Category Archives: Acupuncture

3 Simple Tips to Balance Your Qi

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by Nikki Vanacek, TCM practitioner, TCM Wellness Clinic

Have you noticed you are feeling more irritable at work, home, or practically everywhere?  If yes, it’s probably because of the season changing from spring into summer. Being crabby or stressed is such an awful feeling, we tell ourselves that “if people at work would just did their job; I could do mine.” Or, “If I could come home to a clean house or if someone cared as much as I did, I wouldn’t be so crabby.” Things just seem to be MORE irritating when seasons change.

Spring into summer is the time when flowers pop through the earth, tree saps come to the surface, and our emotions tend break through the surface. Irritation is a yang emotion which is strong during spring because our Qi can get STUCK. Think what happens when the current of the ocean changes. Same principal, when the current of your Qi shifts, and becomes just a little out of balance -  a Qi holy tidal wave!

Here are 3 quick tips to help keep “the current” of your Qi balanced:

  1. Eat green! Enjoy fresh, leafy greens, and sprouts to improve the balance the overall movement of Qi.
  2. Do more outdoor activities! Outside air helps Qi flow. If you have been feeling irritable, find an outdoor activity to smooth out Qi stagnation.
  3. Get acupuncture treatments! Acupuncture will not only balance your Qi but balance your emotions. Think of the acupuncture meridians like a highway system and your Qi is the flow of traffic. When there is a traffic jam there is an imbalance. Acupuncture insures that your flow of Qi or traffic keeps running smoothly. Our emotions are the driving force of most of our life, we need to have balance to live the life we want and acupuncture can help you achieve that!

Curious about what Chinese Medicine can do for you? Schedule your FREE 30 min Wellness Session today!

Need a quick fix? Check out the 10.20.30 Stress Reducing Treatment. The 10 • 20 • 30 will restore balance of the body, calm your mind, and bring inner peace to your spirit — all in 20 minutess. Learn more here!

Nikki Vanacek is a Board Certified Traditional Chinese Medical Practitioner and Certified Massage Therapist at TCM Wellness Clinic in Wayzata. She holds a Bachelors in Health Sciences and a Masters in Oriental Medicine from Northwestern Health Science University. Nikki also has two years of advanced practice of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at The Courage Center in Golden Valley treating stroke, spinal cord injury and other neurological conditions. She has also trained at a top ranked medical college in Tain Jin China.

At TCM Wellness Clinic, Nikki helps people achieve a healthier lifestyle by using Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture, Massage and Bodywork, and Health & Life Coaching. Her specialties include stroke management, emotional health issues, women’s menstrual health issues, such as menstrual discomfort and pain, hot flashes, night sweats, and digestive conditions in addition to treatment of many other temporary and chronic health conditions. Connect with Nikki at tcmwell@yahoo.com or on Facebook.

 

Listen to Your Ears: How German Auricular Acupuncture Can Help You Heal

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by Anita Teigen, owner, Red Clover Clinic

It doesn’t happen very often that you learn something new that totally transforms your life or your work. Over the past year I have found just that: German auricular acupuncture. This wonderful medicine has totally transformed my acupuncture practice, both in how I work and in my clients’ outcomes. I still use body acupuncture 50% of the time, but I’d say that this is a pretty big shift!

What is auricular acupuncture? Auricular refers to the ear. So, auricular acupuncture is acupuncture applied to the ear. This is not an uncommon practice. The Chinese, the French and the Germans have developed their own versions of auricular acupuncture. There is a lot of overlap, but they are all a little bit different and effective in their own right. Previously, I used the Chinese style that I learned in acupuncture school, but more as a complement to the body acupuncture that I was doing. There are other practitioners in the Twin Cities that focus on auricular acupuncture, but as far as I’m aware, I’m the only one who has incorporated the German style into practice.

Why the ear?

The ear contains a representative map of the entire body, including the musculoskeletal system, the organs, and the brain. It is more densely populated with points than any other part of the body. The ear also gives the practitioner safe and precise access to body structures, that are otherwise impossible and dangerous to reach.

