Category: Blog

Unplug, Get Outside! Get Acupuncture Before You Travel!

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I’m raising a young adult growing up in the techno generation.   This task is a wild ride for those of us who came in on different rockets, had phones that plugged into the wall, had to seek out a pay phone if out and wanting to call someone, had no computer, and oh yeah walked miles to school each day in the rain!  Imagine that, and it wasn’t so long ago – was it?!  How do we grasp this brave new techno world, navigate it, and help our kids do the same?   We are the test run my friends!

I think there is too much techno on the brain for some, perhaps for many.   I hear comments ranging from “that’s just what kids do these days,” to a lot of  “I just don’t know what to do” — “I’ve tried it all.”   The truth is all of that and more!  Kids are light years ahead of us in techno know how! . . . and personally I don’t know how or want to keep up.   So we talk to each other about what helps, what doesn’t, and know we will all survive, and even thrive, if we keep circling back to our roots and nurture our connections.  I take night walks with my teen, a tuck in at night with a gratitude practice to end the day, hands on a real book, face to face conversations, deep listening — the kind where we just listen, see, listen more, love and strive to accept and understand — connect.  You cannot influence a kid you are not connected too!

In Traditional Chinese Medicine we talk a lot about moderation. Too much electronic use creates imbalance issues in our nervous system, and throws other organ systems out of whack.  This and other excesses can produce anxiety, depression, attention deficits and other health issues.  It’s more important than ever to teach ourselves and thereby our children the healing power of striking a balance in life so our body systems stay strong and healthy.  Modeling healthy behaviors and communication for our kids is paramount.

Teenage children and many adults use their phones as a socializing tool.  We have the benefit of reaching our people at the touch of a finger on snap chat, instagram, twitter and more.  So, don’t get me wrong, I can see the benefits and I am grateful.   I use those tools now as I write this blog, sitting on the patio at one of my favorite outdoor food trucks, Picnik, watching the rain fall and people go by–who knew that would be possible when I was a teenager!  Years ago, reaching so many people was impossible!  However, As parents we know some of the greatest lessons we can teach our children come from striking a balance in ourselves, and thereby helping our kids do the same.  It feels more difficult in this age and time, but is it really?  Each generation had it’s hardships.  I want to hear how you nurture your balance?  Do you feel like idle time is a waste of time, or can you sit still, quiet, and contemplate just being here now, without electronics on?  How do you slow your pace and consciously create slow mindful living?  Do we need to be plugged in Now, or can it wait?  How important are you, your family?  How balanced are you?  Let’s think about how we can connect, market, communicate, thrive and just be, without electronics sometimes.

As for me, my best answers for balancing are generally found in nature, and in the eyes and hearts of my son, and my people.  I put away my computer and phone as often as I can or it makes me crazy and not so nice! I get outside, sleep on my porch, put my feet on the ground, in a river stream — the ocean, feel my hair in the wind and my toes in the sand, listen to the leaves crunch under my feet as I hike through the woods, watch the clouds roll by,  plant and nurture herbs in my garden, dance in the rain!  Then sometimes I take a real camera on my outdoor adventures – and share some of nature with my friends hoping to inspire you to get out in it too!  Excess electromagnetic field radiation on the brain is a real problem!  Love the place you are in,  and the One You’re With, not the thing you’re with!

The Chinese New Year is one of the greatest migrations on Earth!  This year, around 400 million people journeyed home to family roots, a family feast, and time celebrating together.  This year is the year of the Pig – which is a zodiac sign that is declared to attract luck and success, which I love, since my Chinese Zodiac is the Pig!   Point is remember your roots!  I grew up in Austin (yes, there are a few of us here!), and I take my child each year on our own journey to the high mountain desert of the Big Bend area in Texas.  My father took me there growing up and now my son and I do the things my father and I did — we swim in Balmorhea Natural Springs, hike the Chisos mountains, and the Canyons, drive the beautiful roads of Big Bend National Park.   We partake in the slow living to be had in the small towns there, the heartfelt people and their beautiful sun touched faces.  We bask in the cool dry climate of late summer and appreciate the Great Outdoors!  This is our annual migration home in a way, we sing, laugh, play and are recharged and connected!

