Sina Leslie Smith LAc MD

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United States
Chicago, IL
Sina Leslie Smith LAc MD

Medical Doctor, Acupuncturist, Integrative & Functional Medicine, Homeopathy, Nutrition, Pain Expert Practicing in Illinois and via telemedicine/telehealth.

Holistically-minded modern medicine: Japanese and Chinese acupuncture; medicinal herbs, supplements, and nutraceuticals; integrative medicine; functional medicine; homeopathy; and manual therapies. Physical offices in Chicago are currently closed but look for reopening Fall 2022.

11/21/2025

’Tis the season for a warm cup of tea…and a little nourishment with every sip! 😉

As the days get colder, many of us naturally reach for a warm mug to help us slow down, ground, and restore balance.

Each variety offers its own unique chemistry and benefits, like:

🍃 Green tea is rich in antioxidants like EGCG, which support cellular repair, metabolism, and brain health. It gently boosts energy without overstimulating the nervous system.

🌿 Peppermint tea soothes the digestive tract and can help ease bloating or tension after meals. It also supports focus and clear breathing.

🌼 Chamomile tea contains compounds that calm the nervous system and support healthy sleep. It’s also gentle on the gut, making it a wonderful evening choice.

🫖 Ginger tea warms the body and supports circulation, immunity, and digestion; ideal during colder months or when you’re feeling run-down

🍋 Lemon balm tea helps ease anxious thoughts and supports the body’s stress response, gently calming both mind and body.

🌹 Rooibos or hibiscus tea provides a caffeine-free dose of antioxidants that support cardiovascular health and balanced inflammation.

Try choosing tea intentionally: in the morning for gentle energy, mid-afternoon for digestion, or before bed to unwind. Then let the act of brewing, the warmth, aroma, and stillness, become a form of self-care that nourishes both your body and mind.

What’s your tea of choice? Throw it in the comments! ☕

11/19/2025

When fatigue lasts for decades, it’s easy to believe “this is just how I am.”

Have you ever felt that way?

Recently, a patient came to me describing fatigue that had been part of her life for more than 30 years. She’d seen many providers over the years, but no one had been able to explain why she always felt so drained.

As we talked, she mentioned a few things that stood out. Exposure to mold…in her home, workplace, and even during her commute, all beginning around the same time her fatigue started decades ago.

Because we took the time to look at her full story, not just her symptoms, we began to see a clear pattern emerge.

With functional medicine testing, we were able to identify mycotoxins (toxic compounds produced by certain molds) in her system. These toxins can interfere with mitochondrial function, immune balance, and detox pathways, all of which play a significant role in energy levels and overall health.

Once we understood the “why,” we could finally treat the “what.” Together, we worked to address both the fatigue and the underlying cause, supporting her body’s ability to clear those toxins while rebuilding energy, resilience, and balance.

This is why I believe in treating the whole person, not just isolated symptoms. Every patient’s story holds valuable clues. Sometimes it just takes the right questions and the space to truly be heard to uncover them.

If you’ve been living with symptoms that don’t seem to have an explanation, know that there is a path forward. Healing starts with understanding, and I’m here to listen.

11/17/2025

If neck tension has become part of your daily routine, it might be time to look at how your screen habits are shaping your health.

In other words, "tech neck."

When your head tilts forward, even just a few inches, the load on your neck muscles can more than quadruple. Over time, that strain leads to muscle tension, joint inflammation, nerve compression, headaches, and even changes in posture and mood.

This is one of the most common patterns I see in practice, and acupuncture offers an effective, evidence-based way to relieve it.

By stimulating specific points along the neck, shoulders, and upper back, acupuncture helps to:

🌿 Relax tight muscles and release deep myofascial tension

💆‍♀️ Increase circulation, bringing oxygen and nutrients to fatigued tissues

🧠 Regulate the nervous system, reducing pain signals and stress hormones

💫 Encourage postural balance, helping retrain the body to move freely again

Many patients notice relief after just a few sessions, experiencing less tightness, improved range of motion, and a calmer, lighter feeling throughout the neck and shoulders.

