Where you ever told by your care provider that it was dangerous to sleep on your back after a certain number of weeks during gestation? I’ve had several patients who have worried themselves to the point of panic because they fell asleep on their side but rolled over onto their back and woke up in a face up position. They stressed over the damage they may have caused over being face up for an unknown amount of time. Here’s the deal, as your uterus expands and the baby gets bigger, your organs and other structures are going to feel the pressure. The innate intelligence of your body adapts by making room. Organs and other structures are known to shift their position in order to accommodate this growth. It is extremely rare for any structure of the body to get so compressed by the womb that is causes any major issues. If you have been pregnant before, you know how uncomfortable it can get to be in any position for too long. Your body gives you signs and you adjust accordingly. You pretty much don’t have a choice because you’ll be uncomfortable otherwise. The same applies to sleeping. With how challenging it can be to get comfortable with a growing belly, the last thing women need is to feel fear that they may hurt their baby if they happen to lay on their backs, when this might be the most comfortable position at that time. Keep in mind that pregnancy care wasn’t provided by a medical doctor until ~400 years ago and ultrasounds didn’t exist until the 1950s. Prior to that, we relied on the wisdom of our ancestors and community midwives for millennia. Somehow, we all made it even before fancy side sleeping pregnancy pillows were created. If that wasn’t enough reason not to worry, consider the position most hospitals have you lay in to give birth…which can take hours.

❄️Come join us for the last circle of 2024 ❄️ Acu + Reiki circles are a great way to get grounded before the chaos of the holidays. @hypnosis_by_ary Will be facilitating the Reiki which is sure to have your body, and the planet, filled with light and peace✨ @acupuncturejo.lkn Will be lovingly inserting 1 or 2 Acupuncture needles on chakra opening points to help you relax and receive the Reiki 🧘‍♀️ @curiositeawellness Will be serving up their delicious teas that are sure to warm you up. They may also bring some to sell (great gift for yourself or others). 🫖 Space is limited so make sure to RSVP early to save your spot! Looking forward to sharing in this calm and peaceful practice with you :)

🎃Happy Halloween 🎃 I have such fond memories of Halloween from when I was a kid; back when I could eat all the gluten and sugar without a care 🤣 My house is gaining popularity as the “full sized candy bar” house. I love seeing the kids in their costumes especially when they say “I remember this house”! I hope you have a great day today and embrace the childhood wonder and fun of playing dress up and not taking things too seriously. Do you dress up for Halloween as an adult? I always used to back in my customer service days. Now I wear more Halloween themed clothes to work and just dress up for the trick or treaters 😆 My most recent costumes have been Linda Belcher of Bob’s Burgers, a unicorn, and a T-rex 🦖

You don’t know what you don’t know. Having a doctor’s appointment can be quite stressful especially when your provider is talking at you rather than with you. Pre-Conception Consultations can be booked so that you can ask all the questions you have about conception (from how to identify your fertile window to understanding an IVF cycle). We can also discuss what your next steps should be if you suffered a pregnancy loss (what lab work you should be asking for to get answers or prevent future losses). If you are not interested in conception but do want to learn more about your cycles for your own hormonal health…we can talk about that too! Got a health issue you need clarity on so you can advocate for yourself at your next doctor’s appointment? Let’s talk about it! I can help you navigate the jargon and bridge the gap between what your provider is telling you and what they are leaving out. I can help suggest alternatives and I can provide the tools to help you feel prepared to advocate for yourself. All the deets are listed on my website under “Pre-Conception Consultation” and there is no waitlist (currently) for this offering. *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.

New recipe on the blog to help you use up your sourdough starter discard. Don’t have a starter? I’ve got a handful of other recipes on the blog you can try this weekend. All of them are rather cozy. #sourdoughstarter #sourdoughpancakes #fermentedfoods #weekendbreakfast #weekendbrunch #easyrecipe #teatimewithjo #thissongtho #pancakesandsyrup

Are you caught up on my Tea Time Blog? The latest blog post is talking all about one of my most highly recommended mindset modalities that is also the most controversial. Learn all about it and get the facts straight from the horses mouth (that horse being @hypnosis_by_ary ) So many people avoid considering this modality due to misconceptions. Lets address them so that you can make a truly informed decision about whether or not it’s right for you. Leave any serious questions you have below, that the blog didn’t answer, and I’ll ask her to hop on and address them. #mentalhealth #breakingoldpatterns #releasingoldbehaviours #mindset #mindsetshift #mindbody #mindbodyconnection #hypnosis #hypnotherapy #itisnotthedevilswork #getoutofyourownway #healyoursubconscious #rewireyourbrain

There are many reasons why heavy menstrual bleeding can happen, one of them from a TCM/EAM standpoint is a deficiency in Qi (energy). Your body needs a certain amount of energy to moderate the flow of menstrual blood and allow your body to mitigate this shift/loss of blood. If our energy is being exhausted in other ways, our Qi can no longer contain the flow and flooding/gushing can happen. We cannot wait for anyone to give us menstrual leave, we have to start taking it ourselves. Learning how to track your cycles can be really helpful in strategically taking time off from work (or at least working from home), during your menstrual phase. If that is truly unrealistic for you at this point in time, you can still track your cycles so you don’t over commit yourself when you expect your menses to start. You can conserve some Qi by skipping the workout, rescheduling that social engagement or just politely excusing yourself from additional commitments during the first 2-3 days of heavier flow. Cyclical living is more about leaning into the built in reset your cycle allows for rather than seeing your menses as a hindrance. Investing in your menstrual health not only leads to more peaceful, symptom free cycles; it also sets the stage for healthier pregnancies. Even if you don’t plan on having kids, it still sets the stage for healthy peri-menopause and menopause and healthier breasts! Remember that many menstrual symptoms are COMMON but that doesn’t make them NORMAL. Heavy bleeding is just one example of that. Symptoms are like check engine lights. You have to choose if you are going to cover it with a sticker and pray for best or try to actually resolve the issue.

