Healthy Living

As you live your life inevitably health issues arise, maybe you are dealing with chronic pain, infertility, or side effects of chemotherapy.

If you are reading this blog you have possibly tried acupuncture.

Right now I have a child with an earache, this has happened before, my kids are now 8 and 12.   I have read that 80% of earaches are viral not bacterial so I hesitate to visit our MD thinking the tools in her toolbox are antibiotics and time.  Our families high deductible plan also comes into the equation as well, this visit would be out-of-pocket.

Please have no doubt if I thought antibiotics were needed I would do it!  But odds are this is a viral ear infection so I begin talking to other health care providers.

I often will give alternatives (i.e. acupuncture, homeopathy) a good try to see if they can make a difference.  I find that I can work through many health issues whether my own or my children’s with complementary medicine.

The thing that helps me to feel confident as I navigate various health issues is having health care practitioners that I trust and can be honest with.   I can make an appointment Read More

Last September we began offering acupuncture treatments as part of a specialized military support clinic. The goal of this specialty clinic is to help soldiers and their families manage the stress associated with military life. We have put together an acupuncture protocol designed to help combat stress and restore emotional and physical health. We are offering this clinic through the Military Family Care Initiative.  This website offers support to military families in a multitude of ways. We are proud to be a part of this important resource. If you would like more information about the Military Family Care Initiative check out this website. www.militaryfamilies.state.mn.us.

Acupuncture for Stress Management

Prolonged exposure to unmanaged stress has also been linked to heart/cardiovascular disease, impaired immune function, chronic fatigue, memory impairment, asthma, weight gain, digestive disorders, mood disturbances and the acceleration of aging. One reason stress is harmful to the body is that it causes an increased amount of the hormone, cortisol, to be circulated throughout the body. Increased levels of cortisol can damage vital functions of your body, resulting in disease processes mentioned above.

Acupuncture has been scientifically proven to reduce the amount of cortisol circulating in one’s body. With the use Read More

Spring has sprung and it is time for us all to get out and stretch our legs.  If you are looking for new activities that get you outside consider searching for morel mushrooms.  Morel foraging is an exciting option for those wanting to enjoy nature’s bounty. Morel mushrooms are one of the ‘safe seven’ meaning they are easy to identify and safe for consumption. The activity involves slowly meandering through the woods searching closely around the base of dead elm trees.  If you are lucky you could find a ring of morel mushrooms ready to be foraged.  And if you are unlucky you still win because you get to spend a relaxing day outside.  Either way you cannot lose! A word of caution; morel foraging can be very competitive and slightly addictive (the activity, not the mushrooms).

In Chinese medicine the nutritional benefits of mushrooms are well worth the hunt. Mushroom is one of the leading foods recommended by Chinese medicine practitioners for enhancing immunity.  Mushrooms can aid in digestion and are also used to reduce bloating and edema.  Morels can be prepared fresh or dried and used later.  Morels are savory and delicious and best of all if you Read More