While acupuncture can create a massive shift in releasing those tense muscles, it’s up to you to keep it that way!

A few small habits can help maintain those results:

📱 Keep screens at eye level

💧 Take stretch breaks every hour

😴 Support your neck during sleep

Tech neck is a modern issue, but your body still responds beautifully to ancient medicine. Acupuncture doesn’t just ease pain, it restores balance and helps your body feel at it’s best again.

✨ Curious if acupuncture could help your neck tension? Send me a message!

11/14/2025

Travel season is here, and so is the need to take good care of yourself on the go!

As the holidays approach, I’m often asked what I keep in my “travel health bag.”

Over the years, I’ve learned that the best support for your body while traveling comes from blending the best of Eastern and Western medicine!

When we travel, our systems are under extra stress…disrupted sleep, new environments, different foods, and exposure to more germs than usual. This is when small, intentional choices make a big difference.

My travel kit includes a few familiar items like anti-inflammatories, allergy support, and sunblock, alongside Eastern tools like Astragalus (Huang Qi) to strengthen the immune system, Yin Qiao to support the body at the first sign of a cold, and a gua sha tool to help release tension or fight off early illness.

I also bring gentle sleep support, herbs for immune resilience, and (of course) a few acupuncture needles.

What I love about an integrative approach is how it works when rubber meets the road. Literally, in planes, trains, and cars! 😉 Travel often comes with some unexpected twists, so having the best of both worlds equips your body to adapt quickly so you can feel balanced and supported while traveling, rather than depleted and exhausted.

As you pack your bags this season, consider also packing a few small tools that help you stay grounded, rested, and resilient, no matter where you’re off to!

Drop in the comments where you’re traveling to this season! I’d love to hear! 🗺️

11/13/2025

Get ready for 5 full days of Black Friday savings with my Whole for the Holidays Sale at Fullscript, 11/28 - 12/2.

Sign up for my Fullscript store today so you won’t miss exclusive savings on high-quality supplements from brands you know and trust.

11/12/2025

Controversial topic alert: heavy metal exposure.

Let’s talk about copper!

Copper is a natural mineral that our bodies NEED in small amounts. It supports energy, collagen, and nerve health. When we have too much, however, it can become toxic. (All things in moderation!)

I’m not here to start fear-mongering, but the most common source is more common than you’d think…tap water.

Copper can leach into drinking water from household pipes and fixtures, especially if your water is acidic or low in minerals. It’s not usually the water source itself; it’s what happens once the water travels through your plumbing.

But don’t worry! There are a few really simple ways to lower your exposure:

💧 Run the tap for 30–60 seconds before using water for drinking or cooking, especially in the morning.

💧 Use cold water for cooking, drinking, and baby formula (hot water pulls metals from pipes faster).

💧 Check your plumbing materials. Homes built before 1986 often contain copper pipes.

💧 If you do have copper pipes, consider a certified filter for copper reduction (look for NSF/ANSI Standard 53. Reverse osmosis, ion exchange, or distillation work best).

💧 Test your water if you notice a metallic taste, stains, or discoloration.

I don’t want that to alarm you! Staying hydrated is essential, and tap water will always be part of daily life. However, it’s important to understand that while heavy metal exposure isn’t a common cause of health problems, it can sometimes contribute to unexplained symptoms and is worth being mindful of.

If you suspect heavy metal exposure, functional medicine testing can be a great next step! It helps identify how your body is processing and storing metals like copper and can inform a personalized plan to restore balance (and get rid of those symptoms!)

If you’re curious, just send me a DM. Let’s talk about your experiences, and go from there!

11/10/2025

When my clients are looking for small, doable changes to improve their health, one of the most intuitive shifts I suggest is to eat in alignment with the seasons.

Our bodies are deeply connected to the natural rhythms of the environment.

