How Our Oakland Acupuncture Clinic Approaches Whole-Body Healing
Many people arrive at our clinic with a similar feeling—
a sense that something is off, even if they can’t quite name it.
They’ve tried addressing symptoms one at a time.
They’ve followed recommendations.
And yet, their body keeps asking for more nuanced care.
That’s often where whole-body healing begins: not with a diagnosis, but with listening.
At our Oakland Acupuncture Clinic, we believe healing happens when the full story is acknowledged—physical, emotional, and internal. Not rushed. Not fragmented. Just thoughtfully understood.
The Philosophy That Guides Our Care
Our philosophy is simple, but deeply intentional:
The body is intelligent, interconnected, and always communicating.
Rather than asking, “What’s wrong?” we start with, “What’s your body trying to say?”
Every system affects the next—stress influences digestion, digestion affects energy, energy impacts mood, and mood shapes the nervous system. When we treat only one piece, balance remains elusive.
Whole-body healing honors the reality that health is layered.
And meaningful change takes place when those layers are supported together.
Where Eastern Medicine Meets Functional Medicine
Eastern medicine has always understood patterns.
Functional medicine helps us understand mechanisms.
By integrating both, we’re able to care for the body in a way that feels grounded, informed, and deeply personal.
Acupuncture helps regulate the nervous system, circulation, and energy flow.
Functional medicine allows us to explore root causes—nutrient status, inflammation, hormonal patterns, and stress responses.
Together, they offer:
A deeper understanding of why symptoms appear
More precise, individualized treatment plans
Support that addresses both internal balance and physical expression
This integration allows us to move beyond symptom management and into meaningful, lasting support.
Conditions We Commonly Support
Because we approach care holistically, many concerns overlap and influence one another. Some of the most common reasons people seek care include:
Chronic stress and burnout
Hormonal imbalance
Digestive discomfort
Sleep disturbances
Persistent pain or tension
Fatigue and brain fog
Emotional overwhelm
What these experiences often share is a nervous system asking for regulation—and a body ready for support once it’s given the chance.
What Patient Progress Often Looks Like
Healing rarely happens all at once.
Instead, it unfolds gradually—and often more gently than expected.
Patients frequently tell us they notice:
Deeper, more restorative sleep
Improved energy without crashes
Less reactivity to stress
Subtle but meaningful emotional shifts
A renewed sense of connection to their bodies
One patient described it as “feeling steadier, even when life stays busy.”
Another shared that they no longer felt like they were “constantly catching up” with their health.
These aren’t overnight transformations.
They’re signs of the body returning to balance.
Moving Forward, Thoughtfully
If you’re seeking care that respects the complexity of your experience, know that whole-body healing doesn’t require force or urgency.
It begins with attention.
With curiosity.
With choosing support that sees you as more than a set of symptoms.
That’s the approach we bring to every treatment—one conversation, one session, one step at a time.
With care,
The Root & Stem Clinic Team
Functional Medicine: When Your Body Is Asking for a Deeper Look
There’s a point many people reach in their health journey where the answers stop feeling complete.
Lab work comes back “normal.”
Treatments help… a little.
Symptoms persist, shift, or return in new ways.
That moment isn’t a failure of effort or care.
Often, it’s simply your body asking for a deeper conversation.
This is where exploring Functional Medicine near Oakland can feel like a turning point—not because it promises quick fixes, but because it invites understanding.
Who Benefits From Functional Medicine
Functional medicine is especially supportive for people who sense that something beneath the surface hasn’t yet been addressed.
Many who benefit are:
Managing ongoing fatigue or burnout
Experiencing hormonal shifts or cycle changes
Living with digestive discomfort
Navigating chronic stress or inflammation
Feeling “off” without a clear explanation
Rather than treating these experiences in isolation, functional medicine looks for the common threads connecting them.
Why Symptoms Often Have Hidden Root Causes
Symptoms rarely appear out of nowhere.
They tend to emerge when the body has been compensating for some time.
Stress, nutrient depletion, inflammation, sleep disruption, and emotional strain can quietly accumulate until the system reaches a threshold. What shows up on the surface—fatigue, pain, anxiety, skin changes—is often the body’s final attempt to be heard.
Functional medicine asks different questions:
When did this begin?
What changed beforehand?
How do multiple systems interact here?
By tracing symptoms back to their origins, we create space for real, sustainable support.
Example Patterns We Often See
While every person’s story is unique, certain patterns tend to repeat.
For example:
Persistent fatigue connected to long-term stress and nutrient depletion
Digestive issues paired with inflammatory or hormonal imbalances
Mood shifts linked to blood sugar instability or poor sleep quality
Pain patterns influenced by nervous system dysregulation
Seeing these patterns clearly allows care to become more precise, compassionate, and effective.
Beginning a Functional Medicine Journey
Starting functional medicine doesn’t mean committing to an overwhelming process.
It begins with curiosity and a willingness to look beneath the surface.
The first step is often a detailed conversation—one that explores your health history, lifestyle, stressors, and goals. From there, care unfolds thoughtfully, with small, intentional adjustments that support your body’s natural capacity to recalibrate.
Healing isn’t about chasing perfection.
It’s about creating conditions where balance can return.
Listening Is the First Step
If your body has been quietly—or persistently—asking for attention, consider this an opportunity to respond with care rather than urgency.
Functional medicine offers a way to listen more closely, understand more fully, and move forward with intention.
With care,
The Root & Stem Clinic Team
How our Nevada City Acupuncturist Treats Stress, Fatigue, and Hormone Imbalance
There’s a kind of exhaustion that sleep doesn’t fix.
The kind where coffee helps for an hour… and then doesn’t.
We see it often—people who are doing “everything right” but still feel depleted, foggy, or emotionally stretched thin. Stress hums constantly in the background. Energy feels unpredictable. Hormones feel… off.
What’s powerful is this:
These experiences aren’t random—and they’re not signs of failure.
They’re signals.
And listening to those signals is where acupuncture shines.
Modern Stress, Ancient Solutions
Our bodies were never designed to live in constant “on” mode.
Yet modern life keeps us there—emails, notifications, responsibilities, expectations. Over time, the nervous system adapts by staying alert… even when it desperately needs rest.
This is where working with an Acupuncturist in Nevada City can feel surprisingly grounding.
Acupuncture gently signals the nervous system to shift out of fight-or-flight and into repair. Circulation improves. Tension softens. The body remembers how to regulate itself again.
It’s not about escaping stress—it’s about restoring resilience.
Hormone Support Through Acupuncture
Hormones are messengers.
When they’re imbalanced, it’s often because the body is responding to stress, inflammation, or depletion—not because something is “broken.”
Acupuncture supports hormone health by:
Calming the stress response
Supporting healthy sleep patterns
Improving blood flow and circulation
Encouraging communication between systems
Many people notice changes not just physically, but emotionally—more steadiness, fewer crashes, and a renewed sense of internal rhythm.
When the body feels safe, hormones tend to follow.
What a Treatment Plan Looks Like
Acupuncture is not a one-size-fits-all experience.
A treatment plan is shaped around you—your energy levels, stress patterns, cycle, digestion, sleep, and lifestyle. Two people may share similar symptoms and still receive very different care.
Sessions often involve:
A thoughtful conversation about how you’re feeling week to week
Gentle needle placement tailored to your needs
Space to rest and reset while your body does the work
Over time, many people describe feeling more grounded in their bodies—not just “less symptomatic,” but more themselves again.
Self-Care Practices That Support Healing
Between sessions, small, consistent practices can make a meaningful difference.
Here are a few we often encourage:
Slowing your breathing before bed
Eating warm, nourishing meals when possible
Noticing energy dips without judging them
Creating moments of stillness—even brief ones
Healing doesn’t require perfection.
It thrives on kindness and consistency.