Sleep is such an important, yet often overlooked, part of wellness. Here are my top tips for good sleep that just about anyone can try: -Use an eye mask or make your room as pitch black as possible. -Take an appropriate amount of Magnesium Glycinate/Bisycinate at night time. I like to divide the dose and take the first half about an hour before bed and the second half right before bed. -Blue light blocking glasses as soon the sun sets. -Turn down the a/c to between 67°-69°F. Additional TCM Tip: -Get to bed by 9:30pm and go to sleep by 10pm. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t have a huge improvement on the first night of trying these tips (but don’t be surprised if you do)! #sleep #sleepsupport #sleephacks #sleepmask #magnesiumglycinate #bluelightblockingglasses #bluelightblockers #sweetdreams #nightnight

I first learned about steams while watching an episode of Tia & Tamera in which the sisters experiment with the concept. It left me very intrigued but wasn’t something available in my area. Fast forward a few years and the Acupuncturist I was seeing in Charlotte was offering this service. I was thrilled to finally have someone I trusted educate me on this service. It completely blew my mind and inspired me to seek out training for myself. My acupuncturist referred me to @steamychick and my journey into Pelvic Hydrotherapy began. I really appreciated that they developed a program alongside @thewayofyin which is an Acupuncturist as well but also someone who has steaming practices in her lineage. Undergoing the certification really allowed me to understand the beauty behind the medicine of steams. I became certified in 2019 and have done regular steams for myself ever since. Since incorporating this service into my practice, I have been able to support women dealing with menstrual issues, endo & adenomyosis, fibroids and cysts, as well as help women prepare their uterine lining for IVF transfer. I have also offered the service to help women who have undergone a pregnancy loss to facilitate clearing of the lining and avoid having retained tissue which can result in needing a d&c. Steams have also been helpful in helping women clear vaginal itching and infections and prepare the body for labor. Personally, I have been able to experience menses with no brown blood, smaller/less dense clots and less lingering spotting. I have also used steams to help me pass ovarian cysts. I have a few IG posts and blog posts the reference the benefits steams. You can check them out in my blog highlights on my profile. Do you have any questions about steams?

With the Autumn Equinox upon us, we are reminded of this being a season of grieving and letting go. Last week, my hubby and I said our goodbyes after our iggy of 15 years crossed the rainbow bridge. Most people can’t understand grieving a pet that isn’t fuzzy or cuddly but let me assure you, it still hurts. Every part of my morning routine reminds me that she is gone and it has been very sad for us. Add to that, the anniversary of 09/11 and the collective grief of so many people on that day. This week, there have been 2 scary situations at local schools that have left a lot of parents scared for their children and feeling impotent about protecting them. All of that and we are handling the intense emotions of an election year and a full moon with a partial eclipse (hello dream disturbed and restless sleep!). I’m hear to say, it’s ok that you may be feeling all there is to feel right now. It’s ok to take the time to process. Just because everything “turned out ok”, it doesn’t negate the fact that your nervous system had to do some major regulating. It’s ok to not be firing on all cylinders. Give yourself grace. Drink salt with your water. Touch grass/trees. Take baths with actual salt (not just epsom salt). Cry if you need to. Scream if you need to. Journal about it if you feel called. Whatever the case, know that you are seen and not alone in the collective grief.

🍁 Let’s welcome the Autumn Equinox together 🍁 Autumn is all about letting go, releasing grief and what has already served its purpose. Join us for a peaceful night of Reiki energy healing facilitated by @hypnosis_by_ary , Acupuncture from yours truly and delicious teas from @curiositeawellness (included in your RSVP). Please being a meditation cushion, yoga mat and/or blanket (whatever you need to be comfort sitting on the floor). DM or Email me to save your spot. Space is limited. #reikicircle #acureikicircle #energyhealing #autumnequinox #letgoandletflow

There is this brief moment in time when I come back into the room to remove needles from a patient after they have been “marinating”. It’s a peaceful moment when I do my best to gently usher you back into the present. This integration period is where most people noticed just how far out they went when they were Acu-napping. You may not realize it but your body is doing a lot during your session. Your nervous system is receiving the stimuli of the needles and interpreting the message, all the while, engaging your parasympathetic nervous system so that you can rest, relax and heal. It’s so important to savor this sacred space after needles are removed and allow your body to gently reintegrate back into the present. This is a moment to take some deep breaths and gently peel yourself off the table. Perhaps give your body gratitude for all that it did for you and give yourself gratitude for bringing your body to a space of rest and healing. I find this sacred space akin to the feeling after a soothing massage or just after savasana following a restorative yoga practice. Have you experienced this scared space before? What’s your favorite part about it? Personally, I love the way my body feels like it got some DEEP rest.

Welcome the Autumn Equinox with us! You are invited to joins us as we gather in a circle to receive Reiki healing energy assisted by the placement of an Acupuncture needle in a chakra opening and calming point. @CuriositeaWellness will be offering select herbal tea blends to enhance the healing vibes of this circle (included with your reservation). Reiki will be facilitated by @hypnosis_by_ary . Acupuncture (and possibly Qigong 😏 ) will be facilitated by yours truly. $45- RSVP: AcupunctureJo@gmail.com or DM *Space is limited* Please bring a meditation cushion/yoga mat (or anything you need to be comfortable sitting on the floor) if you have one available. There is a limited number of Meditation Cushions & Yoga Mats available for use as back ups. See you soon :)

Did you know that not all plant based milks are healthy? New post just hit the blog discussing the pros and cons of various milk alternatives. Info on what to look for when shopping for plant based milks is also included. Link is live in my stories for the next 24 hours and in my Blog highlights after that. Happy reading 🤓 🥛 #plantbased #milkalternative #lactosefree #almondmilk #oatmilk #coconutmilk #hempmilk #soymilk #seedoils #gums #nondairymilk

