Mid Michigan Wellness Center

08/12/2024

Hi Everyone! Brandi is going to be with us for just a little bit longer. We are currently looking for someone to help in the office Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. If you or someone you know is interested, please call the office and speak with Brandi. Thanks!

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06/05/2024

Benefits of Working with Allied Practitioners

How your acupuncturist can build bridges among your health care team.

How your acupuncturist can build bridges among your health care team.
Let’s see if we can set the scene of something remarkable, something that could become the future of healthcare. Picture yourself walking into a doctor’s office or health clinic looking for relief from your debilitating chronic pain. The nurse calls your name and leads you into a serene treatment room. As you settle onto the examination table, the door opens and you are greeted by not just the familiar face of your acupuncturist, but also by a team of allied practitioners working in harmony to address your health concerns.

Imagine a world where there is connection and communication between complete health care teams of various allied practitioners looking at the whole person. It’s time to make this collaborative approach not just a vision but a reality that transforms the landscape of acupuncture and the medical field in general.

The ancient healing art of acupuncture rooted in traditional Chinese medicine has gained widespread recognition over the last several years for its efficacy in treating various physical and emotional ailments. But what sets acupuncture apart is when acupuncturists can collaborate with allied practitioners, forming a comprehensive support network tailored to a patient’s unique needs.

The Benefits of Allied Collaboration

In partnering with allied practitioners like chiropractors, massage therapists, physical therapists, herbalists, and nutritionists, acupuncturists can offer a more holistic approach to healing. Rather than just focusing on the symptoms, this collaborative effort addresses the underlying causes of health issues, thus promoting long-term wellness.

Just like acupuncturists, allied practitioners bring their expertise to the table, allowing for a more comprehensive assessment of a patient’s condition. Whether it’s identifying structural imbalances, relieving muscle tension, or recommending herbal supplements to complement acupuncture treatments, this multidisciplinary approach ensures that no aspect of a patient’s health is overlooked.

Studies have shown that patients who receive care from a team of allied practitioners in conjunction with acupuncture treatments experience improved treatment outcomes. According to a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, collaborative integrative care led to a significant reduction in pain levels and enhanced quality of life for patients with chronic conditions.

Working with allied practitioners also enables acupuncturists to tailor treatment plans to a patient’s specific needs. Whether for pain management, dietary recommendations for digestive issues, or mindfulness techniques for stress relief, this type of collaborative approach makes it possible for people to receive personalized care every step of the way.

Collaborating with allied practitioners expands the resources available to patients. From access to a wider range of treatment modalities to referrals for specialized care, this type of network ensures patients have the support needed to take the journey to healing with confidence in their care.

The power of collaboration with allied practitioners cannot be overstated. By integrating diverse perspectives and expertise, acupuncturists can offer a more comprehensive and effective approach to healing. So, as you consider seeing acupuncture treatment, consider the benefits of working with a practitioner who embraces collaboration. Wouldn’t it be amazing to have a comprehensive health care team in your corner?

06/05/2024

Using Acupuncture to Manage Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases can prove to be intricate and seemingly unsolvable puzzles for many people. And statistics prove this to be true as millions worldwide are impacted by autoimmune diseases ranging from rheumatoid arthritis to lupus, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, irritable bowel disease, and even Parkinson’s disease. Conventional medicine can diagnose 100 different autoimmune conditions, however the treatments offered don’t completely resolve the issues associated with the disease and in extreme cases, no treatment is available at all. And yet, in the midst of all these medical challenges that autoimmune diseases present, acupuncture emerges as a promising ally, offering relief to those grappling with these often-complex health conditions.

According to a study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture has shown significant efficacy in alleviating symptoms associated with autoimmune diseases, with an impressive success rate of more than 80%. This ancient practice, rooted in the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, operates on the belief that disruptions in the body’s vital energy, or qi, contribute to illness. By stimulating specific points along meridians, acupuncture aims to rebalance qi and promote healing from within.

Acupuncture and Autoimmune Diseases

While the exact mechanisms underlying acupuncture’s effectiveness in treating autoimmune diseases continue to be made known, emerging research offers insights into its multifaceted benefits. Studies suggest that acupuncture may modulate immune responses, dampening inflammation and regulating immune function. Additionally, acupuncture’s ability to stimulate the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters can mitigate pain and enhance overall well-being.

Acupuncture continues to be celebrated for its holistic approach to managing various health conditions, addressing not only the physical symptoms of autoimmune diseases but also their emotional and psychological manifestations. By fostering a sense of relaxation and equilibrium, acupuncture nurtures the body’s innate capacity to heal, fostering a profound sense of empowerment and resilience.