A Thought to Leave You With
If stress, fatigue, or hormonal shifts have been whispering—or shouting—for your attention, consider this an invitation to pause and listen.
Your body isn’t working against you.
It’s communicating.
Acupuncture offers a way to respond with care, curiosity, and respect—helping your system find its way back to balance, one gentle step at a time.
With warmth,
The Root & Stem Clinic Team
The Holistic Power of Acupuncture: What Makes the Best Acupuncture in Oakland Stand Out
There’s a moment many people experience right before they book their first acupuncture appointment.
A pause.
A quiet question:
“How do I know I’m choosing the right practitioner?”
When someone searches for the best acupuncture, they’re usually not looking for perfection.
They’re looking for relief.
For answers.
For care that feels thoughtful, grounded, and personal.
So what does “best” really mean when it comes to acupuncture—and how do you recognize it when you find it?
What “Best” Really Means in Acupuncture Care
The best acupuncture experience isn’t defined by how many needles are used or how quickly symptoms disappear.
It’s defined by how well you’re seen.
At its heart, acupuncture is about listening—to the body, to patterns, to subtle signals that often go unnoticed in fast-paced medical environments. When people seek out the Best Acupuncture Oakland, they’re often searching for a practitioner who looks beyond the surface and takes the time to understand the why behind their symptoms.
“Best” means care that is:
Thoughtful, not rushed
Rooted in both tradition and modern understanding
Personalized rather than one-size-fits-all
Focused on long-term balance, not just quick fixes
True healing happens when treatment feels collaborative, not transactional.
Holistic Care vs. Symptom-Only Treatment
Symptom-only care asks, “What hurts?”
Holistic care asks, “What’s happening underneath?”
While acupuncture can absolutely help with pain, stress, digestive issues, or hormonal shifts, its real power lies in how it connects the dots.
A headache may be linked to stress.
Digestive issues may reflect emotional strain.
Fatigue may point toward deeper imbalances in rest, nourishment, or nervous system regulation.
Holistic acupuncture doesn’t ignore symptoms—it respects them as messengers.
Instead of silencing the body, we work with it.
Instead of overriding signals, we learn from them.
What to Expect During Your First Acupuncture Session
For many people, the first session comes with a mix of curiosity and uncertainty.
That’s completely natural.
Your initial visit typically begins with a conversation—not just about what brought you in, but about sleep, energy, digestion, stress, and how you feel in your body day-to-day. This broader view helps shape a treatment that reflects you, not just your symptoms.
During acupuncture treatment, most people are surprised by how gentle acupuncture feels.
The needles are hair-thin, and many patients describe the experience as deeply calming—sometimes even nap-inducing.
It’s common to leave feeling:
Relaxed
Grounded
Clear-headed
More connected to your body
And over time, that sense of balance often becomes something you carry with you beyond the treatment room.
Signs You’ve Found the Right Acupuncturist
Finding the best acupuncture care is about trust and alignment.
Here are a few signs you’re in the right place:
You feel heard and not rushed
Your practitioner explains things in a way that makes sense to you
Treatment plans feel collaborative, not prescriptive
You notice gradual, meaningful shifts—not just quick fixes
Your care addresses both physical and emotional well-being
When acupuncture is done well, it feels less like “doing something to your body” and more like supporting something already within it.
That’s often what people mean when they talk about the Best Acupuncture Oakland—care that honors the body’s innate wisdom and creates space for real healing.
Our Invitation to you
If you’re considering acupuncture, trust your intuition.
Notice how you feel when reading about a clinic or practitioner.
Healing begins with resonance.
Whether you’re seeking relief, balance, or simply a deeper connection with your body, acupuncture offers a powerful, time-tested path toward wellness—one rooted in listening, patience, and care.
We’re honored to support those journeys, one treatment at a time.
With care,
The Root & Stem Clinic Team
What Functional Medicine Really Means to Us in Oakland (and How It Changed the Way We Practice)
There’s a moment many of our patients share with us—
a quiet confession that comes after years of trying to feel better:
“I’ve done everything my doctors told me to do… and I still don’t feel like myself.”
We hear this often.
And honestly, it’s a moment we understand deeply.
Because long before we ever offered Functional Medicine in Oakland CA, we felt that same frustration—watching people we cared for bounce between specialists, prescriptions, and lab tests without ever receiving a full picture of whythey felt the way they did.
At some point, it became impossible to ignore:
People are not a collection of symptoms.
And healing can’t happen when we treat them as if they are.
That realization is what drew us toward functional medicine in the first place.
The Shift That Changed Everything
Functional medicine invited us to slow down, look deeper, and ask better questions.
Not just:
“What symptom are you having?”
but
“What’s the story behind it?”
We began noticing patterns.
A little inflammation here.
A small hormone imbalance there.
A digestion issue that looked minor until the bigger picture made it clear:
Nothing in the body happens in isolation.
And once we started connecting those dots more intentionally, something beautiful happened:
Our patients began to feel seen.
Understood.
Validated.
Hopeful again.
That’s when we knew this wasn’t just another modality—it was a philosophy that fit hand-in-hand with our work in acupuncture, Eastern medicine, and whole-body healing.
What Functional Medicine Looks Like in Real Life
It’s not exotic or complicated.
It’s actually incredibly human.
It looks like…
A patient realizing their fatigue began long before their thyroid numbers shifted
Someone finally connecting their gut symptoms to unresolved stress
A new parent discovering that “brain fog” isn’t in their head—it's in their cortisol
A person with chronic pain learning that inflammation, sleep, and diet all weave together
And the most powerful part?
Small, intentional changes can create profound shifts.
Sometimes it’s a lab marker we optimize.
Sometimes it’s a nutrient deficiency we uncover.
Sometimes it’s a pattern in someone’s life they never realized had such impact.
Every layer matters.
And every layer tells a story.
Why We Practice Functional Medicine in Oakland
Offering Functional Medicine services wasn’t a business decision for us.
It felt more like an inevitability—an unfolding of the work we were already doing.
We have always believed that the body carries immense wisdom.
Functional medicine simply gives us deeper tools to listen more closely.
Here in Oakland, where people are often juggling demanding careers, caregiving responsibilities, creativity, community, and personal healing journeys all at once, this approach feels especially needed.
Our work is to help you reconnect with the version of yourself that feels balanced, resilient, and grounded—
not just temporarily better, but truly well.
🌬 A Gentle Invitation
If something in you is whispering that there might be more to your symptoms than you’ve been told… we’d love to explore that with you.
Healing doesn’t happen from rushing.
It begins with noticing.
So here’s a small practice we often share:
Today, when you have a quiet moment, place a hand on your belly and take three slow breaths.
Ask yourself gently:
“What is my body trying to tell me?”
You don’t need the answer right away.
Simply beginning the conversation is enough.
And if you're curious about how functional medicine could support your story, our team is here—ready to listen, ready to dig deeper, ready to walk with you.
With care,
The Root & Stem Clinic Team
Natural Approaches to Aging: Facial Acupuncture & Microneedling
Facial Acupuncture
(A gentle, holistic guide from our clinic)
There’s a quiet moment many people share with us—
that instant when they look in the mirror and think:
“I still feel young on the inside… so why does my skin look so tired?”
It’s not vanity.
It’s the human experience of aging—gracefully, yes, but also visibly.
And for many people, harsh cosmetic procedures don’t feel aligned with the way they want to care for their bodies.
That’s why more and more of our patients are turning toward natural skin rejuvenation, especially facial acupuncture and microneedling.
Two gentle, effective therapies that bring radiance back into the skin without injections, chemicals, or downtime.
Let’s walk through what makes these treatments so unique—and why combining them creates such powerful results.
The Philosophy Behind Natural Skin Rejuvenation
In Eastern medicine, your face isn’t separate from your body.
