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.  

• 988 Suicide Lifeline

• The Trevor Project - For LGBTQIA+, and specificallyaround the 2024 election

General Resources:

Charter for Compassion

University of San Francisco Election Care kit

Khesed Mental Health Election Resources

Building Bridgers

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.

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?

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. 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!

The Truth Behind 10 Beauty Myths

We've all heard them – the beauty myths passed down through generations, and more recently, spread through our social media circles. But how much of it is true?

When it comes to beauty myths, there are more than we can count, but we get a lot of questions about the ones below, so we wanted to set the record straight.

Let's dive in!

 Myth: Facial Product Application Order Doesn't Matter

Truth: The order in which you apply your skincare products is essential. You want to start with the lightest consistency and work toward the thickest product. Many lightweight products are water-based (like our Root & Stem hyaluronic acid-based Chinese herbal serum). If you apply water-based products after applying oil-based products, they'll have a tough time getting through because oils act like a barrier on your skin. This can drastically reduce the efficacy of some serums, so it's a good idea to think your application order through.

We recommend starting with a gentle cleanser, then applying your toner or serums, and adding moisturizers, oils, or creams.

Myth: You Need Lots of Expensive and Complicated Skincare Products to Look Your Best

Truth: Nope. You don't need a 20-step routine to have glowing skin. Sure, investing in high-quality products is essential, but high quality and expense sometimes go hand in hand. Also, you don't need to buy every product on the market or apply countless layers of serum and creams daily to have great-looking skin.

Some brands make a fortune capitalizing on this myth.

How do we know? We've been formulating skincare products for years, so we have a decent idea of how much ingredients cost, which active ingredients have the most significant impact, and which are mostly hype.

That's why we keep our facial products pure and simple. We use extremely high-quality, organic ingredients, but only a carefully curated select few. This keeps our cost per product reasonable without compromising efficacy.

The most important thing is finding the right products for your skin type and getting into a routine that's simple enough to stick with day after day.

Myth: You Should Wash Your Face Morning and Night

Truth: Have you heard the term "microbiome"? It's the collection of bacteria and microorganisms living on your skin. Your microbiome has a purpose: it protects your skin from environmental aggressors and encourages homeostasis (a state of balance). Overwashing can disrupt your microbiome, so it's essential not to overdo it.

If you wear makeup, consider using a gentle cleanser in the evening and simply rinsing your face with warm water in the morning. If you're a heavy makeup wearer or an avid gym-goer, twice-a-day facial cleansing might make sense.  Remember to use a gentle product that doesn't strip away your natural oils and hydration.

Myth: Oily Skin Doesn't Require Moisturizer

Truth: Contrary to popular belief, the opposite is often the case! One cause of oily skin that we see a lot is dry skin. When your skin lacks hydration, it triggers the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. So, adding a moisturizer to your skincare routine helps regulate oil production and restore balance.

Myth: Daily Exfoliation is Good for Your Skin

Truth: Exfoliation is integral to a healthy skincare routine, but you don't need to do it every day. In fact, over-exfoliation can cause micro-tears in the skin and lead to dryness, irritation, and even acne.

We recommend using a gentle exfoliator no more than twice a week to remove dead skin cells and residue from your pores. In addition, you should opt for gentile physical exfoliants that don't contain plastic microbeads. While microbeads work fine, they contribute to plastic pollution in our oceans and waterways, so please avoid them at all costs.

Myth: Microneedling Can Damage Your Skin

Truth: Microneedling (or collagen induction therapy) is safe for your skin when performed by a licensed professional. While it does make holes in your skin, they are too small to see with the naked eye. In addition, your body's natural response seals them closed again within hours of treatment, and collagen production improves so that you benefit from firmer and more elastic skin in the long run.

The procedure is gaining popularity as a safe and effective treatment for acne scars, age spots, wrinkles, and fine lines.

Myth: Microneedling is Painful

Truth: Microneedling is virtually painless. At Root & Stem, we use a topical numbing cream and have patients relax on the table while it kicks in. In addition, the single-use micro needling heads we use are incredibly fine, and some describe the sensation as a "tingling" feeling. Your skin may feel tender for a few hours, but not painful.

Myth: Microneedling Requires a Recovery Period

Truth: Just the opposite! Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure, so you can expect to return to your regular activities right away. Your skin may have some minor redness or sensitivity during the 24 hours right after your treatment, but that usually fades quickly. Some people even experience a "glow" that develops over the next few days.

Myth: Microneedling at Home is the Same Microneedling from Your Acupuncturist or Med Spa

Truth: Not even close. Professional microneedling devices are medical-grade oscillating mechanical pens that can penetrate the skin far more deeply than at-home tools (like derma rollers). As a result, the effects of professional microneedling are far more dramatic and do much more to stimulate your skin's natural collagen and elastin production and improve skin texture and tone.

Professional microneedling can even reduce scarring from acne or injury, stimulate new capillaries for improved blood supply, and stimulate and restore hair growth when used on the scalp.

