used to brace myself before getting my hair straightened. Previous stylists had been so harsh like they were working out their frustrations on my poor, innocent scalp. With Brittany, this process is an extension of the relaxation I was experiencing before with the masks and hair wash. I feel so calm and relaxed. My hair looks so shiny, feels soft and smells nice (no burned smelling hair here!). Brittany has a beautiful retail section with some of her personal handmade goods and fair trade handmade goods as well. I personally use her Anointed Oil and Rose + Rosemary Oil. I am so grateful for the peaceful nontoxic space she has created that allows me to fully relax and receive self care without worrying about harmful ingredients or harsh treatments. Stay tuned to learn more about the self care I receive as the month progresses. Have you been to The Temple yet? What is your favorite service?

Did you know that: -Too much ibuprofen can negatively impact sperm and create digestive ulcers? -Too much acetaminophen can block the formation of glutathione (an important antioxidant)? -Too much naproxen can negatively affect your kidneys? Whether it is a headache, back pain or menstrual cramps, sometimes you just need quick pain relief. High Potency CBD Oil is my go-to for these moments. In my journey of finding the right CBD oil, I have experimented with various potencies and dosages. Everyone is different and it does take some trial and error to find what works best for you. I have found that most people that didn’t find CBD oil effective were either using too low of a potency, to low of a dose or the improper strain for the desired pain relief. If you can find the perfect combo that works for you, you’ll be able to use this plant/herbal medicine as a reliable source of relief without the worry of harsh side effects. Typically, if you take too much, it just makes you drowsy. Of course, it is imperative that you find a trusted source so that you know you are getting a good quality product. You also need to do your research on what strains would be better for you and if you need to stick to an isolate vs broad spectrum vs full spectrum. I’m not an expert on the topic but finding the right CBD has allowed me to forget all about OTC pain relievers and that has been a blessing in my life (especially given my history of Dysmenorrhea). Do you have any questions regarding CBD oil use? Drop them in the comments!

My own journey to pain free periods and menstrual health has led me down the road to many modalities for womb healing. Here is what I have learned: #1-If I exhaust myself to get things done before my period starts, my body has no Qi left to smoothly move out my lining. This would result in a heavier flow that would require me to change pads or period panties every 2 hours on the heaviest flow days. Exhausted Qi also contributed to “period poops” and the general feeling of being worn out even if the flow is not that heavy. While I did practice rest once my flow started, slowing down in the days leading to it has been eye opening. #2-The breasts (heart space) are connected to the womb via a meridian called the Bao Mai. Performing regular lymphatic breast massage allows for that channel to open and decongest. This has helped to reduce premenstrual breast/nipple tenderness and premenstrual breast swelling. It can also help regulate the flow of the menses (increase it if you have scanty periods or decrease it if you have flooding periods). Breast massage also helps you to get familiar with the contours of your breasts and self check for any abnormalities. #3-Quite possibly the most powerful tip…emotional release. I have experienced emotional release with just about all therapies (acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, hypnosis, meditation, reiki, journaling, etc). Stagnant emotions create blockages in Qi so finding ways of releasing them is game changing. I experience the best periods when I have released an emotional burden I’ve been carrying for years (forgiving my father and my ex, being some of the most profound). I have also found this to be true for menopausal hot flashes and night sweats.

I get asked this question A LOT! Here’s the deal, what is good for reproductive organs is just plain good for you. The opposite is also true, what is bad for your reproductive organs is just plain bad for you. Why is that? Well, Would you care less about your breasts if you weren’t nursing a baby? Would you care less about your pen!s if you weren’t using it for seggs? No, right? You’d want them to be healthy all of the time. Anything that is a “reproductive toxin” means it can create issues in your reproductive system. This means it has an affinity to damage the cells of any number of reproductive organs (ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, test!cles, etc). Besides negatively affecting your chances of conception, reproductive toxins can affect your hormonal health which includes your thyroid health, prostate health, menstrual health, postpartum health and menopausal health. Bottom line is that toxins don’t care if you plan on having a baby, they can still create inflammation and disease. Rather than hyper focusing on the word “reproductive”, consider the effects that can be had on your organs and the downstream effects of that. I hope that was helpful. If you have any questions, leave them in the comments or send me a DM.

Most of us know that it is important to verify that our practitioners are educated and licensed to practice. However, few of us ever inquire about their postgraduate education. Acupuncturists are required to take continuing education every 2 years to maintain licensure in the U.S. As a matter of fact, just about every health practitioner has a similar requirement (nurses, midwives, doctors, chiropractors, massage therapists etc). I am always excited about my continuing education! Expanding my knowledge means I’m gaining more skills to better serve you. Plus, I’m just naturally curious 🤓 Next month, I’m attending a symposium that is going to cover topics like… -The effects of L0ng C0vid on Reproductive Health -Ozempic vs TCM Nutrition -Current Advances of A.I. in Reproductive Medicine -Male Fertility Enhancements -Treating Mastitis with TCM -New Perspective on the Management of Hot Flashes …and more! I like knowing that I am staying on top of my game and learning from the best of the best. I try to choose practitioners that do the same. Which of these topics are you most excited for me to share about after the symposium? #continuingeducation #longcovid #ozempic #mastitis #AI #IVF #IUI #malefertility #advancedmaternalage #ttc #hotflashes #menopause #perimenopause

My intentions for your healing start from the moment you book your appointment. When I prepare the bed/table for you, those intentions deepen. This plush, reclined setup is meant for pregnant ladies, or anyone, who is no longer comfortable laying on their back (and prefers not to be on their side). The back rest fully supports your upper and lower back. The foot rest portion allows your legs to relax and removes pressure from your lower back. The wrinkles on the sheet are courtesy of true cotton fabric. It gives me joy to prepare my space for my patients and I always do my best to make your body feel supported. The more comfortable you are, the easier you can relax and drift into Acu-bliss. Can you see yourself taking an Acu-nap here???

The decline in sperm health should be a topic that concerns everyone. 40 years ago, a healthy semen analysis consisted of 80.5% of the sperm having normal shape. Today, the new “normal” states that just 4% of sperm need to have normal shape. This steep drop in sperm shape is witnessed on a global scale so it’s worth asking, “what’s changed in the last 4 decades”? Has the water quality changed? How about food quality? Or Air quality? Has the norm for work/life balance changed? Has the quality of personal care products changed? How about the quality of cookware? Etc. If you do your research, you’ll find that A LOT has changed over the last 40 years (which to remind you, is the 1980s) and not necessarily for the better. The good news is, there is a lot that you can do to improve these parameters for yourself. Remember that the quality of sperm is reflective of the health of the individual (similar to women and egg quality). Sperm quality is also half of the equation when it comes to conceiving a healthy baby and plays a major role in preventing miscarriage (more on that in a future post). Were you aware that sperm health was being impacted this much?

Freshly posted on the blog. You can click on the link in my bio or comment “BLOG” and I’ll personally send you a link (like for real, it’ll be me sending it not an automation so it might take a minute ✌️). Do you like these types of blog posts or prefer more of the TCM content? Let me know in the poll 👇🏼

✨New blog post! Check out my top 5 tips for supporting your hormones at any age. There’s a bonus tip involving @curiositeawellness ‘s Lunar Remedies and leveraging those for cyclical support as well (even if you don’t have a menstrual cycle). Link is live in my stories if you are seeing this is real time. You can also click the link in the “blog” highlights or on my profile.