The skin tells a story—about stress, digestion, hormones, sleep, hydration, circulation, and even emotional patterns.
So when someone comes to us for cosmetic support, we don’t just focus on wrinkles or fine lines.
We look at the whole person.
That’s why holistic cosmetic approaches often feel different from conventional ones—they work from the inside out, restoring balance rather than forcing change.
Facial Acupuncture: Gentle, Natural Collagen Activation
Facial acupuncture is one of our favorite tools for aging gracefully.
Here’s what happens during a session:
Tiny, hair-thin needles are placed along the face and body. These points increase circulation, stimulate collagen, calm inflammation, and help lift and tone the skin.
Many patients describe it as:
A natural face-lift
A deep sense of relaxation
A glow that looks like “they just returned from vacation”
What facial acupuncture helps with:
Fine lines + wrinkles
Puffiness
Dull complexion
Tension in the jaw or brow
Mild sagging
Stress-related aging patterns
And because the treatment also regulates the body’s nervous system, people often leave with not just brighter skin, but a calmer mind.
Microneedling: Science Meets Skin Renewal
Microneedling takes skin rejuvenation to the next level.
Using a device with ultra-fine needles, microneedling creates micro-channels in the skin.
This signals your body to activate its natural repair process—boosting collagen, elastin, and cell turnover.
Results often include:
Smoother texture
Reduced acne scarring
Smaller pores
Softer fine lines
A firmer, more youthful appearance
Microneedling is powerful yet still natural—your own skin is doing the work.
And when performed by a practitioner trained in both Eastern and functional medicine principles, it becomes even more impactful because we support the internal terrain that fuels your skin’s healing.
Why Combining the Two Works So Well
You can absolutely receive either therapy on its own.
But when paired, the results often become noticeably stronger and longer-lasting.
Here’s why:
Facial acupuncture improves internal balance—circulation, lymphatic flow, stress response.
Microneedling focuses on structural collagen remodeling at the surface.
Together they create:
A smoother, brighter complexion
Fuller, more resilient skin
A reduction in wrinkles and tension
A healthy glow that doesn’t wash off
It’s the difference between fixing what’s visible…
and supporting what’s beneath it.
A Gentle Reminder
If you’re noticing changes in your skin, it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.
It simply means your body is speaking—inviting you to tend to it kindly, not critically.
Your skin deserves nourishment, circulation, rest, and balance. And natural rejuvenation treatments honor the body you’ve lived in, rather than trying to change it into something unfamiliar.
Curious Whether Facial Acupuncture or Microneedling Is Right for You?
We love helping people feel more at home in their skin—naturally, gently, and in harmony with the whole body.
If you’re wondering which treatment would best support your goals, or how these approaches might fit into your skincare journey, we’d be honored to guide you.
With care,
The Root & Stem Clinic Team
Exciting News: New Integrative Medicine Program in Development
I'm thrilled to announce that I will be developing, designing, and creating a comprehensive add-on integrative medicine program for ACCHS Doctor of Acupuncture with Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization (DAcCHM) and Bridge program participants.
Program Overview
This innovative program will enhance our existing DAcCHM and Bridge program curricula by incorporating evidence-based integrative medicine approaches that complement traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture practices. The program is designed to provide students and practitioners with:
Holistic Treatment Approaches: Understanding how to integrate Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and complementary therapies
Patient-Centered Care: Developing skills to address the whole person using both Eastern and Western perspectives
Evidence-Based Practice: Learning to evaluate and implement integrative therapies based on current research and traditional wisdom
Clinical Application: Practical training in integrative medicine techniques that enhance acupuncture and herbal medicine practice
What This Means for Our Community
This program represents a significant step forward in Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture education, preparing healthcare professionals to meet the growing demand for integrative care approaches. DAcCHM and Bridge program participants will gain valuable skills that enhance their ability to provide comprehensive, patient-centered treatment that bridges Eastern and Western medicine.
Development Timeline
Program development is currently underway, with detailed curriculum design and implementation planning in progress. We anticipate [timeline details] for program launch.
Looking Ahead
I'm excited to bring this innovative educational opportunity to our community and look forward to sharing more details as the program takes shape. This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing healthcare education and preparing practitioners for the evolving landscape of modern medicine.
Stay tuned for updates on enrollment, curriculum details, and launch information in upcoming communications.
Just Breathe
There's a marker in routine blood work that reveals something fascinating about how we breathe.
When CO2 levels drop below 24, it indicates mild chronic hyperventilation—something most of us do without realizing it.
This subtle pattern of shallow, rapid breathing creates a cascade of effects like increased acidity in our bodies, higher inflammation levels, and internal pH disruptions.
We slip into this state SO easily when we're stressed, anxious, or not remembering to slow down.
Here’s the irony, though: We're usually completely unaware it's happening.
The best way to reverse this pattern is exactly what you'd expect…
Just breathe.
But of course, it’s easier said than done. We need reminders to break unconscious habits.
My suggestion to patients has always been to set a daily phone reminder to pause and breathe intentionally.
Recently, I decided it was time to practice what I preach.
So now, every day at 1 PM, my phone buzzes with a simple alert: "Breathe."
I cannot overstate how transformative this has been. I had no idea how desperately I needed a 30-second break to stop, slow down, take a few deep breaths, and reset.
No matter where I am or what I'm doing, that little alert triggers an automatic response. I slow down, take several sweet, slow breaths, and feel my entire system recalibrate.
Instead of staying locked in non-stop high activity and stress, I'm giving myself permission to pause.
After one month of this practice, I feel genuinely different—calmer, more centered, and more resilient throughout my days.
I know it’s hard to believe this tiny little change can make a difference.
So I'm extending this same challenge to you. Set a daily breathing reminder on your phone. Pick a time that works for your schedule, and when it goes off, simply stop and take 3 slow deep breaths.
Try it for a week. Then try it for a month. I'd love to hear if it shifts your days, too.
Dr. Jessica
This one time I went back to China
In 2008, I traveled back to Hangzhou with Five Branches to study in the hospitals for a few weeks over my last summer of school.
If you have any opportunity to shadow in a Chinese hospital, I highly recommend it!
One of the most formative memories for my current profession was during a grand rounds session with the head OBGYN herbalist doc at the hospital. She sat a large desk in the middle of a large room, packed full of women.
Each patient would come up one by one and sit at the desk why she felt pulses and asked questions. What struck me most, was that these sessions were not just about the doctor and patient, but the entire room became a community of support chiming in about their own experiences, all while the doctor would nod or respond.
You could just feel the ease of some of the patients when they would hear stories from others that mirrored their own, assuring them that they were not alone.
It was truly one of the most groundbreaking experiences while learning to become a practitioner.
This also gave me the inspiration to put together this panel of awesome practitioners to come together and present you with our series The Vital Change.
Our webinar series will cover all the basics of peri and menopause support, whether it's for yourself or to learn more for your patients.
Plus, my lecture on April 30th is a sneak peak of what's to come during my Fall 8 week cohort on the Yin and Yang of Hormones.
💻 VIRTUAL SERIES: "The Vital Change: 4-Part Perimenopause Panel"
Wednesdays 10-11am PST, Starting April 30th Full series: $95 for all 4 classes or $30 per session - Register here
If you can't make the in-person event, our comprehensive virtual series brings together four specialists (including menopause expert Chantal Traub!) for an in-depth exploration of how to navigate perimenopause with more ease and better physical and emotional well-being.
Each session focuses on a different aspect of this transition that I've found makes a real difference for my patients:
Session 1: April 30th - Decoding Functional Blood Work & Perimenopause Hormones
Led by: Dr. Jessica Parker (that's me!)