Myth: Professional Microneedling With Your Acupuncturist is the Same as Microneedling at a Med Spa

Truth: Not all microneedling is the same. Acupuncturists are highly skilled professionals with extensive training in facial anatomy and physiology. Unlike Med Spa professionals, we look at your body as a whole because we know that facial aesthetic concerns often have roots in internal imbalances that can lead to stagnant qi.

Our Radiant Aging Cosmetic Acupuncture Program combines microneedling with facial acupuncture techniques used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine to support aging, restore balance, and improve the overall health of your body, mind, and spirit.

Final Thoughts

There's plenty of chatter about beauty, especially regarding microneedling, and it can be a challenge sorting fact from fiction. We hope this post helped you better understand the truth behind some popular myths so that you can make well-informed decisions about your skincare.

Healthy, glowing complexion results from cultivating balance and harmony in the body, and a holistic approach yields the best results.

We've got you covered if you're looking for a natural, long-lasting alternative to Botox and fillers. Our 12-Week Radiant Aging Program is the perfect way to support your natural beauty and create a beautiful complexion without resorting to invasive or chemical procedures.

Looking For “Microneedling Near Me?”

We're here for you. Get in touch with us today and start your journey to a radiant complexion. Microneedling combined with cosmetic acupuncture is a true skincare game changer, and we would love to help you achieve your natural beauty goals.

Ready to get started? Book cosmetic acupuncture and microneedling in Nevada City or Oakland today!

The Root & Stem Radiant Aging Program

What You Need to Know About This Game-Changing Skin Rejuvenation Treatment

Are you looking to restore your skin's natural glow and reverse the signs of aging? Maybe you've tried Botox and fillers in the past but want a more holistic approach or have been put off by the side effects and downtime. If any of the above sounds like you, our Radiant Aging Program is the perfect solution!

At Root & Stem, we seek to embrace, enhance, and beautify the natural aging process. We're here to help you shine brighter, no matter your age, by stimulating and supporting your skin's inherent ability to look and feel its best.

When it comes to natural skin enhancement, the Root & Stem Radiant Aging program is in a class of its own. For example, if you Google "microneedling facial near me" or “Oakland microneedling,” you'll see that our community has countless med spas offering the service. But here's what makes Radiant Aging unique: our program combines the latest microneedling techniques with holistic facial rejuvenation acupuncture treatments embraced by Eastern medicine for millennia.

The result? A dramatically improved overall skin appearance and reduced facial lines, wrinkles, age spots, acne, and scarring. But with Radiant Aging, your skin doesn't just appear healthier; it truly is healthier. Why? Because the treatments stimulate and restore your body's own collagen and elastin production while increasing circulation and facial muscle tone.

Unlike other skin treatments, Root & Stem Radiant Aging addresses the mind and body as a whole. This is critical because cosmetic issues that manifest in the face (like wrinkles, sagging skin, acne, and rosacea) are often related to internal imbalances affecting the organs, blood, and qi. By addressing these internal imbalances, we manage and improve many age-related cosmetic complaints and boost the efficacy of microneedling treatments.

So What Does The Program Look Like?

During a 12-week period, you'll visit one of our clinics for 3 microneedling treatments (each 4 weeks apart) interspersed with 7 cosmetic acupuncture and nanoneedling facial rejuvenation treatments. You'll also get a 12-week supply of our custom-formulated hyaluronic acid-based Chinese herbal serum and follow-up skin oil. The pair will nourish and support your skin daily during your treatment period.

On your first visit, we begin with the traditional eastern medicine diagnostic process to evaluate your health and create a treatment plan, especially for you.

Facial Rejuvenation (or Cosmetic Acupuncture)

During facial rejuvenation treatments, we apply special ultra-fine acupuncture needles designed for facial use to specific points on your face. We may also apply needles to other areas of your body according to your treatment plan to address underlying physical imbalances discovered during diagnosis.

While Microneedling addresses skin tone, glow, and the appearance of wrinkles, facial rejuvenation treatments are ideal for lifting the face and toning facial muscles. They also work wonders in addressing bags or darkness under the eyes because the under-eye area is too sensitive for direct microneedling treatments.

We follow each facial rejuvenation treatment with a nanoneedling session. First, we apply our Root & Stem organic hyaluronic acid-based Chinese herbal serum. Next, we go over your entire face and neck with a special nanoneedling attachment affixed to the same oscillating medical pen we use for microneedling treatments. The nanoneedling head does not penetrate the skin but dramatically improves the absorption of our serum and stimulates your dermal tissue.

We complete each facial rejuvenation session with Celluma Light Therapy for maximum results. Our FDA-approved device uses specific light wavelengths to stimulate cellular regeneration and improve skin health. Check out the science here!

Microneedling

During microneedling treatments, we use a specialized oscillating microneedling pen on the entire face and neck. The single-use head of the pen contains 12 extremely tiny needles. The treatment results in microtrauma to the skin, awakening and improving your natural collagen and elastin production by stimulating keratinocytes in your skin. The two proteins work to reduce wrinkle depth and skin dryness naturally resulting in a glowing complexion and firmer, more youthful-looking skin.