✨Friday night, I’m putting on my teaching hat and sharing all about Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) meridians, my favorite point on each meridian, Acupressure techniques and more. ✨Come join me for this interactive class…there’ll be stickers involved 😂

With the chilly weather this week, most of us have our furnaces running to 30-50° warmer than the temperature outside. This drastically reduces the humidity in your home which leads to dryness. Did you know that dry sinuses contribute to getting sick more easily??? Your sinuses need the moisture to be able to produce a healthy amount of mucus that traps viral particles before they can further enter your body. The dryness in the air also contributes to dry eyes, throat, lips and skin. In Chinese Medicine, the Lungs and Large Intestine are partner meridians so if the lungs get dry, you may also experience dryness in LI which can produce constipation with really dry stools that are hard to pass. Help your body help you and set up some humidifiers to keep the moisture in your space between 40%-60%. Get a legit humidifier too (not just essential oil diffusers. Though those can be helpful for your indoor plants if you set one up near them). Do you have a humidifier set up yet? Which is your favorite? I love my @miro.home humidifier.

I have been so blessed to work with or alongside bodyworkers for the majority of my career. The benefits of Massage coupled with Acupuncture are just so amazingly high! I get asked for recommendations all the time so I decided I would make this post and you can just save it for future reference. Here are some of the massage professionals that I refer to the most: Charlotte area: - @luminous_massage_clt (truly a hidden gem) - @tesialovewellness - @arianaclaire - @bodyworkertom - @ashleymastershealingarts LKN: - @fe.wellness - @restorerecoverbodywork - @newmoonmassage - @head2toes_massage - @sagetherapeuticmassage - @intunebodyandsoul (technically SC now?!) - @harmonymfr Massage Practices/Spas: - @bambumassagespa - @ahlarainternational11 - @resilience_therapeuticmassage - @katuradayspa All of these practitioners have their own particular specialties so I suggest looking into the one that resonates with you. I suggest these practitioners or places because myself, my family members or several patients have had positive experiences there. It’s important to note that places with multiple employees may have new practitioners that I haven’t heard any feedback from so it’s up to you to do your own research and ask questions (for any practitioner, really). There are other bodyworkers I suggest who don’t have a presence on IG like Kathy Walsh and Amy Smith who both specialize in Lymphatic therapy. I’m sure there are others that I missed but I’ll update this post as they come to mind. If you want to know what the difference is between a bodyworker and a massage therapist, ask them directly 😂

✨Workshop Rescheduled✨ If you had FOMO over not being able to make the original date, now is your chance to sign up for this awesome workshop! It is designed to give you an overview of the major Acupuncture Meridians, some of the most commonly used Acupuncture points in my practice and basic understanding of TCM concepts (Yin, Yang, Blood, Qi). You’ll learn how to locate each meridian and selected points on yourself and on others. You’ll also learn how you can incorporate this knowledge to promote wellness along with the use of Acupressure and Essential Oils. This is an opportunity for hands on learning but please feel free to bring a notepad and a pen/pencil if you’d like. Venmo, Zelle or Apple Cash to RSVP. Only 4 spots available. See you there!

🍋Did you dive head first into a Juice Fast this January? 🫐Head to the Tea Time Blog to see the TCM perspective on juicing, smoothies and detoxing. 🥝Link is available in Blog highlights (and stories if you are catching this post in real time). #newyearnewyou #juicecleanse #juicefast #smoothies #blog #teatimewithjo

Poop! We all do it, hopefully regularly, and yet we don’t tend to discuss what normal, healthy bowel movements look or feel like. According to my Chinese Medicine training, healthy bowel movements are as follows: 💩No more than 1-2x per day, but at least 1 bowel movement per day. Should not be dependent on coffee or other substances to occur. 💩Well formed but easy to pass stool. 💩The feeling that your bowel movement was “complete” after you poop. Things that are not normal: 💩Loose, soft or pasty stool. 💩Mucus or bleeding with passing stool. *Note that bleeding in the upper part of the digestive system can show as black colored stools. 💩Pellet like stools (often referred to as “goat poop” or “rabbit poop”). 💩Having a bowel movement after every meal or shortly after every meal. 💩Pain before, during or after passing stool. 💩Undigested food in your stools. . Very often in my consultation with male patients, they will state that their digestion is “great” because they have several bowel movements a day. This is, in fact, not “great” because if your food is moving too quickly through your digestive system, your body is not able to absorb as many nutrients as it could if it would move at a slower pace. . Some women will also notice a change in their bowel habits surrounding their menstrual cycles in which they may get constipated prior to menstruation but then have more frequent or loose stools with the onset of their periods (period poops as I like to call them). . Our bowels say a lot about our health and they should be a process that happens effortlessly and regularly. Too few stools can lead to a build up of waste in our system. Too frequent stools can be a sign of inappropriate nutrient absorption. . Achieving Goldilocks poop (you know, “just right”) is something I work on with my in-office patients but also something that can be addressed through a Virtual Consultation. . #letstalkaboutit #healthypoop #healthybowelmovements #guthealth #skinhealth #yourbuttholewillthankyou #virtualconsultation

Have you ever wondered if essential oils are truly helpful? Grab a warm beverage and head to the Tea Time blog to read my first installment of “Story Time with Jo” which further explains what happened to my hand and whether or not essential oils were a helpful treatment strategy. For reference-The goop on my hands on pic 1 and 2 is essential oils and colloidal silver gel. 2 things I am grateful to have handy for unfortunate instances like these. Link is in my stories (if you’re catching this post in real time) and saved to my Tea Time Blog highlights .

Virtual Consultations make a great gift for your loved ones that don’t live locally but could use some guidance when it comes to their wellness. Common complaints that may be addressed include: -Menstrual Health (including Painful Periods) -Menopausal Health (hot flashes/night sweats, etc) -Fibroids/Cysts/Endometriosis/Adenomyosis Support -Fertility Support -PMS/PMDD -Cycle Irregularities -PCOS Support -Hormonal Health (Thyroid Support, Nervous System Disregulation, Weight Irregularities, etc). …and more! Virtual Consultations include conversations around nutrition, sleep, exercise, non-toxic products, supplements, digestion, skin health, vaginal health, urinary system, immune system and more. Also included in this service: -Email support and periodic phone call check-ins for 3 months -Access to my online dispensary which gives you 30% off on supplements (including some Chinese Herbal formulas). *Virtual Consultations can be booked without being on the waitlist. In order to better serve my clients, only a limited amount of consultations are available. Recipient has 6 months from the date of purchase to book their appointment. Not sure if my services can help? Ask me! #happyholidays #giftthatkeepsongiving

It has come to my attention that a lot of individuals don’t practice segs-xual hygiene which can lead to UTIs and yeast infections. In the TTC world, a lot of women are staying in bed way too long after intercourse for fear of disrupting the semen from doing their job, and this leads to UTIs. Here are some suggestions for avoiding infections that are helpful for all types of partnerships/couples as well as self love: -Keep your toys clean! Wash them immediately after use and store them properly so they are ready to go. Tip: avoid using anti-bacterial soap to clean them. -Wash genitals and hands prior to contact. At the very least, use B a wet wipe or a moistened paper towel. -Always urinate after contact. This naturally washes out bacteria that may have entered the urethra during intimacy. -Use non-toxic lubes and protection such as @lola and @royalxintimacy (XL sizes available) and @natalistco -Keep food outside of the orifices (stay on the lips, nips and above the hips). Good quality coconut/olive oil may be used as lube but can degrade latex so use good judgment. -ATM is a practice best avoided for the sake of healthy vaginal flora. Drop any questions in my DMs if you would prefer not to leave them in comments. Also, let me know if I missed any useful tips. Keep it consensual and keep it healthy ✌🏼 P.S. the position depicted in the photo is referred to as Yab-yum and is really special because the chakras of both partners are aligned with one another. Sacred and beautiful in all relationship types 💛