The brain projects this comprehensive, up-to-date map of the body onto the ear, and acts as a relay between the ear and other parts of the body. The practitioner inspects the ear for changes in structure, color, tenderness, and electrical conductance that signify pain, illness or any other pathological change. The “active” points that relate to the pathology are then treated with a needle, electrical stimulation or a laser. This treatment will interrupt the brain’s “sick” communication signal, and allow the body to restore its natural balance, thereby correcting the pain and/or illness. In other words, the ears give the practitioner a two-way avenue for direct communication with the brain (for both diagnostic and treatment purposes) in a way that impacts healing anywhere in the body. The treatments are precise, focused and very effective.

There are three types of points we look for and use on the ear: 

  1. Reflex points, also known as anatomical points, are the most basic, shared in all the systems of auriculotherapy. Each part of the body (knee, forehead, liver eye, etc.) has a corresponding point on the ear.

  2. Functional points exert influence on the systems of the body systemically. There are functional points that calm the nervous system, lessen inflammation, alleviate pain, regulate hormone levels, and more. Each system of auricular medicine has functional points unique to it.

  3. Focus points can be any kind of point that harbors a body/brain memory of a particular stress or trauma on one’s body. Injuries, illnesses, surgeries and emotional trauma can all cause focus activity in a point as well as a blockage to healing. This concept is unique to the German style of auriculotherapy.

What makes German auricular medicine stand out?

It is recognition and treatment of focus activity (#3, above) that makes German auricular medicine unique among its other auricular counterparts. This is very important, because a failure to heal may be due to focus activity that is still plaguing the body. Once the focus activity is cleared, the body can heal. In other words, people suffering from longstanding afflictions that don’t seem to respond to other treatments may have the opportunity to heal if old focus activity is cleared.

This modern development in acupuncture treatment, offers powerful potential to treat otherwise hard-to-treat conditions, including chronic neurological and muscular pain, migraines, allergies, insomnia, anxiety, depression, hormonal imbalances, irritable bowel, irritable bladder, and fibromyalgia.

Red Clover Clinic, created by Anita Teigen, a licensed acupuncturist, is where you can experience a unique blend of acupuncture, botanical medicine and bodywork to decrease chronic pain, increase energy and restore health and balance to the body, mind and spirit. Anita is certified as a Level I German auricular acupuncture practitioner by the Vital Principle Institute in Canada. She is currently working on achieving her Level II certification. Connect with Anita on Facebook and Twitter.
Experience German auricular acupuncture at the HAMMS: Help a Minnesota Maker Succeed event on April 20! Anita will be there from 10am – Noon.

Find Your Voice When Choosing a Wellness Practitioner

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by Pamela LaBelle, Founder, Restore

I have some work to do on my confidence – like many of us, it’s a work in progress. One area I feel I’m fully confident in is how I choose a wellness practitioner. Over the years, I’ve felt belittled, guilted and unheard by some practitioners. Whether a chiropractor, general practitioner, massage therapist or an acupuncturist, etc. – I now know I have a choice.

I don’t know if this revelation came after I had my son – because it’s so much easier to be a voice for your child – or, if I just became fed up with the system. Today, my voice is loud and clear when I choose to work with someone on my health and well being.Here are a few things I’ve learned about choosing a wellness practitioner:

  • If something doesn’t feel right, no matter what it is, don’t go back. If you can’t relate to someone on the first meeting or consultation – you never will. Don’t over analyze, just move on.
  • Get referrals. Ask your friends, look for credible resources and ask for those answers you need to know.
  • Check out the receptionist. If he or she is unpleasant, it’s a reflection of the practice. Keep that in mind as you consult with the practitioner.
  • Express yourself. It’s your body. Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise. You know your body better than anyone. If they don’t ask questions about your history, emotions, environment, etc. – then they aren’t looking at the big picture of your well being.
  • Your wellness journey is a collaboration. If the practitioner just wants to hear your symptoms and doesn’t allow you to become part of the process – they are not in it FOR YOU!
  • Holistic? Alternative? Complementary? These terms have become part of our healthcare model – GREAT. But be cautious, just because of a label or credentials, it doesn’t mean they will be the right fit for you. Do your research.

Most of all, I think it’s important to get back to the basics and listen to your core. Think of your health as your child – become its voice. Nothing is black or white. What works for you may not work for someone else – and vice versa. That’s what makes us unique and that’s what makes us special. Treat your health and well being that way.