In a landscape marked by the complexities of autoimmune diseases, acupuncture can be a light at the end of the tunnel for many patients struggling to find relief — a gentle yet effective ally in the quest for healing and wholeness. With its roots deeply intertwined with millennia of wisdom and tradition, acupuncture offers a pathway toward holistic wellness, harnessing the body’s innate intelligence to navigate the labyrinth of autoimmune challenges.

As we think about the boundless potential of acupuncture in the realm of treating autoimmune diseases, it’s important to hold equal parts of curiosity and expectation. Your practitioner will conduct a thorough health history prior to your first treatment so they can understand exactly what you have been dealing with. Together, you will develop a treatment plan and explore the possibilities that acupuncture can bring to the table. You may learn about different herbal remedies as well. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and share your concerns. It’s possible that your acupuncturist will uncover underlying conditions that also can be treated, leading to a clearer picture of your health.

Sometimes we need to look in the past in order to move forward. How might the ancient wisdom of acupuncture illuminate new pathways toward healing and restoration in the modern era? If you suffer from an autoimmune disease, consider acupuncture as a holistic approach to achieving wellness. If you’ve tried everything else, make an appointment today to learn more about the possibilities acupuncture brings to treating disease and achieving whole-body balance.

04/23/2024

Unlocking the Ancient Wisdom of Gua Sha

Gua sha is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. Practitioners of this medicine believe that a person’s qi, or energy, must flow unhindered throughout the body so you can feel your best. When qi becomes stagnant, health problems occur. With Gua sha, your acupuncturist uses a smooth-edged tool to gently scrape areas of your body where inflammation or stagnant qi exist to help improve circulation and promote healing. When done correctly, Gua sha can help you unlock radiant skin and achieve holistic well-being.

Gua Sha, pronounced “gwa sha,” literally translates to “scraping” in Chinese. Originating from ancient traditional Chinese medicine, it has been a well-guarded secret for centuries, passed down through generations. Used primarily as a technique for facial and body rejuvenation, Gua Sha involves gentle scraping of the skin to stimulate circulation and lymphatic drainage, promoting detoxification and revitalization.

The efficacy of Gua Sha isn’t merely anecdotal; it’s backed by science. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, Gua Sha significantly increased microcirculation in treated areas, resulting in improved skin health and texture. Additionally, research conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) found that Gua Sha therapy reduced inflammation and oxidative stress, contributing to a youthful glow.

But Gua Sha transcends its physical benefits; it’s a ritual of self-care and mindfulness. As you glide the smooth stone across your skin, you’re not just sculpting your features – you’re releasing tension, unblocking energy pathways, and inviting a sense of serenity into your life. It’s a moment of indulgence in an increasingly hectic world.

Health Benefits of Gua Sha
Gua sha can help relieve several health conditions. Some of the benefits of Gua sha include:

Relieving musculoskeletal problems, especially major ones like tightness in the shoulders, legs and back.
Alleviating tension headaches, migraines, neck pain, or swelling in your body.
Helping with hepatitis B, migraine headaches, breast engorgement, neck pain, Tourette syndrome, and perimenopausal syndrome.
Using Gua Sha at Home
For those intrigued by the allure of Gua Sha, incorporating it into your skincare routine is simple. Begin with clean, moisturized skin and apply a few drops of facial oil or serum to facilitate smooth gliding. Hold the Gua Sha tool at a 15 to 45-degree angle and gently stroke upwards and outwards, following the contours of your face. Take your time, allowing the stone to work its magic as you bask in the soothing sensation.

As the stresses of daily life melt away under the gentle pressure of the Gua Sha stone, you’ll find yourself embracing a newfound sense of radiance and vitality. With consistent practice, you’ll notice diminished fine lines, reduced puffiness, and a more sculpted visage staring back at you in the mirror.

So, why not embark on this ancient journey to luminous skin and holistic wellness? With Gua sha, the path to beauty is not just skin-deep – it’s a transformative experience that nourishes the body, mind, and soul. Talk to your acupuncturist about how they can incorporate it into your next treatment session and how you might use it home. Are you ready to unlock the secret to radiant skin and embark on a journey of self-discovery?