A much awaited blog post just went up talking about all things dairy and whether not it is good for you. When you read it, the tongue pics will make more sense. Check it out (link in bio and highlights) and drop any questions below 👇🏼 #dairy #milk #rawmilk #nutrition #plantbasedmilk #teatimewithjo

-Are you aware of why using apps is not the best way to track? -Do you understand how to use LH strips/OPKs to predict ovulation and then how to actually confirm that you ovulated? -Are you interested in tracking your BBT to have a better understanding of how your hormones are working? -Do you know how to track your Cervical Fluid to better understand ovulation and where you are in your cycle? All of these questions can be answered in a Pre-conception Consultation even if you have zero intentions of conceiving. Knowing and understanding your cycles gives you a lot of information about your hormonal health and is the secret to either avoiding pregnancy naturally or to narrow down the window for conception. A Pre-conception Consultation is an hour long session where we discuss all of these things and you leave feeling empowered and confident in tracking your cycles properly. The best part? You can book this service any time there is availability and take charge of your hormonal health now. Leave me any questions in the comments and check my website for more details. #cycletracking #fertilityawareness #hormones #cyclesyncing #bbt #opk #ovulation #menstruation

Join us for a night of healing and connection to Source, Yourself and the Earth. @hypnosis_by_ary will be facilitating the Magnified Healing. I will be providing Auricular Therapy with Gold Plated ear pellets to help soothe your nervous system and aid in the reception of this beautiful healing. The pellets can remain on your ear for 1-3 weeks extending the calming effects or you can choose to remove them. @curiositeawellness is providing their delicious teas to warm us up and delight our tastebuds (included with your reservation). Space is limited. Please email AriRdgz@gmail.com to RSVP (Venmo, Zelle or Paypal payment required to save your spot). Head to @hypnosis_by_ary website for more info on Magnified Healing or shoot any questions her way :)

LU7 has to be my most commonly used point in practice. If you have been on my table, chances are I have used this point on you. According to TCM training, this point is great for releasing exterior wind (which we are covering in the newsletter), head and neck issues (pain, toothaches, etc), pain or weakness of the hand/thumb and skin issues (rashes, eczema, acne, etc). In 8 Extra Meridian Theory (which I employ a lot), this point is the Command Point for the Ren Channel (aka Conception Vessel). It is useful to work on more emotional presentations such as facilitating closure. It can also be used to facilitate labor, increase fluids during pregnancy, encourage flipping of breech presentation, and integrate emotions after major life changes (like childbirth, divorce, menopause, etc. During menopause, it can be helpful in regulating sweating, generating moisture to combat dryness as well as encouraging self-love during this transition. Let me know if you learned something new and if you would like to see me share about more Acupuncture points in the future. #morethanjustacupuncture #youcenteredwellness #acupuncturestudent #acupuncturepoints

Getting a positive result for the presence of HPV can be confusing, especially when no treatment is offered and you are simply instructed to re-test in a few months time. While the majority of cases clear up “on their own” within 2 years time, there are some things you can try to help move that timeline up. It makes sense to try to get things under control early to potentially avoid a greater problem 2 years down the line. EAM/TCM would address this on a case by case basis and determine individual patterns for each person to help resolve their HPV. Personally, Pelvic Hydrotherapy (vaginal steaming) would be a strategy I would employ as long as it wasn’t contraindicated. There are some supplements that may be very helpful in inhibiting viral activity. Certain foods may also be helpful to consume/avoid depending on the presentation. The point is, you don’t have to just sit and wait for a retest. You can actively take steps to help your body resolve the HPV and there are several practitioners like myself, Peristeam Hydrotherapists, Functional Medicine practitioners and Naturopathic Doctors (just to name a few) that can offer you customized tools to help you achieve HPV-free status.

New blog post is up and just in time for holiday shenanigans. This is an especially good post to read if the holidays make you feel run down, lethargic and usually fighting illness. Tap the link in bio or comment “link” and I’ll DM it to you.

Did you know it takes approximately 88 days for eggs to complete their process of development prior to being ovulated? (sperm have a similar timeline as well). If you plan on having IUI or egg retrieval during the holidays, focus on keeping yourself as low stress as possible and enjoy that serving of mac n cheese or the slice of pie without the guilt. While it’s best to keep inflammatory foods low, it’s important to understand that a small quantity won’t greatly impact your egg quality since that was already mostly determined in previous cycles. If you are not looking to conceive but are tracking your cycles, this can still help explain why your current cycle is being wacky even though you had more stress 3 months ago. If you were sick, experienced a lot of emotional stress and/or had physical trauma 3 months ago, but your current cycle/menses is acting out of the norm, this could be why. Our infradian rhythm behaves similarly to what happens in nature. If you plant a seed and don’t tend to it in it’s early development, you can’t expect a great crop when it’s time to harvest. Let me know if you learned something new and share with anyone that may find this helpful. #ovulation #eggquality #spermquality #reproduction #ivf #iui #ttc #cycletracking

-If you’ve been here for a while you already know that one of the best ways to prevent getting sick is to cover up your “wind gate” when it is windy and/or cold. -If you still manage to develop that heavy/tight sensation behind the head or the neck, or that tickle in your sinuses that lets you know you might be fighting something, cupping or guasha can be extremely effective at kicking out those pathogens before they have a chance to really set it. -The key is to catch it early and to work on the areas of the back that reflects the Lungs and the Wind Gate itself. Sometimes Guasha can also be done along the Lung channel on the arms to help as well. -Have you ever had cupping/guasha for cold/flu? Was it helpful for you?

🌱This is exciting news! If you are a current patient of mine that uses my Fullscript online apothecary, I have already added your current herbal formula recommendations to your “plan”. 🌱If you are not on any herbal formulas, you can still browse through their catalog and get 30% off of any of their supplements in my online dispensary. 🌱Whether you need to stock up on formulas or supplements, keep an eye out for Fullscript Black Friday deals coming next week. I don’t tend to support Black Friday shopping but investing in your health is definitely an area where I would make an exception. 🌱Here’s to your health ☕️ 🫖

-Genetic testing on zygotes can be really helpful if you are trying to reduce the chances of your offspring having a genetic condition that runs in your family. -While it is often sold to patients as something that can be done to reduce miscarriage, there are lots of other factors that can cause miscarriage that are unrelated to the zygote (blood clotting disorders, endometrial lining issues, low progesterone, etc). We don’t have any studies to date that prove genetic testing of zygotes increases the chance of a live birth. -To obtain a sample for genetic testing, the cell wall of the developing zygote gets penetrated by a needle, making a hole that otherwise would not be there. This may compromise the integrity of the cell wall. -If you had intercourse at home and conceived naturally, there wouldn’t be any testing on the zygote, so is there really a need to do it if the zygote is being created in the lab instead? This is a question to ask yourself before shelling out the cost for testing. Stay tuned to this “What If” series for more details in controversial topics in the fertility and hormone health space. I’ve got some juicy ones coming up!

