Vedana Acupuncture & Wellness

10/18/2024

Why kiwi is the 🐐 when it comes to constipation 👇🏼

Multiple studies have compared the effects of prunes, psyllium (a kind of fiber), and kiwi in the treatment of functional constipation and IBS-C (constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome). All 3 have shown to be helpful in one way or another, but kiwi has the lowest reported negative side effects (mainly bloating and abdominal pain), and highest satisfaction in regard to increased frequency of bowel movements, and reduction of GI discomfort and pain.

How does it work?

🥝 High fiber content
🥝 High water content
🥝 Contains actinidain, a digestive enzyme that breaks down protein, improves gastric emptying, and stimulates receptors in the colon
🥝 High polyphenol content, which can promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, like bifidobacteria

Art by

Study:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10226473/

10/09/2024

Have you used up your FSA or HRA before the end of the year? These funds typically do not roll over and can be used on acupuncture services as well as herbs and supplements!

10/02/2024

Taking Care of Ourselves in Autumn 🍂

Pears, pumpkin, honey, nuts and seeds, seasonal root veggies, soups, stews, grass-fed beef, and lamb are all foods to support the lungs. Avoid salads, raw fruits, and raw veggies.

Wear a scarf or shirt that covers the back of your neck, especially in cold and windy weather. In Chinese medicine, pathogens or illnesses enter your body through this area, called the wind gate. If you have cupping done, it is imperative to cover the area until the bruises heal. If you start feeling like you are getting sick, see your acupuncturist ASAP- it is more effective to treat an illness at the onset of symptoms.

Two of my favorite supplements to keep the immune system strong are Wellness Formula and Beekeeper’s Naturals Throat Spray, both which can be found in the Immune Support section of my online pharmacy at the link in bio.

10/02/2024

Autumn 🍂

According to Chinese medicine, summer is the peak of yang energy (think brightness, expansion, and growth), and winter is the peak of yin energy (think darkness, contraction, and matter). Autumn is our transition period between the two seasons, making it a time to turn inward and prepare for this energetic and seasonal shift.

Autumn corresponds to the lungs and the metal element, which are responsible for the skin, respiratory system, and immune system (chapped lips, scratchy throats, and cold/flu season).

Energetically, the lungs hold grief and sadness. Autumn is a time to focus on the act of letting go- people, objects, thoughts or behaviors that are no longer serving us in a positive way, including processing grief. For this reason, autumn can be a difficult season, making it even more important to take care of ourselves.

06/08/2023

Acupoint LI18, Futu

Acupuncture point LI18 belongs to a group of points called the Window of the Sky points. They can be used to connect someone to their spirit or spiritual self, and also to a higher power for guidance. Window of the Sky points are also incorporated to facilitate past-life spiritual work and release emotional trauma from current or old experiences.

They open the window to allow a higher energy to clear out the negative.

Physically, the point LI18 affects the circulation of the carotid artery and vagus nerve, which makes it useful for lung, esophagus, heart, stomach, intestine, and gall bladder issues. LI18 is commonly used for GERD, high and low blood pressure, loss of voice, heart palpitations, and plum pit Qi (the feeling that there is something stuck in your throat- usually when stressed).

🖼️: .acupuncture

06/07/2023

06/03/2023

10/11/2022

I often believe that by returning to the most basic aspects of our evolutionary traits, we are able to heal in a more profound way. As a society, we continuously search for new ways to “bio hack” our health (hyperbaric chambers, supplements, IV bars), so we can continue to burn the 🕯️ at both ends without sacrificing productivity or taking time to rest. Humans evolved to rise with the sun and sleep when it sets, not work 12 hour days 😵‍💫. ⁠
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Many people are aware that sunlight is essential for vitamin D production (low vitamin D = depression, fatigue, weakened immune system, pain, etc.), but are unaware of how important sunlight is for other bodily functions. Taking a vitamin D supplement instead of prioritizing moderate sun exposure does not replace the sun’s rays for benefitting circadian rhythm, the immune system, and more. ⁠
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Our eyes are the ocular pathway to the 🧠- when light waves are sensed in the morning, our brain begins processing information (including the time of day) and alerts the rest of our body on how to function and remain on schedule. Studies show that blood flow in the brain improves after light therapy (decreased blood flow in the brain is related to cognitive issues, insomnia, and mood disorders). Without enough light wave exposure to our brain throughout the day, we don’t produce enough melatonin, which signals our bodies to sleep. If we aren’t producing adequate melatonin, chances are, we are getting poor quality sleep and therefore sleeping in later. This decreases our opportunity for morning sunlight exposure, which starts the cycle all over again. If you are supplementing with melatonin, research indicates you may be doing more harm than good (see my earlier blog on melatonin).⁠
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The best time to reset our internal clocks through sun exposure is in the morning. I like to drink my morning coffee on the porch or outdoors, and whenever I am able, I take a walk first thing after waking. 5-10 minutes of morning sun per day is enough to reset your circadian rhythm, and small amounts of exposure throughout the day will allow your body to maintain a healthy sleep cycle. ⁠
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Navigate to the linktree to read the full blog 😎

10/10/2022

The stomach meridian begins under the eye, traveling down the face, chest, abdomen, leg, and ends on the second toe. Imbalances in the stomach organ system can manifest as digestive issues, nose bleeds, bleeding gums, bad breath, insomnia, lack of appetite, fatigue, abdominal pain, and more. Qi (energy) travels in a downward movement through the stomach meridian, ensuring that our food is digested and excreted properly. When Qi moves in the wrong direction, (we call it rebellious Qi 👩🏼‍🎤), it moves upward resulting in acid reflux, hiccups, and vomiting. If Qi gets stuck during digestion, we experience food stagnation which results in bloating and cramping. ⁠
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I often use the stomach points on the face for bells palsy, eye twitching, and post-stroke facial paralysis. These points also work wonders for TMJ and jaw tension. ⁠
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The most famous point on the stomach channel, and arguably in all of acupuncture, is ST36. This point has been widely researched and has tremendous benefits for the body. ⁠
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📉 In one study, researchers evaluated the effects of using electro-acupuncture on ST36 for gastric motility following colorectal surgery (gastric motility is typically impaired following surgery). ST36 was stimulated to induce intestinal movement, and the group receiving acupuncture showed a significantly faster recovery of gastro-intestinal movement compared to those who did not receive treatment. ⁠
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📉 ST36 has also been researched in regard to elevating white blood cell count. White blood cells are responsible for fighting infection and diseases in the body. One study monitored tumor-bearing mice receiving acupuncture at ST36 as well as moxibustion. Results showed that, “acupuncture and moxibustion can up-regulate the serum IL-7 and IL-18 and white blood cell levels in immuno-suppression mice.” ⁠
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Navigate to the linktree in bio for sources and research ⁠
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Art: .wellness

10/04/2022

"Do nondoing, strive for nonstriving." — Lao-Tzu, Tao Te Ching⁠
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Action through inaction. Producing without possessing. ⁠
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Wu Wei is a Taoist philosophy that is about knowing when making an effort is appropriate, and when it is a waste of time. Sure, my closet isn’t going to clean itself, but there are valuable things in life that are self-defeating when we try harder. For instance, *planning* to be spontaneous or *seeking* happiness. Searching for happiness is not necessarily the best way to find it- rather, we do things that make us happy, and gain happiness as a result. ⁠
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Wu Wei teaches us that there is strength in relinquishing control, and harmony and peace in doing nothing. 🤍