04/23/2024

The Benefits of Detoxifying your Body with Acupuncture

Life can be incredibly stressful. Even if things are “going well,” the constant pull of the needs of others including kids, coworkers, parents, and even friends can leave us feeling drained and often leads us into making poor lifestyle choices. But what if there was a place you could go to heal your body and your mind? A sanctuary of sorts, where you can find serenity and healing through the art of acupuncture. Your acupuncturist can help you find the path to detoxification—a journey of renewal and revitalization for both body and soul.

What to Expect
When you arrive, your acupuncturist will perform a comprehensive health assessment so they can better understand your goals and concerns. As you settle into the comfort of the treatment room, envision gentle and precise hands expertly selecting slender needles, each one a conduit to your body’s innate healing power. Guided by years of training to the acupuncture point that will be most effective, the slender needle is inserted, and you may feel a subtle shift, a release of tension, as if the weight of the world is being lifted from your shoulders. This is the profound impact of acupuncture — a gentle yet necessary journey to detoxification.

But what exactly is the science behind this ancient practice? According to a study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture has been shown to stimulate the body’s natural detoxification processes, aiding in the elimination of toxins through the liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system. Furthermore, statistics from the National Institutes of Health reveal a growing acceptance of acupuncture in the Western world, with over 14 million adults in the United States alone reporting its use as a complementary therapy.

As you lie there, enveloped in a cocoon of calm, consider the myriad benefits of acupuncture for detoxification. Not only does it assist in flushing out toxins from the body, but it also promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and restores balance to mind and body. Depending on your health concerns, your practitioner can work with you to determine the number of sessions that will help you achieve your goals. Your acupuncturist might also advise you on changes to your diet and may also prescribe herbs and/or supplements that can help you detoxify your body. With each session, you may find yourself feeling lighter, more energized, and more vibrant — ready to face the world with renewed vitality.

The journey of detoxification through acupuncture is a deeply personal and transformative experience. As you embark on this path towards wellness, may you find solace in the gentle touch of ancient wisdom and the profound healing power of your own body. So, why not take the first step today? Are you ready to rediscover radiance and embark on a journey of holistic healing with acupuncture?

It’s time to make your health and wellness a priority. Taking care of yourself helps you take care of the ones you love. Talk to your acupuncturist today and make that appointment!

04/23/2024

Acupuncture for Orthopedic Pain

Orthopedic pain is a big deal for many Americans, and it comes in many different forms including knee, hip, shoulder, and other joint pain. Acupuncture has been proven an effective tool to deal with orthopedic pain…even Harvard Medical School thinks so.

Chronic pain can be debilitating for those suffering from it and directly impacts quality of life. People often treat chronic pain with anti-inflammatory medications (both prescription and over the counter), physical therapy, or with ice and heat, but those options don’t always provide long lasting relief. According to Harvard Medical School, “acupuncture is an option with a good track record that’s worth considering.”

Harvard cites a study originally published in the Archives of Internal Medicine that found acupuncture to be a valid and effective treatment for chronic pain conditions. “Research from an international team of experts adds to the evidence that it does provide real relief from common forms of pain. The team pooled the results of 29 studies involving nearly 18,000 participants. Some had acupuncture, some had ‘sham’ acupuncture, and some didn’t have acupuncture at all. Overall, acupuncture relieved pain by about 50%.”

It’s important to note that the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment varies for each individual depending on the severity of the condition, there are many who find relief through acupuncture treatment for their orthopedic concerns. Here are a few ways it can help.

Acupuncture is extremely effective at pain management by modulating pain signals and stimulating the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. There is also something known as gate control theory where the needling process used can activate nerve fibers that inhibit pain signals, following the gate control theory of pain.

Acupuncture can reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, aid in muscle relaxation, improve joint and mobility function, address nerve compression, and reduce the stress that so often comes with orthopedic and chronic pain.

What acupuncture does best is not to merely address the pain, but to treat the underlying cause of the pain. For example, acupuncture is often indicated to treat chronic pain conditions that radiate pain along a nerve pathway, pain causing muscle spasms, inflammation, scar tissue, and pain that is in multiple areas of the body.

The number of acupuncture treatments required to properly address these health concerns varies according to the severity of the issue. In general terms, a chronic condition might require one to two weekly treatments for several months, while the sudden onset of pain can likely require a fewer number of visits. For others, significant relief is found after just a single treatment.

Just a quick Google search of acupuncture and chronic pain studies provides ample reason to give this therapy serious consideration. One of the greatest benefits to receiving regular acupuncture treatments is that it doesn’t just relieve your current pain. Having regular acupuncture sessions can reduce your overall occurrences of pain.

