Re-Think How You Treat Injuries

I want to talk a little about the #METH method (I really, really wish there was a better acronym), and why we should stop using the RICE method for injuries.

In this context, METH stands for MOVEMENT, ELEVATION, TRACTION, HEAT. If you have seen an acupuncturist for an injury, I’m sure you have been told to avoid ice at all cost, and there is a really good reason for it.

Inflammation isn’t always a bad thing, it is our body’s natural response and treatment to an injury. Our blood is filled with B cells and T cells that zoom in on an injury to repair tissue. Pain is our brain trying to keep us from using our sprained ankle so that we can give our body a chance to heal itself.

When we ICE we are cutting off that important blood flow, constricting capillaries, and numbing those important pain receptors. This can cause further damage and increase chances of chronic pain. 😣
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Heat 🔥helps encourage blood to the area AND helps move blood to keep it from stagnating. 🕺🏽💃🏻
So please… a little movement and heat can be really good things for your ouchies. 

#functionalmedicine #rootandstem#injurycare #sprainedankle #sprainedfoot#sprainsandstrains

Tennis Elbow ... might not be your elbow

Tennis Elbow might not be your elbow! 🎾💪🏾
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I’ve been seeing a lot of people suffering from tennis elbow or tendonitis in the past few months, and know how tricky it is to treat. Tennis elbow can be really stubborn and I often find that the source of the pain isn’t in the elbow at all, but in the upper back and especially the neck. Our upper back and neck tension can create a cascade of pain into our arms and hands, and a good reminder to increase stretching especially in the neck. .
As you read this now, take a second to give your neck a good stretch from side to side, reach your arm behind your back and give a gentle pull on your head to the opposite side, and don’t forget to breath and allow the lungs to help circulate blood through the area of tension. .
Ahhhhhh #neckstretches #tenniselbow#tendonitis

Step Away from WebMD!

Step away from the Web MD!
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The internet is the best place to find all of the worst possible scenarios of a hangnail. Believe me, I’ve been there, and it’s easy to fall into the internet’s trap of exaggerating an illness, pain, or just weirdness in our bodies. It can even cause unnecessary insomnia, worry, and straight up anxiety which is why I strongly encourage people to step away from the google! 💻🤦🏽‍♂️👩🏻‍💻😣

Everything in Moderation - Including Moderation

Everything in moderation including moderation
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Let’s give a little shout out to #OscarWildeand his quote “Everything in moderation including moderation”. ☯️
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I think that this quote is so right on when it comes to the mission of Eastern Medicine. It is so important to do our best when it comes to health, diet, lifestyle, wellness, yada yada, and sometimes you just gotta indulge and enjoy! There is so much in taking that break from moderation that brings us optimal health. Let’s all take some time today to not be so hard on ourselves ;) .
#balance #yinyang

Maximizing Your B Vitamins

Are you peeing yellow with your B vitamins!? While it is common for our bodies to excrete excess B in urine, it could also indicate that you just aren’t absorbing it and wasting it away! 💛
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One important marker in your Complete Blood Count lab work is looking at your Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV). We can easily see if your blood cells are too big to absorb all that expensive B vitamin. ✔️

There is often an easy fix! While I prefer to try to get all of my vitamins in food (hard to do!), we often need the support of supplements and a food based “methylated” or “cyanocobalamin” B vitamin is what your body can actually utilize. 🥚🧀🍵

It is important that it is food based as the synergy of the ingredients is what really makes it special. This will ensure that your body has what it needs to digest and absorb. Just one of the many reasons why I love looking at functional blood chemistry!

#functionalmedicine #rootandstem#bloodwork #vitb #vitaminb #healthyeating

Rest and digest for fertility health

I’ve been talking a lot about the parasympathetic system lately, and the importance of “rest and digest” especially when it comes to fertility. I am constantly on the go and often realize that my entire day was spent in a busy “fight or flight” mode without any time for my body to really slow down. .