Navigating perimenopause can feel like a mystery, but your blood work holds the answers. In this talk, we’ll break down how to interpret functional lab markers to understand your shifting hormones. Learn how to spot imbalances, what they mean for your symptoms, and how to use this knowledge to support your body through the transition. Whether you're a practitioner or someone experiencing perimenopause firsthand, this session will provide practical insights for optimizing hormonal health.
Session 2: May 7th - Hot, Bothered, & Hungry: Nutrition Secrets for Your Menopausal Metamorphosis
Led by: Lyssandra Guerra, Native Palms Nutrition
Are hormonal changes affecting your energy, mood, and waistline? In this interactive session, you'll discover nutrition strategies to help manage common symptoms and support your body's changing needs. Learn which foods can help ease hot flashes, improve sleep quality, stabilize mood swings, and maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Learn the essential nutrients your body requires during this transition, natural approaches to relieve common symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, and mood swings, practical meal planning strategies that work with your busy life, simple recipe modifications to transform your favorite dishes, and adaptogens and other supportive herbs to incorporate into daily nutrition. Whether you're just beginning to experience perimenopausal symptoms or have been in menopause for years, this workshop offers valuable tools to help you thrive during this natural life transition. Take control of your health journey with nutrition that works with your body, not against it.
Session 3: May 14th - Connecting through the Liminal: Peri/menopause and Mental Health
Led by: Elena White, MFT
This session won't be recorded to create a safe space for authentic sharing.
How do we begin to prepare for shifts and changes in our mental and emotional health? What have YOU experienced or noticed? This session will explore the emotional and psychological challenges that many women face during this transitional phase of life. During this group, Elena will utilize her role both as mental health clinician and post-menopausal woman who has experienced first-hand changes in mental and emotional health during perimenopause. We will discuss self-care practices, lifestyle adjustments, family history, connection with others, and the importance of seeking professional support. Whether you're experiencing these changes yourself or supporting someone who is, this workshop will empower you with knowledge and strategies to foster mental well-being during perimenopause. Please come prepared to participate, share experiences and connect and learn from others. There will be time at the end for Q&A. Please note: this group will not be recorded.
Session 4: May 21st -Menopause, Sleep and The Nervous System
Led by: Chantal Traub, Doula, Women's Health Educator, & Menopause Specialist
Sleep becomes an invaluable resource in midlife, often disrupted by the hormonal changes that accompany menopause. In this session, Chantal will explore how these changes impact sleep, why women are more prone to sleep challenges during this time, and how chronic stress further exacerbates sleep disruptions. Participants will learn how shifting from "fight or flight" state to the restorative "rest and digest" mode can improve sleep quality and overall well-being. Objectives: • Understand the connection between hormonal changes and sleep disturbances in midlife. • Explore the role of the nervous system in regulating sleep and stress. • Learn practical strategies to improve sleep hygiene and develop supportive bedtime habits. • Discover mindfulness and relaxation techniques for truly restorative sleep. Session will include presentation, experiential participation from the audience and time for Q&A.
In health,
Dr. Jessica Parker
Health and equity for all
I personally am feeling the let down from this week's election results. Gutted "again" to say the least.
I wanted to share, in my own words, my feelings and offerings of support, but this email came across my desk yesterday. IM4US is one of my favorite organizations doing amazing work in integrative medicine and health equity. They wrote the perfect message I just had to send to you.
"Dear IM4US Community,
Yesterday was a hard day. We are all facing difficult truths about the country and world we live in - for some of us “we are not what we thought we were”, for others “we are exactly what we have always been”. Many of us may feel that we are walking through a world that seems increasingly dedicated to conflict, division, short-sightedness and a loss of any consideration of a common good.
We may be feeling disbelief, sadness, anger or rage, anxiety, despair, hopelessness, dissociation, or any combination or vacillation of these and other states. What we hope will be possible for each and every one of us is to simply allow what we are feeling without the need to judge it, change it, or bury it.
The world we seek to build - one of compassion, caring, and health for all - begins with self-care. Those of us who are drawn to work at the intersection of health and social justice often feel an imperative to care for others first. Today and in the times ahead, we extend an invitation to carefully attune to what you are feeling, and perhaps just repeat a compassionate phrase to yourself, “Oh my dear, this is hard right now.”
Self-care can look like many things. Take refuge in what you know to be comforting and admit that this is a wound. Nourishment is essential for healing.
Here are a few general tips to support yourself and reduce stress and anxiety around the election:
Stay off Social Media and News sites
Connect with another person - a loved one, dear friend, or mentor. Isolation can make uncertainty harder to bear.
Give and get hugs – they can be so very healing
Value your own health - eat well, sleep well, breathe well, exercise
Make space for spirituality if that is comforting for you
Do something you love, something creative, something affirming
Spend time with a pet
Do some grounding techniques that feel good to you – like mindful breathing, gentle stretching or walking barefoot on the earth
Practice acts of kindness and compassion for yourself
If you are feeling particularly depressed, vulnerable or scared, and are worried you may take some action that would result in harm to yourself or others, please reach out to someone you know and trust for help.
The Trevor Project - For LGBTQIA+, and specificallyaround the 2024 election
General Resources:
University of San Francisco Election Care kit
Khesed Mental Health Election Resources
If you need support and are not able to find it in the resources above, reach out to your local mental health advocates or department of health.
Fellowship and action can improve feelings of agency and actualization and decrease stress. Perhaps this jolt catalyzes your commitment to building a more just and equitable world. Collaboration in our working groups advances the important work we do, and we are even more energized. IM4US continues to focus on building the world as we want to see it, and you can join your fellow IM4US members to help.
This month’s working groups will meet as follows:
Research and Education Committee meets next Tuesday Nov 12th at 6 pm EDT/3PM PDT;
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee meets Thursday Nov 21 at 8PM EDT,
Cultural Misappropriation Subcommittee meeting is this Friday, Nov 8th at 8PM EDT/5 PMPDT.
IM4US Conference Planning Committee currently meets monthly. Reach out to Renee Schneider at Renee@im4us.org.
If you would like to receive a calendar invite for any of the above working groups, please email Angela Lee at Angela@im4us.org.
Let us walk forward together, grounded in our shared purpose and invested in our commitment to Health for All.In the weeks ahead, we will continue sending letters with information and ideas for healing and moving forward. Today, let us take comfort in our fellowship and our community.
With warmest regards and in solidarity,
The IM4US Leadership Team"
In health,
Dr. Jessica Parker
Top 8 spots to relieve sciatica
Sciatic pain is one of the most common conditions I see in the clinic. Sciatica is a condition where pain radiates from the glutes down the side or back of the leg to the feet. This is usually due to the compression of the Sciatic nerve, which runs under the Piriformis muscle.
Today we will cover 8 of my favorite points along where patients commonly complain of Sciatic pain, that open the muscular and energetic channels to relieve tension.
#1
Muscle: Piriformis
Acupoint: Gallbladder 30 (GB 30)
The Piriformis spans from the Sacrum (tailbone) to the head of the Greater Trochanter, which is the bony spot on the side of the hip. You can find it by touching your tailbone and sliding across your glutes out to the side. This is also the general location for a prominent Acupoint, GB 30, which is an excellent point for Sciatica and lower back pain.
To activate this muscle lay flat on your back, with both knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Place the ball under your glutes on the side that you want to work on. Let the ball sink into the tissue.
To add more pressure, let the leg that you are working on rest out to the side until the side of your leg is flat on the floor. This really focuses pressure onto the tennis ball and can be quite tender if you haven't worked on this area before. Control the pressure by leaning on or off the ball.
#2
Muscle: IT Band/Vastus Lateralis
Acupoint: Gallbladder 31 (GB 31)
This is one of my favorites to activate with the Tennis Ball. This is the infamous IT Band, aka the Iliotibial Tract. This is also a major Acupoint, GB 31 and is great for conditions like Sciatica, Lower Back Pain, and Knee pain. In Acupuncture, we use this point for conditions related to itching, rashes, and tremor.