Synergistic Treatments Build Momentum

The combination of our treatments is more than just the sum of its parts. Each treatment builds on prior sessions creating the synergy necessary for tangible, long-term results. With each session, you'll feel your skin getting softer and firmer and notice reduced fine lines, improved skin tone, and increased facial contour.

In addition to the treatments, We also provide dietary and lifestyle guidance. Our recommendations for supplements and herbal formulas add an extra layer of support for your skin and overall health.

The best part? The treatments are painless and require no downtime or recovery period. Most of our patients come to look forward to their sessions as a relaxing and meditative moment of peace, self-reflection, and self-care.

An Investment in Your Health and Well-Being

We've carefully designed our Radiant Aging Program to help you restore balance, turn back the clock, and experience glowing skin that radiates health and vitality. It's an investment in your own health and well-being that will pay dividends far beyond what you see in the mirror!

After taking ample R&D time, we finally rolled out Radiant Aging in 2022, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Patients report seeing visible improvements in their skin, including increased tone and elasticity, reduction in wrinkles and pore size, plus improved overall complexion.

So if you're looking for Oakland Microneedling, consider going above and beyond with our Radiant Aging Program. In addition to microneedling, it goes way beyond the surface. It also includes a 3 month supply of our high-end all-natural skincare line to nourish and support your skin every step of the way.

Let's start your journey to radiant aging today! We look forward to helping you feel confident in your skin and equipping you with the tools and techniques to age gracefully and beautifully.

If you'd like to learn more about our facial rejuvenation services, give us a call 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!

How Can Acupuncture Help with Pain?

We all will experience varying pain levels at some point in our lives. Pain is our body’s way of alerting us to internal issues.

Depending on the cause, pain can be dull or sharp. Some more extreme pain levels can affect one’s mobility and, consequently, quality of life.

Physical activity can trigger pain flare-ups, and those suffering from this type of pain may be unable to perform daily tasks.

In a desperate attempt to avoid pain triggers, many people stop attending social events leading to social isolation that can wreak havoc on one’s physical and mental health. It increases a person’s risk of dementia by 50%. Pain can also affect productivity by forcing us to miss workdays.

If you are regularly experiencing pain that is beginning to affect your daily life, then it is time to seek treatment. The team at Root & Stem Integrative Chinese Medicine provides a wide variety of acupuncture and wellness services to ensure the highest level of support to those experiencing pain. If you are interested in learning more about how acupuncture can help with pain, call our acupuncture clinic in Oakland at (510) 463-4304 or continue reading.

Types of Pain

Pain can range in levels of intensity. When defining your pain, there are five types: chronic, acute, neuropathic, nociceptive, and functional.

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain lasts for more than three months. Studies show that around 100 million Americans struggle with chronic pain. Depending on the root cause, chronic pain sometimes lasts years.

This type of pain results from chronic health conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic migraine, and chronic temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Additionally, nerve changes due to cancer treatment can cause chronic pain for cancer patients.

Chronic pain can be consistent or intermittent, sharp, or dull and it can affect any part of the body. Untreated chronic pain affects a person’s ability to navigate everyday life.

Chronic pain often comes on after an injury or surgery. Some risk factors for chronic pain include age, being overweight, and sex – statistically speaking, females are more likely to experience chronic pain than males.

Acute Pain

Acute pain occurs suddenly. A specific event usually causes it. Acute pain is sharp or intense and goes away once the underlying problem is addressed or resolved. It often serves as a warning sign of an underlying health problem or other threat to the body.

Some common causes of acute pain include injuries, illnesses, and procedures such as surgery and dental work. Some signs of acute pain include loss of appetite, mobility problems, tight, tense muscles, and low energy. Depending on the cause, acute pain can last from a few days to several months.

Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain is caused by damage or injury to the nerves that facilitate communication between the brain and spinal cord. It is often described as a burning, shooting, or stabbing sensation. People with neuropathic pain are extremely sensitive to touch.

Neuropathic pain can be unrelenting or come and go. Some common health conditions that can cause neuropathic pain include herniated discs, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, HIV infection or AIDS, syphilis, shingles, and thyroid problems.

Nociceptive Pain

Nociceptive pain stems from injuries or health conditions that cause tissue damage. Some health conditions and injuries that can provoke nociceptive pain include inflammatory bowel disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, burns, cuts, fractures, and bruises.

People with nociceptive pain describe it as throbbing, sharp, or achy. It usually develops in parts of the musculoskeletal system. Typical examples include joints, bones, muscles, and tendons.

Functional Pain

Functional pain can be either chronic or acute. Researchers have yet to determine the exact cause of functional pain. Many health experts believe it can stem from a chronic condition requiring long-term care and monitoring. Functional pain syndromes affect more than 15% of the global population.