I hope you are traveling some this summer, and experiencing the great expansive outdoors.  Take a journey, even if it’s experiencing your own backyard in a different way.  My yard has some changes upcoming I’m excited about – I will keep you posted on facebook and instagram!

So, remember — sit or lie on the ground, be still and quiet — you will feel and hear in the wind that you are connected to all things and you will find the peace you desire.

Acupuncture, herbal remedies and essence oils can help you stay calm and steady on a plane, in a car, with the kids arguing in the back seat of your vehicle, or playing their rap music loudly!  Get your travel calm on with Acupuncture and grab your holistic care travel kit before you venture out this summer!  More on Travel Acupuncture Here.

I am very excited to share that I am expanding my Home Visit practice — so I can come to you and it’s quiet affordable!! More On Home Visits Here.

Happy Summer Solstice, Breathe, Love, Get outside!

Charlotte

Make and Appointment or Contact me email Here.

EE Cummings said many wise things . . .  here are a few of my favorites . . .

It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.

For whatever we lose (like a you or a me), It’s always our self we find in the sea.

For every mile the feet go, the heart goes nine”
― e.e. cummings, 100 Selected Poems

 

 

 

Acupuncture the Medicine of Peace, Calm and Carry On! Treating PTSD, Anxiety, Depression and Substance Abuse

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Our country  is experiencing trauma in the form of intense and vacillating changes in our political climate, as well as our actual climate!  Our nation’s schools don’t feel like the safe haven they should be.  There is far too much suffering.  Our brothers and sisters of the world are seeking a safe place to call home and in the difficult journey are being torn from their families.  This trauma can rattle the very foundation of our well-being. I certainly have felt it, and it’s trickled into every aspect of my life at times . . . So how do we remain unshaken in a world of such trepidation?

PTSD, chronic stress,  anxiety,  and depression are manifestations of imbalances  — these imbalances can come from our environment, our food, and from lack of self-care – typically all of these.  I try to stop often, take a deep breath and ask the question, “What do I need right now?”  At times, the answer is a little sunshine — I’m a solar powered girl; sometimes it’s as simple as  a glass of water (with lemon!), putting my bare feet on mother earth,  or a night under the stars . . . Find your go to self care ideas.

Top among the things I do to feel grounded in a place I can do the most good is The NADA Five Needle Acupuncture Protocol. When I want a deeply effective long-lasting remedy, I turn to NADA — a short and simple ear acupuncture treatment.  And I love to share this treatment with my patients and friends. NADA helps patients tap into their inner quiet and calm strength so they can experience the peaceful silence we all need at times to heal.

SOME ISSUES TREATED WITH NADA PROTOCOL

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Emotional trauma
  • Insomnia
  • Irritability, anger and agitation
  • PTSD
  • Pain
  • Substance Abuse  — Reduced cravings for sugar, alcohol and drugs, including nicotine (we have a vaping epidemic in our nation’s teens).
  • Minimizes withdrawal symptoms
  • Stress reduction, and more

Our personal wellness is easier to reflect upon when we approach it from a calm, steady place.  Admitting our brokenness is necessary to heal.  If we don’t honestly reflect upon ourselves,  we remain stagnant in our problems, both physical and mental.  Acupuncture moves stagnation!  Specifically it moves liver qi stagnation (stuck energy).  Then the magic happens — our body  goes into a deep relaxation, restoring the natural energetic flow to our organ systems which  nourishes our tissues and cells.  Through a more balanced flow, our mental function is positively charged — helping us get off the spinning wheel of worry!

Deep relaxed breathing has been used to soothe the mind for thousands of years, and is a key element of meditation and yoga.  BREATHE yourself to wholeness — peaceful calm is just a few deep breaths away!  I use a simple deep breathing technique called 4-7-8 which shifts you from fight-or-flight mode into your parasympathetic nervous system to rest and restore.   Each time we breathe out we have the opportunity to let go that which is not serving us. On our inward breath we can rejuvenate — pulling in all the love, light and calm we desire.  Try it!