While I do think that screening for Gestational Diabetes is important (especially if you eat the Standard American Diet), I disagree with the way it is offered in most doctor’s offices. Even if you were not fasting, eating 50g of sugar in one short sitting, is going to cause a blood sugar spike in just about any individual. This is a normal bodily response. What is important to know, is how your body responds to that spike. Taking one blood test an hour later and seeing the results come back as “high” is really not that insightful. Even if they have a repeat test and check it a couple of times (which is slightly better); this is just a snap shot in a person’s life. It would make more sense to have the patient track their blood sugar at home according to their normal eating patterns. This would consist of the mom-to-be getting a Glucometer and checking her blood sugar upon waking and at certain intervals after meals, over a period of time (could be between 1-4 weeks). If her blood sugar remains high after eating a meal of steak and veggies, that is of much more concern than after eating a slice of cake and potato chips at a birthday party (which could be very infrequent for some moms). Discuss monitoring your blood sugar at home with your doctor. If they are not open to this method, consider finding a different doctor. Regular tests at home are far more accurate that just the snap shot in time that testing in the office is.

When I started meal prepping, I used to work half days Mondays and Wednesdays. I would get out early on Monday, go to the grocery store and prepare enough meals to get me through Wednesday. Then I would do the same on Wednesday afternoon and make enough meals to get me through Friday. Saturday and Sunday were for eating out. As my schedule has evolved, so has my prep. Now I work multiple days in a row so I take 1 day to do the majority of my meal prep for the week. My goal is to have enough lunches and dinners to get through Friday. Saturday and Sunday, I always make breakfast. Sometimes I make lunch and dinner too. Sometimes my family cooks and shares extras with me. Sometimes I order DoorDash. If I order from DoorDash, I still try to keep the meals to predominantly meats and veggies. This could be a burger with no bun, mushrooms, and avocados with a side of steamed veggies or a steak taco on a corn tortilla with onions and cilantro. Just because you order out, it doesn’t mean you have to go completely of the rails. Meal prep should be sustainable. If you feel like it takes time away from your family, include your family in the meal prep. Kids, especially, are more inclined to eat foods they helped to make. It shouldn’t take more time to do than the time it saves you to already have it done. For example, I can batch cook for 4 hours in one day (and some of that may be passive time as things are baking or slow cooking) and have enough food for 5 days rather than spend 1hr a day making lunches and dinners. Find what works for you. I know I am set up for success when I have delicious meals ready for me, that I look forward to eating. Practicing gratitude with meal prep also makes a big difference. You can be grateful for the farmers who grew your veggies or the ranchers that humanely raised your animal protein. You can be grateful for the carrot or the chicken for the nutrients it provides you with, etc. If meal prep is anything but joyful, reassess how you are prepping and consider adjusting your strategy.

When was the last time you cleaned your appliances? Specifically the ones you use to clean other things (dishwasher, washing machine)? What about your cleaning utensils such as dish brushes, dish cloths, sponges and toilet brushes? These items tend to get exposed to water a lot and this means they have more potential to harbor bacteria and mold. It’s a good idea to periodically run a wash cycle on your machines while they are empty and clean out any filters. It’s also a good idea to soak your dish clothes/sponges, dish brush and toilet brush in vinegar & baking soda solution or hydrogen peroxide, for a few minutes. This will kill the bacteria and mold so that the thing you use to clean is not just transferring the nasties unto other surfaces. If you use non-toxic cleaning products, you might actually be able to go longer without seeing a lot of build up as they tend to not leave films the way regular items do. This is especially true of laundry detergents and fabric softeners which can clog your machine over time, including the dryer’s vent trap. Speaking of, when was the last time you deep cleaned that? Not just the filter but the trap itself? Or the soap/softener dispenser? A good way to prevent mold on these appliances is to leave the doors open after you run a wash cycle and letting it air dry. This way they won’t have enough moisture to breed mold and bacteria. Hopefully you learned something new. If you have an awesome tip related to this topic, please share in the comments so we can all learn :)

I often get asked about foods that should be avoided during pregnancy. This is a really complex topic because women here in the U.S. are asked to avoid foods that are staples in other countries/cultures. Furthermore, no doctor ever mentions avoiding the foods that are notorious for contamination (looking at you romaine lettuce and peanuts). Not to mention, no one ever wants listeria, regardless of pregnancy. So where does that leave you? I generally recommend that people get informed on food safety in general. This, to me, is so important that it should be taught in schools (instead things you might not ever use like the molarity of hydrogen in H2O 🙄). Wash all of your produce, especially if you eat the skins. Actually wash, not just rinse. Cook your greens and veggies. Heat all your meats to a safe temperature. That’s pretty much it. I am more concerned with pregnant women avoiding ultra processed foods than I am about them having tuna, for example. I hope that made sense. Leave any questions in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer. What other pregnancy guidelines would you like me to cover? Glucose testing has come up quite a bit recently, so I’m thinking I’ll talk about that but I’m open to other topics so let me know below 👇

✨Join us as we gather in a circle and receive Reiki healing energy assisted by Acupuncture on a chakra opening and calming point. ✨ @curiositeawellness will be providing delicious tea options (included in your reservation), @hypnosis_by_ary will be facilitating the Reiki and yours truly will be providing the Acupuncture. ✨Yoga mats and meditation cushions are available but feel free to bring your own or whatever you need to be comfortable. ✨Venmo to reserve your seat. Space is limited. Looking forward to seeing you there :)

What an amazing weekend of learning, healing, detoxing and growth. So excited to start practicing what I learned and to start helping others with this knowledge as well. So grateful for Tina inviting me on this trip with her, and @qigongawareness for putting together great courses like these. It’s one thing to learn, it’s another to raise your own vibration (and the vibration of the collective) while doing it. Have a beautiful week ☯️

⚡️Why have plain rice when you can supercharge it? This rice was fermenting overnight with filtered water and ACV to remove anti-nutrients. Then, it was rinsed and cooked with bone broth, butter, salt, turmeric, garlic, organic mixed veggies and grass-fed polish sausages. I know a lot of diets hate on rice/grains, but rice and grains are a staple in many ancient cultures. It makes you think if the issue is about the rice itself or the way it is prepared. What do you think of this supercharged rice? Would you try it? #rice #fermented #fermentedrice #supercharged #nutrientdense #staplefood #ancestraldiet #grassfed #budgeteats #organicgrains #paleoish

