http://www.sbfamilywellness.com/

Jetta Harris, LAc - Santa Barbara Family Wellness, Santa Barbara, CA (2025)

05/02/2025

It is always an honor when a publication asks you to contribute. When I was approached to share a bit of me in the May issue of to be featured alongside other local women in business it felt special. The kind of special that makes you say “me?!” To have a chance to share this moment with the likes of , & ? Yes! I admire these women. Not to be missed is the cover story about a local hero written by my talented friend . Take a gander and click over to the publication to support them by subscribing. Thank you . Also, what does life balance mean to you? Share some tips in the comments.

04/14/2025

… I’m not pregnant, not trying to be, or maybe don’t even have a uterus?

YES!

I built my practice around the specialty of reproductive wellness, which naturally led to working in the fertility and birth space. However, I’m not a one trick pony.

I see all genders for a variety of reasons. From pain patterns to mysterious aches or itching to stress and gut health… Regardless of your “why” I’m still diving in to the holistic perspective. We’ll come up with a plan together, discuss referral options if desired or necessary, and arm you with to do’s for the days between treatments.

So yes, please reach out. I’d love to discuss if we’re a good fit. If not, I’ll help you find who is.

02/12/2025

Care… We are all witnessing changes. The waiting rooms are fuller. Visits are getting shorter. Where’s the report building with the provider?

My “style”, if you will, is informed by personal experience and what I hear people needing. I choose a one-on-one style practice because it allows me to focus on the person in front of me. I’m not thinking about what’s coming later. I’m no trying to get to the patient in the room next to us so I can flip the room for the next person, only to get back to this room and do the same.

The person in front of me has me for an hour so we can cover any and all topics - physically, heart and headspace, life, work, situational, labs, other providers and procedures, referrals and strategy… And still have time for the best treatment for that day.

I’m with the individual and only them so we can pivot and do which ever treatment needed, regardless of modality that fit best from my tool box.

Acupuncture is the obvious one, but I also love gua sha, moxibustion (“moxa”), fire cupping, acupressure and life style suggestions. Individualized care for the individual in front of me.

Nervous or not the biggest fan of needles? I get it. We don’t have to rush. Let’s breathe together to ease in to it. We have options when it comes to sizes, brands and tricks for helping it be the best experience possible. Nervous about being left for a nap or don’t like that? I can stay and chat with you, or simply be a warm body in the room with you. Something bothering you? Just call and I’m there to adjust and support.

One on one individualized care isn’t a luxury here. It is standard care.

05/31/2024

Back to basics.

When life is overly busy, feeling heavy or you just reach that point how do you reset?

I tend to cut bait. Less “do”. More rest. After all, we are human-beings not human-doings, right? It’s rebellious and may feel counterintuitive. Give it a try, though. Please.

03/15/2024

I’m still here! How do you like my outfit today? Spring is close and I don’t know about you but I can feel the energy. Over the last 3 months clients and I have been celebrating long awaited positives and welcoming their babes when they finally come Earth-side. Today I found myself at with Dr. Rychlick, Olesya, and the whole staff, providing on-site support for an embryo transfer. Such a special process I am always so honored to be allowed to witness and see clients through. Send all of the sticky vibes!

11/02/2023

Dia de Los Mu***os.

This is my/our first ofrenda. I’ve wanted to participate for years. 2023 felt like it was right.

Piecing it together happened swiftly & easily once I gathered some photos from my mom. As I started thinking about what I could use to decorate I wasn’t sure I had anything. Then, it was like the very people and beings I wanted (and perhaps wanted me) to honor started guiding me.

“The old Coke crate from Grandpa.”

“You have one of dad’s old wood handled hammers. Oh look, wood glue for GG.”

“Seashells!”

“Use Grandma’s old Bauer vase! Oh and Grandpa’s bourbon bottle would be fun.”

As my son and I placed and rearranged items, it felt electric. I got to explain who these people were, are.

“This? This is GG. He built the dresser in our bedroom and the stool you use in the kitchen. He used to drive the Studebaker your Nam takes you for rides in.”

A light bulb went off when thinking about pets I’ve had come and go. Pictures are sweet, yes, but don’t forget the collar tucked in the jewelry box. Or the ashes stashed away on that shelf.

“They need water.” My son randomly suggested for the pets. He was right. The offerings.