Deep breathing also has a physiological affect on the body because the increased oxygen encourages a resting heart rate.  Dr. Andrew Weil refers to the method as a “natural tranquilizer for the nervous system,” and states, “Practicing a regular, mindful breathing exercise can be calming and energizing and even help with stress-related health problems ranging from panic attacks to digestive disorders.”

HOW TO DO 4-7-8 BREATHING

Sit or lay with your back straight to allow your lungs to fill properly.  Make sure you are in a comfortable place.  Exhale all the air from the lungs before starting the following steps.

  • Inhale quietly through your nose to the count of 4.
  • Hold your breath for the count of 7. I like to imagine at this point the air moving through my body like a river to nourish my tissues and cells.
  • Exhale through your mouth to the count of 8, while making an audible ‘whoooosh’ sound.

Repeat this cycle a total of 4 times — this is one round; you can do two rounds.  Do this whenever you feel life’s stressors creeping in.

To close, I’d like to share a Poem by Rachel Naomi Remen that came to me recently through my  wonderful yoga teacher Anna at annagyoga  . . . It helped me tap into the silence and calm I needed for myself that day.  Then we can offer that peacefulness to others  . . .

“Perhaps the most important thing we bring to another person is the silence in us, not the sort of silence that is filled with unspoken criticism or hard withdrawal.  The sort of silence that is a place of refuge, of rest, of acceptance of someone as they are.  We are all hungry for this other silence. It is hard to find. In its presence we can remember something beyond the moment, a strength on which to build a life.  Silence is a place of great power and healing.”

If you would like to try a calming NADA treatment, or have a family or friend you feel would benefit, click here to set up an appointment. My appointments are affordable and very relaxing.  I also offer much more in my clinic — see my website for more about my Traditional Chinese Medicine practice.   I treat the entire family from babies to grandparents, and would be honored to be a part of your families wellness team.

I am grateful should you ever wish to share my blog with a friend.  They can sign up to receive their own here.

Onward into the peace and quiet of your heart and it’s steady beat.

Namaste,

Charlotte

Fertility Acupuncture in Austin

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For couples wading through the waters of fertility, acupuncture and holistic support can be the perfect fit.  Western fertility interventions like IUI’s, IVF’s and other methods can be invasive and take their toll on your overall body balance.  Sometimes, these western interventions cause health issues that did not exist prior to treatment, and take long periods to resolve.  Acupuncture treatments are much more affordable then western interventions,  so couples can partake often enough to make a positive difference in their health and fertility without going into debt to do so!  So, It’s better for your health and your pocketbook to go the holistic route  to conceive and carry a healthy baby to term when you can.

I’ve helped countless couples and single parents by choice realize their dream of a baby through acupuncture, herbal medicine and holistic health care coaching.   Over the last 16 years in my own practice, two eastern medicine fertility clinics, and a community acupuncture clinic,  I am full circle back to my own practice in a fully supportive integrative practice at Peoples Rx Wellness Center North.

Treating male fertility is just as important as female fertility and often goes unattended to.  Fact is over half of couples with fertility issues have an unidentified contributing issue found in the male partner, like low sperm count, poor morphology, or varicocele, all of which acupuncture, and herbal medicine treat.

In women’s fertility treatment, there is a misguided movement towards western intervention methods that implies if you are over 35 or simply have not been able to conceive for “unknown reasons,” you need a synthetic drug, an IUI, or an IVF to treat infertility.   As for “unknown reasons,” well many of those simply require a good look at diet, nutrition and lifestyle.  And, yes, “advanced maternal age” (a term I’m not fond of!) is one factor to consider.  Couples are waiting longer to start families, yet I know from my clinical and personal experience (which science supports) that women 35, and even over 40 (43 for me!) can conceive naturally when they tend mindfully to their overall body health and balance — that is why they are still menstruating!

