Sina Leslie Smith LAc MD

04/16/2026

Everyone praises the Mediterranean diet, but not as many stop to consider why so many Asian populations, including communities often referenced alongside Blue Zones, have thrived well into their 90s and 100s on a completely different way of eating.

Let's break it down!

The "Asian diet" is not one single diet. It reflects a wide range of cultures, but there are consistent patterns that show up across regions, and these patterns are what drive so many of the health benefits.

Plants are the foundation. Meals are built around vegetables, legumes, rice, and noodles, with animal protein used as a complement rather than the centerpiece. This naturally increases fiber intake, supports gut health, and helps regulate blood sugar.

There is also a strong emphasis on balance and variety. Instead of one large portion of a single food, meals are made up of multiple smaller dishes, offering far less tendency to overeat.

Preparation matters more than most people realize. Steaming, stir-frying, fermenting, and boiling are cooking methods that preserve nutrients while limiting the intake of saturated fat.

Fermented foods play a particularly important role. Kimchi, miso, and tempeh have supported gut and immune health across generations, long before probiotics became a trend.

When meals are slower and shared with others, the body has time to register fullness, digestion improves, and eating becomes something you are present for rather than rushing through. That is no a small thing!

And historically, sugar and ultra-processed foods simply were not part of the picture. Whole, minimally processed ingredients were the default, not the exception.

This is certainly not about labeling one diet as “better” than another. It is about recognizing that there is more than one path to nourishing the body well, and that cultures all around the world have exemplified this for a very long time.

Try bringing one of these principles into your meals this week. You might be surprised how much of a difference one small improvement can make!

04/14/2026

This is the final piece in my 6-part series on the State of 21st Century Acupuncture in the United States, published in Acupuncture Today and it's one I'm really proud of!

This installment focuses on workforce data, which might not sound like the most exciting topic at first, but stay with me, because what the data actually reveals is a powerful profession with confirmed impact.

Acupuncture is a field filled with experienced, highly trained practitioners who have built something substantial. Most are mid-career clinicians with over a decade of experience, trained to rigorous national standards, and increasingly working alongside other healthcare providers in hospitals, veterans' health systems, and academic institutions.

The profession is mature, it is established, and the evidence now reflects that clearly.

What excites me most about this research is that it gives us a powerful way to tell that story to insurers, policymakers, healthcare systems, and the patients who are looking for exactly what we offer. We no longer have to rely on anecdote alone.

We have data, and it makes a compelling case for acupuncture's rightful place in integrative care.

For my fellow practitioners: this white paper was written as a practical tool for you. Quote it on your website, reference it in conversations with other clinicians, share it with your patients!

Many years of work went into building a resource that helps all of us communicate the value of what we do, and that success belongs to the whole profession!

The full article is linked below.

https://acupuncturetoday.com/columnists/clasina-sina-leslie-smith-ms-ma-lac-md-dipl-ac-faama

04/09/2026

Nail breakage!! Boo! 😫 Not the best manicure to begin with, but this is what happens when I don’t drink enough water. 💦 It’s not a failure of my nails. It’s a failure of ME NOT HYDRATING myself sufficiently. My body is just compensating by conserving water where it can. 🤷‍♀️ When my nails break, I know I need to drink more water! 💧

04/08/2026

What makes you feel “gezellig”?

I recently came across this Dutch word while visiting a shop that takes its name from it, and it's stayed with me ever since.

There's no single English translation for it; it's just the feeling of a room that wraps you in warmth, a gathering where everyone feels at ease, a place where you instantly belong.

The fact that an entire word exists just to describe that feeling says something beautiful about what people value.

It resonates with me so deeply because of my mother. She's Dutch and immigrated to the US when she was 12, born during WWII when resources like food, fuel, and clothing were scarce in ways most of us will never fully understand.

And yet, the culture she came from held onto this word for warmth and togetherness. They created gezellig even in the hardest of times… showing us that human connection is what carries us through.

What strikes me most is that gezellig isn't something you have or own; it's something you create. We foster it through small acts of kindness, through welcoming people in, through making space for one another. The richness of our communities comes from the tapestry of people in them, and the way we choose to show up for each other. 💛

Some of the most important things in life don't have one single word for them… and yet, somehow, we all know the feeling.

04/06/2026

Over the past several years, speaking has become one of my favorite extensions of my clinical life and, honestly, one of my favorite ways to connect with people!

My work lives at the intersection of acupuncture, science, nutrition, effective communication, and whole-person care. More recently, I've been especially energized by the conversations happening between acupuncture and dentistry; it's a space full of possibility that I love bringing to new audiences.

I'm often invited to speak because I make complex material feel accessible without losing the richness. My goal is always the same: that you/your audience leave with ideas that genuinely shift how you think and tools you can use right away.

I speak to acupuncture and integrative medicine professionals, dentists and dental teams, healthcare educators, and corporate and academic audiences. Topics span nervous system science, stress physiology, interdisciplinary care, acupuncture in dental settings, nutrition in real life, Five Element theory applied to leadership and team dynamics, and clinical tools with immediate impact.

