Forest Park Wellness

10/08/2025

Let’s be honest. Portlanders have been through a lot. Between shifting political climates, endless construction, and the surreal mix of frog costumes, spontaneous dance lines, and alarming disruptions to our normally peaceful downtown, life here can feel like an ongoing social experiment. But underneath the headlines, there’s real fatigue — physical, emotional, and spiritual.

Living in a state of constant uncertainty can leave your nervous system in overdrive. Even those who have never set foot at a protest can feel the collective stress of a community constantly asked to stay strong, stay informed, and stay kind in the middle of the storm. Learn more: https://forestparkwellness.com/the-portland-survivor-special-needles-nerves-and-navigating-the-chaos/

09/03/2025

Let’s face it—our skin works hard for us. It protects us from the sun, pollution, and the stresses of daily life. But over time, that hard work shows up as fine lines, dullness, and uneven texture. While there are plenty of quick-fix options out there, not everyone wants to go the route of injections or harsh chemical treatments. That’s where collagen-inducing therapies like microneedling and nano-needling come in. Read the full story below.

If you’re ready to see the difference for yourself, schedule a session with Kaz at Forest Park Wellness in Portland by calling (503) 272-6646 or visit our website to schedule online (forestparkwellness.com).

Beyond Botox — Nano-Needling: A Natural Glow-Up for Your Skin September 3, 2025 By Dennis "Kaz" Kasunic In Health Blog, Microneedling, nano-needling No Comments Let’s face it—our skin works hard for us. It protects us from the sun, pollution, and the stresses of daily life. But over time, that...

08/20/2025

On its own, cupping therapy is powerful. But when paired with acupuncture, the effects can be even greater. Acupuncture opens energy pathways and restores balance in the body, while cupping amplifies circulation and physical release. Together, they offer a comprehensive way to reduce pain, speed recovery, and calm the mind. Read the full story below.

If you’re curious about cupping therapy—or if you’re ready to see how it can complement your acupuncture treatments—schedule a session, and let’s explore how this time-tested practice can help you move, breathe, and live with more ease. Call (503) 272-6646 for more information.

On its own, cupping therapy is powerful. But when paired with acupuncture, the effects can be even greater. Acupuncture opens energy pathways and restores balance while cupping amplifies circulation.

08/13/2025

Many patients turn to acupuncture because they want effective pain relief without heavy reliance on medication. Others are looking for a complementary therapy that works alongside physical therapy, chiropractic care, or conventional medical treatment.

Because the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals like beta endorphins rise and fall over time, regular sessions often provide the best results. Some patients experience relief after just one or two visits, while others—especially those with long-standing or complex pain—may benefit from a longer treatment plan. Read the full story by following the link below.

Many patients turn to acupuncture because they want effective pain relief without heavy reliance on medication. Others are looking for a complementary therapy...

07/23/2025

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, late summer is associated with the Earth element—a symbol of grounding, nourishment, and emotional balance. It’s the season of the Spleen and Stomach meridians, which govern digestion and the transformation of food into energy (or qi).

When these systems are in balance, you feel energized, clear-headed, and well-nourished. When they’re not? You may feel bloated, sluggish, foggy, or emotionally unsettled—sometimes with a vague sense of scarcity or anxiety. That’s where acupuncture comes in. Kaz works with the body’s natural rhythms to support the organs and meridians most active during this season, helping clients feel more balanced and resilient as summer winds down. Follow the link below to read the whole story.

Late summer—especially here in the Pacific Northwest—has its own rhythm. The days are still warm, but you might already feel a shift in the air as autumn quietly approaches. And with that seasonal transition, many of us feel just a little “off.” If that sounds like you, you’re not alone—...

06/19/2025

When summer turns up the heat, it’s not just the sun that can leave you feeling frazzled. Hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, and even skin flare-ups can all be signs of excess internal heat — something Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) takes seriously. At Forest Park Wellness, we offer a gentle, natural solution for cooling down from the inside out: acupuncture. Read the full story by following the link below.

Feeling the heat? Book your cooling acupuncture session with our online portal at forestparkwellness.com or call (503) 272-6646.

In Chinese Medicine, summer is the season of Yang — expansive, active, and hot. When that energy becomes excessive it often show up as fatigue, digestive upset, skin irritation, or that heavy, sluggish feeling that’s hard to shake.

05/21/2025

Travel can wear down your immune system—dry airplane air, poor sleep, and stress don’t help. A pre-travel acupuncture session can help you stay balanced and healthy wherever summer takes you.