Lay down in the side lying position, and place the ball between the meaty outside part of your leg and the floor. Until you've spent some time getting the muscle to relax, this muscle is usually very tender. We use this muscle any time we stand, talk, squat, or take any impact. It plays a huge part in the stabilization of the knee, and relates closely to the glutes and lower back.
Let the ball sink in slowly, and control the pressure by leaning on or off the ball. You can straighten or bend your legs to adjust to your liking. Just try your best to relax, and make sure not to put too much pressure as to cause pain. You can try it on different surfaces for different results. For example, practicing on a bed will make it easier on your body, and practicing on a harder surface will increase pressure. If the ball slips out, try using a surface like carpet to keep it in place. Eventually you should be able to position your weight directly on to the ball so that it won't slip out, even on hardwood floor
#3
Muscle: IT Band
Acupoint: GB 33
When you feel like the muscle has relaxed, you can use your hand to move the ball up or down along the length of your leg. Another of my favorite spots is a couple inches above the knee. This is an Acupoint called Gallbladder 33 (GB 33), where the muscle and tendon meet, and it is a common point of tension.
Feel free to try different spots along the outside of your leg, and find what works best for you.
#4
Muscle: Fibularis/Peroneus Longus
Acupoint: Gb 34
This point is awesome. Not only is it a focal point of stress for the knee joint, but it is also one of the most powerful and widely used acupoints on the body. GB 34 is a special point that influences all the sinews (tendons and ligaments) in the body. It is a premier point for total body relaxation, knee pain, and stress relief.
Place the ball underneath your leg where it starts to get meaty below your knee. The general location of GB 34 is right under the head of the Fibula bone. It's the bony protrusion on the outside, just below the knee. To find it, locate the bony protrusion on the outside part of your ankle. This is the lower head of the Fibula. Slide your finger up your leg until you find the other bony spot further up the leg.
In the picture below I demonstrate how to activate the point while sitting on the floor. You can also perform this technique while sitting in a chair. Stay tuned for articles about the techniques that can be done while seated in a chair.
Sit on the floor in the hurdler stretch position, with one leg straight and the other leg bent. Tuck the bent leg under the straight leg so the top leg and put some pressure on the lower leg. If you want to add pressure, lean on the bent leg with your arm.
#5
Muscle: Fibularis/Peroneus Longus
Acupoint: GB 36
This point is about midway along the side of the lower leg, and is used in Acupuncture as a point to relieve acute pain along the Gallbladder channel.
Use the same technique as we used for GB 34.
#6
Muscle: Fibularis/Peroneus Longus
Acupoint: GB 39
This is a powerful Acupuncture point that is excellent for ankle pain/sprains, boosting energy, strengthening the immune system, and helping to improve memory.
Use the same technique as with GB 34 and GB 36.
#7
Acupoint: Urinary Bladder 62 (UB 62)
This Acupuncture point is one of the most powerful distal (far away from the body) points in the body for sciatica and low back pain. It is a point that activates a special channel that runs along major focal points of pain and tension in the body.
It is located just below the bony protrusion on the outside of the ankle (aka the lateral malleolus), in between the two little tendons. You can also work on the meaty part just below the tendons as well. This spot is really effective for treating ankle pain/sprains as well.
#8
Acupoint: GB 41
Sometimes patients with Sciatica have pain that goes all the way down their leg to the side of their foot, right around an Acupuncture point that is great for conditions related to the abdomen. Be careful and gentle with this point, as there are small bones and tendons here. This area is great for ankle sprains and foot pain.
And there you have it! My top 8 favorite points for treating Sciatica with a Tennis Ball. Of course, you can use any type of object, but a Tennis Ball can be more comfortable for the sensitive areas.
These are the most common spots of pain from Sciatica, and these are the main points that we use in Acupuncture and Massage to treat the condition.
Happy Healing!
- Andrew Eng, L.Ac
Are supplements helpful?
I did my Functional Blood Chemistry labs (something I do for patients all the time).
It's similar to what you'd get with a physical, but a little beefier. Medical doctors usually don't include a full thyroid or lipid panel with their set of labs. My feeling is that the labs I run cost next to nothing, and there's no reason not to look at them at least once a year.
Here's the thing: GPs aren't trained to read through a preventative lens. They're trained to intervene when labs show disease. This means many patients with labs that look "normal" to a GP, still feel unwell.
Western MDs are complication managers or disease managers. They're good at that, and it's vital to the survival of humans, but there's a largely unfilled need for preventative care (which is my focus as a function medicine doctor).
Don't get me wrong. I'm not attacking MDs; they are part of the system that gives them maybe 15 minutes with patients, so they have to focus on the most pressing concerns and don't have time to dive deep.
When we analyze labs from the munctional Medicine lens, we're looking to see what is optimal and learn how the body and digestive system is managing and using nutrients at the root level.
Anyway, I did my labs and found that I wasn't absorbing much of my micronutrients and even some macronutrients.
While I don't generally experience digestive issues, my body felt off and I was so run down. My takeaway from my lab work was that my body had lost some of its ability to really deeply nourish me.
All of my pill supplements were essentially just creating expensive pee (I was urinating away most of what I was taking).
So, I stopped taking everything and worked at supporting my gut.
Here's what I'm doing:
Digestive bitters either in a tincture or as a side dish with every meal
Probiotic foods with my breakfast (sauerkraut or kimchi, probiotic pickles)
Warm teas with immune-supporting herbs and mushroom complexes
I also started really focusing on my meal time (no social media, email, or phone when while eating).
I’m still struggling with this one (especially getting my day going at breakfast time), but taking the phone away from myself during lunch and dinner has made a huge impact.
I'll share here how my labs changed when I run them again in a few months.
The moral of the story is this:
Get your labs done by a functional medicine doctor if you want to learn how your body is processing all the good stuff that you are trying to give it.
Microneedling is now more accessible
I chat with lots of people who are on the fence about diving into the radiant aging program. I’m always looking for gua sha near me, and it can be hard to find a really great Chinese medicine doctor that can offer both acupuncture for the inside as well as the outside.
And I get it, at a glance, it’s a really big investment - so I’ve been working on a way to make it more accessible.
I thought about discounting the program, but I know the overall value is outstanding compared to medical spas offering microneedling in the area (up to $700 per treatment).
Each of our sessions also include full body acupuncture treatments to address underlying concerns. This is definitely not happening at a med spa.
Radiant Aging is 3 mircronedling treatments - each a month apart - interspersed with 7 facial acupuncture treatments (which are better for lifting and firming facial skin and addressing underlying conditions that affect skin health).
Plus, we add 30 minutes of Celluma light therapy to all 10 sessions.
If you’re not familiar, Celluma is an FDA-approved infrared device that reactivates and stimulates the body's ability to produce collagen and elastin (to reduce fine lines and wrinkles).
Depending on their situations, many of our patients experience dramatic, long-lasting results.
Whether you are experiencing digestive issues, hormonal acne, or perimenopause and noticing skin dryness related to lower estrogen levels, this unique blend of treatments has not only been visually transformative for our patients’ skin but has also helped many achieve other long-lasting health benefits.
Not to mention all the people who’ve stopped getting Botox and fillers every few months.
So, I’ve decided to make things easier by offering longer-term payment plans for the Radiant Aging program.
We now offer 3, and 6-month payment plans.
You can get the program set up for either 3 monthly installments of $899.
Or 6 monthly installments of $450!
Or you can save $500 on the entire program if you buy it all at once!
There’s really nothing comparable anywhere in the area.
Plus, we have THREE amazing new practitioners offering these services between both locations.
I just know you’re going to love the treatments, and I can’t wait for you to experience the results!
For convenience, here are the links to set up recurring payments.