It’s an unfortunate cycle that is so easy to get caught up in. When we spend our day rushing and stressing all day, our body’s natural instinct is to shut down on unnecessary organ functions (like the reproductive organs) and only focus on getting you away from that “lion” 🐆 ... So the very LAST thing it will do is help you make a baby! .

Finding ways to encourage the resting and digesting in every day is important for all of us, but especially important to help conceive.

Happy Lunar & Chinese New Year : Earth Pig!

Happy Chinese New Year of the Earth Pig! 🐖🧧🌙

The Pig year is the end of the 12 year cycle of the Chinese zodiac, and a perfect time for reflection of the past 11 years. It allows for a much needed break from the last few feisty years, and relaxation and joy is on the horizon. Yay! .

The Pig especially enjoys the company of friends and family, festivities and gatherings, and giving and receiving is abundant in the Pig year. However, the Pig isn't the best at taking care of their health so keep up that self care routine and exercise out in nature as much as possible.

#chinesenewyear #earthpig #rootandstem#imbolc #lunarnewyear

4 - 7 - 8 Breathing Technique

4-7-8 breathing technique 😯😤

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I have a confession. Sometimes I have a really, REALLY hard time getting acupuncture 😕 It’s hard to just lay there, not doing anything. My brain is so wired to constantly do something even at rest. 💗

I have found that the 4-7-8 breathing technique has helped me tremendously! ✨Not only does it help me get into the acupuncture zone, but it helps me when I’m stuck in traffic, annoyed in a long line at the post office, and even to help me fall asleep. I especially love this mini meditation when I’m literally pinned down on the acupuncture table. 📍

This technique helps provide the lungs with more oxygen, relax the beta waves in the brain, and helps the “rest and digest” of the parasympathetic system. .

#breathing #478breathing #rootandstem #functionalmedicine #relaxation #parasympathetic

30 Chews!

30 chews! 😄🍲

A common issue I find when I look at labs is that the person’s just body isn’t absorbing food correctly. We may be eating the best and healthiest food, but that dense protein isn’t getting broken down and then overwhleming the kidneys, for example. .

While there are many factors to assisting proper absorption, one of the best ways is to chew your food, lol! I know that I often eat on the go, and I really have to stop myself from scarfing down my meals. .

Cooking food is the first part of digestion, but the enzymes in saliva really help macerate it to a consistency that the stomach can truly handle, making the rest of your organs happy. It might seem easier said than done, but when you eat dinner tonight, try to do 30 chews for each bite. ✌🏽

#rootandstem #healthydigestion #functionalmedicine #easternmedicine #oaklandacupuncture #feelyourbest #healthyeating

Why I Love Cupping

As many of you know, I LOVE cupping. ❤️ It is such a great complement to end an acupuncture session. But how does it work? Cupping is a therapy of applying suction cups to areas of pain (predominately on the back, but they can be put other places too!) By doing so, this helps open up the fascia and allow for more blood flow and circulation of qi into a tight and tense area.

Cupping is used to relieve neck and back tension, reduce anxiety, increase energy, and can even be a treatment for high blood pressure. ✨The major side effect however, are the weird marks that the cups leave, but only for a few days! #cupping #cuppingtherapy #acupuncture #rootandstem #oaklandproud #functionalmedicine

Community Acupuncture at Harborside

Community Acupuncture at Harborside! ✌🏽We are thrilled to now offer sliding scale community style acupuncture at our Harborside location! ❤️

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We offer hour long sessions from $30-60 sliding scale, every Tuesday and Thursday from 2-5. ✨

Community style acupuncture is a great way to maximize your acupuncture experience in a comfortable and affordable way, and allows us to help make acupuncture accessible to as many people as possible! #acupuncture #communityacupuncture #rootandstem #functionalmedicine #oaklandproud

How frequently should you get Acupuncture?

I often have people ask me about how many times they should have acupuncture. 📍🗓 While everyone is different and every issue can take a variety of treatments, I also believe that acupuncture is like exercise! 💪🏾

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You can go run a mile once, or take one yoga class, but the benefits of exercise are with continued consistency. .