Book an appointment with Dennis “Kaz” Kasunic and take the first step toward a more resilient you. Call us at (503) 272-6646, or book online at our website forestparkwellness.com.

Travel can wear down your immune system—dry airplane air, poor sleep, and stress don’t help. A pre-travel acupuncture session can help you stay balanced and healthy wherever summer takes you.

05/14/2025

May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a reminder that caring for your emotional well-being is just as important as your physical health. At Forest Park Wellness in Portland, we believe in a holistic approach to mental health that honors the mind, body, and spirit.

Acupuncture has been used for centuries to regulate the nervous system, ease anxiety, and lift the weight of emotional stress. By stimulating specific points on the body, acupuncture can help balance hormones, improve sleep, and promote a deep sense of calm—without the side effects often associated with medication. Learn more by following the link below.

By encouraging the release of endorphins and regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin, acupuncture can help elevate mood and support emotional balance.

05/12/2025

Dry Needling Is Acupuncture—And It Requires Proper Training

Currently, it is illegal to perform acupuncture or "dry needling" in Oregon without a valid acupuncture license. However, the Oregon Board of Physical Therapy (OBPT) has introduced proposed legislation to allow physical therapists to add dry needling to their scope of practice after completing just a weekend course. This proposal poses a serious threat to public health and should be considered a public health emergency.

What many people don’t realize is that dry needling uses the exact same solid filiform needles as Acupuncture. That means it’s an invasive technique that requires deep knowledge of anatomy, safety protocols, and various needle techniques and theory. Licensed Acupuncturists undergo thousands of hours of specialized education to ensure treatments are both safe and effective.

⚠️ Why This Matters

This issue isn’t about titles or professional turf—it’s about protecting public health. When performed improperly, needling can lead to serious complications, including punctured blood vessels, nerve damage, pneumothorax (collapsed lung), and infections. If you or someone you know is considering dry needling, ask about the provider’s credentials. Ensure they hold a valid license in Acupuncture, have completed a graduate-level degree, and are not merely certified through a short course. Your health and safety deserve qualified, comprehensive care.

⚠️ URGENT: Oppose HB 3824 to Protect Patient Safety
We must keep the pressure on the Senate Health Care Committee to protect the patient safety and integrity of medicine in Oregon.
💥 PTs are pushing for unregulated scope expansion—including needle insertion with NO required training.
Key points to focus on: https://docs.google.com/.../1y.../edit...
📣 Help stop this:
✅ Submit testimony TODAY: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/.../0000-00-00-00-00...
✅ Email the Senate Health Committee:
-Chair:Senator Deb Patterson Sen.DebPatterson@oregonlegislature.gov
-Vice-Chair: Senator Cedric Hayden Sen.CedricHayden@oregonlegislature.gov
-Member: Senator Wlnsvey Campos Sen.WlnsveyCampos@oregonlegislature.gov
-Member: Senator Diane Linthicum sen.dianelinthicum@oregonlegislature.gov
-Member: Senator Lisa Reynolds Sen.LisaReynolds@oregonlegislature.gov
✅ Talk to your colleagues & allied professions

04/23/2025

In Portland, spring is a season of contrasts. The many blossoms return. The air smells like wet earth and renewal. But if you’re one of the many who suffer from seasonal allergies, it can also mean itchy eyes, constant sneezing, and the kind of congestion that makes it hard to enjoy the beauty around you. It can feel like your body is at war with nature.

At Forest Park Wellness, we believe it doesn’t have to be that way. Acupuncture offers a natural, time-tested approach to treating allergies—one that doesn’t just mask symptoms but helps your body respond differently. Learn more by following the link below.

Acupuncture offers a natural, time-tested approach to treating seasonal allergies—one that doesn't just mask symptoms but helps your body respond differently.

04/09/2025

The countdown is on. Your wedding is coming—and whether it’s in a few weeks or a few months, you’re probably juggling a hundred decisions while dreaming of that moment when all eyes are on you. Of course, you want your skin to glow, your stress to melt away, and your confidence to shine through. That’s where microneedling (hello, dewy radiance) and acupuncture (goodbye, wedding stress) come in. Read the full article below.

Are planning a wedding? Schedule your skincare and stress-relief pre-wedding Microneedling and Acupuncture treatments for a more radiant and relaxed you.

03/27/2025

I’m super excited to let you know that I’ve moved to a new office, which is just a 5-minute drive from my old spot. You can find me at 2701 NW Vaughn St., Suite 162, Portland, OR 97210, inside the lovely Montgomery Park.