If you’d prefer to pay in full to get $500 off or want a free ½ hour consultation to discuss what you can personally expect from Radiant Aging, you can go to our website.
Is Qi real?
I just read an article about how elephants use a series of sounds and ear flaps as a way of communicating and addressing each other by name.
This doesn’t seem surprising, we know that other animals like dolphins and parakeets have names for each other.
I listen to the birds at my bird feeder every day, and hear them have serious conversations all the time ;) There is a whole world of animal communication that we have yet to understand.
But we are a society that needs the “proof” in studies to make it make sense to us. I’ve linked the study here.
What got me thinking is a theory I've had for years.
Qi is a communication pathway or language that our body uses to connect with our organs. When we get acupuncture, we are moving qi and blood with each acupuncture point. A Chinese medicine doctor knows which point to use depending on your pulse.
Qi sensations and Qi communication happen all over our bodies, we often just don’t know the language and therefore it seems “ethereal”. Chinese medicine and an acupuncture doctor will use this communication as a way to balance the body.
For many conventional western medical minds, the idea of Qi seems like fantasy.
But we’ve yet to conceptualize Qi with technology, so it seems (to some) like it can’t possibly exist or relate to health and wellness.
For example, before the discovery of antibiotics, the idea that microbes existed seemed like total quackery. But now we have amazing microscope technology, and we can SEE those buggers!
I believe in a future where technology to “see” Qi becomes commonplace. Acupuncturists not only use acupuncture to move Qi, but we also use Chinese herbal medicine to balance the body. Chinese herbs, Chinese tea remedies, and traditional Chinese herbs use the same system as acupuncture points.
I know that I can feel Qi in your wrists when I feel your pulses, learning pulse reading is like learning an instrument and mastery takes a lifetime! But I also hope to see the day where we can all SEE QI!
Where all of us can hear the language that it uses to talk to the liver and gallbladder.
Where language of ferritin in our blood (the protein that moves iron and make us strong) is well understood.
Trained acupuncturists and functional medicine doctors can do this, but it would be so cool for everyone to “see” and “hear” the Qi in our body.
The Thing No One Tells You About Intermittent Fasting
I’ve tried more than a few traditional approaches to fasting or “cleansing” over the years.
Not a fan! As a functional medicine doctor and acupuncturist, I’m here to tell you that fasting & intermittent fasting are TOUGH on women's health. Read more…
I’ve tried more than a few traditional approaches to fasting or “cleansing” over the years.
Not a fan!
As a functional medicine doctor and acupuncturist, I’m here to tell you that fasting & intermittent fasting are TOUGH on women's health.
That’s because it messes with our hormones and can disrupt menstrual cycles and mood.
If you have female reproductive organs and struggle with fasting or intermittent fasting, know that it’s not a problem of willpower; our bodies genuinely struggle with it.
While I’m ranting, I’ll add that the concept of “cleansing” implies our bodies are somehow unclean and in need of aggressive purification - ridiculous.
That said, I’m all in for a good nutritional reset!
Once a year, I do the 21-day MediClear Cleanse nutritional reset:).
Why do it? Honestly, in my case, it’s mostly vanity (I do it when I’m feeling bloated, extra tight in my jeans, and or muscles seem a bit weak).
I know from years past that this reset restores my energy and stamina and generally makes me feel great, so I look forward to it even though it means less of some of my favorite foods for a few weeks.
This approach works for me because it provides a clear meal plan and has zero to do with caloric restriction. I especially like that the list of foods you CAN enjoy is way longer than the avoid list.
The optional liver-supportive Mediclear vegan protein powder is awesome and helps alot with inflammation, but I’ve been skipping it the last few years.
That’s because I usually run functional medicine blood and saliva tests on myself before I do this reset and the last few times, those tests showed what my protein levels were fine and I haven't been dealing with inflammation.
If you’re anything like me, you’re wondering which list coffee is on.
Technically, it’s an “avoid,” but I always keep up with my daily cup because, hey, I’m not a masochist.
If you want to try the MediClear Cleanse nutritional reset, click here for details (here’s my discount link if you want to include the Mediclear vegan protein powder).
Want to look at your health through a detailed functional medicine lens first? Sign up for the Virtual Functional Medicne Program here!
Use the following links to book comprehensive in person acupuncture, Eastern medicine, or functional medicine treatments in Oakland or Nevada City, California.
Are Your Supplements Really Worth Taking?
How Functional Medicine can save you on supplements.
A Functional Medicine Analysis Will Tell You
Dr Jessica Parker | 01/24/2024
I did my own functional blood chemistry labs recently (something I do for patients all the time).
It's similar to what you'd get with a physical, but beefier.
GPs usually don't run a full thyroid or lipid panel, but I always do. My feeling is that they each cost next to nothing, and there's no reason not to run them.
Here's the thing: GPs aren't trained to read labs through a preventative lens. They're trained to intervene when labs show disease. This means many patients with labs that look OK to a GP still feel unwell.
Western MDs are complication managers/disease managers. They're good at that, and it's vital to the survival of humans, but there's a largely unfilled need for preventative care (which is my focus as a Function Medicine doctor).
Don't get me wrong. I'm not attacking GPs; they are part of the system that gives them maybe 15 minutes with patients, so they have to focus on the most pressing concerns and don't have time to dive deep.
The functional medicine analysis
When functional medicine doctors analyze labs through our unique lens, we’re looking to see what’s optimal and learn how the body and digestive system manage and use nutrients.
Anyway, I did my labs and found that I wasn't absorbing much of my micronutrients and even some macronutrients.
I don't even experience digestive issues, but my takeaway from my lab work was that my body had lost some of its ability to really deeply nourish me
All these pill supplements were essentially just creating expensive pee (I was urinating away most of what I was taking).
So, are supplements worth it? I don’t want to paint with too broad a brush, but in most cases, I find they are largely unprocessed by the body, and patients are better off addressing health issues via other means.
That’s why I stopped taking everything and worked at supporting my gut.
Here's what I'm doing:
Digestive bitters either in a tincture or as a side dish with every meal
Probiotic foods with my breakfast (sour kraut or kimchi, probiotic pickles)
Warm teas with immune-supporting herbs and mushroom complexes
Regular acupuncture treatments
I also started really focusing on my meals (no social media, email, or phone when while eating).
I’m still struggling with this one (especially getting my day going at breakfast time), but taking the phone away from myself during lunch and dinner has made a huge impact.
The moral of the story is this:
Get your labs done if you want to learn how your body is processing all the good stuff that you are trying to give it. If you’re looking for a functional medicine doctor in Nevada City or Oakland, contact us today at Root & Stem.
Like me, you may learn that most of your supplement budget would be better spent on other ways of supporting your body (more on this later).
Bridging East and West: My Journey to Integrating Acupuncture and Functional Medicine at Root & Stem
Today, I want to discuss the intricate dance between two distinct medical approaches: acupuncture and functional medicine (I practice both). While you might think these fields seem worlds apart, they interlace beautifully.
Today, I want to discuss the intricate dance between two distinct medical approaches: acupuncture and functional medicine (I practice both). While you might think these fields seem worlds apart, they interlace beautifully. By looking at the big picture (your unique genetic, biochemical, and lifestyle factors) through a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and functional medicine lens, I can offer more effective tailored treatment plans and work with you to achieve outstanding results.
A Threefold Approach to Healing
At Root & Stem, I use a threefold approach combining comprehensive lab testing, the time-honored art of acupuncture, and functional medicine principles. It's a balance I've honed over time. I've come to appreciate the value of in-depth scientific analysis combined with acupuncture and TCM diagnostics and Chinese herbs for creating individualized paths to wellness for my patients.
So how does it all come together?