Along with acupuncture and herbal remedies, holistic healthcare coaching helps my patients reduce chronic stress, examine the quality of their diet and lifestyle, and consider other factors in the environment and elsewhere that disrupt hormonal balance.  Also, we are an integrative clinic at Peoples Wellness North and can run any necessary tests to check hormone levels, methylation, metabolism and also your digestive function – all these things are an integral part of fertility!  And our clinic can do all basic blood tests necessary to check your overall state of health as well.  My goal is to help patients get the answers and treatment they need, and incorporate good self care rituals that will contribute to their ability to conceive and carry them through their parenting years.

It has been estimated in studies that acupuncture alone, or while undergoing assisted reproductive technology, can increase your likelihood of pregnancy 40-60%.

  • Acupuncture improves blood flow to the uterus, ovaries and male reproductive organs —strengthening the male and female reproductive organ systems making conceiving and carrying a baby more possible.
  • Balances male and female hormones and hormone cycles
  • Regulates digestion and other organ functions, which are vital to fertility.  
  • Reduces body tension, stress and anxiety – helping your body breathe, let go and relax so it can do what it’s innately able to do — conceive and carry a healthy baby to term.

Acupuncture can greatly enhance the success rates of both couples trying to conceive naturally and couples who are needing to use assisted reproductive technology such as IVF and IUI treatments due to issues that cannot be resolved more holistically.  Also, herbal medicine partnered with good diet, nutrition and a healthy lifestyle can help you conceive and carry a baby to term no matter what route you choose to do so.  I would be honored to be a part of your fertility care team, and will take excellent care of you, come see me!  And I also practice and teach parents Pediatric Tuina a form of massage for babies and young children that is great for many common childhood illnesses and issues.  You can read more about that on my website.

Happy Baby Making!

Austin Cedar Fever

Cedar Fever Meet Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine!

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The wind-pollinated cedar (mountain juniper) trees are about to be in full bloom compromising many of our respiratory systems this time of year.   The amount of cedar pollen in the air is a factor in whether cedar fever symptoms such as  sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, congestion, and difficulty breathing develop and how intense they can become.   Dry, windy days are more likely to have increased amounts of cedar pollen in the air than cold, damp and rainy days when cedar pollen is washed to the ground.  The alternating warm then cold days without long periods of freezing temperatures we often experience in Austin promote cedar pollen to grow and thrive in abundance – then the windy days carry it to our noses.

In Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine we view cedar fever as an overactive immune response due to an unbalanced immune system.  This can happen for several reasons, including poor sleep, stress, poor diet and nutrition, and other unhealthy lifestyle habits which can energetically weaken organ systems.

Cedar tree pollen count is generally highest from December through February and often continues into March when other pollen arrives.  Don’t wait until the cedar winds blow, come early  for weekly preventative treatments and boost your immune system to help avoid symptoms that can compromise your health when cedar pollen is in the air.   If symptoms do arise, bi-weekly acupuncture treatments are extremely helpful to assist your immune system in re-balancing, and maintenance treatments throughout the winter season are ideal to keep your body healthy all winter.

Acupuncture and the Road to Recovery from Addictions, Stress and Anxiety

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In spite of decades of research regarding the negative effects of recreational and pharmaceutical drugs, nicotine, alcohol, sugar and caffeine –people continue to use these dangerous substances to the detriment of their well-being and that of the people who love them. Why?  Simply because they are profoundly addictive in nature.  To overcome addiction,  patients need a strong foundation of support. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can be an integral part of the road to recovery from addiction.  It is important to note the support of a good medical doctor, therapist, a regular exercise program, and a healthy diet are of vital importance on a recovery journey as well.

There is a national opioid crisis in our country due to the overuse of pharmaceuticals to treat pain.  Acupuncture is a well-documented method of easing and resolving chronic pain without the use of addictive pharmaceuticals – increasing the patient’s physical activity and ability to heal naturally.  See more information on treating pain with acupuncture.

Create a Support System

Creating a circle of support takes the kind of focus that comes from a deep commitment and calm resolve.  A calm and rested state of mind is not usual when patients are dealing with addiction.  If the mind cannot turn itself off, it effects well-being profoundly — disturbing sleep patterns, frame of mind, and overall body balance.  Acupuncture and prescribed herbal remedies offer a well researched modality to safely and effectively treat addiction and core issues that can accompany addiction, including pain, anxiety, stress, and insomnia.