For so many years I equated hydration with water intake. Over time, I came to connect the dots of high school chemistry and the principles of osmosis. Water cannot move into a cell without the appropriate key to unlock the gate, therefore, drinking a lot of water doesn’t hydrate you at all. In fact, it DE-hydrates you instead! So what is the key that unlocks the gate? To my surprise, it is mostly sodium. Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium and Calcium are 4 key minerals and electrolytes that your body needs to keep an appropriate amount of fluid in the cells. This means that hydration is actually H2O + Electrolytes rather than just water alone. We always benefit from staying hydrated but there are certain times were we need to be extra cognizant of getting enough hydration. Some examples include: -During menstruation -During Pregnancy/Postpartum/Nursing -In the summer when you sweat just walking to the car -When sweating in general (after a workout, sauna session, busted a/c at work, etc). -Post-surgery -With air travel -During IVF -With extended sun exposure -After Massage/Cupping/Acupuncture/Chiropractic Care Signs you aren’t hydrating enough include: headaches, puffiness/water retention, tight/spasming muscles, thirst, dry eyes and dry skin. So how much fluid is needed to properly hydrate? I used to say 1/2 your weight in ounces of water. Now I say, until you have consistent light yellow-clear urination. My favorite way to hydrate is to add a pinch of sea salt and 1oz of juice for every 7oz of water. Coconut water is also a great choice as it naturally contains all of the electrolytes. Natural sugar, such as that in fruits and coconut water, actually help your body absorb the electrolytes. While you don’t want to consume a ton, you can easily have several ounces a day without issues (with balanced nutrition). What’s your favorite way to hydrate?

❣️Congratulations to the winners❣️ A big thank you to everyone that participated. If you are interested in trying period underwear. I highly suggest checking out @periodcompany. Their products are comfortable, non-toxic and affordable. #periodpanties #periodunderwear #theperiodcompany #notsponsored #menstrualwellness #menopausewellness #womenshealth

Often, when I am getting ready to insert needles on patients or at some point during the treatment, I take a pause. Sometimes I stop mid conversation and say “sorry, I was listening”. “Listening” is what I call when I am tapping into the intuition of what my patient needs at that moment. At some point during the treatment you may also hear me ask out loud “is there anything else that I need to do?” and listen, again, for any intuitive nudges that come up. On occasion, I’m getting ready to insert a needle in one point when my intuition whispers “use this point instead” or “when you are done with this point, do this one next”. Sometimes, I get the intuitive urge to ask about something that didn’t come up during the consult or I convey that I am feeling sensations of grief, sadness, sorrow, etc. The majority of the time, my patients will follow that with “oh, yes, I forgot to tell you about that…”. Of course, I am already developing a treatment strategy based on my TCM training as we are discussing current complaints however, I always keep an ear out for what my intuition is guiding me to help you with.

TCM, EAM, Ayurveda and many other ancient medical systems were developed millennia before diagnostic imaging or blood work existed. Physicians relied on the patients daily observation, and their own objective findings, in order to diagnose and treat dis-ease. Instead of getting lab work, bring me this: -A food log of everything you consumed (including supplements and medications) for the past 7 days. -A menstrual log noting when bleeding started, the color, the texture, how long it lasted and how heavy/light it was (number of tampons/pads used or frequency of emptying menstrual cups, etc) and how many days between bleeds. -A poop log noting texture, color, presence of undigested food, frequency, sensation (easy to pass vs hard to pass), presence of mucus or blood over the last 7-14 days -A sleep log noting when you went to bed, when you woke up, how many times you got up during the night and at what times, dream activity and how you felt when you woke up. These are just a few things you can do to provide me (or other holistic practitioners) with more information about you than certain lab work.

Just a little thought experiment for you to consider: While many folks get paid time off, or get paid 1.5-2.5x their usual rate, for certain holidays; small businesses often have to remain open because a day of no work means no income. Small businesses like mine, and many other independent wellness practitioners, don’t get raises unless we increase our rates, don’t get paid time off of any kind and don’t get “holiday pay” unless we upcharge our services on the holiday (which I have never seen anyone do). Small retail businesses are often expected to provide hefty discounts on days like this to compete with the holiday discounts of the big box stores. If the retailer is a single person making goods out of their home, they are also not getting paid extra to work the holiday. All this to say, support your small and independent businesses as much as you can. Support your independent wellness providers as much as you can (refer them to friends/family, share their social media pages/blogs, leave them a positive review if you enjoy their goods or services, be generous with gratuity if it is applicable, pay with cash if you are able, etc). Your contributions are literally life changing and life giving. 🙏

💧 This long awaited blog post is now up! 💧If you have ever struggled to understand your cervical mucus, this post talks about how it may look according to where you are in your cycle. There are even some photos for you to reference. 💧Go have a look and let me know if you have any questions. Link to blog is live in my stories or in my highlights if you are catching this.

🍯 Got some crystallized honey you need to use up? 🍯 I love using it for DIY skin care recipes and one of those is Honey Wash. 🍯Super easy to make and so good for most skin types. 🍯 I got my Liquid Castile Soap from @ekologicall and the honey from @thebradfordmarket 🍯Have you ever made Honey Wash? How do you like it?

