Vitality Acupuncture LLC

07/21/2023

Today is my last day in private practice, and it is bittersweet. I have so much gratitude that I have had the opportunity to be of service in this practice and so much gratitude that I will now be of service for the patients at the St. Luke's Cancer Institute. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

06/12/2023

Are you ready to say goodbye to those sleepless nights, hot flashes, and mood swings? Our free training, Peri/Menopause Symptom Relief 101, is here to help. Join us tonight and learn how to ease your menopausal symptoms with a natural approach to self-care. Link in bio.

06/11/2023

Are hot flashes, irritability, insomnia, and anxiety taking over your life? Our free training can help you ditch these symptoms and find natural relief. Sign up now for "Peri/Menopause Symptom Relief 101"! Free training tomorrow, Monday June 12, at 6pm MDT. Link in bio. 🔥

06/09/2023

Free webinar coming up! Learn how to make the most of menopause and feel good with a natural approach. Link in bio.

06/09/2023

Hot tip! You may want to reconsider having that glass of wine or evening cocktail if you are getting hot flashes and night sweats. Alcohol and refined sugar can trigger hot flashes and make them much worse! 🔥

06/09/2023

Check out the latest episode of the Midlife Rise & Thrive podcast, where yours truly is a guest! Let me know what you think!

06/08/2023

I recently had the opportunity to be a guest on the Midlife Rise & Thrive podcast with Dr. Sara Poldmae. It was such a great conversation about what we can learn about midlife and menopause from the 5 elements in East Asian Medicine. The episode is out today! Make sure to check it out!

06/08/2023

Check out the link in bio for upcoming offerings.

06/07/2023

Feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn? In East Asian medicine, seeking the guidance of a trained practitioner can help you navigate symptoms (brain fog!) caused by hormonal changes with a personalized approach. Acupuncturists, herbalists, and other practitioners can work with you to develop a holistic treatment plan that meets your individual needs.

06/06/2023

Do you need a guide for your menopause journey? I can help. See link in bio.

06/05/2023

It's time to take control of your health and wellbeing during menopause. Join our free training and discover how to use the 5 elements in East Asian Medicine to support your journey and embrace your inner Vital Matriarch. Sign up now! Link in bio

06/04/2023

Are you struggling with insomnia, menstrual cycle changes, or mood swings during perimenopause? Join our upcoming livestream workshop or our in-person menopause self care class to learn how to manage your symptoms with natural approaches. Joy, one of our happy clients, shares how Heather's support has helped her navigate the adventurous perimenopausal years. Links in comments.

05/22/2023

Curious about continuous glucose monitors? I’m answering your questions - check it out!

05/19/2023

Estrogen is a key component for women in building muscle. In peri/menopause we are lacking estrogen to help us build and maintain muscle, so we need all the help we can get! That's one reason to make sure you are getting at least 20-30 grams of protein with each meal. In mid-life, it's more important than ever to give your body the fuel she needs.

05/17/2023

If you are working out regularly on an empty stomach, you could be messing with your glycemic health! Fasted workouts can contribute to insulin resistance by crashing blood sugar and increasing cortisol. Yikes! Do yourself a favor and grab some sort of protein (even just 10-15 grams will help) and a little carb snack before you work out. You'll probably notice a better workout and more energy throughout the day.

05/16/2023

Did you know that menopause can contribute to insulin resistance? Decrease glucose spikes with apple cider vinegar! Drinking just 1 TBL of ACV in a glass of water can reduce your glucose spike quickly.

05/08/2023

Over the last 2 years, I've been creating an online program to help women through their transition to perimenopause and menopause, and I'm excited to say I'm getting close to launching it!!! More details to come...

09/25/2022

08/09/2022

New schedule, new rates, and insurance changes, oh my! -



As many of you know, I will be transitioning to part-time in my clinic in order to make time to work part-time at the St. Luke’s Cancer Institute. This change has prompted me to reevaluate my business model and make some decisions based on my limited availability in the office. I am making t...

07/11/2022

Big news!

I want to share with you some BIG changes coming to Vitality Acupuncture this fall. I have been telling individual people in person when I see them, but I want to send out an email to be sure everyone knows as soon as possible.

03/11/2022

We just called the number and got the sweetest pep talk from kindergartners. Love this project!

02/24/2022

The Figure 4 stretch is one of the best stretches for low back pain. It can be lying down on the ground or seated in a chair. When I see patients for pain, it isn't just about the needles. I also make sure to include a couple stretches to try at home as well as provide nutritional supplement and herbal info to help your body heal from the inside out.