Use Acupuncture to Make Your Body an Ally in Recovery

Acupuncture guides patients into a deep healing state of relaxation, while in this relaxing state the acupuncture needles work to resolve stressors that commonly come with addiction issues.  Acupuncture points stimulate the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord and brain; these chemicals either change the experience of stress, or trigger release of other chemicals and hormones — influencing the body’s internal regulating system and stimulating its natural healing abilities.  Obstructions in the body’s energy pathways are unblocked, restoring healthy flow to the tissues which naturally helps correct imbalances in the body’s brain chemistry and internal organs.

Acupuncture protocols often use ear points to help balance a patients overall constitution.  Fine needles are inserted into a set of 5 acupuncture points on each ear along with other points on the body.  Acupuncture treatment reduces symptoms associated with addictions, including withdrawal symptoms, cravings and anxiety.

The needles do not hurt, most patients feel only a minimal prick as they are inserted, many feel nothing at all and sleep on the acupuncture table, getting much needed rest and relaxation.  Visits to an acupuncture clinic several times a week for the first couple of weeks is recommended to get the healing process rolling — however, recommendations vary depending on the patients condition.

I am a certified detox specialist and trained in NADA protocol (ear acupuncture for the treatment of recovery from addiction).

Low Cost Option:  After establishing my patients health needs and goals in the first one to three treatments, I offer an affordable quick and easy 30 minute treatment plan to make coming 2-4 times weekly more affordable.  One hour treatments are always available when a longer “acu-nap” is desired.

Some of the addiction related issues that lend themselves well to the 30-40 minute treatments include:

  • Addictions: Recreational Drugs and Pharmaceuticals, Alcohol, Nicotine, Caffeine, and Sugar
  • ADD/ADHD
  • Allergies, Asthma
  • Anxiety, Depression, Stress and Insomnia
  • PTSD
  • Substance Abuse Recovery
  • Weight Loss, sugar cravings and more . . .

Please share my blog with your friends and family – they can sign up for their own “health tips” and updates on the sidebar of most pages on my website.  I am ever grateful for the opportunity to guide you and your loved ones on a journey to experience and maintain optimal health.

Learn More in Person

Come to my free talk October 29th on “Overcoming Addictions with Acupuncture” at  7:00 pm Peoples Pharmacy Wellness Center, Lakeline location.  More details at http://peoplesrx.com/ seminar and event calendar.

Also, you can hear me on the “Let’s Get Healthy” Live Radio Show. See archive shows on various topics.

Don’t hesitate to email me cls@seasonshealth.com with any questions.

Make your appointment at Peoples Wellness Center North

Acupuncture Works!

When energy flows there is less pain, better communication, and improved well-being!

How to Boost Your Immune System With Acupuncture As Fall Turns Into Winter

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Fall has arrived and winter is on it’s way.  In Texas, fall moves into winter with plenty of vacillating weather making it difficult for our bodies to adjust, then bang – cold weather is here!  Our immune and respiratory systems need strong natural support during this time, and regular acupuncture is an excellent way to provide that support.

In Chinese Medicine the immune system is strongly related to internal organ function, mainly the Lungs and Spleen which need extra care during the winter season.  When these organs are well-balanced they support the immune system and strengthen its function, this prevents you from being easily affected by external pathogenic factors such as cold and flu viruses and other infectious diseases.

A  long winters “acu-nap,”  helps  to calm and relax the body, reducing extra stress that can come with the winter and holiday season, and boosting immunity to help you sustain good health.