When you start acupuncture for the first time (or first time in a long time) we can work to get your body back in shape, and continue to keep it in shape for a lifetime! #rootandstem #acupuncture #oakland #holistichealth #functionalmedicine #easternmedicine #votedbestinoakland

Is Placebo Medicine?

Is placebo medicine? 🤔🧠💬There is some amazing research out there suggesting that the “Therapeutic experience” is very closely tied to the outcome of a treatment option. .

The Therapeutic effect relies on a patient’s relationship with their healthcare provider and studies show that when that relationship is strong, people heal better and faster, regardless of the pill or treatment they are taking. 💗

Here are some questions to ask yourself about the people involved in your healthcare team.

✨Do you feel supported by your healthcare provider?
💫Do you feel understood?
✨Do you trust your healthcare provider?
💫Do you feel that they are on your side? ✨Do they have your back? .

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We are long time supporters of the self care is health care model and work hard to make you feel supported, relaxed, cozy, and understood. We have your back! #rootandstem #community #holistichealing #easternmedicine #acupuncture #trust #support #instinct #placeboeffect

Get Healthy This Winter!

Brisk days make us want to stay nourished & feeling great! 🌞

It's not too late to sign up for 6 Weeks to Glow Program for the winter season 🍁🌙-- with Lyssandra Guerra of Native Palms Nutrition + Dr. Jessica Parker of @rootandstem

This isn't just an immunity boosting program -- clients have happily and easily shifted their nutrition and lifestyle habits (feeling good about it and not feeling deprived!), they have overcome digestive issues, are balancing their hormones that affect stress, sleep, and weight... and best of all they are more in tune with their bodies and making healthier choices in ways that feel gooood to them.

This new wellness program combines Eastern Medicine, Acupuncture, Comprehensive Lab Analysis and Nutrition/Wellness. This reset will empower you to take the control back around your health 😊️

• This package includes a comprehensive health history and lab analysis through two virtual sessions with Dr. Jessica Parker -- a new component, plus an in-person acupuncture session at root + stem's offices along with suggestions on herbs to support your optimal health

• You will receive customized and expert advice and protocols (instead of the general tips you see everywhere) via three in-person sessions with Lyssandra.

• We believe in an empowered model for health, and the more tools and knowledge we have to make aligned decisions.
  

Email us to learn more and get started.

P.S. you can find the recipe to Lyssandra's magic 8 balls (spirulina chocolate truffles as pictured - YUM) on her website at http://www.nativepalmsnutrition.com/sweet-1/2016/9/16/spirulina-cacao-truffles

Food & the Brain-Gut Health

The more we connect the importance of our gut health to our mental health 🧠the closer we get to a healthier society. 💗

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Check out this fascinating study linking leaky gut in 40 similar aged children to ADHD and social impairment.

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📷 @huffpost

A Day of Service

Happy Day of Service! My clean up crew and I spent the morning sprucing up our neighborhood park. It isn’t something we do often enough and a great reminder that we can do it more. .

Pain in the Stomach : Low Acid or Hypochlorhydria

Finding the root cause of your pain or discomfort is not always easy!

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One of the most commonly misdiagnosed issues I see with my functional medicine patients is hypochlorhydria or LOW stomach acid.

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It can be really confusing when acid reflux or heartburn is actually being caused by not enough stomach acid! Taking antacids just really put it over the edge too! Simple blood tests like looking at your Sodium and Calcium levels can easily show us if this is your issue. Once we know, there is so much we can do to heal your tummy! 💗

Get more Natural Electrolytes!

I’ve been trying to increase my water intake in the past few months. Here’s my “almost daily” regiment.

💧64 oz filtered water

1 pinch Celtic sea salt

🍋1 slice lemon

2-3 drops maple syrup

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I really notice a difference on the days I make sure to drink this much water vs. the days that I only drink coffee, tea, wine, etc. ;) try it!

the fall reset --- an empowered program for health.