When your acupuncturist carefully places those needles, it is going far beyond just pain management. Through regular acupuncture treatments, you can strengthen your immune system, decrease stress, lower your blood pressure and even improve your sleep.

If you struggle with chronic pain, acupuncture is a pharmaceutical free, low-risk option that studies prove can offer long-term benefits for your overall health, not just your chronic pain. Let your acupuncturist do a proper health assessment and develop a plan to get you out of pain and back on track to a healthy and active lifestyle. Make your appointment today!

03/04/2024

Acupuncture & Athletes: A Winning Combination.

Whether a weekend warrior or a seasoned semi-professional or professional competitor, athletes are always looking for that competitive edge, the thing that can keep them healthy and give them a bit more in the tank to defeat the competition.

Sports acupuncture is a great tool athletes can use as part of their overall health care strategy. Sports acupuncture is a hybrid form of acupuncture and sports medicine that is specifically used to support sports-related activity. Athletes and runners especially can use sports medicine acupuncture to relieve pain, accelerate the healing of sports related injuries, improve performance, and increase muscle flexibility. Let’s unpack each of these benefits and see just how sports acupuncture can be used to treat athletes.

Pain Management
Acupuncture is often used to alleviate the pain associated with sports injuries, overuse, or even chronic conditions developed from years of intense competition. Needles are inserted into specific points to help release endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, and reduce inflammation. It’s all about restoring the balance of energy or, qi, to the body to achieve ultimate wellness.

Muscle Relaxation
Athletes can use acupuncture to address muscle tightness and spasm as well. Needles are strategically placed at various acupuncture points along the body to stimulate relaxation and reduce muscle tension.

Injury Rehabilitation
Acupuncture can be an effective tool in an athlete’s rehabilitation plan post-injury. It can help to accelerate the healing process by improving blood circulation, reducing swelling, and promoting tissue repair.

Stress Reduction
Athletes, especially those who compete at a very elite level, can experience extremely high levels of stress due to the intense training or simply the competitions themselves. Acupuncture can help to manage stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and balancing the body’s energy.

Enhanced Recovery
Acupuncture can contribute to faster recovery between training sessions and competitions. By improving blood circulation and reducing muscle soreness, athletes might be able to resume their training more quickly by incorporating regular acupuncture into their training routine.

Immune System Support
When athletes endure intense training, it can sometimes suppress the immune system, making athletes more susceptible to illness. Acupuncture is believed to support the immune system by addressing the balance of energy in the body through specific meridians, thus helping athletes to stay healthy.

Mind/Body Connection
One of the most effective things acupuncture accomplishes is the improvement of the mind/body connection. This can be an incredibly valuable tool for supporting athletic performance. Acupuncture is known to stimulate a parasympathetic nervous system response, sometimes called a state of “rest and digest.”

Regular acupuncture sessions can improve an athlete’s natural ability to tune into this mental state in times of stress or anxiety, such as right before a big race or competition. Acupuncture has been shown to support cognitive function and reduce performance anxiety.

Whether you are thinking about incorporating acupuncture into your regular wellness routine or using it as a companion to other medical treatments, talk to your acupuncturist today. Your practitioner will do a full health history and talk to you about your training regime and fitness goals. They will work with you to develop a plan specific to your needs. Call and make an appointment today so you can incorporate acupuncture into your regular wellness routine.

02/19/2024

Acupuncture & Cupping: The Basics

Cupping and acupuncture are the winning combination for dealing with chronic pain and muscle strains. Its popularity has grown in recent years, and you’ve probably seen professional athletes and celebrities with the telltale giant red welts all over their bodies. Here’s what you need to know if you are thinking about adding cupping to your acupuncture treatment.

What is Cupping?
Cupping is a technique used to stimulate acupuncture points by applying a glass, bamboo or metal cup to the skin. The suction created by the cups causes the skin and the superficial muscle layer to be drawn into the cup. This is what stimulates blood flow and relaxes muscle tissue. This process gives skin that “bruised” appearance, but it’s important to know that no blood vessels are being broken in this process.

How Long Will It Take?
Typically, the cups are left in place for anywhere from five to 20 minutes while you relax. Your acupuncturist might also apply oil to the skin to help the cups slide over areas needing treatment and is usually done on the back. It’s also common for your practitioner to use four, six or 10 cups depending on the severity of the condition being treated.