If you're building programming for 2026 or 2027, I'd love to connect. Tap the link in the comments to explore!

04/03/2026

One of the easiest health upgrades to make…your water!

You’re consuming it every single day, which means even small differences in quality can really add up!

Water carries beneficial minerals, but it can also carry contaminants depending on the source, filtration, and the pipes it travels through.

Understanding your options allows you to reduce unnecessary exposures and better support your body. Let’s break it down.

Reverse osmosis is the gold standard. It removes a wide range of contaminants, including heavy metals and pollutants. It’s effective, but it’s expensive, which is not always practical.

On the other hand, unfiltered tap water is not ideal in many cases. Pipes can contain lead and other contaminants, so even if the source water is treated, what comes through your faucet can still pick things up along the way.

In the middle, you have options like Brita, ZeroWater, and Berkey.

Brita is simple, affordable, and environmentally friendlier than bottled water. It improves taste and reduces chlorine. I fill mine up at night and let it sit so some of the chlorine can de-gas before I drink it in the morning. I do the same for my plants; I fill their watering containers the night before so they get less chlorine as well.

ZeroWater and Berkey take filtration a step further. They remove more contaminants than a basic Brita filter, but without the full cost or installation of a reverse osmosis system.

Next up is bottled water.

Not my favorite, as plastic bottles can leach microplastics into the water, especially when they sit in the heat. On top of that, plastic waste adds up quickly.

Glass bottles are better for the water itself, but they are heavier to transport, which increases greenhouse gas emissions. So even that option has tradeoffs.

One bottled water that I do reach for after periods of high stress is alkaline water. The alkalinity helps to reduce inflammation. I like the Trader Joe’s version, even though it does come in plastic.

What’s the takeaway?

When we know better, we do better! If reverse osmosis is accessible, it’s a great option. If not, a Brita or similar filter is a wonderful upgrade from unfiltered tap water.

Curious what you’re using right now! Drop it below!

04/01/2026

If you are curious about acupuncture but unsure what actually happens during a treatment, there is something I want you to know…

Acupuncture provides more than pain relief or reducing muscle tension…

Many people come in expecting a physical effect and are surprised when something emotional moves instead.

This doesn’t mean anything has gone wrong. Quite the contrary, it often means the body finally feels safe enough to let go.

From a medical perspective, we can talk about nerves, circulation, and connective tissue. From a Chinese medicine perspective, we talk about channels that connect organs, emotions, and physiology into one continuous system. These are not competing explanations. They are different languages describing the same lived experience of being in a human body.

When circulation improves, whether we are talking about blood or qi, sensation can travel. Warmth, heaviness, tingling, or a feeling of movement are common and normal. Emotional release can be just as normal. Tears, sighs, or a deep exhale are signs that something long-held is finally moving.

Many people believe they need to be “ready” to feel their emotions before trying acupuncture (ie: strong enough). In my experience, the opposite is often true. Acupuncture meets you where you are. It does not demand words or vulnerability. It works with the body you have today, not the one you think you should have.

If you have been holding it all together for a long time, often without much space to rest, acupuncture can gently support the body by restoring communication between the nervous system, body, and emotions, offering relief, regulation, and the serenity you’ve been looking for.

If you’re interested in trying, send me a DM and let’s talk about it!

03/30/2026

Have you ever been in the middle of your day when a hot flash suddenly hits? (ladies, this one is for you!)

One minute you’re fine. The next minute, you feel heat rising through your chest and face, your body starts sweating, and it feels almost impossible to focus on anything else.

If you’re going through menopause, hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms I see people struggling with. You’re not alone, dear friend!

The good news is that there are small things you can do to support your body through this change!

Let’s start with food. Certain foods can make hot flashes worse for some people. Alcohol, excess caffeine, and very spicy foods are common triggers. On the other hand, foods that contain phytoestrogens, like soy, may help gently support hormonal balance for some individuals.

Sometimes when a hot flash is already happening, you just need something that helps in the moment!

Two acupoints I often recommend are PC6 and LV2. These points help regulate internal heat and calm the system. PC6 is especially helpful because it’s located on the wrist, making it easy to press or massage when symptoms start. LV2 is on the foot and can also help regulate excess heat in the body.

Sleep is another major piece of the puzzle. Unfortunately, sleep disruption is extremely common during menopause, which can make hot flashes even worse.

Two points that can help support sleep are Kidney 6 and An Mian.

Kidney 6 is located near the inside of the ankle and helps regulate the body’s ability to “close the eyes” and settle into sleep. You can gently massage this point using the heel of the opposite foot before bed.

An Mian is located just behind the earlobe. Gently massaging this area and even pulling slightly on the ear can stimulate the vagus nerve (the big REST and digest nerve), which helps you...rest!

Hot flashes can feel disruptive and unpredictable, but when you support the body through food, sleep, and simple acupressure techniques, you’re giving your system more tools to regulate itself.

Your body isn’t conspiring against you (I promise!), it just needs a different kind of support in this season of your life! Shoot me a DM if you have questions about this!