02/22/2022

I have recently started a new workout routine, and my back and neck are letting me know they feel it! 🔥Acupuncture is one of the first things I think of when I'm hurting somewhere. I use a combination of acupuncture, motor point stimulation, and dry needling to get great results for pain. Are you hurting? Let me take care of you! Contact us for a free consult.

02/14/2022

❤️Take some time to show yourself some love today.

02/04/2022

This is what my patient said as she hugged me and left the office after her treatment last week. She struggled with endometriosis for way too long. This is the reason I do what I do. 💜💜💜

02/02/2022

Do you have endometriosis?

Here are some classic symptoms:
💥Pain during periods/ovulation/sex
💥Pain in the low back/groin/down the legs
💥Fatigue
💥Nausea/vomiting/bloating
💥Difficulty getting pregnant

What is endometriosis?
It's a chronic inflammatory condition involving endometrial tissue (the tissue that lines the uterus) existing outside the uterus. It causes adhesions to form and becomes very painful.

Women with endometriosis often also have depression and migraines.

Conventional treatment is most commonly use of birth control and surgery to remove the adhesions and tissue. Neither treatment gets to the root cause.

Your other options for treatment include Functional medicine and Chinese medicine. They can be incredibly helpful in managing symptoms and improving quality of life while working on the root cause.

If you would like more info on how I can help, call 208-629-4920 or see link in bio to schedule a free 15 minute consult.

02/01/2022

Year of the Yang Water Tiger

Yang: confident action
Water: adapt and flow
Tiger: powerful, awaken and accomplish

This is the year to confidently act on the plans and goals you have envisioned for yourself over the last two years; but remember you may have to adapt and go with the flow in order to achieve what you want. You are powerful.

01/28/2022

Adaptogens for Adrenal Health

Q. What is an adaptogen???
A. An adaptogen is a substance (herbal) that helps the body to adapt to any kind of stress and has a normalizing effect on certain body processes. Adaptogenic herbs have been shown to mediate the stress response and regulate the neuro-endrocrine system, the immune system, and the central nervous system. This means they help you you have better resilience to emotional and environmental stress, more energy, and a healthy immune response.

Q. What are examples of an adaptogen?
A. There are many herbs that act as adaptogens. Schisandra, Rhodiola, Ashwaganda, Tulsi, Maca, Reishi, and Cordyceps are examples of adaptogens.

Q. How do I use adaptogens for my own adrenal health?
A. Adaptogens can be taken individually or together in formulas. They are most commonly found as teas or pills that make it easy to take. They are commonly sold in stores that have a vitamin and supplement section. The tea versions are sold in grocery stores along with the other teas. For best results, talk with your acupuncturist / herbalist / functional medicine practitioner to see which is best for your body's needs.

01/26/2022

AcuPoint Highlight: Kidney 6 - Shining Sea⁠
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In Chinese Medicine, we don't really talk about adrenals as the glands we know about today. The adrenals are understood as a concept represented by the delicate balance of the elements Fire (yang) and Water (yin). The way these elements function (or don't function) together in the body illustrates overall adrenal health. ⁠
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The name of the Kidney 6 point is "Shining Sea", which refers to the brightness of fire shining on water. This point is on the Kidney meridian, which is part of the Water element. I use this point frequently to help balance the Fire (yang) and Water (yin), mostly to support women's health and mental/emotional health. It works beautifully with Heart 7, "Shen Men", which is of the Fire element. ⁠
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Watch for my next post for info on supplements and herbs that support adrenal health!

01/21/2022

Taking care of your adrenals so they take care of you.

Let me tell you some of the things your adrenals love:

❤️ Acupuncture! (of course)
🧡 Yoga
💛 Consistent sleep times and 7-9 hours of sleep
💚 Deep belly breathing throughout the day
💙 Quiet time for reflection
💜 Water
❤️ Loving supportive relationships
🧡 Laughter
💛 Nourishing foods
💚 Meditation / Prayer
💙 Massage

Yes, please! Sign me up for all of that! You can get started showing your adrenals some love by contacting us for a free consult.

01/19/2022

Your adrenals only want the best for you.

One very common type of hormonal imbalance is adrenal fatigue. The symptoms look like feeling anxious or nervous, crappy sleep, feeling tired all the time, feeling a little "shaky", rapid heart rate, or not being able to get a deep satisfying breath. These symptoms can show up with prolonged stress.

Adrenal fatigue means your adrenals are getting tired of all the bullsh*t. The adrenals tell you when you are on stress overload; and it is time to get serious about loving yourself. It's time to set some boundaries and give yourself the tender loving care you deserve. Your symptoms are just your body's signal that you need help. Bodies are smart. You have the choice to be your best cheerleader, or your worst enemy, and your adrenals know which you choose.

I want to give you and your adrenals the TLC you deserve. Contact us for a free consult.