In addition to Acupuncture, plenty of rest, and daily exercise help keep healthy energies flowing strongly, and remember a diet, full of nutrition is vital to good health.  The abundance of  local fruits, deep rooted vegetables and herbal plants that grow in the winter season right where we live support our bodies as nature intends.  So visit and support your local farmers markets and grocery stores for a fresh colorful winter food supply full of the nutrition your body needs.  Making rich soup broths with plenty of healthy winter veggies, dark leafy greens, and healthy grains; eating good healthy fats, and drinking warm teas are all excellent winter rituals that fuel the body.  Here are a few more winter wellness tips:

  • Avoid eating much frozen or cold foods; instead partake in warming foods which help sustain your body’s energies during the cold season.
  • Be sure to get plenty of rest.
  • Avoid exhausting yourself with overwork, or overjoy!
  • Avoid stress and excess emotion by practicing good self-care and a form of meditation.
  • Keep warm and protect yourself from the wind and cold with proper clothing such as a hat and scarf in addition to your warm jacket.
  • Balance and support your body with natural medicine (such as acupuncture and herbs from seasons Health) before the change of weather so your body has what it needs to do well in the seasonal changes.
  • Dry your hair before going to bed or out in the cold.

Charlotte offers herbal consults over the phone to her patients, assisting further in strengthening the immune system as well as resolving health issues that do arise so you can rest at home while recovering. She will also give you valuable diet, nutrition and lifestyle self care tips specific to your individual needs.  Charlotte will set you up with a treatment plan to keep your body strong throughout the season, so remember Seasons Health can be a part of your  family’s Winter Wellness Resource.

Acupuncture for Bell’s Palsy

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Bell’s Palsy often sneaks in overnight; and waking with a paralysis of the facial muscles can be quite alarming — often people believe they have suffered a stroke.  The good news is Bell’s Palsy is often a temporary paralysis, and if you get acupuncture treatments several days a week immediately after onset, it will usually heal fully within a few months and often much quicker.

Bell’s causes asymmetry of the facial appearance, usually impacting only one side of the face.  Impaired function from Bell’s Palsy can affect your body’s ability to eat, drink, speak and open and close your eyes.   In addition, facial asymmetry affects an individual’s appearance and so Bell’s can affect psychological and social behaviors effecting the personal quality of a patients life.

Western medicine treats Bell’s Palsy most often with corticosteroid therapy to reduce inflammation.  The use of steroids is controversial as steroids can have serious side effects especially with long term use.   Acupuncture offers a method to support your body through a speedy recovery, there are no side effects, and it is recommended by many doctors and the National Institute of Health as one of the best avenues of treatment for Bell’s Palsy.

In China, acupuncture has been used for centuries to assist in Bell’s Palsy recovery.  According to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, the root cause of Bells Palsy is believed to be two things: “external wind attacking the channels of the face,” and weakness in the underlying qi (a person’s inherent energy).  The treatment goal is to expel wind and resolve damp, while invigorating the qi and blood circulation to the facial tissue with consistent acupuncture treatments.  Unlike western treatment, acupuncture treats the root cause in addition to deeply relaxing a patient, and helping to relieve stress so healing can take place more naturally.  Through this avenue, acupuncture can alleviate symptoms and substantially quicken the recovery process of Bell’s Palsy patients.

Stress can worsen Bell’s Palsy, and is often thought to be a factor in bringing on an episode.  Taking vitamins B12, B6, as well as zinc can promote nerve growth and help speed recovery of damaged facial nerves.  Supplements like St. John’s Wort, Valerian, and Ashwaganda can also be used to relieve stress that can contribute to and possibly be a factor in Bell’s Palsy incidents.

Along with Acupuncture, massage can also help ease the symptoms of Bell’s Palsy.  Gently massaging the afflicted areas of the face, and practicing daily facial exercises can speed recovery.   A full body massage on areas that are unaffected by the condition can also help keep the blood and energy flowing freely to the tissues that do need healing.

Patients with Bell’s Palsy can have several weeks of recovery time in which they may choose to take some time off from any rigorous daily routines to reduce stress, get plenty of rest and get acupuncture!  Charlotte recommends starting acupuncture as soon as possible after onset, and getting treatments 3-5 times a week for the first few weeks.

Teens Love Acupuncture!