🫖 This cozy morning is the perfect weather to grab a warm beverage and get caught up on the blog. ☕️ There is a recipe on there you can get started on today to bake fresh tomorrow morning…yum 😋

✨Did you know that oats contain lectins and phytic acid which not only make them hard to digest but also causes nutrients to be leeched from your gut? ✨Fermenting oats is how we remove those anti-nutrients and make the oats more digestible and more nutritious. ✨My recent blog post talks about the benefits and comes with a recipe for using your fermented oats in a blueberry muffin, yum 😋 Link in bio!

ICYMI-I send out a monthly newsletter with links to recent blog posts and info about upcoming events like workshops and gatherings. In addition, I share about Non-toxic product swaps (occasionally, with promo codes) and Tidbits about Traditional Chinese/East Asian medicine to help you stay healthy. I close out each one with a gratitude exchange because practicing gratitude has changed my life and I want everyone to experience that positive mental shift. A new edition is getting ready to hit inboxes this weekend. If you want your inbox to be one of those, head to the link in my bio and sign up today :) *No spam, I promise.

✨Booking Now for October✨ -Are you looking for a Wellness Provider that takes the time to truly listen to you rather than dismiss your concerns? -Would you like to experience a consultation in which you can leave with an actionable plan for improving your health? -Are you ready to address those symptoms/complaints that keep you from living your life to the fullest? ✨Virtual Consultations consists of the same comprehensive assessment I provide my in-office patients. During a consultation I will listen to your concerns and asks you lots of questions that help me put together your East Asian Medicine “pattern” (which is what helps us identify imbalances in your body). Based on the findings, you will walk away with an actionable plan that works towards your health goals. In addition, you’ll have email support and optional phone check ins to help you stay on track. In my practice, I want my patients to know that they have the power to make meaningful changes all on their own. Sure, the Acupuncture itself is helpful; but as I say to them “the changes you make in your body everyday are going to outweigh the 30min-40min you have needles on”. ✨I’m excited to be in your corner, helping you to sift through all the crazy recommendations on the internet and provide a plan customized to your needs. 👉🏼Get more details (including pricing) on my website and feel free to leave any questions about these consultations in the comments or DM. There are limited spots available each month so book early if you’d like to secure yours.

✨Join us for a night of peace, healing and tasty tea. ✨Reiki facilitated by @hypnosis_by_ary ✨Delicious tea mindfully crafted by @curiositeawellness ✨Acupuncture provided by yours truly ✨Space is limited. Venmo/Zelle required to RSVP. DM if you have any questions. See you there 🫶🏻

Confession: This is a rant. If your “women’s focused” gym is not asking you about your cycles or offering different workouts for each phase of your cycle, it is NOT a women’s focused gym. It is a gym that allows memberships to women over men. If they push you to be there a certain number of days per week, if they encourage fasting before workouts (without knowing the status of your hormones) and push you to exhaustion without knowing what phase of your cycle you are in…you should reconsider your membership if you have hormonal wellness goals. Don’t get it twisted, most of these businesses are there to make money. They could care less if you trash your thyroid or drain your adrenals. Mostly, not maliciously, just because they are unaware of what benefits a cyclical body. Do your research, go at your own pace and feel free to remove yourself if you are being guilted or bullied into more workouts.

🍁Autumn official begins this weekend and you can already start to feel the changes in the air. The mornings are getting cooler but the afternoons are still pretty warm. It’s the perfect time to start transitioning. In TCM/EAM, this means warming up your body so it retains some of the summer heat (yang) to keep your body healthy during the cold of fall & winter (yin). You can help your body start storing heat by dressing in layers to keep you warm during the cool mornings. Start wearing closed toe shoes, long pants, covering your abdomen and back. You can also do this by incorporating warm spices and energetically warm meals such as this Autumn Squash soup. The bright colors of butternut squash, carrots and pumpkin are reminiscent of the summer sun’s yang energy. Warm spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, garlic and onion further enhance the warming nature of this soup. By adding warm, easy to digest, pre/probiotic foods to our nutrition, we increase digestive fire which is imperative for immune health. How are you transitioning into fall? 🍠🥕🧄🧅☕️

✨What if you wanted all of my advice (nutrition, supplements, non-toxic products, lab work recommendations, etc), but don’t live near my office or can’t commit to regular Acupuncture sessions??? ✨I’m working on a 1-on-1 offering that gives you access to my comprehensive assessments without committing to purchasing a program or any other gimmicks. Plus, you can still use your HSA or FSA. ✨Keep an eye out for this new service launching very soon!

I recently spent 12 days in the hospital supporting a loved one who was dealing with a health emergency. While I was there, I made several observations of how the hospital setting is really not the most conducive to healing. Furthermore, it’s not the most conducive to supporting the health of the people who work there. Head on over to the blog to get all the deets and please share with anyone that you know that works in a hospital or medical office (regardless of the position they have). The information applies to various industries as well. Clickable like in the bio. #blog #hospital #medicaloffice #nurselife #nursepractitioner #doctorlife #hospitalemployee #neurosurgeon #vascularsurgeon #surgeon #cnalife #telemetry #casemanager #pharmacist #hospitalstaff #laboranddeliverynurse

I’ll be away from IG and not checking DMs for a while. Please send good thoughts and prayers if you can.

✨Do you need clarity around understanding your cycles prior to thinking about having children (or just for hormonal health)? -Are you already TTC and unclear about what your next steps should be if you are unsuccessful on your own? -Do you want 1 on 1 time with a professional to clarify these steps for you with zero obligation to purchase a product or other nonsense? ✨You may want to consider booking a Pre-Conception Consultation. These visits can be done in person or virtually and we can discuss everything from the basics of how to track your cycle (for prevention and for conception) to how to advocate for yourself when undergoing IVF. -Swipe to get more information or visit my website for even more details. These consultations are open to all and can be scheduled whenever I have an opening so make sure to check my “openings” highlight for availability. *These appointments are not Acupuncture consultations-health advice is not included. These consultations are meant to be educational and geared towards providing you with as much information as possible so you can truly have informed consent over your options.

By popular request, I recorded my first batch of homemade bone broth in the Instant Pot. It turned out so good! The videos are live on my stories until about 7pm Monday night but I saved them to a “Bone Broth” highlight just in case you are catching this later or need to refer back. You can get all the ingredients at @thebradfordmarket to make your own batch. Davidson Farmers Market and Matthews Farmers Market both have great sources for grass fed beef soup bones and pasture raised chicken feet. You can also get meaty soup bones and chicken feet delivered to your home (if you are local) by ordering from Salem Hills Farms. They are not on IG but they are on FB and you can web search their website.

If you have experienced Acupuncture in an EAM/TCM practice, chances are you have laid under one of these. Check out my latest blog post to learn more about these “Magic Lamps” and how they provide more than just heat. Link in bio :)

Menstruating bodies follow an infradian rhythm just as the seasons do. Understanding which phase correlates to which season helps us better understand how our moods and energy may shift from one phase to another. ❄️If you are in your inner winter, you may want to stay at home, warm and cozy on a comfy couch with a hot tea. ☀️In contrast, when you are in your inner summer, you may feel full of energy, like the day lasts forever and you can do it all! Sometimes we make all kinds of crazy commitments when we are in our inner summer that we later regret once the “season” shifts and we are in a different energy. Those with long cycles tend to have extended Spring seasons until their bodies are ready to ovulate. Those who are not having an active cycle from amenorrhea are in an extended Spring as well, while those in menopause are in an eternal “second spring”. In both of these cases, your bodies may be more in tune with the phases of the moon (another infradian rhythm of nature). Which phase are you in right now???