What Will Cupping Treat?
Frequently applied after acupuncture, cupping is used for treatment of sprains, soft tissue injuries, fluid retention in the lungs, bronchitis, congestion, asthma, and chronic cough. Cupping is also recommended for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Alleviating swelling and pain, cupping addresses a variety of acute ailments by removing stasis, or energy blockages. Cupping therapies often follow the acupoint selection pattern used in acupuncture therapy; back points in fleshy areas of the body are preferred sites. Increased blood flow into the cupping area allows the body region to heal more quickly and brings toxins to the surface, which can be released through the pores.

What is it Doing to My Body?
What’s happening in your body is that the cupping technique is activating your lymphatic system by causing your tissue to release toxins and clearing any energy blockages. Your acupuncturist might utilize cupping in addition to your traditional acupuncture treatment if you suffer from acute or chronic deep tissue pain.

Is There More Than One Type of Cupping?
The short answer is: Yes! There are several cupping techniques that can be used depending on what condition is being treated.

Dry cupping: defined as generating negative pressure inside the cups with fire, a manual pump or electrical suctioning (also called retained or static cupping).
Flash cupping: a practitioner uses quick suctions of light to medium pressure for less than 30 seconds at a time.
Needle cupping: acupuncturist applies short acupuncture needles and then places the cups on the areas to be treated.
Herbal cupping: practitioner boils an herbal solution, soaks bamboo cups, and then applies the slightly cooled cups to the skin.
Electrical simulation cupping: this technique uses transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). This technique is commonly used to treat muscular pain and to target specific points.
Ask your acupuncturist if cupping is the right technique for you. Your acupuncturist will do a thorough health history and answer any questions you might have. The combination of traditional acupuncture and cupping might just be the winning combination you have been searching for!

02/19/2024

What Japanese Acupuncture Can Do for You

If acupuncture is new to you, you might not know that there are different forms of acupuncture. While Chinese acupuncture is a bit more mainstream here in the West, Japanese acupuncture is becoming renowned for its effectiveness. Traditional Japanese acupuncture (which includes Meridian Therapy) is defined as “an imbalance in qi and blood flowing in the meridians which is considered to be the cause of disease.” The aim is to regulate the flow of both qi and blood.

Its roots are in Chinese acupuncture but there are some differences. Read on to learn what those are so you can see if Japanese acupuncture is right for you.

Needles
The first difference involves the types of needles used. Both Chinese and Japanese needles are often made from the highest grade surgical stainless steel, however Japanese needles are typically much finer than their Chinese counterparts. This is great news for patients who experience minimal pain or discomfort.

Depth
In the Japanese style of acupuncture, needles are inserted at a shallower depth than in Chinese acupuncture. This is due to a difference in philosophy as Chinese practitioners’ believer the body’s energy (or qi) is reached through deeper insertion and stimulation, where Japanese practitioners believe this same energy is found closer to the surface.

Tailored Treatment
Often, in Chinese acupuncture, a practitioner will place needles in certain channels of the body and leave them there for a desired amount of time, depending on what is being treated and the severity. The practitioner may leave the room and begin work on another patient.

However, in Japanese acupuncture, importance is placed on the correct dosage for each patient. What this means is that diagnostic indicators are constantly monitored to make sure the desired changes are occurring within the body. This means the practitioner is present and working with the patient for most of the session to make sure the desired outcome is achieved.

“Alive Points”
Perhaps the biggest difference between the two types of acupuncture is in the treatment of what Japanese acupuncturists term, “alive points.” Unlike Chinese acupuncture where a fixed anatomical location on the body is treated, Japanese practitioners will use palpation along the meridian to find an “alive point” requiring treatment.

Two Styles
There are two main styles of Japanese acupuncture. The Toyo Hari involves palpation of the pulse, stomach (Hara) and channels along certain areas of the body to determine what needs to be re-balanced. Then, gold, silver stainless steel and/or Moxa are used to stimulate the flow of energy at active or “alive” points on the body. Sometimes, with this style of Japanese acupuncture, there is no insertion of needles at all.

Manaka involves the use of polarity devices and magnets to stimulate deeper channels. This style is often helpful in treating liver conditions.

There are other different techniques used including contact needling, simple insertion, sparrow pecking (once the needle reaches a certain depth it is repeatedly moved up and down by a few millimeters), twisting, flicking, and electro acupuncture just to name a few.

If you are considering Japanese acupuncture, talk to your practitioner about your health goals. They can answer your questions and will do a full health history to determine the best course of treatment for you.

To get a more in-depth understanding of Japanese acupuncture, a great resource is the Japan Society of Acupuncture and Moxibustion.