Some common functional pain syndromes include chronic fibromyalgia, cardiac chest pain, and irritable bowel syndrome.

How Can Acupuncture Alleviate Pain?

People worldwide use acupuncture as a standalone treatment or an adjunct to conventional care to manage different types of pain. The ancient Chinese practice stimulates qi and instigates the production of feel-good hormones like oxytocin and serotonin. These hormones promote body-wide health and well-being. Acupuncture also flushes out toxins from the body and suppresses stress hormones.

Studies show that acupuncture can relieve pain and discomfort caused by diseases and health conditions such as fibromyalgia, cancer, and osteoarthritis. It supports women’s health by treating common menstrual problems such as painful periods, irregular periods, and heavy periods. Acupuncture during pregnancy can help with common pregnancy complaints and prepare the body for childbirth. It can also ease troublesome menopause symptoms.

Stress is a common cause of pain. Acupuncture relieves stress by stimulating the hypothalamus and pituitary glands to release endorphins and other feel-good hormones.

In many cases, pain results from an injury. Acupuncture fast-tracks injury recovery by increasing blood flow to the injured area and reducing inflammation. Pain caused by an injury or health condition can force you to change your gait, resulting in posture problems. Poor posture stresses the already tense muscles, exacerbating your symptoms. Acupuncture treats the root cause of pain and can help address posture problems resulting from it.

Pain can be debilitating, but there is hope. If you or a loved one is looking for a holistic approach to treating pain at any level, then it is time to turn to pain management with acupuncture.

Root & Stem Integrative Chinese Medicine is a trusted acupuncture clinic in Oakland and Nevada City. Our practitioners are dedicated to providing top-notch pain relief treatments for our patients. Their specialized skills and knowledge enable them to develop customized healthcare plans for each client. To consult with our team,call (510) 463-4304.

Acupuncture: The Key to Maximizing Athletic Performance

Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) technique. It originated almost 3,000 years ago in China. TCM experts believe that an illness occurs when Qi, the life force that circulates within the body of every living being, stagnates.

Studies show that acupuncture can help alleviate many health problems, such as chronic pain, headaches, and digestive issues. It also reduces the symptoms of enervating mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. It is 100% safe and drug-free and can help reduce chonic pain-related medication dependence.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

Many people shudder at the thought of needles and automatically assume that acupuncture will hurt. What many do not know is that acupuncturist uses paper-thin needles instead of what you might think of as traditional hypodermic needles. Insertion usually doesn’t cause discomfort or pain. Some clients report finding the experience so relaxing they fell asleep on the table.

Benefits of Sports Acupuncture

Professional athletes and amateurs use acupuncture to improve athletic performance. Sports acupuncture near Oakland can treat different sports-related injuries, including traumatic and overuse injuries. Acupuncture can fast-track injury recovery, allowing you to return to the field sooner after an injury. Unlike many other therapies that mask the symptoms of performance problems, sports acupuncture treats the root of the cause.

At Root & Stem Integrative Chinese Medicine, our team helps athletes get back in the game with therapeutic sports acupuncture treatments. Here are some of the most compelling reasons we receive athletes being seen for sports acupuncture services.

It Reduces Pain

Pain from an injury can affect an athlete’s balance, stamina, and flexibility. As a result, their athletic performance may decline. Acupuncture has been recognized as an effective treatment for acute and chronic pain. It reduces pain by stimulating the brain to produce feel-good hormones such as endorphins, oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine.

These hormones reduce pain perception and affect one’s physical and emotional well-being. Acupuncture also helps reduce the levels of stress hormones in the body. Research suggests that acupuncture can help with acute inflammation from sports injuries by inducing the production of anti-inflammatory hormones that prevent the widespread tissue and nerve damage associated with inflammation.

It Helps Recover Faster from Injuries

Acupuncture can fast-track injury recovery by reducing inflammation and promoting blood flow to the affected body. Feel-good hormones the brain produces during acupuncture treatment relieve muscle aches and pains. As circulation improves, tensed, tight and stiff muscles relax.

Sports injuries can cause sleep problems. Poor sleep is linked to impeded recovery. Acupuncture can help calm the mind and body and decrease stress, allowing you to sleep better. When you sleep a whole night, your damaged tissues get enough time to repair and rebuild themselves.

At the end of a study that carried out 46 random trials on 3,811 patients, the researchers found that acupuncture increased the sleep duration of the subjects by three hours.

A sports injury can affect your immune system by disrupting immune system homeostasis. A weakened immune system needs more time to repair the affected part of the body after an injury. Acupuncture can strengthen a weakened immune system by increasing the production of red blood cells, white blood cells, and T-cells.

It Helps with Injury Prevention

Why wait for a sports injury to occur and then treat it when you can prevent it in the first place? Acupuncture can help improve flexibility, and stability, increase your range of motion and decrease muscle tension to prevent injuries.

During the initial consultation, your sports acupuncturist will perform a physical examination to identify problem areas that you may be unaware of.