 

 

 

Pamela LaBelle has a B.A. in marketing from Concordia University and and M.A. in holistic health studies from St. Catherine University. Pam’s extensive background in marketing and communications, branding and positioning, online marketing and event planning, as well as her vision, are the driving forces behind Restore. Connect with Pam and Restore at restorehealing.com, Facebook, Twitter and Linked in.

 

 

 

Looking for a Healthy Alternative to Botox?

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by Jennifer E. Winer L.Ac., Dipl.Ac, MSOM of Winer Acupuncture

Would you like to improve facial tone? Tighten pores? Diminish fine lines and wrinkles? How about doing it naturally, without painful surgery or injections, and with no recovery time? Well, Facial Rejuvenation through acupuncture may just be the right fit for you.

In addition to my advanced studies in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, I am trained and certified by Virginia Doran MS, L.Ac., LMT, an experienced international teacher and practitioner of Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture. Virginia is a recognized expert in the field and I’m proud to offer this service as healthy and natural alternative to rejuvenate and restore youthfulness.

Facial Rejuvenation is beneficial by:

  • Increasing the flow of blood, energy, and lymph circulation which improves facial color and moisturizes the skin
  • Improving muscle tone and promoting collagen production
  • Helping to diminish the effect on wrinkles and fine lines of the face
  • Reducing stress that is evident in the face by tightening pores, and brightening the eyes
  • Improving hormonal balance and helping to eliminate puffiness by increasing metabolism
  • Stimulating the formation of body fluids
  • Reducing stress (particularly during the holiday season!)
  • Promoting overall health and well being

As opposed to Botox, other injections or cosmetic surgery, acupuncture treats the whole body. To the human body, acupuncture needles are a physical stimulus. In Western science, a stimulus is defined as a detectable change in either the external environment or within the body itself. When the body detects change, it produces a response. Although acupuncture is not yet fully understood by Western science, with modern technology scientists can now actually begin to “see” the body’s response to acupuncture. For example, using an MRI (a very sophisticated x-ray), researchers have shown that when a needle is inserted at specific acupuncture points on the body, corresponding changes occur in the brain.

In the West, acupuncture is most well-known for its ability to relieve pain so the majority of research thus far has been done in this area. Acupuncture points are now believed to stimulate the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) to release pain-relieving chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord and brain. Acupuncture may also stimulate other chemicals to be released by the brain, including hormones that influence the self-regulating system of the body.

So, Facial Rejuvenation not only helps you to LOOK better, but treating the whole body with acupuncture will also make you FEEL better!

For a limited time, get HALF OFF Facial Rejuvenation Spot Treatment and a Whole Body Acupuncture Session. Learn more and get your deal here!

 

Jennifer E. Winer, L.Ac., Dipl.Ac, MSOM of Winer Acupuncture, Inc. in Golden Valley, received her Master of Science in Oriental Medicine from the Midwest College of Oriental Medicine in 2003. During graduate school, she studied abroad at the Training Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Guangzhou, China and received a certificate in the Advanced Course of Acupuncture of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Jennifer is licensed in both Minnesota and Wisconsin and is nationally certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. She is Clean-Needle Technique certified by the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

Jennifer has completed advanced studies in Chinese Medicine and is a certified Hepatitis C and Facial Rejuvenation practitioner. She also specializes in infertility treatments to help her patients reach their goal of becoming pregnant and is a member of the American Pregnancy Association.

In addition to Acupuncture, Jennifer utilizes Chinese Herbal Therapy, Moxibustion, Nutritional Counseling, Auricular Therapy, Cupping, Tui Na, and Gua Sha. Connect with Jennifer on Facebook and Twitter or email her directly at jennifer@wineracupuncture.com

State Fair Leaving You With PTFSD?

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by Lena Beste, L.Ac., Ma.OM

The great Minnesota get-together is coming to an end. If you were able to enjoy the State Fair festivities this year, chances are you encountered PTFSD (Post Traumatic Fair Stomach Disorder). From spinning rides, to whatever you decided to experiment on a stick – let’s face it, your stomach is suffering. To help recover from PTFSD, try these Traditional Chinese Medicine remedies:

Fresh Ginger
Ginger root is a commonly used herb in Chinese Medicine and cooking. It is incredibly versatile and has many different applications. It might be best known however for its ability to calm upset tummies. The properties of ginger in Chinese Medicine are warming, tonifying and sweet. These characteristics make it an ideal at home remedy for stomachaches, gastritis, nausea, and digestion issues. For quick relief from nausea, boil water and add 6-8 slices of fresh ginger and drink like a tea. Honey or mint are good additions to this home remedy as well – especially if one also has a sore throat or the beginnings of a cold.