I'm thrilled to announce the latest in our highly effective
6 Weeks to Glow Program for the fall and winter season —
The Fall Reset in partnership with
Lyssandra Guerra of Native Palms Nutrition.

This new wellness program combines Eastern Medicine, Acupuncture, Comprehensive Lab Analysis and Nutrition/Wellness. The Fall Reset will empower you to take the control back around your health.

You will receive a comprehensive health history and lab analysis through two virtual sessions with Dr. Jessica Parker -- a new component, plus an in-person acupuncture session at root + stem's offices along with suggestions on herbs to support your optimal health.

+++ You will learn about the season's stress-busting nutrients, and optimal foods for YOU this time of year as well as tips to avoid sugar cravings and navigate the holiday dinner table (and parties) with more ease and less bloating.

Receive customized and expert advice (instead of the general tips you see everywhere) via three in-person sessions with Holistic Nutrition Coach Lyssandra Guerra.

We believe in an empowered model for health, and the more tools and knowledge we have to make decisions the better.

Get a jumpstart on your health before January. Enjoy the holidays without deprivation and feel good. What would that be like?! :)

I'd love to answer any questions you have. Please email us (sixweekstowellness@gmail.com) with your questions and we can see if this program is right for you!

{the details} of HOW it will work
6 weeks to glow, fall reset
a highly effective wellness program

You will get six total sessions: three with Dr. Parker (two virtual sessions, plus one session at root + stem) and three with Lyssandra Guerra (located at root + stem) customized to your needs (including nutrition, acupuncture, lab analysis, herbs + beyond).

We will address: optimal digestion for fall winter, hormones, balancing your cycles or minimizing and/or eliminating perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms (e.g. night sweats, mood swings, etc.), get better sleep, improve the health and glow of your skin, reduce inflammation, learn about stress busting foods + tips for YOU, optimize digestion, plus a functional medicine approach to get to the root cause of illness/disease and more!

Note: You will receive an intake from both Dr.Jessica Parker and Lyssandra Guerra at the start of the program to asses areas of need and focus.

Payment plans and schedule of visits to be arranged at the first meeting. We are happy to answer any further questions you might have.

Your Investment --- 6 Weeks to Glow Program:

$675 by 11/12, $750 after

(payment plans available upon request)

Get Started - 6 Weeks to Glow

(email jessica@oaklandrootandstem.com to schedule)

take the power back around health!

It can be easy to feel disempowered around healthcare. I see so many clients who've felt pushed around or sometimes ignored when they felt terrible, had low energy or were off balance but didn't know why.

In fact we are not given much if any preventative tools at the doctor's office during big transitional times such as perimenopause. We are told it is what it is, and most women feel terrible --- but it's time we take the power back in our health!

Even when you are not in a transitional or diseased state there is so much that can be discovered about your health, and many tools to help you feel better from the inside out instead of feeling powerless. It's all in those details.

A few months ago I launched a new service offering - Virtual Comprehensive Lab Analysis sessions because when we look at lab work it can be eye opening, beyond just a high or low on a certain test. I can take your current labs or order new ones, and really get to the heart of how and why preventative medicine is so powerful.

Plus you can do this from anywhere in the world --- no need to come into the office. Our work is all about about supporting YOUR optimal health.

VIRTUAL: Comprehensive Initial Lab Analysis*

+ Lab Analysis Results Sessions {now available}

with Dr. Jessica Parker

Learn more + book your virtual appointment today.

Note: Dr. Parker is trained to analyze the details of specific tests from a functional medicine approach to find the root cause of disease. The types of testing will be discussed during this initial appointment. Once specific lab work has been ordered and processed, a follow up virtual session will best scheduled. Dr. Parker will provide you a detailed explanation of your labs as well as provide you an integrative treatment plan with specific tools to support your optimal health. Appointments offered via Zoom only, and do not require an in-office visit.

*Initial session required even if you are an existing patient.

Questions? Email me!