@periodcompany panties have literally changed my menstrual quality of life. I loved them so much, I reached out to them years ago to see if they would be able to gift me some undies to demonstrate at my Menstruation Re-Education workshops. Fast forward a couple of years and they have really grown as a company and made their undies even better. These original models have a large absorbent area from the pubis to the rear. Their new models have an even larger area of coverage. As these models are a little outdated, but still awesome (All of the undies I have from them are in this style and I love them), I decided to host a giveaway and allow someone the opportunity to try these beauties. In addition, I’m also giving away the last of my “Period Pals” which is a womb shaped microwavable heating pack. Great for soothing menstrual cramps, lower back aches or for use with castor oil packs. You can enter to win the following: - 1 Medium sized “Heavy Period” Bikini Undie Or -1 XL sized “Heavy Period” Bikine Undie And / Or -1 Period Pal The undies are great for menstruation (obviously), but are also great for postpartum bleeding or for urinary bladder leaks. The “Period Pal” is a lovely heating pad that is uniquely shaped to sit on the lower abdomen or lower back but can be used anywhere. It has a nice weight to it that applies gentle soothing pressure. Once warmed, it holds heat for 20-30min and can be reused countless times (sprinkle with a little water before heating to make it last longer). This giveaway is only open to newsletter subscribers so head to my bio and sign up if you aren’t already. Giveaway instructions are going out in the next newsletter (which is really soon)! #notsponsored #periodundies #postpartumunderwear #bladderleaks #theperiodcompany #menstruation #periodselfcare #castoroilpack

By request my Homemade Cottage Cheese Recipe is up on the blog. Head to my stories for the link if you are seeing this in real time. Otherwise, link will be in my Blog highlights. Let me know if you decide to make this recipe. I feel like homemade cottage cheese tastes way better than the store bought brands. Plus, this recipe calls for low temp pasteurized milk which still retains all of the enzymes, making it easier to digest. #teatimeblog #homemadecottagecheese #cottagecheese #highprotein #lowcarb #fullfat #fullfatdairy #healthysnack

Did you know that unregulated stress can be straight up fatal? It may sound like an over exaggeration but, in the animal world, stress is recognized as not only impacting fertility and health, but as deadly. The amazing folks of @bellowingacres sanctuary have been caring for an injured alligator named Dino. Despite the fact that he had major injuries (I believe he was hit by a car), they had to hold off on actually supplying medical help for a few days because the added stress of human interaction would reduce his chances of survival. Let that sink in! (Last I saw, he was doing better btw). Cows have actually been known to suffer from reduced fertility, low milk production and even death if they have experienced prolonged or increased stress. (yet another reason to support regenerative and halal farmers). Why is it that we can acknowledge the impact of stress in animals and yet not in ourselves? I can ask patients all kinds of questions about how they manage their nutrition or exercise but the moment I ask how they manage stress, I more often than not get the “deer in headlights” look. I don’t have all the answers but here are some ways that your body can improve its stress response: -Eat regularly and eat enough. -Avoid fasted workouts (especially if under high stress). -Learn how to meditate as if your life depended on it (because it kind of does). There are many ways to meditate that don’t involve sitting in complete silence. Find the method that works for you. -Avoid extreme activities that can promote an increased stress response in your body (cold plunges, extremely hot saunas, extreme fasts, etc) especially in a period of high stress. -Invest in self care practices that can assist your body in reducing stress (Acupuncture, relaxing Bodywork, proper Chiropractic care, Restorative Yoga, Hypnosis, Reiki, etc). -Take some time out of your day to do something relaxing. Do some coloring, journal, go on a gentle walk, take a bath, dance to your favorite music, etc. Adaptogens can also be helpful, however, they are herbs with their own individual properties. It would be best to speak to a practitioner that can make specific recommendations.

☀️ Got any plans for the Summer Solstice?☀️ Come join us for a night of peace, community and Reiki healing energy. @curiositeawellness will be serving up delicious tea (included in your reservation). 🫖 @hypnosis_by_ary will be facilitating the Reiki. ✨ And yours truly will be providing the magic needles💕 Meditation cushions & Yoga mats are available for use but please feel free to bring your own or whatever you need to be comfortable on the floor. 💛Please Venmo to RSVP. Space is limited.💛

Probably one of the most known recommendations in Traditional Chinese/East Asian Medicine is to avoid iced beverages and cold foods (ice cream, smoothies, sushi, etc). When you drink something ice cold, it does to your digestion the same thing that applying ice to your skin would do. It slows down circulation and shunts blood vessels until your body can warm the area back up again. While applying external cold to your muscles/joints may have some benefit, icing your insides has zero benefit in the eyes of TCM. Icing your digestive system causes the blood flow to slow down which impairs digestive function. This then causes your body to use Qi to rewarm your body. While all digestion requires some level of Qi usage, impairing it with cold also reduces the amount of Qi that eating food is supposed to generate. So rather than fueling your body, it is being taxed instead. This is why lots of people have bloating and low energy after raw or cold meals like salads that are washed down with cold sweet tea. Rather than using ice to cool down, use cooling herbs and produce in room temperature water. Mint, lemon balm, chamomile and chrysanthemum are all cooling in nature. So are cucumbers, strawberries, apples, pears, lemons and limes. Using cooling foods, rather than ice, helps your body to avoid over heating in hot temperatures without dampening your digestive fire 🔥 What questions do you have on TCM and cold foods or beverages? Drop them in the comments 👇🏼

-I’m not known for my cooking. In fact, I’ve started 2 small kitchen fires in my life. Once when I was 12 and preheated the oven without checking it first. Turns out the lard container was in there and it set ablaze 🔥 The second was a few years ago when I ignored the warning on the Siete hard taco shells’ box that says “do not heat in toaster oven”. They totally caught fire and I had to unplug the toaster oven and carry it outside. -Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night with an idea for a “point prescription” (set of Acupuncture points) for a specific patient. Sometimes this happens right upon waking as well. -I have never had anything from Chic-Fil-A. Considering how much I hear people say how good tasting it is, it’s probably best that I don’t know what I’m missing out on. -When I was a teen, I had a phase in which I ate McDonalds every Friday. My typical order was a Big Mac or Double Quarter Pounder with fries and a coke. 2 for $1 Apple pies were a must and my favorite PMS snack was their fries dipped into their Vanilla shake. My how things have changed since 😂 I hope you have enjoyed learning these random facts about me. Did any of them surprise you? What’s one random fact about you that I don’t know??