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It’s true — teenagers love and benefit from acupuncture in so many ways.  Acupuncture helps balance male and female hormone cycles, and when teens are first navigating hormone fluctuations it can feel intense for both teens and their parents!  Acupuncture helps teens unwind and relax, supporting them in the intense demands of the middle and high school years and the rapid growth of mind, body and spirit that happens in these years as they explore and learn who they are.

As us parents of teenagers know, it’s hard to slow them down – yet acupuncture actually does “pin them down!” . . . for awhile anyway.  Over and over in our clinic I witness teens easily go into a deep state of relaxation with acupuncture.  Yes, they sleep, unwind, and wake up refreshed and ready to conquer their multi-faceted day!

If your teens are exploring drug use, using drugs, or addicted to their smart phones or other screens remember it takes a village.   These difficult times are easier to navigate when you incorporate a solid self care support system for you and your teen.   Read this blog about an acupuncture treatment plan for addictions, anxiety and depression.  I can help!

Acupuncture helps unplug, reset and unwind that overtaxed teenage brain!  There is so much growing and transition from the teen adolescent years well into their 20’s — big hormonal changes, demands at school and in sports, and just learning to navigate the everyday stressors of life.   The transformation from adolescence to young adult is hard work.  My son is very active in sports and says acupuncture helps his tired muscles let go, relax and stay strong.   It helps him quickly overcome the bumps and bruises that come with the active teen lifestyle, and it helps him focus and study for big tests at school.  He often says hey mom “how ’bout some acupuncture!”

Here’s a personal acupuncture account from Isabel Luecke, a lovely accomplished teen writer who frequently visits my clinic and would like to share her experience:

“It was just the other day that, suffering from both writer’s block and the carpal tunnel that was the symptom of not having writers block, that I went to get acupuncture. This had not been my first visit and, unless I suddenly end up living solely in a survivalist bunker, it will not be my last. I use acupuncture to treat everything from colds to skin blemishes, to re-inspire and relax. It is truly something that I wholeheartedly recommend for people of all ages.”

And here’s a personal quote from sweet Gracie, age 13 who also comes regularly for acupuncture:

“I have been going to Charlotte for acupuncture for a few months to work on relaxation for anxiety. I like it because it is relaxing and helps me get a grip on life.  It doesn’t hurt at all.  I love it!

Acupuncture helps teens learn a strong and steady pattern of  slowing their bodies down, letting go to rest, breathe and unwind when needed.  Self-care is a nice thing to teach our teenagers, it is a skill that gets refined over time and serves them well.   Believe me your teen will thank you for introducing them early in life to this ancient medicine for our sometimes overstimulating busy modern world.  Even if at first teens are skeptical or a little bit nervous, once they experience the deep relaxation and healing power of Acupuncture, they quickly become believers!

I’ve also noticed some of our teens are having allergies.   Here in Austin along with all the lovely bloomin’ green, and the beautiful lakes and rivers that support the nature that abounds — come the high mold spores, grass and tree pollen.  Sometimes we get an over-zealous immune response to this abundance of pollen inundating our body, causing symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, scratchy throat, and swollen lymph glands — this is an overactive inflammatory response.  Acupuncture helps balance, soothe and support the immune system so it does not consider the pollen and molds threatening invaders requiring such arduous response.  A little proactive care at home helps too, nasal rinses – I recommend NeilMed, showers to rinse off the excess pollen from the day, a healthy diet free of inflammatory foods, a healthy gut equals a healthy body, and the right herbal remedies and supplements to support the immune system through the more challenging seasons in Austin.

Helping your teen set up a support network outside the vital support they get at home is nice because it expands their self-care knowledge and supports you in your job as parents — it takes a village!

So instead of here take this pill to fix what ails you — acupuncture says . . .  here try this needle it will remind your body of what it innately knows how to do . . . balance, relax,  heal and transform!  To add to your teens good qi flowing contact me here, I will support them in making positive changes in their health.

 

Summer Vacation and Travel Acupuncture!

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A lot of my peeps are traveling this summer, both here in the states and abroad.  I want to remind you that building immunity to prepare for a healthy summer vacation is important — this helps your trip remain stress free so you can return feeling rejuvenated and recharged from your vacation rather than depleted and fatigued.