Acupressure on Ren 12
Ren 12 or Zhong Wan, which translates to Central Vent in Chinese is an acupuncture pointlocated on the midline of the abdomen – halfway between the belly button and the base of your sternum. It is needled at an acupuncture treatment to help regulate stomach pain or discomfort. It is anatomically close to where the esophageal sphincter connects to the stomach. Problems with this link in the digestive system are often related to issues of heartburn and acid reflux. Using your fingers to apply pressure and gently massage this point can help relieve bloating, gas, indigestion, heartburn and nausea.

Avoid Dairy
Many people know to avoid spicy foods when their stomach is sensitive but they may not realize that dairy products may be playing a role in their discomfort as well. Dairy is a mucus producer and can greatly exacerbate symptoms like nausea, bloating and loose stool.

Rice Porridge or Congee
Food as medicine is a great concept and can help keep your body feeling more balanced on a day-to-day basis. A lot Chinese herbs are easily incorporated into meals to help with things like stomach discomfort or bowel issues like diarrhea. Rice porridge or Congee as it is called in China, is a simple; easy to digest base food to eat when your body isn’t digesting at its best. It can be really tasty too. Rice is a soothing, neutral grain without a lot of complexity that you’re body has to work at to digest. It’s essentially like giving your upset tummy some TLC and this preparation of the rice makes it very effective at tempering diarrhea and allowing your body to absorb nutrients again. I’ve included two recipes – one sweet and one savory – for you to try.

For both of these recipes stir well and often in the last 20 minutes of cooking and if mixture gets too think, thin with water to reach the desired texture:

Sweet Congee

1/2 cup rice

5 cups water

1/4 cup raisins or dates

1 tsp. grated ginger root

1 tsp. honey

Add rice and water to a pot and heat to boiling. Cover and turn heat down to simmer for 40-50 minutes or until rice is soft. Add dried fruit and ginger and continue to simmer until the mixture has a consistency similar to watery cream of wheat or oatmeal and the fruit is plumped – approx. another 10-15 minutes. Stir in honey and dish into bowls.

Savory Congee

1/2 cup rice

5 cups water or chicken broth or combination

1 egg beaten

2-3 scallions chopped

Add rice and water to a pot and heat to boiling. Cover and simmer for 50-60 minutes or until rice is soft and blended with water. Add beaten egg and scallions and continue to simmer until the mixture has a consistency similar to watery cream of wheat or oatmeal and the egg has been cooked through – approx. 5-8 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste and enjoy!

Through Saturday, get $50 off an Acupuncture Session with Lena including: Intake, consultation and first treatment. Click here to learn more and purchase!

 

Lena Beste, L.Ac., Ma.OM, has been practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine since 2009. She is a licensed Acupuncturist through the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice and certified by the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. She received her master’s degree in Oriental Medicine from Northwestern Health Sciences University. During her graduate training, she completed a clinical rotation at Woodwinds Hospital in Woodbury as well as clinical internships at The Aliveness Project treating a client base in the HIV/AIDS population, the Salvation Army, and the Edith Davis Teaching Clinic. She loves working with the other practitioners at Sunu Wellness to get the best results for her patients.

Lena lives in south Minneapolis with her rescue pit bull, Luka. She is an avid gardener, cook, and explorer. She is passionate about holistic living, and working with patients to facilitate lifestyle choices to prevent illness and injury. More about Lena can be found on her personal website: LenaBeste.com.