It’s been a while since my last introduction. Here are some facts about me :) -Education: I hold a Master’s degree in East Asian Medicine, a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences and an Associate’s degree in Biology I am required to take continuing education to maintain my license to practice which is fantastic for me because I love to learn 🤓 I’ve been practicing EAM since 2010. I worked in a group practice where 98% of the cases where due to pain, for the first 6 years of my career. After that, I relocated to NC where I could focus on my passion and have been working on Women’s Health (with a focus on Reproductive Health) for the past 7 years. I am a certified Acupuncture Steam therapist which means I use Pelvic/Vaginal steams as a modality to enhance reproductive health. I have training in Men’s reproductive health as well and understand advanced parameters for sperm health. -What makes my practice different: I only see one patient at a time (except for spouses/partners/family/friends that want to come in together) so your appointment time is 100% dedicated to you. I have a more integrative approach. You can expect to receive nutritional advice as well as recommendations on which supplements to take (or avoid), and how to avoid disrupting your hormones via non-toxic personal care and appropriate exercise. Appointments are longer than the industry standard which allows for greater communication, patient education and for adjunctive therapies as needed (cupping, guasha, moxa, etc). I try to keep my practice as sustainable/eco-friendly as possible. You read more about this on my website. -Things I enjoy: Spending time with my hubby, 4 legged babies and family. Learning about gardening, food preservation, regenerative farming, permaculture and sustainability. Tea, music and food! The mountains and the beautiful landscapes of NC. Profound conversations on deep topics. Yoga, meditation, hypnosis, reiki, acupuncture, sound healing, bodywork, cacao ceremonies, and all kinds of modalities to take care of my body and expand my consciousness. -Fun Fact: My brain is an impressive library of lyrics for songs from the 90s, 2000s.

If you read my “Vaginal Nectar” post, you know it’s important to track cervical fluid. It gives us important information about our hormonal health, helps us to avoid conception or try to conceive (depending on your goal). The tricky thing about taking B vitamins is that they tend to color your urine neon yellow as your body is excreting the amounts it doesn’t need/absorb. This can make it difficult to see if your cervical fluid is opaque, clear or tinted because the B vitamin color shows up on your toilet tissue when you wipe after urinating. When you take your B vitamins later in the day (around lunchtime) you have all of the morning hours to see your cervical fluid without the tinting and it is early enough in the day that it shouldn’t interfere with your sleep. You can also circumvent this altogether by inserting a clean finger into the vaginal canal and inspecting the cervical fluid that sticks to your finger once you withdraw it. I often find that your partner/spouse may also be a reliable source of changes in your cervical fluid as they may have more actual “face time” with that region. It’s just important for them to understand what they are looking for. If this was helpful, please double tap and/or share with someone else who may benefit. ✌️ #cervicalfluid #cervicalmucus #vaginalnectar #hormonalhealth #hormonetracking #fertilitytracking #cycletracking #cyclemapping #bvitamins #mtfhr #methylatedfolate #ttc

✨Rescheduled Date✨ Acu+Reiki Circles are back! This month’s circle has been moved to Saturday, July 22nd at 6pm. We have a new location for this month’s circle and I am so excited for you all to see it. @hypnosis_by_ary will be facilitating the Reiki, @curiositeawellness will be serving some delicious tea (included in your ticket) and the Acupuncture will be provided by yours truly. Payment is required for reservation. Space is limited! DM me or email me for payment deets. So excited to see you there! #reiki #reikicircle #acureiki #cornelius #davidson #community #relaxation #meditation

✨Several people have mentioned to me that they didn’t think they could benefit from my services because they are not trying to conceive. ✨The reality is, fertile health and hormonal health are THE SAME THING! ✨Hormonal health is important at each stage of life. A healthy menstruation is pain free and easy. A healthy pregnancy has fewer uncomfortable symptoms (and a healthier baby). A healthy postpartum period has more stable recovery which sets the stage for another healthy menstruation or easeful transition into menopause. ✨Even if you skip the pregnancy phase completely, healthy hormones set the stage for a smoother menopause and just overall better health. ✨Rather than thinking of this as just less painful periods, less first trimester nausea and less hot flashes (which are all awesome), think of hormonal health as more balanced energy, healthy weight, less DNA damage, a robust immune system, better bone density, better sleep, healthy gut microbiome, etc.

🔸Pelvic Hydrotherapy (aka Vaginal/Pelvic Steaming) has been added to the services provided for last minute openings. • This service, just like the Acupuncture, is available to existing patients only since it requires a more in depth consultation to determine the right herbs and length of treatment for each recipient. • Check my stories throughout the week for any last minute openings. If the spots are still available even after the story expires, you’ll be able to see them in the highlights labeled “Openings”. 🔸There might be an opening right now! Go have a look see 👀

🏕️ Here is what I prepared for a recent trip with my hubby. Didn’t take many pics while we were there but you get the gist. -Breakfast: Eggs, bacon and avocado (eggs and avocado not pictured). 🍳 🥓 🥑 Bob’s Red Mill Plain Oatmeal was embellished with freeze dried strawberries and honey. Yum! -Lunch: Tuna salad with GF crackers. I packed individual portions in mason jars; easy peasy. -Dinner: Salmon, bacon wrapped asparagus and mini potatoes w/ compound butter. -The prep a week before: I cooked the bacon in the oven so that it would remain flat. I vacuum sealed individual portions and froze them. I seasoned the salmon, while frozen, with a chili dry rub. I made a packet for it with parchment paper and then aluminum foil (because I don’t want aluminum directly contacting my food). Kept in the freezer. I cooked the bacon wrapped asparagus ahead of time, vacuum packed them and froze them. I made a similar packet for the potatoes, which were wrapped with a generous amount of compound butter (butter, garlic, salt, pepper, chives, parsley, dill). Kept those in the fridge. The cook: -Eggs were cooked in a castor iron pan. The pre-cooked bacon and bacon-wrapped asparagus, were reheated in the pan. When it was time for dinner, I took out the salmon packets, let them thaw a little and cooked them on a grate over the fire. The potatoes were cooked directly in the coals. I also boiled water in a kettle and used that for the oats and tea. Snacks: Meat sticks, fruit jerky, cacao granola. Beverages: Coconut water, tea, water w/electrolytes. Each meal had a protein, fat and carb and was focused around supplying enough calories. We took sausages to roast on the fire but never ate them. We were very satisfied with the other meals. Let me know if you have any questions. I hope this inspires some of you to make more of your own food while camping rather than just having dehydrated food from a mylar bag. Enjoy!

✨Reiki is a Japanese Energy Healing Art that is performed by the placement of the practitioner’s hands over the recipient’s clothed body. Reiki activates the body’s natural healing process and may promote relaxation, stress relief and pain reduction. ✨This beautiful practice can now be experienced as an add on to Acupuncture or Auricular Therapy services. Once the needles are inserted, the Reiki will be performed for approximately 30 minutes as you relax. ✨Once the Reiki has concluded, your needles will be removed and you’ll be ready to float through the rest of your day. Reiki will be performed by: @hypnosis_by_ary Add on Reiki fee: $45 Leave any questions in the comments or send a DM.