Once your acupuncturist acquires an in-depth understanding of the issues such as posture problems, chronic muscle overuse, and poor exercise form that increase your risk of sports injury, they will come up with an action plan to address them before they snowball into major problems. Your sports acupuncturist can release trigger points, helping ensure that your muscles remain loose and flexible during workouts, thereby reducing the risk of injury.

It Increases Awareness & Improves Response Times

Acupuncture can help improve situational awareness, allowing athletes of different skill levels to assess their environment to know what’s happening around them.

Many athletes use acupuncture to improve their cognitive function. When your cognitive functions, such as attention, decision-making, and problem-solving, improve, you can perform optimally in stressful and demanding environments.

Many athletes have difficulty coping with pre-competition nervousness and performance anxiety. Acupuncture can help reduce stress levels and help with anxiety by increasing the production of feel-good hormones and lowering stress hormone levels.

It Boosts Energy Levels

Lack of energy is a barrier to athletic performance. Athletes with low energy levels get tired quickly and cannot achieve peak performance. Acupuncture heals energy blocks, allowing Qi to flow freely throughout the body. This boosts circulation, leading to an overall increase in energy and vitality.

What to Expect When Seeing an Acupuncturist for the First Time?

During the initial consultation, your acupuncturist will ask about your health history. Your acupuncturist may order imaging tests to understand better the health problem you are experiencing.

Root & Stem Integrative Chinese Medicine is a trusted acupuncture clinic in Oakland. Our acupuncturists have spent years mastering TCM techniques. They bring specialized skills and years of experience treating acute and chronic conditions to the table. To schedule an appointment with one of our sports acupuncture specialists, call (510) 463-4304.

What is Sports Medicine?

Sports injuries are caused by chronic muscle, joint, or ligament wear and tear, muscle overuse and the application of more force than the body can withstand.

Some common sports injuries include bruises, dislocations, rotator cuff injuries, and fractures. Athletes who play contact sports are more prone to sports injuries than others.

Ignoring a sports injury can prove to be a dangerous mistake, as an untreated injury can impact the affected body part’s ability to stay stable when performing certain actions. A serious injury can lead to complications that can overall not only affect a person’s physical but also mental health.

Sports medicine is an area of practice that focuses on treating and preventing injuries resulting from sports and exercise. Some goals of sports medicine include helping athletes and non-athletes who regularly participate in sports:

➢    Take measures to prevent injuries

➢    Achieve, maintain, sustain and regain peak physical fitness

➢    Speed up recovery from sports injuries and improve athletic performance

At Root & Stem Integrative Chinese Medicine, we take a holistic approach to wellness and sports injury prevention. Our sports medicine practitioner Michelle Binzak is trained to make accurate diagnoses and develop treatment plans that address the underlying causes (for example, balance problems or structural problems of the upper or lower body) of sports injuries.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to preventing or treating sports injuries. No one understands this better than our sports medicine practitioner. To learn more about Michelle's services, reach out to our Oakland office by calling (510) 519-3413.

Sports Injury Prevention

Whether you are a professional athlete or an amateur who participates in sports for enjoyment and exercise, you are at risk of sports injuries. Sports can be physically demanding. Repetitive motions in some sports can put a lot of pressure on your upper or lower body, causing overuse injuries. They say prevention is better than cure. Instead of waiting for sports injuries to occur and then treating them, why not prevent them in the first place?

We help athletes and non-athletes develop a better understanding of their bodies so they can take steps to assess and reduce injury risk. If you have a weak core, our sports medicine practitioners can recommend exercises to strengthen it. A strong core improves balance and stability, helping prevent injuries. Studies show that athletes with tight muscles are more susceptible to muscle strains and other injuries. We help our clients identify and perform the most effective dynamic stretches to improve flexibility.

Poor technique is a common cause of sports injuries. Knowing how to play a sport is essential to playing it well and preventing injuries. We educate athletes and amateurs on the right techniques such as:

➢    Using proper footwork to avoid injuries to the Achilles tendon and the ankle

➢    Balancing their body weight without over-extending their legs, arms, or backs, and

➢    Choosing the right equipment according to their size and ability

Playing any sport for too long without a break is an injury risk factor. We teach our clients to recognize signs of fatigue, so they can take a rest day or rest week to maximize recovery. If you were injured, and believe that your injury has healed, we recommend that you consult one of our sports injury practitioners before starting to play your favorite sports again.

If you are prone to sports injuries, we can develop a customized injury treatment plan for you. Our sports medicine practitioners can help you exercise safely and effectively to prevent injuries and improve athletic performance.

Sports Injury Treatment 

We specialize in treating different types of sports injuries including hip injuries, hand and wrist injuries, knee injuries, foot injuries, and shoulder injuries. Our practitioners use physical examinations and imaging tests such as CT scans, X-rays, or MRIs to accurately diagnose sports injuries.

If you are recovering from an injury, we can design a sports injury recovery program. Our sports medicine practitioners can recommend gentle exercises to get the injured part moving and improve your range of motion.