Alleviate PMS with Acupuncture

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by Lena Beste, L.Ac., Ma.OM

One of the most universal health issues women face is PMS. Cramps, headaches, bloating, fatigue, mood swings – if you don’t personally experience one or more of these symptoms around your period I am confident you know someone who does. There hasn’t been a whole lot of relief to be found either. Pain medicine or…wait it out seem to be the best options we’ve come up with. Acupuncture is a form of body work that can have a dramatic impact on these symptoms and sadly, due to a lack of exposure or understanding of this medicine, many continue to suffer unnecessarily. Even after a single acupuncture treatment, headaches can dissipate, cramps relax, mood lightens and energy is restored. After a series of treatments you’ll start to notice each progressive cycle feels easier and less disruptive to your daily life.

Acupuncture is one of the best therapies you can do to harmonize you body and pull things back into balance. When you have PMS symptoms, it’s your body’s reaction to a pretty significant amount of work it has to do. Supporting your body during this time helps keep things operating optimally and makes the shifts and transitions happening much easier for your body to move through. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) works mainly with the blood, fluids and Qi or vital energy of the body. All three of these elements are key players in menstruation and its associated symptoms. By facilitating the smooth, free flowing of the body’s Qi we can ensure that energy is directed to where it is most needed and points of weakness are not left vulnerable to be further depleted and become symptomatic.

Along with getting good quality sleep, paying attention to food and exercise habits, and getting body work like acupuncture, many women are able to significantly decrease and sometime eliminate all together nagging symptoms that impact their quality of life each month. Feel sick, run down or uncomfortable on a regular basis is no way to go through life and it doesn’t need to be “just the way it is”. Take a pro-active approach and feel better.

A single acupuncture session can alleviate your PMS symptoms. For a limited time, get 50% off an Acupuncture Session including: Intake, consultation and first treatment. Click here to learn more and purchase!

 

Lena Beste, L.Ac., Ma.OM, has been practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine since 2009. She is a licensed Acupuncturist through the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice and certified by the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. She received her master’s degree in Oriental Medicine from Northwestern Health Sciences University. During her graduate training, she completed a clinical rotation at Woodwinds Hospital in Woodbury as well as clinical internships at The Aliveness Project treating a client base in the HIV/AIDS population, the Salvation Army, and the Edith Davis Teaching Clinic. She loves working with the other practitioners at Sunu Wellness to get the best results for her patients.

Lena lives in south Minneapolis with her rescue pit bull, Luka. She is an avid gardener, cook, and explorer. She is passionate about holistic living, and working with patients to facilitate lifestyle choices to prevent illness and injury. More about Lena can be found on her personal website: LenaBeste.com.

Is The True YOU Lost in Anxiety?

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by Nikki Vanacek, Traditional Chinese Medical Practitioner at TCM Wellness Clinic

Anxiety is the distress or uneasiness of mind causing fear of misfortune – an uneasiness of the mind that causes emotional and physical symptoms. There are different levels of anxiety, but nonetheless we all have some level of normal “anxiety”. The world we live in is a place for movers and shakers. With all we do in a day, week, month, or year, it is no wonder we feel some uneasiness of the mind. Anxiety is our body’s way of telling us, “I cannot do all this right now; I need a break.”

 

Another level of anxiety is brought on by a single event or events that shift the balance of Qi and chemistry of your body. There is also the anxiety that slowly comes on and, before you know it, you’re consumed with anxiety without knowing why.

 

My anxiety was brought on by an event. I was studying Traditional Chinese Medicine in China for four weeks. When I came home the energy in my house felt odd. My kids were their typical selves, but there was something going on with my husband. LONG, LONG story short, I found out my now ex-husband was the Tiger Woods of our small town – 17 years of a lie. I felt like my whole world, my hopes and dreams were GONE in a single minute. Everything I thought was; wasn’t, everything I thought could be; would never be. It was awful. I was in my last year of graduate school, Speaker of my class, getting ready to take FOUR medical board exams, and trying to ‘keep it together’ for my two kids. I was a mess! My arm would literally shake when I left my house. I was scared, worried, and couldn’t eat or sleep. I believed the world was out to get me. I decided to reach out and finally turned to my fellow students. With time, with support and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), I was able to get back to – ME.  So, I completely ‘get’ anxiety.  I understand and know how to help because I experienced it.

Anxiety is an emotional alarm for our mind, an alarm telling us to slow down. Most of my patients seek out TCM treatments to help with their anxiety because they don’t like the side effects of Western pharmaceuticals. I can help patients control their anxiety without pharmaceuticals.  My patients often ask, “Can I go off my medications?” I advise them to make a plan with the doctor that prescribed them. It’s a collaborative process.