🎍Cervical Mucus/Fluid, aka Vaginal Nectar...the stuff that comes out of your vagina, is something that causes a lot of confusion for a lot of people. Most often, this natural discharge is confused with possible yeast infections. So what the heck is this goop? . 🎍Cervical mucus, is a hormonal secretion that serves many purposes. 2 of the most important are: 1-as a protective medium for sperm so that they can reach the egg for fertilization and 2-as a plug the fills the cervix when pregnancy occurs and acts as a barrier to keep bacteria out of the womb. . 🎍Most notably, women observe CM as their bodies are preparing for ovulation and then again prior to a period. . 🎍The color and consistency of CM are great indicators of when you should have intercourse to try to conceive as well as when NOT to have unprotected intercourse to AVOID conception, naturally, without hormonal birth control. . 🎍It is important to learn what healthy CM looks like to be able to differentiate it from discharge that is a result of yeast infections, STIs, BV and others less desirable things. . 🎍A lot of people have no awareness of what their CM is doing. This post is me, encouraging you, to pay attention to the stuff that collects in your underwear. Take a look at your toilet paper when you wipe and feel a certain “slip”. . 🎍Becoming more familiar with each stage of healthy CM is another way to gauge hormonal health as well as to be able to identify when something is off. . 🎍DM me any questions you might have on CM. Better yet, if you are comfortable, share in the comments so everyone can learn. #cervicalmucus #cervicalfluid #vaginalnectar #EWCM #FertileCM #hormonalhealth #vaginalhealth #ttc #yeastinfection #bv #davidson #nc

🍓Mixed Berry Chia Seed Jam Recipe is up on the blog!🫐 I enjoyed my delicious homemade jam over some sheep’s milk yogurt I found at my local Fresh Market (swipe for details). This jam is refined sugar free, pectin free and easy to customize. The healthy fats from the chia seeds also help to balance the natural sugars…which is important to prevent sugar spikes (aka hormonal health stuff). Head over to the blog for the recipe, link in bio! #mixedberryjam #bloodsugarbalance #hormonalhealth #eatseasonally #homemade #refinedsugarfree #pectinfree

✨Confession ✨ I don’t eat as many calories in a day as I should. It’s one of the things I preach to my patients. Adequate calories = fuel for hormone production and balance. This girl has gotten extra thicc as a result of my body holding on to nutrients and storing them due to my calorie deficit. Enter ✨Phat Bombs✨ A calorie dense, healthy fat treat that is easy to make and tasty! Even my beautiful brindle, Khaleesi, wants to get in on this (swipe for pics). If you’d like my recipe, DM your email and I’ll send it over! #phatbombs #fatbomb #healthyfats #hormonebalance #hormonalhealth #fertilityfood

☕️Tea Time with Jo has a new blog post! 🫖 Have a look if you fancy. Link in bio. #coldplunge #icebath #coldtherapy #extremetemperature #tcm #eam #contrasttherapy #teatimewithjo

🦄 Acu Jo has a new home inside the Acupuncture Center For Balance & Healing! I am grateful for where I have been, where I am and where I am going; as well as the wonderful people who have extended their help to me. My goal continues to be to provide You Centered Wellness in as comfortable an environment as I can possibly provide. I look forward to working with you in the space✨

🔸You don’t have to be an existing patient to schedule for Auricular Therapy, Cupping or Guasha. However, I can only book these appointments in the time slots that open up during cancellations so you have to keep an eye out for those openings. {Please do not DM about openings. Check the openings highlight}. 🔸Auricular Therapy is safe for everyone including those who are pregnant or undergoing fertility treatments. 🔸Cupping or Guasha can be performed on specific areas of the body where there is pain, muscle spasm, or tension. During pregnancy, I will use my discretion to determine if you are a good candidate. Must be, at least, in your second trimester for consideration. 🔸Details and pricing are available on my website under “Adjunctive Services”.

✨We’re back with another Acu + Reiki Circle in a new location! Bring your yoga mat/blanket/meditation cushion and come join us for a peaceful and restorative gathering. . ✨ @hypnosis_by_ary will facilitate the Reiki, @curiositeawellness is providing some delicious tea (included with your reservation) and yours truly will be providing the Acupuncture. . ✨Space is *very* limited. Please DM or email me to RSVP (payment required).

✨Name 3 things you can use castor oil for besides hair growth, liver support and menstrual cramp relief… ✨If you struggled with that, head over to the blog and check out the most recent post on all things castor oil. There’s even a link to a free download (no email required) on how to make castor oil packs. ✨Come back to this post and comment a use for castor oil that you learned about or perhaps a different use I didn’t even mention. I’ll drop one in the comments to get us going!

🍊 Fun fact: The peel of citrus fruits house more benefits than the actual flesh. East Asian medicine considers that citrus peel helps to move stagnant Qi, helps to dry Dampness and Resolve Phlegm. Different types of citrus affect different meridians. Generally speaking, the peels are helpful to relieve nausea, bloating, loose stools and stomach aches as well as helping to resolve phlegm (including the stuff you cough up but also fluid filled nodules like cysts). My favorite way to use citrus peels is in steam preparations. Used in facial steams, it is helpful for cystic acne, nasal congestion and sinusitis. Used in pelvic steams, it is helpful for excessive vaginal discharge, fluid pockets in the uterus, ovarian cysts, fibroids and polyps (especially in combination with other appropriate herbs). Next time you peel any kind of organic citrus, consider keeping the peels and adding some to your teas. You can also make marmalade with peels, dry them and grind them into powder for baking, or soak them in vinegar for an awesome household cleaner. I also freeze them and toss a couple pieces into the garbage disposal every so often. 🍊Do you use citrus peel at home? What’s your favorite citrus peel to use and how do you use it? Share below so we can all learn something new 🤓

✨As promised, a blog post just went up discussing raw carrot salad and whether or not it is a useful tool for Estrogen balance. . ✨Tap the link in my bio and scroll up to the Tea Time Blog to get all the deets!

🥕 Just going to leave this here… …for now 😏 🥕 Considering writing a blog post expanding on this topic as I have received a lot of questions about this. 🥕I will say, if you want to have raw carrot salad, have it as a side dish and accompany it with a warm meal. The whole theory is that you CANNOT digest the carrot fiber and there is a lot to say about just that one fact. 🥕Happy Friday Friends! #rawcarrotsalad #estrogendominance #estrogenbalance #hormonalhealth #tcm #tcmdiettherapy

✨Have you ever had an Abdominal Massage? I have and they are fantastic and offer lots of benefits. . ✨In the latest blog post, I discuss 4 different types of Abdominal Massage and their respective benefits. . ✨Swipe to see photos of before and after one Sobada session. Then head to the blog to learn more about it. . ✨Shoutout to @arianaclaire for her Sobada wisdom and care, Paula of @twotreesacupuncture for her Arvigo wisdom and care, Christan of @abodewellnesslounge for her Mercier wisdom and care and @bodyworkertom for his amalgamation of techniques that were born by necessity of his own recovery. 🙏🏼 #abdominalmassage #abdominalbodywork #lympathicdrainage #arvigo #merciertherapy #postpartumrecovery #postsurgicalrecovery

-I often get asked if I ever give myself Acupuncture. The answer is yes! Not only is treating myself an act of self love and self care, but it also allows me to put myself in my patients shoes. . -Being under my own hand reminds me to be gentle of those on the receiving end, and what it feels like when I am not! It also reminds me of how sensitive points can be completely unexpectedly. . -These 3 pics are from 3 separate treatments I gave myself. 2 of which used e-stim to help resolve ovarian cysts (on separate occasions). 1 of them involved the addition of moxa to warm my womb in preparation for my menstruation. . -I know several practitioners who haven’t been on the receiving end of Acupuncture (either by themselves or other practitioners) and I think it’s just another example of not practicing what you preach. . -I also make it a point to get monthly treatments from another Acupuncturist. I can be too “inside my own box” and over analyze my symptoms (I’m human too). . -Laying on my table, in my treatment room, listening to my music, smelling my essential oils and under my heat lamp helps me get a first hand perspective of my patient’s experience. The sounds, smell and temperature in the room all contribute to the experience as does the pillow under your head and the cushion under the sheets. No better way to know how things are holding up, then to experience them myself.