Officially Me! 🤣 . . . Seriously though, my first attempt at making homemade cottage cheese was a success! It is so incredibly easy too. Cottage cheese is one of those foods that I haven’t been able to find a good quality one to recommend to clients. No store in the area, not even the small, specialty stores, carries low vat pasteurized cottage cheese. Luckily, it is so easy to make. The whole process took about 45min and and 30min of it was just allowing it to sit. Another 10min was the time it took to warm the milk. If you are interested in a blog post with a recipe on how to make cottage cheese, answer the poll question or leave a comment below.

A recent study came out discussing the presence of micro-plastics in t3sticles. The reality is, micro-plastics are everywhere and we shouldn’t wait for studies to reduce our exposure. Here are some ways you can avoid them in your kitchen: -Avoid reheating your food in plastic containers. -Avoid cooking with plastic utensils. -Avoid washing plastic items in your dishwasher (wash these items by hand instead). Can you think of other ways to avoid micro-plastics in your kitchen? Share in the comments!

My basic tenet for meals is to make sure I always have a protein, fat and carb on my plate. It can be really easy to fill the carb area of my meal with sourdough goodies or grains, however, I’m being more mindful of filling this macro with fruit. As much as I love veggies, my main focus is to get enough balanced calories in the day. It’s kind of hard to do that if I’m filling up on low calorie veggies (I know this is controversial). Veggies neither fill my need for calories nor do they have sufficient carbs (with the exception of starchy veggies like potatoes and yams). Fruits, however, check the boxes of being a carb, being more calorie dense AND helping me get fiber. With so much fruit in season (and more to come in the summer and fall), I’m excited about incorporating more of them into my nutrition. I do have some guidelines for myself that I like to follow: -Eat carb last in the meal (regardless of whether it is fruit or grains). -Eat fruit in its whole form (no smoothies). -Eat fruit at room temperature or warm/baked. -Add additional fat or protein to fruit such as hemp seeds (pictured in the second pic), chia seeds, non-dairy yogurt, peanut-free nut butter, etc, to add even more nutrients. The fruit salad pictured above contained banana, mandarin, and mango. I sliced up one of each, tossed it in a bowl and split it between the hubs and I for breakfast (after we ate our eggs with sausage gravy that I shared in yesterday’s stories-see “meal ideas” highlight). It was my first time having anything resembling a fruit salad in quite some time. It was all room temp and I sprinkled my portion with hemp seeds for added protein and fat. While eating fruits this way may not be for everyone, I’ve had several patients telling me they were trying to eat low carb. However, our bodies need carbs. Our thyroids (among other things) can suffer if we don’t get enough. What I don’t think people distinguish is the difference between refined carbs (like pasta and bread) rather than complex carbs (like fruit and starchy veggies). It’s always a great idea to reduce refined carbs in lieu of getting more complex carbs. *This is not advice, just sharing what I’m doing*

It’s skeeter season 😒 Luckily, I have a tried and true recipe for a bug bite paste that actually works. One of the ingredients might surprise you, coming from me. Head to the blog to get the recipe (only 3 ingredients you probably already have). Link in my stories if seeing this in real time. Saved to my Blog highlight after that. May the bug repellent gods be with you ✌️

🔥 Fire Cupping 🔥 I have a serious love for this modality! Not only do I get to play with fire, but I also get to help you feel better (win/win 💁🏻‍♀️). Fire is placed inside a glass cup which creates a vacuum. This vacuum is what creates the suction on your skin. The intensity of the suction can be adjusted by how long the fire is left in the cup. Fire cupping is useful in the treatment of any lung disorder (asthma, allergies, cough, congestion, etc), as well as to promote more circulation in tight muscles and fascia. Fire cupping can be applied on the big muscle groups of the body (back, legs, arms, glutes). Fire cupping can leave marks on the skin that fade in about a week. The color of the marks is indicative of the type of stagnation present under the skin therefore they can also be diagnostic (light marks = less stagnation or deficiency, dark marks = more stagnation or excess patterns). Existing patients can have fire cupping added to their follow up visits however, fire cupping services are open to all, you just have to catch an opening in my schedule. I share these in my stories as they become available and save them to my “Openings” highlight if they are still available. Have you ever experienced fire cupping? Leave any questions in the comments 👇🏼

Has the fear of “competition” caused you to hold off on sharing your gifts with the world? Do you want to create something and get stopped by the thoughts of “the market is already saturated” or “someone else is already offering that”? Check out my recent blog post and see if your perspective doesn’t shift 😏 Link in stories if catching this post in real time. Link in bio afterwards ✌️

Some recent treatments I have performed in my cozy corner in Davidson. 1-Acupuncture (obvi 😂) 2-Cupping (fire cupping to be more specific) 3-Guasha I usually only take pictures if the patients themselves ask me to or if their cupping or guasha is producing gnarly colors and I want the patient to be aware of how it looks. Cupping and Guasha marks are representative of the stagnation in that area. As intense as it may look, most cupping and guasha sessions actually feel good to receive (like when a massage therapist is hitting the spot you need). Some times it can be briefly intense, but the release of tension and pain relief is worth it! Acupuncture rarely leaves any marks except for the occasional bruise. Occasionally there are some “spicy” points that can have some briefly intense sensations as well; but the Acu-stoned bliss afterwards is also worth it (along with pain relief and overall balancing benefits). What questions do you have about any of these treatments?

When I first started @urbancraftapothecary, Tricia from @lumenclt was the first small business friend that I made. We would coincide at pop up markets and she was always so friendly and kind. Tricia told me that one of the reasons she started making her own candles is because the strong and harsh fragrances from store bought brands would trigger her to experience headaches/migraines. She did her research and started making candles with phthalate free fragrance, soy wax and cotton wicks. Fast forward a few years and her candles are still bringing warmth and gentle fragrance to my home. She even made me a custom order of fragrance free candles for my Acupuncture office. I recently placed an order to stock up on some of my favorite scents and try a couple of new ones. Lumen candles burn so clean and the jars are so clean when the candles are spent. With proper care, and trimming your wicks, there is practically zero waste of wax so you get the most bang for your buck. Clearly, I love them, so if you need a gentle but beautifully scented candle for your home/office/gift/special event, please do consider picking up one (or 4 😂) of her candles. She pops up all around CLT but you can also purchase online. Have you ever experienced a Lumen candle before?