01/14/2022

Vision Casting for 2022

What would you like to manifest in 2022? Here are 5 areas to look at:
1. Physical/Mental/Emotional Health
2. Family
3. Career
4. Spiritual
5. Recreation

Try to take a little time to look at each area and cast a vision for yourself. You are more likely to make your vision a reality if you know what your vision is.
My point prescription for vision casting for the new year is:
Liver 14 - end of cycle
Lung 2 - beginning of cycle
Governing vessel 20 - hundred convergences
Yin Tang - 3rd eye
Kidney 12 - great manifestation

01/12/2022

New Year = Same Potential

We always have potential to improve our health. But, if you are like me, the potential for improvement seems greater after the holidays! And why wouldn't it?! Pie, cookies, cheese, alcohol, binging football or Netflix - these aren't a normal part of my life except for that few weeks around the holidays. I'm still in the slump of the holiday hangover; but with each day of the new year that passes, I'm feeling better and better because I have cut out a lot of the sugar, all alcohol, and I'm moving my body more. I always have the opportunity to make the choice to be healthier, and right now I'm doing just that. The choice and potential for better health is always there. You just have to choose it.

12/22/2021

It's time to snuggle in and hibernate with our families! We'll be back refreshed and excited to see you in the new year!

12/21/2021

The Winter Solstice is the darkest time of year; we have the least amount of light on this day. Why and how should we celebrate Winter Solstice? This is the perfect time to rest, reflect, and nourish ourselves. It is a tenet of Chinese Medicine to live according to nature and the seasons. One way to do this is to eat lamb in the deepest part of winter to support our constitutional foundation and warm our bodies. Winter Solstice is the perfect time to light a candle, eat some lamb, take a warm bath, and make space for introspection. Wishing you a peaceful Winter Solstice!

12/16/2021

Decrease holiday stress and give your immune system support with acupuncture! 😃⁠
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There are numerous studies showing that acupuncture increases the "feel good" neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. We also see in studies that acupuncture improves impaired immune function. We all want to minimize stress and avoid getting sick, so it sounds like acupuncture is just what we need right now!

12/14/2021

Diarrhea, cha, cha, cha!

Is your holiday eating causing some unpleasant symptoms? Let us help! We have some fantastic herbal formulas that relieve symptoms AND support your gut health at the same time. Acupuncture has also been shown to improve digestive symptoms. Take your pick, or choose both. Either way, I am here to help!

12/09/2021

Sometimes, the answer is to give a gift from the ❤️, not the store. Here are some ideas:

1. Food 🍪 and drink🍹 - I try to stay away from the sweets and instead make unique treats like homemade chai or switchel. This year I think I'll give out some of my favorite homemade salad dressings like Tarragon Vinaigrette. It's up to you if you want to include the recipe along with the yummy gift.
2. Photo collection - look through your old photos for moments you share with the person you'll be gifting. You can arrange them in a digital or book format.
3. Mix tape 🎵(if you're old school) or a curated playlist - You can make a list of your favorite songs to share, or a list of songs that makes you think of your loved one. Awww.
4. Time together coupon book - make a little book full of coupons for activities you can do together in teh coming year.
5. Homemade bath and body goods - you can find all kinds of DIY body care recipes online! Look for face masks, body scrubs, or bath bombs.
6. Help! Offer help with babysitting or petsitting, yard work, car wash, etc.
7. If nothing else, you can always give a pet rock 🤣

12/07/2021

Let's talk holiday 🎄 self-care strategies. Many people get triggered and stressed during the holidays; so let's change that mmkay?

1. Don't miss your self-care appointments: yoga class, acupuncture, massage, pedicure...whatever. Just keep the appointment. You're gonna need that time for you.
2. Brene Brown says "Clear is kind." Amen sister. Set your boundaries and be clear about them up front rather than resentful after the fact. This doesn't mean you have to take a bullhorn and boxing gloves 🥊 to your family dinner to make an announcement! Just keep that mantra in mind: Clear is kind!
3. Breathe. Easy, right? When you start feeling your shoulders creep up to your ears or your jaw start to clench, just take a deep breath into the belly and slowly blow it out. 🌬️ Now repeat.
4. Sing! Did you know that chanting and singing make your vagus nerve happy? The vagus nerve is where it's at! It helps you relax. I know you have a favorite Christmas carol you want to belt out; so do it!!
5. Get your sleep 💤. Eat more protein and veggies than sweets. Drink more water 💦. Tell someone you love them and give/get a hug 🤗 every single day.

12/01/2021

Santa Claus has the right idea with this gift certificate for Cindy Lou Who! Let Brenda know if you need a gift certificate for a loved one and she will take care of it.