For example, in the fall, nature provides nutrient-dense foods that help us transition into cooler weather, stabilizing our energy, supporting digestion, and bolstering our immune system as sunlight wanes.

If you notice, right now the markets are filling up with Brussels sprouts, apples, cabbage, sweet potatoes, carrots, and winter squash, along with kale, mushrooms, onions, and pears.

Each one offers unique benefits:

Brussels sprouts are rich in vitamin C and glucosinolates, compounds that support detoxification and immune health.

Apples provide soluble fiber and antioxidants that nourish your gut and support healthy cholesterol levels.

Cabbage delivers powerful phytonutrients that reduce inflammation and promote balanced digestion.

Sweet potatoes are loaded with beta-carotene, supporting vision, skin health, and immune function.

Carrots offer similar carotenoids, contributing to healthy cell growth and a strong antioxidant defense.

Winter squash provides complex carbohydrates and fiber for lasting energy and satiety.

Kale and mushrooms supply key micronutrients like vitamin K, iron, and vitamin D precursors, essential for bone and immune health.

Onions and pears bring natural prebiotics that feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut.

When we eat what’s naturally in season, we’re eating in alignment with what our bodies need most at each time of year.

This season, let your plate mirror the landscape. Choose local, seasonal produce whenever possible, and use these hearty vegetables and fruits to create warm, balanced meals that nourish you from the inside out.

11/07/2025

Cold and flu season is here, and for many of us, that means a revolving door of sniffles, sore throats, and fatigue, ESPECIALLY with kids bringing home every new virus from school.

Here’s “a few of my favorite things” to help you combat it effectively:

When I start to feel run down, maybe a slight headache or body ache, one of my go-to tools is gua sha. This simple technique, borrowed from traditional Chinese medicine, can help move lymphatic fluid, reduce muscle tension, and support your body’s natural immune response.

If you’re struggling more with nasal congestion than a sore throat, a neti pot can be an amazing ally. Just make sure you’re using distilled or sterile water, never straight from the tap, to clear out congestion and bacteria safely. (Not sure how you feel about a neti pot? Follow to come back for my upcoming video on how to use them!)

For additional support, Oscillococcinum (a homeopathic remedy found in most pharmacies) can be helpful for early cold and flu symptoms, while Chinese herbal formulas like Gan Mao Ling or Yin Qiao San can be tailored to your specific symptoms.

In addition, sometimes Western medicine has exactly what you need. Over-the-counter medications like Advil Cold & Sinus can help you stay comfortable, but always check with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have high blood pressure or take other medications.

The best approach is an informed and balanced one, using both integrative tools and conventional medicine when appropriate. Support your immune system early, listen to your body, and have a few trusted remedies on hand before the next round of sniffles hits.

What's your favorite go-to when you notice sickness coming on? Drop it in the comments! I'm always learning!

11/05/2025

If your morning runs on coffee more than water, your body is running on empty!

See if this scenario rings any bells.

11 am hits. Your coffee cup is empty (for the second time, if anyone was keeping count). As you go to the restroom for the 3rd time today, you realize you haven’t had any water…the morning passed by so fast you didn’t even realize your morning consisted solely of coffee.

So, if you haven’t had any water today but still need to use the bathroom, where do you think that water is coming from?

It’s being pulled from your lips, your skin, your mucous membranes, and even your stool. Your body will find the water it needs to flush out waste, but that means it’s borrowing from your tissues.

Hydration is vital to keep every system in your body functioning. A good rule of thumb is to aim to drink about half your body weight in ounces of water each day, but a minimum of 64 oz per day (8 cups).

Plus, did you know that you wake up already dehydrated? That morning fatigue you blame on lack of sleep or caffeine withdrawal might simply be your body asking for more water.

My favorite routine to keep this a priority is to keep a thermos of water in the bathroom overnight. While I’m showering and getting ready, I drink the whole thing. If I need to use the bathroom again, well, I’m already there. It’s a simple way to start the day replenished, support detoxification, and boost energy naturally.