The Power of Modern Diagnostics
Every health journey begins with understanding. To bring the complete picture of your health into focus, I use modern lab tests (blood and saliva testing) as a critical first step in my functional medicine practice. These tests allow me to assess your health at a granular level, uncovering anything that may be causing imbalance or disease.
As a functional medicine doctor, I interpret test results through a unique lens. While your conventional doctor might look at the same tests and pronounce them "normal," my training allows me to see nuances and make inferences from small details and patterns traditional Western medicine commonly overlooks.
Tailored Treatment with Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
Guided by these insights, I create a personalized treatment plan with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. I use acupuncture to address your specific concerns, rebalance the body's energy, or 'qi,' reduce inflammation, and help you relax and rejuvenate. When needed, Chinese herbal medicine comes into play to address imbalances and support acupuncture treatments.
Herbs like Huang Qi (Astragalus) to boost the immune system, Bai Shao (White Peony Root) for harmonizing the liver, or Ren Shen (Ginseng), to name a few, synergize with acupuncture to stimulate and enhance your body's inherent ability to heal.
As valuable as modern diagnostics are, they only provide part of the picture. This is why every acupuncture treatment begins with a traditional Chinese pulse and tongue diagnosis.
Lifestyle Guidance as a Pillar of Health
Functional medicine recognizes that our daily habits and choices are pivotal to our overall well-being and physical health. I offer customized lifestyle guidance to support and enhance your health journey. This might include suggestions for a nourishing diet, physical activity, stress management techniques, or restorative sleep practices.
In Practice: A Case Study
To elaborate: Let's say we have a Root & Stem patient grappling with chronic fatigue. Conventional medicine might prescribe stimulants or pain relievers, focusing on treating the symptoms without uncovering and addressing the root cause. I take a different approach.
For example, lab test analysis might reveal an imbalance in the patient's thyroid hormones (often the case in chronic fatigue cases). A detailed analysis of the patient's lifestyle might also uncover high-stress levels and poor sleep patterns.
In response, I would create a multi-pronged treatment plan: acupuncture to enhance energy flow and reduce pain and stress, targeted herbal remedies to support thyroid function, and lifestyle modifications such as stress management techniques and dietary adjustments to promote restful sleep and overall well-being.
The goal isn't just symptom management but a comprehensive overhaul that helps the patient reclaim vitality and get back to feeling their best.
The Path to Wellness
My journey in both acupuncture and functional medicine is about stepping into your shoes so I can offer a well-rounded, empathetic perspective on health and well-being. I firmly believe that our bodies are complex symphonies, not isolated notes. By focusing on the interrelationships and balance between body systems and leveraging the therapeutic potential of acupuncture and Chinese herbs, my goal is to build resilience, diminish or eliminate discomfort, and guide my patients toward optimal health.
At Root & Stem, we're passionately committed to the principles of acupuncture and functional medicine. This integrated approach empowers us to offer you the most holistic and effective care possible.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive approach to health or struggling with a stubborn issue that conventional Western medicine has failed to address, book an appointment at our Oakland or Nevada City clinic and get started on your path to optimal health!
Microneedling Devices: Getting to The Point on Benefits, Risks, And Safety
If you've been paying attention to the skincare world lately, you've probably noticed that microneedling is all the rage. And for good reason! Microneedling is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive skin rejuvenation treatment that reduces wrinkles and acne scarring, restores sun-damaged skin, and dramatically improves skin texture.
You may have heard of derma rollers - those cute little devices with needles on a wheel and a handle that you can use at home to give yourself a DIY microneedling treatment. A quick google pulls up any number of various home-use derma roller-style products for as little as $10. But let's be honest, they aren't the same as professional medical-grade microneedling devices, come with risks, and their effects are incomparable.
If you want the best results with the least amount of risk, your microneedling treatments should be performed by a licensed professional acupuncturist using medical-grade equipment. Read on for some need-to-know information.
What is Microneedling?
First things first, Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, involves using a device with tiny needles to puncture the skin. These micro-injuries stimulate the body's natural healing process, and stimulate Qi, encouraging the production of collagen and elastin, which results in smoother, more youthful-looking skin.
The Problem with Derma Rollers and Low RPM Non-Medical Grade Oscillating Devices
Microneedling can be performed with a derma roller or an oscillating device, but not all devices are created equal (or anywhere close to equal). For example, professional-grade microneedling pens start at 3 to 4K$ and go up from there, while home-use oscillating pens start at just a few hundred dollars.
What's the difference? The most significant difference in terms of how they affect your skin is RPMs (rotations per minute). The higher the RPMs, the less drag the needles have on your skin, reducing the risk of scarring. Medical-grade devices have incredibly high RPMs and stimulate collagen and elastin production with zero damage to your skin.
Speaking of drag, derma roller devices are tough on your skin because the needles on the roller head enter and exit your skin very slowly by comparison. Even worse, due to the round roller head, they enter and exit your skin at an angle, creating more drag and increasing the risk of scarring, hyperpigmentation, and even nerve damage.
The Benefits of Medical-Grade Oscillating Devices
Only medically licensed professionals (like acupuncturists) can purchase medical-grade devices in California. So if you want to get the best results with the least amount of risk, you should book an appointment with an acupuncturist.
Here's a quick breakdown of the benefits.
1. Precision
Medical-grade oscillating devices offer far greater precision than derma rollers or home-use devices. The depth of the punctures is adjustable based on the patient's skin type and the specific concerns being addressed. In addition, once adjusted, they penetrate the skin at a consistent depth and frequency, resulting in better collagen production and more visible results.
2. Safety
Medical-grade oscillating devices are your safest option for microneedling treatments. Derma rollers can introduce bacteria into the skin, leading to infection. Derma roller needles can also cause small tears in the skin (rather than precision punctures), making it easier for bacteria to enter the body and increasing recovery time.
Medical-grade devices have much finer needles, and the heads are sterile, single-use, and disposable, mitigating the risk of infection and cross-contamination.
Medical professionals understand the importance of sterilization and use sterile tools and surfaces for every patient.
3. No Pain
Derma rollers can be painful and uncomfortable, especially if incorrectly used. The pain and discomfort can deter patients from continuing with the treatment. However, when you get a microneedling facial from an acupuncturist, the benefits go beyond just the higher-quality device. Your acupuncturist will use a numbing cream on your face and will not begin the treatment until it takes effect, virtually eliminating any pain or discomfort.
Final Thoughts
Microneedling is a true skincare game changer disrupting botox, fillers, surgery, and other invasive procedures. You'll see dramatic results without any recovery time with a medical-grade device used by a licensed acupuncturist.
The benefits of microneedling go well beyond wrinkle reduction. The treatment improves scars, pore size appearance, sun spots, and dramatically smooths skin texture. For Oakland or Nevada City microneedling and facial acupuncture, look no further than Root & Stem's 12-week Radiant Aging Cosmetic Acupuncture Program.
If you'd like to learn more, call us any time at either of our clinics (Oakland: 510.519.3413, Nevada City: 530.900.4304) or email hello@rootandstemclinic.com. Ready to grab your spot and get glowing? Book your first session in Oakland or Nevada City today!
5 Amazing Ways Acupuncture Benefits Runners
If you're a runner, chances are you're no stranger to muscle aches, sore joints, and the possibility of injury.
There are risks involved with any athletic pursuit, and for those of us who love the feeling of a good run, the risks definitely outweigh the physical and mental benefits!
Whether you're training for competition or someone who enjoys the occasional jog around the block, it's vital to ensure you're doing everything you can to keep your body healthy and injury-free so you can reap the maximum benefits of running. Acupuncture can help!
Here are five ways that acupuncture can keep you running strong!
Injury Prevention
Although acupuncture is highly effective for injury treatment, its greatest potential benefit for runners is preventing them from occurring in the first place.