With TCM, I work to better learn how you feel. By understanding how you feel, I will know what meridian is affected based on the five elements of emotion.

The Five Elements of Emotion:

Wood (Liver) – Anger, jealousy, frustration, resentment, bitterness and stress

Fire (Heart) – Mania and over-excitation

Earth (Spleen) – Anxiety, pensiveness and worry

Metal (Lung) – Grief and sadness

Water (Kidney) – Depression and lack of will

If you’re suffering from anxiety, and looking for an alternative or complementary treatment, TCM can help you regain balance of your body, mind, and spirit.

For a limited time, take advantage of TCM Wellness’ 2 Hour Wellness Package including Acupuncture, Tui Na Massage and Cupping for $40 off. Learn more here!

 

Nikki Vanacek is a Board Certified Traditional Chinese Medical Practitioner and Certified Massage Therapist at TCM Wellness Clinic, located in Wayzata. She holds a Bachelors in Health Sciences and a Masters in Oriental Medicine from Northwestern Health Science University. Nikki also has two years of advanced practice of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at The Courage Center in Golden Valley treating stroke, spinal cord injury and other neurological conditions. She has also trained at a top ranked medical college in Tain Jin China.

At TCM Wellness Clinic, Nikki helps people achieve a healthier lifestyle by using Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture, Massage and Bodywork, and Health & Life Coaching. Her specialties include stroke management, emotional health issues, women’s menstrual health issues, such as menstrual discomfort and pain, hot flashes, night sweats, and digestive conditions in addition to treatment of many other temporary and chronic health conditions. Connect with TCM Wellness Clinic on Facebook.

When Night Sweats Aren’t Just From Summer Heat

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by Nikki Vanacek, Traditional Chinese Medical Practitioner at TCM Wellness Clinic

When my mother went through menopause I thought she went crazy (sorry mom). She slept all the time because she didn’t feel well. She had fits of anger, sorrow, and withdrew herself from the rest of the world.  She cried all the time – she just wasn’t herself. Her actions scared me – I was mad AND sad. She’d be doing the dishes and be drenched in sweat. I’d ask her what was wrong. She’d reply with, “Oh nothing. Our bodies just change as we get older.” I thought, dear God, please don’t let me go through this.

Fast forward to 7th grade health class. I learned a little bit about menopause and realized this was exactly what my mom was going through. That day, I promised myself that I would do whatever I could to keep myself and every other women from struggling through menopause. This experience also led me to choose Traditional Chinese Medicine as my career. With diet, emotional support, guidance, acupuncture and herbal medicine you can get through this transition of life and come out stronger, happier, and inner balance.

Menopause is something that all women will go through. Whether you go through it naturally or medically induced, most women suffer from symptoms of menopause in their 40s and 50s. Symptoms that occur are as minor as irregular periods, hot flashes, some headaches, and fatigue to major symptoms like insomnia, emotional changes and digestive issues. You can feel like you have been put into a different body and mind sometimes. Logically, your family understands the change,  but their patience eventually wear’s thin. That is where Traditional Chinese Medicine can help you find relief. I can help you calm your mind, sleep, decrease hot flashes, restore joy, and help increase energy. Acupuncture is a safe, non-painful way to restore balance to your body. While herbal medicine will help to sustain your balance and strengthen deficiency in the body.

A few tips to help you begin to feel better right away:

  •  Enjoy relaxing yoga before bed
  •  No television after 8 pm
  •  Increase – Calcium and magnesium before bed
  •  Drink cool water with fresh cucumber (cucumbers have a cooling property!)
  •  Increase in your diet – Alfalfa, lettuces, watermelon, bananas, walnuts, salmon, honey, eggs (the whole egg), lemon, mint, grapes, pears, dark chocolate, kidney beans, soy, and white rice
  •  Decrease in your diet- Red wine, dairy, shrimp, ginger, trout, carbs after noon, sugars

Enjoy these cooling dishes to help you in the heat:

  • Salmon with a lemon soy sauce glaze, a side of asparagus, sweet potatoes, and a Gin Mojito with mint
  • White rice, eggs, edamame beans, carrots, with cranberries mixed together, and a glass of lemon water
  •  Grilled chicken in a romaine lettuce wrap with pears and Gouda cheese, alongside a glass of cucumber water
  •  Grilled pork chop with apple, pears, grapefruit chutney. Add a side salad and a cool crisp white wine.