Holy Piña Coladas Batman, this mocktail totally slaps! 🤣🤣🤣 Ok, ok, let me put on my serious face… Adrenal mocktails are beverages loaded with electrolytes and Vitamin C that help to support adrenal function. They are more commonly referred to as”cocktails” but that is kind of misleading since there is no alcohol involved. To make my new favorite recipe, I use: - @azurestandard coconut milk (2-3 TBSP) - @lakewoodorganic pineapple juice (~6oz) -a pinch of what I call “drinking salts” (mixture of maldon, flor de sal, celtic sea and @redmondrealsalt ) but you can use a pinch of sea salt. Give it all a stir and enjoy! This mixture will separate so it may not look the prettiest but it is so good! If you really want to make this an electrolyte bomb, top the glass with coconut water 🥥 If you need a pre-workout drink so that you are not fasting for morning workouts, or just need a quick breakfast, add bone broth protein powder or collagen peptides for a quick and nutritious drink (I would still prefer you have a proper breakfast but this will work in a pinch) that has protein, fat and carbs. Shoutout to all the island nation cultures who have been making “adrenal mocktails” for centuries by combining milk and fruit (I just called these milkshakes when I was younger, 😂). Do you consume adrenal mocktails 🍍 🥥?

Happy Pink Full Moon in Scorpio 🌕 I’m not even sure what that means but my interpretation was to treat today as a #TreatYoSelf day so I did! - @acupuncturetina gave me an amazing Acupuncture treatment. ✨ -I had lunch with a friend and we exchanged books (which is a new thing for me and I am so excited to be in my #BookReadingEra). 📚 -I headed over to @kfstudioshandmade where I bought some @curiositeawellness tea for myself and a gift for my mother in law (not pictured because it’s a surprise) 🎁 -Then I came back to the office to spend the afternoon doing something I really love…seeing patients. I got to steward a first time full body Acupuncture session as well and I am always so honored for the trust instilled in me to be a good steward. She was very nervous but she did great! 💕 In one day, I supported 4 small businesses and that also makes me super happy. Have you treated yourself today? If you haven’t yet, there’s still time to put on a face mask, read a book, go for a walk, make yourself a nice foot soak or a bath. Love on yourself, you are worth it!

I would be remiss if I didn’t make a post on Earth Day as to how I practice sustainability in my private practice. Acupuncture is inherently wasteful with the disposal of single use needles and plastic packaging. Here is what I do to offset some of my waste and keep my practice more sustainable: -Reusable sheets, towels and face rest covers that I launder myself with zero or low waste nontoxic laundry products. -I used to offer Boomerang water bottles to my clients but now my patients can just use water from the office Berkey. Most patients bring their own water bottles and compostable cups are available if needed. -I try to repurpose as much packaging material as I can from supply orders. Whatever I can’t make use of, I take to a local shipping store that gladly accepts things like bubble wrap, packing paper, peanuts etc. -Whatever I can’t repurpose or easily recycle (like the plastic packaging from the Acupuncture needles) goes into my TerraCycle box and those lovely folks work their magic with it. -I have a completely paper free practice so all documentation is digital. -The tissues I provide clients are sustainable bamboo tissues from @whogivesacraptp I am grateful that the office I work in also practices sustainability (they provide the Berkey and compostable cups) by refilling hand soap and hand sanitizers from bulk containers. It’s not perfect but I’m always game to incorporate more sustainable practices and tools. One day I’ll have an office with solar panels ✨🙏💕

This area of women’s health, that often gets disregarded in Western medicine , is actually considered 1 of 3 “Golden Opportunities” a women has to enhance her health and wellness in TCM. Golden Opportunities are transitional phases a woman experiences throughout her life that tend to require a big output of her Jing (essence, vitality). If her Jing is squandered during Peri-Menopause, she can expect a rough transition into Menopause with all the symptoms everyone dreads (irregular menstruation, heavy menstruation, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, etc). Conserving and replenishing Jing during this phase can ease the transition and set the stage for health and longevity in the later years. It is crazy how such a pivotal phase can be so disregarded in the West and women are just expected to experience all of this “normal” discomfort as they prepare for “the change”. Come learn about Peri-Menopause and Menopause with me @the_hive_foundation in which I’ll share info about all of the Golden Opportunities and how you can harness them for a smoother transition into Menopause and beyond. All the details are on their page. See you there!

During the first trimester of pregnancy, experiencing some bleeding and cramping is actually quite common as the embryo implants and the body prepares to make the placenta. The color of the bleeding, or the presence of cramping, is not necessarily indicative of impending pregnancy loss. The combination of heavy bleeding (enough to saturate a pad) AND intense cramping happening TOGETHER is of greater concern. One of the most common causes for bleeding in the first trimester (especially for those who have undergone any kind of fertility treatment) is the presence of a SubChorionic Hematoma. As the name implies, it is basically a pooling of blood between the chorion (external sac that envelops the pregnancy) and the uterine lining. Most of the time, if the hematoma decides to drain, you can experience heavy bleeding with clots but relatively mild or no cramps. This usually happens around the 5-6 week mark and scares a lot of soon to be parents. After ultrasound and blood work, they can confirm that baby is ok and just monitor the hematoma. In the majority of cases, the hematoma will drain or get reabsorbed without causing any harm to the baby. Since placenta development can extend up to the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, there may be some bleeding as blood vessels are developing and attaching to the uterine wall during this time and the color of that blood may be fresh or dark. This bleeding usually happens with an absence of cramping. Sometimes the opposite is true and there will be some sharp pain/cramps but an absence of blood, during this phase. Bleeding during pregnancy can have various causes according to TCM and one of the most common is Qi Deficiency. Your body is using a LOT of Qi to build the placenta, the baby and all the other structures of pregnancy. If you are overtaxing yourself during this phase, the body lacks the Qi to hold al the blood in the vessels and some of it escapes. This is a major sign that you need to slow down and rest. Western culture often down plays the huge undertaking that the first trimester is and phrases like “it’s too early for you to be feeling_____” get thrown around. More in comments.