A good percentage of my time spent with patients involves discussing the pros and cons of procedures they are considering undergoing. Often times, my patients would’ve already had a consultation with the physician in which they listened to the physician’s advice, and were given the opportunity to ask questions, but either they felt rushed or weren’t sure what questions to even ask. How can someone make an appropriate decision about their care if they are not correctly informed so that they can give proper consent? Some of the most common procedures I hear about patients being “encouraged” to undergo include: -IVF (and within that there is high dose stimulation drugs, ICSI and PGS/genetic testing, etc). -Hysterectomies (mostly because of fibroids). -ECV for breech babies -Glucose tolerance testing, GBS testing, and Cervical checks during pregnancy. -Membrane sweeps and elective induction in late stage pregnancy. Some doctors are really good about informing their patients properly but a lot of them are not. A good way to advocate for yourself is to remember the acronym B.R.A.I.N: B.enefits R.isks A.lternatives I.Intuition (what feels right to you) N.othing (what happens if you do nothing) Whenever a physician presents you with the option to have something done, even if it seems routine or if they tell you it is protocol, ask your doctor for the B, R, A and N. Then listen to your I. This applies to me as well. If I am your provider, you have the right to have all your questions answered and it is my pleasure to do so. Any provider that gets annoyed with you for asking these questions is likely not worthy of your business. Like this post if you found it helpful. Save or share if you know someone who can benefit from this info. Drop an emoji in the comments if you made it ‘til the end ✌️

✨Have you ever shopped with Vitacost? . ✨I recommend them all the time for supplements, non-toxic household products and personal products. This is my most recent haul (more pantry staples in this time). . ✨A blog post just went up with more details about this wonderful online health food store AND a special link that will get you $30 cash back on your order. Go check it out! #youcenteredwellness #lowwasteacupuncture #ecofriendlyacupuncture #ballinonabudget

•It is pretty common to find me folding laundry on Sunday evenings. More often then not, that laundry is office laundry. . •It is important for me to choose sustainable, non-toxic and eco-friendly materials/practices for my humble business. While it would be easier to outsource my office laundry, I wouldn’t have control over what materials the linens are made of or how they are handled. . •While my sheets are often wrinkled (I am not known for my folding skills), they are always clean and fresh for each client. Most laundry services in the area rotate sheets amongst several clients (hospitals, hotels, nursing homes, etc), which means they have to use harsh chemicals to wash their sheets. . •To keep linens clean and pack them for delivery some companies wrap them in plastic wrap, which I prefer to avoid. Doing my own laundry is a labor of love but it keeps unwanted chemicals away from your skin and out of the waste water; and I think that’s worth the effort. . •It’s not a perfect system but I’m doing my best with what I have. Are there any eco-friendly or non-toxic swaps you have made in your household/business? Tell me in the comments! #youcenteredwellness #ecofriendlyacupuncture #lowwasteacupuncture

✨💛UPDATE: Only 1 spot left💛 You are invited to gather in a circle and receive Reiki healing energy assisted by the placement of an Acupuncture needle in a chakra opening and calming point. . ✨For this gathering, @curiositeawellness will be offering select herbal tea blends to enhance the healing vibes of this circle (included with your reservation). . ✨Reiki facilitated by @hypnosis_by_ary and Acupuncture provided by Yours Truly. . ✨Leave any questions in the comments. See you on the 21st :)

💧Proper hydration is imperative to multiple functions in the body including the production of cervical mucus and adequate semen volume. . 💧A lot of people also have complaints of dry eyes and mouth or “unquenchable thirst” this time of year due to indoor heating and the dryness of the fall season. . 💧Your body needs electrolytes in order to absorb water. Drinking lots of water without electrolytes will cause your body to just flush that water out rather than actually absorb some of that moisture. . 💧Electrolytes hold the key to unlocking the gate for water entry into cells. Those who sweat more (hot yoga teachers/students, sauna users, kitchen staff, athletes, etc), and lactating individuals, especially need to replenish their electrolytes. . 💧Like, save, share and/or leave me a comment if you found this reel useful. If you share your “hydration routine”, feel free to tag me 👀 #LetsBeHydroHomies #HydrationRoutine #DrinkingSalts #Viral #NotSponsored #redmondrealsalt #hydration #cervicalmucus #semenvolume #lactationtips

🌙 These are some of the most common things I come across with patients that I feel are actually working against their fertility goals. 1-Starting a new workout routine, especially if you don’t regularly exercise to begin with. Often times, patients go from zero activity to wanting to do 5-6 workouts a week of HIIT, Boot Camp, Hot Yoga, Barre, etc. “Go Big or Go Home” they say. While movement is important, if your body is using its resources to fuel your workouts and then heal your muscles/joints/tendons/ligaments; it cannot prioritize its resources for reproduction. Start with 20-30min walks or some gentle yoga 3x per week. Then slowly work your way up. 2-Drastically reduce your calorie intake. While we can all benefit from avoiding processed foods, too often patients make drastic changes without understanding how calories affect hormone function. If you went from having Chic Fil A every day for lunch to substituting that for a homemade salad (and you already know how TCM views eating cold/raw foods) you may have just reduced your caloric intake significantly. That coupled with a new exercise routine can wreak havoc on your adrenals. 3-Fasting of any kind (except during sleep). When we are not fueling our body’s with food, and then carry on with exercise or daily activities, we are asking the body to pull energy from an empty tank. This puts stress on our adrenals which can borrow progesterone in order to produce more cortisol to keep you going. When cortisol increases, you may tend to feel “wired” which most people will interpret as having more energy, and generally feeling productive. All the while, your progesterone is being robbed which is not optimal for supporting a healthy pregnancy. The conversion of progesterone to cortisol also happens when we have coffee first thing in the morning on an empty stomach or workout while fasting. 2 things which tend to go hand in hand with the 2 points I first made. 🌙Every body is different and you should follow a routine that supports your individual needs and lifestyle. This is especially important if you need to get into a healthier weight. Cont’d in comments.