03/27/2026

In acupuncture, training and certification are the foundation of patient safety, clinical expertise, and professional legitimacy.

As acupuncture becomes more visible in mainstream healthcare, more professionals are learning to use needles. Physical therapists perform dry needling. Physicians train in medical acupuncture. Chiropractors and nurse practitioners are adding needling techniques to their clinical toolkits.

This is GREAT news, as it means this evidence-based treatment is reaching more people who need it!

For patients, however, this can raise an important (and legitimate) question… who is the expert in acupuncture?

In the latest article in my series for Acupuncture Today, I explore why education matters more than ever for the future of our field.

Licensed acupuncturists complete thousands of hours of training that go far beyond needle technique. Our education includes diagnostic reasoning, herbal medicine, nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and the ability to understand complex patterns in the body. In other words, we’re trained in an entire medical system, not just a procedure.

Just as a primary care physician may manage many conditions but refer complex cardiac cases to a cardiologist, other healthcare professionals may use acupuncture techniques while acupuncturists remain the experts in the full scope of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine.

Education and board certification create the standards that make this possible. They support patient safety, strengthen professional credibility, and help ensure acupuncture is recognized within hospitals, insurance systems, and healthcare policy.

This article is part 5 of my six-part series examining the future of acupuncture education and professional standards in the United States. If you’d like to engage with the full discussion, tap the link to read!

https://acupuncturetoday.com/columnists/clasina-sina-leslie-smith-ms-ma-lac-md-dipl-ac-faama

03/26/2026

Most of us are better at caring for others than we are at caring for ourselves…

If you have ever kept a plant alive or cared for a pet, you already know how to meet their needs regularly. You provide water, nourishment, light, rest, and attention. And when something is off, the signs are visible.

If a dog is restless and squirmy, you recognize this as a cue; its body is communicating a need. That doesn't make it a "bad" dog.

Now consider how you speak to a child who is struggling. You soften your tone. You guide, encourage, and meet them with patience because you understand they are doing their best.

Now pause and sit with this…

How different is that from the way you speak to yourself?

Many of us have been conditioned to see our own needs as "too much." Our inner dialogue becomes harsh and impatient in ways we would never be toward someone we love.

But what if you viewed yourself as both the caregiver and the one receiving care?

Fatigue, irritability, brain fog, tension… these are not character flaws, friend. They are signals. And when we ignore them long enough, the body compensates. That's where burnout lives.

Self-care is not indulgence. It is a sacred necessity, a human right.

So what does this look like in practice? It looks like checking in with yourself, the way you would check in with someone you love. Are you fed? Rested? Moving? Breathing? Speak to yourself with that same love and patience.

You already know how to care… now let yourself be the recipient of it. 🤍

03/24/2026

What we eat, how we structure our days, and how often we pause all play a role in how we feel.

In this month’s newsletter, I break down the two types of fiber and why both are important for digestion, blood sugar balance, and gut health. I also share a reminder about the benefits of eating seasonally and how adding more color to your plate can support overall wellness.

And on a more personal note, I reflect on something many of us struggle with: being “too busy.” Sometimes our bodies remind us to slow down before we choose to ourselves.

If you’re interested in nutrition, seasonal foods, and finding a healthier rhythm in daily life, you can read the full newsletter using the link below.

Email from Chicago Healing Center + a thought about "busy"     Monthly News & Updates   March 2026 | 37 The Two Types of Fiber and Why Your Body Needs Both Fiber is one of those nutrients most people

03/23/2026

Allergy season is here, and before you reach for that Zyrtec, I want to encourage you to think about this differently! 🌿

Your body isn't overreacting as we initially think; it's communicating. Allergies are simply an inflammatory response, which means what you eat, how you clear your sinuses, and how you support your immune system all influence how intensely you feel your symptoms.

Here's how to actually support your body through it:

Combat inflammation from the inside

Focus on anti-inflammatory foods like pineapple (which contains bromelain to ease sinus swelling), berries, leafy greens, turmeric, ginger, and omega-3-rich foods like salmon and chia seeds. And pay attention to how sugar, alcohol, and dairy affect you personally. For many people, they increase mucus and make symptoms worse.

Clear the pathway

If your sinuses are congested, nothing else will work as well. A neti pot or saline rinse physically removes pollen and irritants from your nasal passages. Simple, low-tech, and genuinely effective, just make sure you're using distilled or boiled water.

Strengthen your barriers

Pollen clings to your skin, hair, and clothes even when you can't see it. Shower after being outside, change your clothes, and keep your windows closed at night. A HEPA filter in your bedroom can be a noteworthy addition.

Regulate your immune response

Local raw honey, quercetin-rich foods like apples and onions, and acupuncture over time can all help your immune system respond more appropriately, rather than just silencing the alarm.

The goal isn't just to “get through” allergy season. It's to build a system resilient enough that it doesn't have to fight so hard in the first place. 🤍

💬 Drop your biggest allergy symptom in the comments. I'd love to help!