Let's face it. When it comes to running and training, injury prevention is everything. After all, no runner wants to be stuck on the sidelines nursing an injury instead of pushing themselves further and building on all their hard work.
As runners know, certain areas (like the back, hips, and legs) are more prone to injury due to the intense demand placed on them by running. In addition, these areas can be difficult to relax once they become tense.
Acupuncture needles penetrate directly to deep muscle bands, triggering release and relaxation and reducing joint tension. Relaxed muscles benefit more from stretching and are less injury prone. Acupuncture treatments improve muscle fiber mobility and provide runners with ongoing relief from chronic running-related aches, pains, and joint stress.
Ligaments and tendon injuries, familiar to runners, are also some of the most stubborn. Regular acupuncture improves blood flow to ligaments and tendons, making them stronger and more resilient so they can withstand the demands of running with less risk of injury.
Energy and Endurance Boost
Every running enthusiast knows that the sport requires a LOT of energy and endurance, and it can be a challenge to maintain the level of performance you need to achieve your goals.
Regular acupuncture treatments help boost your energy and endurance by improving your circulation, which can help to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to your muscles. Acupuncture stimulates your body's natural energy pathways (meridians) and natural life force (qi), which increases stamina, endurance, and performance.
In addition, acupuncture treatments improve your overall well-being and reduce stress, so you feel more energized and ready to take on the next challenge!
Injury Treatment and Pain Relief
While prevention is critical, injuries happen. If you do suffer an acute injury or chronic pain from a previous injury, acupuncture can alleviate discomfort, improve your quality of life, and get you back on your training schedule in less time.
There are several ways acupuncture helps with pain relief. First, it stimulates the body's natural pain-relieving mechanisms, such as the release of endorphins and enkephalins (your body's natural painkillers).
Second, acupuncture stimulates blood flow and qi to the affected area, initiating healing and reducing inflammation.
Lastly, acupuncture helps to restore balance in the body's meridians, which helps your body begin to heal itself and can reduce the intensity and duration of pain.
Many of the most common running injuries heal faster and stronger with acupuncture. Runner's knee, for example, benefits from the increased circulation and reduced muscle tension acupuncture treatments provide, resulting in improved knee mobility and pain relief.
Reducing Inflammation
As a runner, you're no stranger to inflammation. After all, it's a natural response to the stress running places on your body, but too much inflammation leads to pain, stiffness, and injury. Acupuncture can help to reduce inflammation by increasing blood flow to the affected area, which promotes healing and reduces swelling.
Acupuncture also stimulates your body's natural anti-inflammatory response, which helps reduce pain and promotes recovery.
Improved Recovery Time
As a runner, it's essential to give your body time to recover between workouts, but if you're dealing with pain or inflammation, you might find your recovery periods are longer than you'd prefer.
Acupuncture can help improve recovery time by boosting qi, blood circulation, flexibility, and range of motion while reducing inflammation, bringing more oxygen to affected areas, and stimulating the body's natural healing response. Combined, these effects can dramatically improve recovery time after strenuous exercise so you can get back on track sooner.
Also, by promoting relaxation and reducing stress, acupuncture helps you get a better night's sleep, which is essential for optimal recovery and performance.
Final Thoughts
As a runner, you know that achieving optimum performance is so much more than just putting in the miles. And that staying healthy and injury-free is essential to achieving your goals.
Acupuncture is a great tool to help you do just that. Whether you're dealing with pain, inflammation, or chronic injury, looking to get more from your workouts, or simply looking for a way to boost your energy and endurance, acupuncture can help.
We recommend three to four treatments monthly for serious and competitive athletes to help them reach peak performance. However, even casual runners see huge benefits from regular acupuncture treatments to help them meet and exceed their goals with less risk of injury.
Want to learn more about how acupuncture can benefit you as a runner? Call Root & Stem any time at either of our clinics (Oakland: (510) 463-4304, Nevada City: (530) 900-4304) or email hello@rootandstemclinic.com.
Ready to give acupuncture a try? Book your first session in Oakland or Nevada City today!
Reasons You Should Try Cupping Therapy
Have you ever seen someone at the beach or the gym with perfect dark red circles on their shoulders, neck or back? Chances are they're reaping the benefits of cupping therapy from their acupuncturist!
At Root & Stem, we offer cupping as a compliment to our acupuncture treatments. Cupping corrects imbalances in your biofield (qi), helping your body heal itself. The therapy improves qi flow to promote well-being, reduce pain and inflammation, and improve circulation.
The basic principle of cupping behind cupping is this:
"Where there's stagnation, there will be pain. Remove the stagnation, and you remove the pain." - Ancient Chinese Maxim
Before we dive into the benefits, let's take a closer look at this ancient practice.
An Ancient Therapy
Cupping (or myofascial decompression) is an ancient therapy with roots in Chinese, Egyptian and Middle Eastern cultures. Well documented in multiple ancient traditional Chinese medicine texts, including the Bo Shu and the medical classic Su Sen Liang Fang, cupping is one of the oldest methods of TCM.
The renowned TCM herbalist Ge Hong was China's first documented cupping practitioner. Hong famously believed that the combination of acupuncture and cupping was effective in treating over half of all illnesses.
Today, practitioners rely on cupping to treat various ailments worldwide. The process involves placing small cups on the skin and creating a vacuum within them using heat (via an open flame) or suction devices. The pressure the suction creates pulls the underlying tissue upward, stimulating qi and promoting healing.
Ancient practitioners used animal horns or bamboo to create therapeutic cups, but today glass plastic or medical-grade silicone cups are the norm. At Root & Stem, we prefer glass because it's less likely to irritate the skin.
Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps helped bring cupping to the attention of the modern world when he appeared in photographs with his own unique set of round cupping circles on his skin in 2016. Since then, cupping has become a popular treatment for athletes, celebrities and regular folks alike.
Here are seven great benefits of adding cupping therapy to your health regimen:
1. Improved Circulation
Cupping improves fresh oxygenated blood flow to the affected area, promoting increased cellular repair and healing. Increased circulation is the first step toward alleviating pain, inflammation, and stiffness. Cupping helps jumpstart this healing process.
2. Reduced Stress & Anxiety
When you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, your body struggles to maintain equilibrium. Cupping therapy's warmth and gentle pressure relax the nervous system, reducing anxiety and allowing your body to return to balance.
3. Detoxification
Cupping helps the body rid itself of toxins by stimulating the lymphatic system to clear out impurities, improving immunity and overall health.
4. Congestion Relief
Whether you suffer from allergies, the common cold, or even asthma, cupping can help clear away congestion. The therapy reduces excess heat in the lungs, helping them clear congestion. Cupping treatments for congestion may involve cups on the chest in addition to the back, depending on the severity of the condition.
5. Reduced Appearance of Stretch Marks or Scars
Cupping therapy helps improve the appearance of stretch marks and scars by promoting the healthy production of collagen, elastin and other proteins in the connective tissue to keep skin from sagging. Even areas where you've received no cupping may benefit from the treatment.
6. A Digestive Aid
Gentle abdominal cupping stimulates your digestive organs and improves digestion by stimulating the peristaltic action of the intestines. As a result, many patients experience a noticeable improvement in discomfort from bloating, constipation, and other digestive issues.
7. Improved Mobility and Range of Motion
Cupping therapy helps unlock stiffness and immobility from chronic muscle stiffness by loosening the muscles and connective tissue. This increases the range of motion and can help with chronic pain caused by muscle tightness or overuse injuries.
Final Thoughts
If you're looking for a natural way to reduce the effects of stress, improve your circulation and enhance your overall wellness, cupping and regular acupuncture treatments might be just what you need. At Root & Stem, we can help you experience the benefits firsthand so you can feel your best! So get in touch with us today and start your journey to better health.
Ready to get started? Book acupuncture and cupping in Nevada City or Oakland today!