Try it tomorrow morning. I promise, your body will thank you!

Answer honestly in the comments (no judgment zone!). What do you reach for when you hit that 11 a.m. energy slump, coffee or water?

11/03/2025

Feeling more tired as the days get shorter? There’s a biological reason for that!

This season signals an invitation to realign with your natural rhythms. Sleep is one of the most restorative and biologically powerful tools we have.

Sleep allows the body to repair tissue, balance hormones, process emotions, and strengthen the immune system.

Here’s how to use this time of year to reset your sleep and support your health:

1. Embrace the darkness.

With less evening light, your body naturally begins producing more melatonin, the hormone that signals it’s time to rest. Dim your lights an hour before bed, avoid screens when possible, and let the darker evenings cue your body to wind down.

2. Keep a consistent bedtime.

Now that daylight savings time has ended, your internal clock may feel off for a week or two. Support your circadian rhythm by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Consistency is one of the strongest signals to your body that it’s safe to rest.

3. Get morning light exposure.

While evenings become darker, mornings are the best time to stabilize your body’s clock. Step outside for 10–15 minutes of natural light soon after waking up. This small act helps regulate cortisol, improve mood, and keep your sleep-wake cycle in sync.

4. Nourish your body with evening calm.

As the days shorten, it’s natural to crave heavier or comforting foods, but a large meal right before bed can disrupt sleep. Try eating dinner a bit earlier, sipping herbal tea, or practicing gentle stretching to signal to your body that the day is slowing down.

5. See the season as a reset.

Fall and winter aren’t meant to be times of endless productivity. They’re seasons of restoration, mirroring the way nature rests and renews. Allow yourself to follow that rhythm.

When we align our habits with the natural cues of the season, sleep becomes easier and more restorative. As the days get shorter, see it as an invitation to slow down, to listen to what your body needs, and to use this seasonal shift as a moment to heal from the inside out.

Drop a 💤 in the comments if this was helpful to you today!

10/31/2025

🎃 Save the scares for trick-or-treating!

A visit to the dentist shouldn’t have to be scary. Yet for many patients, anxiety and fear are very present, many times even preventing them from getting the care they need.

That’s where dental acupuncture comes in! This evidence-based approach can be used directly in your practice to help patients feel calmer, reduce pain, ease muscle tension, and support faster recovery - all naturally!

As a dentist, adding this skill both expands your clinical toolbox and builds trust, helping your patients feel at ease and setting your practice apart for all the best reasons!

🦷 If you’re ready to learn how, tap the link in the comments to explore my dental acupuncture training program and see how it can support both you and your patients! This is a game-changer for dentistry.

10/29/2025

Cold and flu season is here, and while no one likes to feel run-down, there are so many ways to give your body extra support!!

Over the years, I’ve built my own “toolbox” of prevention and early treatments that pull from both conventional medicine and integrative practices. When it comes to health, I believe in using every tool that works to provide you with the relief you need.

Here are a few of my go-tos! (Part 1!)

🧼 The basics still matter! Handwashing and hand sanitizer may sound simple, but they are some of the best defenses we have against spreading germs. Keep the doorknob germs out of your nose and mouth, friends!

💊 Daily vitamin support. A broad-based multivitamin with herbal support, such as liver detox blends, helps to lighten the load on your body so it can focus on maintaining immunity.

🌿 Herbal must-haves. Echinacea, elderberry, and astragalus are immune-boosting staples. I also keep Isatis on hand for those early “I think I might be getting sick” sore throats.

The point isn’t to do everything all at once, but to know your options and to have tools ready before you need them!

What’s in your own cold + flu season toolbox? Shoot it in the comments below!

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http://ChicagoHealingCenter.com/

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Dr. Smith is now practicing as a part of her new position with SIU School of Medicine in Springfield as Director of Integrative and Culinary Medicine.

Should you need to contact her directly for a non-patient related issue, please call 217-545-2103 to speak with her administrative support.

To make a clinic appointment, please call 217-545-4692.