✨ICYMI: I’m holding a Holistic Breast Self Care Workshop at @thetemplenc in Cornelius this Friday. . ✨Learn to see and care for your chest in a radically different way; your breasts are not just objects for pleasure or nourishment. They are part of your heart space and deserve to be loved on in a way that is safe and protective . ✨I’ll be sharing information on Breast Health through the lens of East Asian Medicine. I’ll also share different techniques including Guasha, self massage, detox masks and more that help support the health of our breast tissue. . ✨Please note that I will demonstrate the Guasha and massage on myself while remaining modestly dressed. Practicing on one’s self during the workshop is welcome but completely voluntary. . ✨Let me know if you have any questions 💕

✨Join me and @theconsciouscosmetologist at @thetemplenc for a Holistic Breast Self Care Workshop on 11.11. . ✨Get all the details on @thetemplenc ‘s post. . ✨See you there! . #heartcentered #breastcare #holisticbreasthealth

🌱I referenced the Long Infusion Method in my last post. Here is a quick video on how to make an infusion of Nettle and Oat straw. You can use this method for any other herb. The more herbs you use, the stronger the infusion. You can reheat the infusion after straining and enjoy as you would a tea. . 🌱The herbs can be re-steeped a second time. You can store the herbs in the fridge to re-steep at a later time (as long as it’s within 4-5 days). . 🌱Leave any questions in the comments ☕️

❣️Besides feeling tired, do you also develop dull cramps towards the end of your period? . ❣️These are signs of Blood & Qi Deficiency and commonly occur after a heavy menstrual flow or in those who are already constitutionally deficient. . ❣️To help my body replenish, I am enjoying a mineral rich tea of Goji berries, Nettle & Oat straw. . ❣️Goji berries help to support Yin & Blood (both of which are lost after a period). . ❣️Both Nettles and Oat straw are a source of iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc and copper. ❣️These minerals and electrolytes also help to support blood and yin fluids in the body and are great to take during the final days of your period. . ❣️The long infusion method is the best way to extract these nutrients. You can do this by filling a mason jar 3/4 full with the herbs, pouring in enough hot water to cover the herbs and allow to sit overnight. (Not pictured) . ❣️What are some ways you help yourself to recover after a period? #menstrualhealth #healyourcycle #ovulationmatters #herbalinfusion

✨Today’s Women’s Wellness Workshop at @thetemplenc was amazing. So grateful to @theconsciouscosmetologist for opening up her space to host me and bring her community together. . Also super grateful for the ladies that came from near and far, with open minds and open hearts. . Keep your eyes peeled for future workshops in the LKN area. Make sure to follow @thetemplenc and @theconsciouscosmetologist as well as signing up for my newsletter to stay updated. 🍂

🍂 Quick tip to combat this Autumn dryness: Add a handful of Goji berries to some hot water and let them steep for 10min. Drink the goji infusion and then eat the berries (which will be plump and rehydrated after steeping). . Goji berries help replenish yin and blood which are our moisturizing agents in the body. . Drinking water with electrolytes has not been enough for me to avoid the dryness especially since I don’t have a humidifier at work or in my car. Replenishing that moisture from the inside out should be helpful 💧 Is your skin getting dry yet? 🍂 #tcmtip #autumn #dryness #goji #yin

🍂Scenes from the 2022 Women’s Wellness Retreat (WWR) that took place over the last few days. . 🍂Such a wonderful group of amazing, beautiful, intelligent and powerful women. I am honored by your presence, vulnerability and openness. . 🍂So grateful to wonderful staff of @lovillhouseinn for their delicious meals, their kindness, the magical supply of never ending cookies, their warm smiles and their meticulous care of the suites and property. . 🍂So much gratitude to my colleagues @ayoungcoconut and @theconsciouscosmetologist as well as my sister @hypnosis_by_ary ( 🍠 -inside joke) for sharing their gifts with us. Each class uncovered a new level of release, healing, forgiveness,connection and compassion. . 🍂The most heartfelt “thank you” to the guests. Without you, this retreat wouldn’t have come together. Sharing your abundance, and your most precious resource (time) with my colleagues and I is not something we take for granted. My soul is warmed by our cozy chats under blankets in the living room. My heart is happy recalling our moments of laughter (“but there’s 8 of us?!?”…”take 2 for Carter of the list” 😂). My entire being is buzzing from all the light and love shared here. . 🍂We started off as acquaintances and left as soul sisters, here to help each other grow. I won’t be surprised to hear some incredible things coming from these ladies in the near future. . 🍂I’ve had a ton of requests for another retreat. Highly suggest signing up for my newsletter and following the blog to stay updated. My days on IG are coming to a close.

🪷 Join me for this beautiful workshop that will have you in touch with your Divine Feminine like never before. . 🪷 Head to @thetemplenc and tap the link in the bio to register. Only 5 spaces available! #womensholistichealth #hormonalhealth #divinefeminine #cyclicalliving #cyclicalnature #innerseasons #weareallconnected #chinesemedicine #eastasianmedicine #holistichealth #menstrualwellness #nontoxicmenstrualproducts #nontoxicperiod

🌱Come shopping with me in my favorite zero waste store! 🌿

Welcome to my favorite season 🍂 I’m celebrating by enjoying this delicious cup of tea made with @curiositeawellness Night Sky Chai and my own, homemade Pumpkin Spice Creamer. Head to the blog to learn how to make this deliciousness. Link is in bio. #itsfallyall #pumpkinspice #tcmnutrition #autumn #mabon #pumpkinspicecreamer #recipe

🎍Local craftsman, Jeremy Cude, was born and raised in NC. He has recently moved to Savannah and started his small business @thesimpleleathershop . 🎍This awesome leather valet, handmade by Jeremy, is the perfect drop zone for patients to place their personal items before getting on the Acupuncture table. . 🎍Jeremy does his best to source his leather responsibly and from tanneries that employ more sustainable and eco-friendly practices. . 🎍If you are ever in Savannah, you might find @thesimpleleathershop at the @richmondhillfarmersmarket on Saturdays. Of course, you are welcome to check out his selection of goods online, anytime. . 🎍Thank you for checking out his page and support small businesses 💕

🎍Did you know that I have been offering Virtual Consultations since 2020? . 🎍They are a great way to get information and customized recommendations without having to commit to regular Acupuncture sessions. . 🎍Virtual Consultations consist of a phone call in which you have a chance to explain your concerns and I can perform a virtual assessment via a series of questions. Then I customize your recommendations and email them to you. You have direct access to follow up questions via email (and optional phone check-ins), for 3 months. . 🎍 Virtual Consultation Appointments are more available than In-House appointments, however, priority will be given to those on the waitlist for scheduling. . 🎍DM me if you have any questions or of you’d like to book a consultation.

🎍Not every meal needs to be perfectly curated to offer you balanced nutrition. When you are in a pinch, but still want to support hormone balance, focus on your plate containing: protein, healthy fat and unrefined carbs. 🎍Here are 3 meals I have prepared for myself following these principles: 1- @applegate Organic Beef Hot Dogs (protein) with Kalamata Olives (fat) and Grapes, Blueberries 🫐 and Strawberries 🍓 (carb). 2- @twrgrassfedbeef Beef Polish Sausage (protein) with 1/2 a Hass Avocado 🥑 (fat) and Grapes 🍇 (carb). 3- Tuna Salad made with @safecatchfoods Tuna (protein) @primalkitchenfoods mayo (fat), @lustymonkmustard and lettuce 🥬 which will be enjoyed with a side of @sietefoods sea salt potato chips (carbs). 🎍 @thenutritionsteward and @glucosegoddess have taught me to eat these macros in a particular order to prevent sugar spikes. When I enjoyed these meals, I ate the protein or fat first, and the carbs last. 🎍If you are curious, the grapes pictured are sitting in a bowl of warm water because I avoid eating/drinking anything cold (TCM principle). The warm water removes the chill from the fridge so that I can enjoy my grapes without impairing my digestive fire 🔥 🎍I hope these quick meals ideas will inspire you to put a balanced meal together without fuss. While I don’t suggest eating like this for every meal, these lunches kept me fueled until I had time to put together a more nutritious dinner. Feel free to save and share if you found this helpful. #hormonalbalance #lunchideas #cleaneating #balancednutrition