I grew up in the 90s when all kinds of dietary fat was considered bad and we were told consuming too much would increase our cholesterol. We now know that there are healthier fats (like the the kinds in butter, coconut, olives and avocados) and unhealthier fats (like canola and hydrogenated vegetable oils). We also know that dietary cholesterol (the amount listed on the nutrition label) has little to no effect on your blood cholesterol levels yet refined sugars have a definite negative impact. Grass fed butter is one of the best sources for healthy fats. It is nutrient dense containing vitamins A, D, K2, and E. It contains high levels of Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) which helps your body to release fat rather than store it as well as fight inflammation. It also contains Arachidonic Acid which plays a big role in immune system function (one of the reasons that breast milk is also high in Arachidonic Acid). Grass Fed butter also contains cholesterol, which news flash, your body actually needs! Cholesterol plays a major role in hormone production, healthy egg and sperm production, brain health and nervous system health. In essence, Grass Fed butter is practically a superfood and deserves a place in your nutrition. If you cannot tolerate grass fed butter, grass fed ghee also has amazing benefits without the lactose and casein. Keep in mind that the key to getting the most benefits is to make sure you are consuming GRASS FED butter. It’s no wonder butter makes everything delicious! I add it to my eggs, oatmeal, seafood and even hot chocolate for it’s richness, flavor and healthy fats. What’s your favorite way to enjoy grass fed butter?

Looking for an anti-oxidant rich and anti-inflammatory hot drink that blends the best of 2 worlds? Try this blend of Matcha and Golden Milk. Recipe is live on the blog now! . . . . #matcha #matchalatte #goldenmilk #turmeric #cinnamon #nondairymilk #refinedsugarfree #paleo #antioxidants #antiinflammatory

While losing 5-10% of EXCESS body weight may be helpful for pre-conception prep; I have heard many women of a healthy weight state that they want to lose weight as a sort of buffer for the weight they’ll gain during pregnancy. Besides being misguided, this idea can actually work against those who are trying to conceive. The body needs to feel safe and supported in order to create new life. This requires eating at regular intervals and ingesting enough calories. Weight loss that happens too quickly in someone who doesn’t have much weight to lose actually signals distress to the body. When the alarm sounds, one of the first things your body does is direct energy away from the reproductive system and reallocate it to organs necessary for your survival. Since reproduction isn’t perceived as safe when you are in survival mode (in a calorie deficit state and over-exercising), nutrients are diverted AWAY from egg and sperm rather than towards them. Additionally, your body knows that creating a life is a long haul process. It not only needs to make a baby, it also needs to make a placenta and sustain the growth of this human for ~40 weeks. It also understand it needs to produce a food source (breast milk) to sustain this life out of the womb. Furthermore, aside from overindulging, there is not much a woman can do to control how much weight she gains during pregnancy. Genetics play a big role here as well as co-current health conditions. For example, some women may gain 60-70lbs during pregnancy despite not having a huge uptick in their calorie intake during pregnancy (certain types of PCOS may predispose this). Conversely, some women have exponentially increased appetites and consume many more calories while only gaining 25lbs throughout the entire pregnancy. While it is always a good idea to make healthy dietary choices during pre-conception, pregnancy and beyond, the emphasis should be on what is sustainable for your body and what creates a sense of safety rather than a number on a scale.

J/K! I’ll still do it but I’ll definitely nag you about covering up 🤓 #cupping #guasha #CoverYourEverLovingWindGate #youcenteredwellness #grandmavibes #upyourscarfgame #itsforyourowngood #windgate

It’s simple! Acupuncture is amazing but it is only a fraction of how I work with patients. No amount of Acupuncture is going to address what nutrition is best for you, or what supplements are best for you or what toxic products are in your home. Making aligned changes to your everyday habits is FAR more important than the 30-40min you lay on the treatment table twice a month. Here are some conditions that Virtual Consultations can be very helpful for: -Menstrual Irregularities -Hormonal Support -Menopause -Fertility Support -PMS -Digestive Issues -Skin Issues (Acne, Eczema) -Sleep Issues -Headaches/Migraines -Low Energy -Brain Fog … and so much more! If you’ve been debating signing up for a Virtual Consultation but you aren’t sure if I can help you, comment below or send me a DM with any questions you might have about this offering. Pricing and details are available on my website ✌️

Don’t buy into the hype that you aren’t strong unless you can lift a certain amount of weight. What good is that “strength” if you aren’t able to walk a mile or dance with a loved one? Don’t buy into the hype that you are not resilient unless you sit in an ice bath for a certain amount of time. What good is that determination if you can’t sit alone with your thoughts for 5 minutes? I’ve seen videos of grandfathers who are Kung Fu masters. In their old age they possess more stamina, strength and mental resilience than any of these modern day biohackers ever will. No infrared saunas or kettle bells used in their training. Ever felt the sting of a jellyfish 🪼? If you have, you know how powerful these creatures are…and they are basically a blob! The point is, don’t let anyone define what strength should mean for you. While we are at it, let me remind you that there is strength in softening. 🙏✨

In a society that constantly asks us to do more, I am the one who will ask you to rest more. Rest is often necessary in order to gain clarity on how to move forward. So many of us channel our best ideas when we are in the shower, journaling, meditating, on a walk, on vacation, etc. If I am ever inclined to ask someone to do more, it is typically for them to slow down more. Listen more. Trust your intuition more. Perhaps it’s a matter of doing things differently rather than doing more. Finding balance ☯️. Doing what makes sense for you even if no one else understands. Sending you love and light 💕✨

“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 ☕️ 🫖