Fast-Tracking Injury Recovery

We aim to help injured athletes and non-athletes better understand their sports injuries. When injured person acquires a better understanding of their injuries, they are mentally prepared to deal with injury rehabilitation challenges. Our rehabilitative strategies enable faster recovery and reduce the risk of complications.

Pain from a sports injury can affect one’s posture, resulting in an abnormal walking pattern which puts more pressure on the joints and muscles. This prolongs recovery. We help our clients train their muscles properly (without risking injury) to improve endurance, reflex control, and balance so they can maintain good walking posture without overexerting their muscles.

Nutrition plays an important role in injury recovery. High-protein foods such as different types of meat and foods rich in Omega-3 fats, calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin D can help the body produce collagen, a protein that rebuilds tissues and reduces inflammation. We can prepare a customized diet chart and recommend beneficial foods for sports injury recovery.

Looking for a sports medicine practitioner in the Oakland area? Call our team at Root & Stem. Let our team help you get back to the activities you love and schedule an appointment today. To learn more about our services and speak with one of our sports injury practitioners, click here to fill out our online form or call our Oakland office at (510) 519-3413.

How Fertility Acupuncture Works

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice where professional clinicians insert paper-thin needles through the skin at strategic points on the body. The Chinese have been using acupuncture for several centuries to help treat various health conditions ranging from general body pain to infertility.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners believe that illnesses occur due to energy blocks. The goal of acupuncture is to heal energy blocks so Qi (or life force energy) can circulate freely through the body, and restore balance to the mind, body, and soul.

Studies have shown that acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system to produce feel-good hormones such as endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. These hormones improve mood and promote happiness and pleasure.

Acupuncture is 100% drug-free, and unlike many over-the-counter drugs and prescription medications, acupuncture does not have any significant side effects and is 100% safe when performed by an experienced, licensed acupuncturist. Acupuncture treats the illness at the root cause instead of masking its symptoms like traditional medications.

At Root and Stem, we believe in sharing the science behind acupuncture to promote whole-body wellness. Our practitioners have years of experience studying wellness techniques to help those suffering from a wide range of health conditions.

Our Approach

When getting a feel for what to expect during your fertility acupuncture treatment, know that every case is different. Our acupuncturists interview every new client. They ask them questions about their health history, take their vital signs for health assessment, and may also order imaging tests to acquire an in-depth understanding of their health problem.

Once we have a deeper understanding of the client’s wellness goals, we craft a customized treatment plan to fit their needs. Nothing is written in stone, and our acupuncturists review and revise treatment plans as needed. A flexible, customized treatment plan is what produces successful wellness outcomes.

Acupuncture For Fertility

Infertility is a growing concern. Around 10% of women of reproductive age in the country cannot conceive or carry a pregnancy to term. We use acupuncture for fertility to treat fertility problems such as endometriosis, hormonal imbalance, diminished ovarian reserve, and amenorrhea.

Studies have shown that acupuncture can improve blood circulation to reproductive organs such as the ovaries and uterus. Acupuncture can also increase the chances of getting pregnant for women undergoing fertility treatment.

Stress is a common cause of chronic illnesses and fertility problems. We use acupuncture to treat chronic stress. Acupuncture stimulates the body to release endorphins, natural pain-killing chemicals in the brain, and improves blood circulation throughout the body, cycling out cortisol and other stress hormones.

Call us at our Nevada City or Oakland location for more information about our fertility acupuncture services. Root & Stem Integrative Chinese Medicine is your one-stop wellness shop where our practitioners offer a wide range of services to ensure our clients can meet their goals. To learn more about our holistic fertility program, contact our office at (510) 463-4304.

Cupping Vs Acupuncture Therapy

Pain conditions are becoming increasingly common. Chronic pain can affect a person’s mobility and overall quality of life. There are several pain medications that promise instant and long-term pain relief, but unfortunately, many over-the-counter and prescription pain medicines can have debilitating side effects. People who want to avoid common drug side effects, turn to different forms of alternative medicine such as acupuncture and cupping therapy to manage their condition.   

Root and Stem Clinic offers a wide range of therapeutic services to help patients relieve pain and stress to promote whole-body wellness. Of our services, many clients choose acupuncture therapy or cupping therapy, to aid with chronic pain. A common question often asked when deciding between these two pain management services is, “what’s the difference?” 

Our licensed practitioners have spent years differentiating the two services for our clients, and so they have compiled their answers to help you as a reader define and direct your decision as to what is the best therapy for your wellness. 

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a 3,000-year-old Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapy. Qi-pronounced (chi), is the life force present in every living being. When Qi becomes blocked, illnesses occur. Acupuncture involves inserting needles through the skin at strategic points, known as acupoints, to heal energy blocks.