Acupuncture not only helps strengthen the immune system, but helps prevent and relieve jet lag, motion sickness, flight anxiety, and balance your body’s rhythms.

Circadian rhythms are physical, mental and behavioral changes that follow a 24-hour cycle.  The term circadian comes from Latin words that literally mean “around the day.”  When traveling, especially to different time zones, we get around our day outside of our normal flow and rhythm.   When we give our body the right support to stay in balance throughout changes in our usual rhythm and environment, it can do so without skipping a beat, which is such a nice feeling!  After traveling, come reset your circadian rhythms — your body’s internal clock at Acupuncture Together.

Does flying, or driving long distances make you nervous, stiff, tired, give you headaches or nausea?  Acupuncture soothes the nerves and takes your body into a state of relaxation you can carry with you on your summer journeys.  Acupuncture can relieve tension and help keep your nervous system balanced and strong, by supporting the qi (energy) to flow freely, this also helps prevent headaches and nausea.  I can show you a few good acupressure points for your travels, as well as prescribe you an herbal remedy that helps with any travel challenges you tend to have.

When traveling it’s sometimes more challenging to eat as healthy as we do at home — so our digestive systems can take a hit.   Acupuncture is good for regulating digestion and if you come before and after your trip, acupuncture can assist in keeping the digestive juices flowing freely and your intestinal tract running smoothly!

Too much drinking and partying on your trip — get acupuncture to unwind, detox and reset.  Get one or two treatments before you embark on your travels.  You can also get a treatment the day of travel if you leave in the afternoon, or get a treatment the evening prior to leaving early the next morning.   I wish you happy healthy travels . . . see you around the clinic this summer!

Happy Summer Solstice!

Charlotte

 

 

 

Insurance Sucks . . . Acupuncture Rocks!

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Are you concerned about healthcare in America, and where it’s headed?  Well I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately!  Let me introduce you to a great healthcare option — Acupuncture, and better yet – Affordable Acupuncture!

Health Insurance Sucks, the premiums are getting higher and higher and coverage less and less.  The good news is in many cases, you can rely less on insurance and prescription medications, and more on holistic healthcare like Acupuncture, and diet, nutrition and lifestyle changes to help you feel better.

I am one of the fortunate that Obama Care helped – and for now I have a decent policy.   I’ve used that policy for getting diagnostics this year, as I see the benefit of western medicine diagnostics especially when they are not particularly invasive.  However, after getting the diagnostics I feel I need, most often I then turn to the holistic healthcare model of care for gently and naturally guiding my body back into balance when needed and helping me stay healthy and strong.  We are lucky here in Austin as it is a city rich in holistic healthcare resources, and  Acupuncture is one of them!

Charlotte can help you resolve your health issues and feel better, see some of the many ways Acupuncture can help below:

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In many cases digestive symptoms, headaches, and even pain are due to stress, anxiety, overwork or depression.  Acupuncture helps bring your body back to a state of relaxation, so instead of the usual “here take this pill it will fix things — but be notified it could cause several other problems,” we say Try Acupuncture!  Acupuncture reminds your body what it is innately able to do – Heal, and it supports your body to do just that and stay in balance!

So remember, Acupuncture is a great option for many common healthcare issues.  We also help guide our patients when they are interested towards healthier diet, nutrition and lifestyle through Charlotte’s Herbal and Holistic Healthcare Consults!   When you feel the need for an MD by all means it’s important to go . . . however, when you feel your body needs more natural healing support which gets to the root of the issue and re-balances your body systems  Acupuncture is the way to go!   Our bodies are so smart and able to reprogram, adjust, and compensate as necessary when supported through a healing process holistically.  Healing works best when we tend to our diet, and nutrition, get plenty of rest, exercise and give our body gentle and loving support to guide it on its way.

That said, what will you do to care for yourself after your doctor checkup, and diagnostics?  Charlotte is here to help and would love to introduce you to the ancient medicine healing modality of Acupuncture, it’s still around because it works!