Don’t let menopause stop you from enjoying the rest of this summer! For a limited time, take advantage of TCM Wellness’ 2 Hour Wellness Package including Acupuncture, Tui Na Massage and Cupping for $40 off. Learn more here!

 

Nikki Vanacek is a Board Certified Traditional Chinese Medical Practitioner and Certified Massage Therapist at TCM Wellness Clinic, located in Wayzata. She holds a Bachelors in Health Sciences and a Masters in Oriental Medicine from Northwestern Health Science University. Nikki also has two years of advanced practice of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at The Courage Center in Golden Valley treating stroke, spinal cord injury and other neurological conditions. She has also trained at a top ranked medical college in Tain Jin China.

At TCM Wellness Clinic, Nikki helps people achieve a healthier lifestyle by using Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture, Massage and Bodywork, and Health & Life Coaching. Her specialties include stroke management, emotional health issues, women’s menstrual health issues, such as menstrual discomfort and pain, hot flashes, night sweats, and digestive conditions in addition to treatment of many other temporary and chronic health conditions. Connect with TCM Wellness Clinic on Facebook.

The Secret to a Surgery-free Face Lift

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When so many of us were younger, we looked in the mirror and said, “When I’m older, I’ll celebrate my wrinkles because they’re a map of a lifetime of smiles and laughs.” Now that we’re older, however, those creases may not seem nearly as dignified or nostalgic to some of us.

“Worry lines” on our foreheads, “crow’s feet” under our eyes, “smile/frown lines” or “parenthesis” next to our mouths, sagging jowls – none of these phrases describe how young, beautiful and vibrant we feel on the inside. And when we feel that way, why shouldn’t we look the way we feel?

Surgical procedures are expensive and drastic, chemical injections can be painful and both can have dangerous side effects. But acupuncture can offer a completely natural, affordable way to rejuvenate your face without any recovery time.
So, what can you get when you use acupuncture for a surgery-free “face lift?”

* Improved facial color and moisturized skin due to an increase in blood flow and lymph circulation.

* Increased collagen production and improved muscle tone.

* Minimized wrinkles and fine lines.

* Reduction in puffiness.

* Relaxation and stress relief which shows in tighter pores and brighter eyes.

Cosmetic acupuncture is an excellent natural alternative to surgery. For more information and to find out if you’re a good candidate, visit WinerAcupuncture.com. Do you feel facial rejuvenation could help you in your journey to age gracefully? Why or why not?

Trying to Get Pregnant? Acupuncture Can Help

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Some women seem to be able to get pregnant just by smiling at their partners. But for others, fertility can be a long and stressful struggle. While many turn to expensive fertility drugs, the ancient practice of acupuncture can boost fertility either on its own or as a compliment to other treatments.

 

What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a major form of therapy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that’s been used for at least 2,500 years. There are points on the human body – meridians — that are connected to or associated with major organs. Stimulating these points with the insertion of tiny, solid needles can stimulate the flow of energy and remove blockages. The idea behind acupuncture is to keep the body in balance.

Can acupuncture boost my fertility?
Acupuncture has been used for centuries to treat many causes of infertility. Research suggests it may help improve the success of fertility treatments such as in-vitro fertilization. Women can benefit from the proven stress relief acupuncture provides as well as the increased blood flow to reproductive organs. Men can also reap the fertility rewards as research shows that acupuncture can improve the health and quality of sperm.

Can you prove it?
Many studies have been conducted that suggest acupuncture has a positive effect on fertility in both men and women. The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness suggests that the most effective fertility treatments combine acupuncture, herbal medicine and traditional medicine. Since the risks of using acupuncture are minimal, it’s absolutely worth giving it a go if you’re trying to conceive. To be safe, make sure you’re treated by an acupuncturist who specializes in fertility disorders.

Want to know more about how acupuncture can help you become pregnant? Check out the SuNu Wellness Center Women’s Retreat this Saturday, April 14. Or feel free to leave a comment below and a member of the SuNu Wellness team will be happy to help.