TCM experts use acupuncture to treat everything from headaches to chronic pain and infertility. There are several benefits of acupuncture. It is drug-free, and can hence reduce dependence on pain medications. When performed by an expert, acupuncture is quite safe.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture for pain relief works by stimulating the brain to produce endorphins and other feel-good hormones that improve mood and reduce pain perception. It helps lower cortisol levels, removes toxins from the body, and promotes blood flow to the affected area. The blood flow to the area contains nutrients and oxygen. As a result, nutrient-rich blood helps with tissue repair. 

What is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping therapy involves placing special cups on the skin to create suction for pain relief. It is a part of several ancient healing systems. TCM proponents believe that cupping restores the flow of qi. It gets the blood moving to the area where cups are placed and can also help reduce pain.

Studies show that cupping may relieve muscle tension, improve overall blood flow and facilitate cell repair. Many healthcare experts are of the opinion that cupping can help build new connective tissues and create new blood vessels in tissues.

How Does Cupping Work?

Suction from cupping draws blood into the area where cups are placed. The suction force expands, breaking open tiny blood vessels or capillaries. The body treats these microtraumas as injuries and sends more blood to the area being treated. This speeds up the healing process.

Should I use Cupping Therapy or Acupuncture?

Both cupping and acupuncture can improve skin health, treat digestion problems, and relieve pain caused by an injury or a health condition. Cupping and acupuncture can also help improve the effects of mental illnesses like anxiety, and depression.

Both acupuncture and cupping can be used as standalone therapies. Many healthcare experts combine acupuncture with cupping in one treatment. Such treatment plans combine the benefits of both therapies.

Root & Stem is the best acupuncture clinic near you in Oakland. We use the healing power of acupuncture to treat different health conditions. To make an appointment, book your session online today.  

Acupuncture For Neck Tension

Neck tension refers to the pain that occurs when neck muscles cannot relax. Neck muscle tension is a common complaint. It is estimated that about 71% of adults around the world will experience neck pain due to neck muscle tension at some point in their lifetime. 

The neck contains several flexible muscles that support the weight of the head. Overuse injuries and postural problems can injure these muscles, causing excruciating pain. Neck pain can affect a person’s ability to do daily activities and consequently, their quality of life. Many people with neck pain skip social events and stop participating in the activities they enjoy, to avoid painful triggers.

Prolonged neck tension that goes untreated and ignored can cause even more damage. Untreated muscle strains can lead to frequent neck pain and even permanent damage, affecting one’s range of motion and flexibility in the neck.

Root & Stem Integrative Chinese Medicine is a group of leading acupuncture specialists in Oakland that offer clients a wide range of acupuncture services. Our team of licensed practitioners knows that each client’s wellness needs and goals are different, treating each client with services to support their specific needs.

Our team of practitioners knows what a pain in the neck, and neck tension can be. That is why our team compiled some information about how acupuncture can help in alleviating the pain of neck tension.

Symptoms

Some common symptoms of neck muscle tension include muscle spasms, soreness, stiffness, sharp or intense pain that worsens with movement or when you hold your head in one position for a long time and decreased range of motion. Pain caused by a stiff neck can vary in intensity, ranging from mild to extremely sharp.

Causes

Some common causes of neck tension include:

➢        Poor Posture: Poor posture that results from hunching over a laptop or smartphone or slouching in a chair can trigger neck muscle strains. A 2016 study found a correlation between a forward head position and increased neck pain. Poor posture can cause the weight of the head to shift forward. As a result, the neck muscles are forced to work harder to support the head. In addition to moving the head forward, hunching forces the neck to bend with it, overextending the muscles in the back of the neck. Repeated overextension of muscles leads to pain and inflammation

➢        Teeth Grinding: Bruxism is a condition in which the affected person grinds, clenches, or gnashes their teeth while they sleep. Teeth grinding increases pressure on the jaw and neck muscles, which causes neck tension and pain

➢        Sleeping in the Wrong Position: Many people sleep on their stomachs, not realizing that resting in this posture can overextend the neck muscles. People who stay in this position throughout the night often wake up with a stiff neck the following morning

➢        Stress: When a person is stressed, their brain signals the pituitary gland to release different hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine. These hormones tighten muscles. If a person experiences stress regularly, their neck, shoulder, and other muscles remain tense and contracted for longer periods. As a result, neck or shoulder tension occurs

➢        Repetitive Neck Movements: People who perform repetitive neck movements can develop repetitive motion disorders. Though these disorders usually affect the hands, shoulders, and wrists, they can also occur in the neck. If ignored, a repetitive motion disorder can lead to pain, inflammation, and even permanent tissue damage

➢        Injuries: If you lift heavy weights, play impact sports, or experienced whiplash in a car crash, a neck muscle strain can occur

How Can Acupuncture Help?

Acupuncture is an ancient medical technique that originated in China more than 3,000 years ago. The Chinese have been using acupuncture to treat everything from headaches to labor pain for centuries.

Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners believe that all illnesses result from energy blocks. Acupuncture specialists in Oakland insert paper-thin needles through the skin at specific points on the body, known as acupoints, to clear energy blocks.

Many people may shudder at the thought of having needles inserted through their skin. Acupuncture needles are very thin. An expert knows the proper way to insert them without causing pain or discomfort.

When performed by an expert, acupuncture is 100% safe. It does not have any side effects, is drug-free, and minimally invasive. Unlike many other treatment modalities that focus on the symptoms of health problems, acupuncture treats their root causes.

Many people with neck muscle tension turn to acupuncture to manage their condition. Various studies have shown that acupuncture can relieve discomfort associated with neck muscle tension.

Neck pain is one of the most common symptoms of neck muscle tension. Acupuncture relieves pain by stimulating the body to release endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers. It affects the part of the brain that regulates the level of serotonin, a chemical that transmits messages between nerve cells. Serotonin is responsible for regulating sleep, digestion, and mood.

Acupuncture does not just treat neck muscle tension, it can also prevent it. Stress is a risk factor for neck muscle tension. Research suggests that acupuncture can treat stress by increasing the production of feel-good hormones in the body. It also improves the circulation of blood throughout the body, which oxygenates the tissues and lowers cortisol levels.

Poor posture is another common cause of neck muscle tension. Acupuncture can restore balance to the body, helping the person maintain good posture.

What Happens During An Initial Consultation?

During the initial consultation session, your acupuncturist will ask you several questions about your health history. They may ask you to describe your symptoms. Your acupuncturist may perform a physical examination to evaluate neck mobility.

The purpose of the initial consultation session is to help the acupuncturist better understand the factors that cause neck muscle tension and the nature of pain resulting from tension. Your acupuncturist will create a treatment plan tailored to your needs based on the results of their analysis.

Root & Stem is a leading acupuncture clinic serving Oakland. We use acupuncture to help clients treat different types of pain including neck tension. Contact us today to make an appointment, or visit our online scheduling tool based on your location.

Acupuncture vs. Med Spa: Why Combining Acupuncture With Your Microneedling Treatment Matters

If you're interested in cosmetic skincare, there's a good chance you've heard about microneedling.

Thanks to the treatment's rising popularity and availability, invasive treatments like plastic surgery, lasers, botox, and fillers are no longer your only option for significantly improving a variety of aesthetic concerns, like wrinkles, scars, large pores, and stretch marks.

While med spas commonly offer the procedure, many people choose to get their microneedling done by their microneedling trained acupuncturist instead. We'll explain exactly why later in the post.

First, what exactly is microneedling, and why is it so effective?

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive and painless cosmetic procedure. It uses ultra-fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in your skin.

The process stimulates and improves your body's natural wound healing response, resulting in cell turnover and increased collagen and elastin production, providing noticeable and long-lasting results. 

In addition to being incredibly effective, microneedling has very few side effects.

While microneedling can treat any area of the body, it's most commonly used to improve the appearance of facial skin concerns.

So, now that we know a little more about microneedling, let's take a closer look at why getting the treatment from an acupuncturist may be your best option.

When it comes to med spa vs. acupuncture for microneedling treatment, the underlying differences in how the two approach the therapy can lead to notably different results.

So what are the primary differences?

• Medspas look at your skin from a western medical perspective that isolates individual body parts and systems. 

• Acupuncture is an ancient holistic medicine rooted in thousands of years of wisdom. Your acupuncturist looks at your body as a whole and understands how its interconnected systems affect one another.

Why is this important?

Because, it means that your acupuncturist will take a more comprehensive and holistic approach to your microneedling treatment and design a plan specifically for you and your individual needs.

Your acupuncturist will base your plan on a holistic traditional Eastern medical examination of your body and overall health. 

Acupuncturists know that facial aesthetic concerns often have roots in internal imbalances that can lead to stagnant qi.

If these imbalances are not addressed and treated in conjunction with microneedling, the efficacy and effective duration of the treatment's results may be diminished. For this reason, acupuncturists often apply needles to other areas of the body during microneedling treatments, addressing multiple issues simultaneously and significantly increasing the chances of optimal and enduring results.

Another reason acupuncturists are a better choice than med spas is they offer you the option of alternating between microneedling and facial rejuvenation acupuncture treatments. Facial rejuvenation acupuncture has been used for over 3000 years to support facial skin during aging. Combined, the two treatments often lead to dramatic improvements in skin tone, wrinkle appearance, and sagging.

In addition, acupuncturists often combine microneedling with other modalities like LED light therapy. This combination can provide even better results than microneedling alone by increasing the collagen-boosting and cellular regnative effects of the treatment.

The bottom line is that no matter where you get your microneedling done, it's a powerful and effective facial rejuvenation treatment with few risks or side effects. 

But, at the end of the day, your microneedling results are only as good as the practitioner performing the procedure. So, if you want to ensure optimal, long-lasting results, your best bet is to visit your acupuncturist trained in microneedling.

All of our practitioners offer microneedling as well as facial acupuncture as a stand-alone service or in addition to your holistic treatment plan. 

Book now at our Oakland or Nevada City clinic or reach out to Dr. Jessica Parker at hello@rootandstemclinic.com.