As I added to the offerings yesterday (a shot of bourbon, some popcorn - the cat loved it, and dog biscuits) I realized something, someone was missing. It’s her. I don’t have anything of her’s because she was never really here. She came for a visit from the stars and then turned and went back as quickly as she’d come. My baby. There was no picture. An ultrasound is packed away somewhere; all I have to show she ever existed. She’d be 2 now. For her I’ll placed a dried moth I found last year. “I haven’t forgotten you”, I think.

The joy and love this ritual has brought is more than I imagined. We will most definitely be continuing this tradition. And to those I’ve lost, thank you for being close. You are missed. Never forgotten.

Have you made an ofrenda?

11/01/2023

As the dawn rises on the countdown for the remainder of the year, I’d like to remind us all of a few things:

- If you didn’t do that thing or make those changes, it’s ok. You can literally do it when you’re in alignment with your goal(s) at any point in time.
- This is a time to do less, not more. We tend to pack it all in. The parties, visits, travel, shopping, eating, indulgences. You don’t have to.
- The days are getting shorter, and it is dark longer. If you feel tired that is normal and okay. It is a time for rest. Your body knows. Listen.
- Remember to avoid cold, raw foods and beverages. Keep your feet, ankles, bellies, backs and necks covered and warm.
- Journal when you can.
- 5 minutes of mediation is better than none.
- Hug your people.
- There is a lot going on in the world. It is okay to take a break from the information. Is it a privilege? Yes. Your suffering and depletion will not serve you or anyone else, though. So replenish and return to the cause(s) when you’re able.
- Don’t forget to laugh. And cry.

Love and hugs, y’all.

10/29/2023

An acupuncturist can help with that?: Digestive Issues

The gut is considered the center of the body and a key component for so many types of medicine. Science confirms more and more that there is a gut-brain connection too. It really is so influential to the whole body, even with Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM). If you're experiencing literal digestive issues, there's a chance that TEAM may help.

Experiencing any of these:

🪄 constipation
🪄 soft/loose stools
🪄 IBS
🪄 "period poops"
🪄 heartburn or reflux
🪄 nausea
🪄 appetite - low or excessive
🪄 bloat and/or gas

Even if any one of these isn't your main area of discomfort, it is a piece of your individual overarching pattern that might be treated with the use of acupuncture, moxibustion, nutrition, and so on.

10/11/2023

So your baby is breech, now what?

First: BREATHE. There is nothing wrong with you. Or baby. This is a variation of normal. I see you.

Depending on where you are, this can be triggering. Do you want to deliver vaginally? Is it an option? Is your provider willing or even "allowed" to? Are you carrying multiples? What is your health and pregnancy/delivery history? It can feel daunting.

The options for "flipping" the baby is also varied. It may not be an option for everyone.

If there is knowledge of the shape of your uterus, perhaps a "bicornuate uterus" (heart shaped), and/or a septum present this may just be what is right for baby. Again, you are not broken.

Know your options. Speak with and hire a doula or switch providers if you need to.

If your midwife, OB and perhaps even the MFM have told you it's okay to try optimizing that babe's position things to consider include:
🪄Acupuncture - Please seek care from a provider that is trained and specializes in perinatal care. Moxibustion is what is famous for this process, however I find there to be other key components to the successful "flips" I've supported.
🙌 Chiropractic - A Webster certified, perinatal specialist is a must. Getting the pelvis aligned is one of those key components. Co-treating with chiros has yielded more "flips" than without; and we've been doing it a lot lately.
🧘‍♀️ Spinning Babies - Another well known resource. Locating a certified provider/doula may be helpful.
🧜‍♀️ Float - Find a body of water and get in. Float, relax, do handstands.

Now, your provider may discuss an ECV (external cephalic version). A provider(s) will attempt to move the baby using pressure and guidance with their hands on the pregnant belly to get that babe head down. Usually done in the hospital. If this is something that is needed or is chosen, giving time for the above tools can also support the ease and success of this process. Getting an ECV is NOT a failure. Many clients who ended up with successful ECV's believe these tools helped make the process more comfortable and successful.

You're amazing. I'm sorry the system may not support how baby wants to come. Seek support, options and information.

10/09/2023

So you're scheduling an induction, now what?

The word "induction" can come with so much emotion. It can be a useful tool when indicated. If you find yourself wondering what more you can do to get things moving in hopes to avoid or perhaps even support the induction process here are some things to consider:

🤝 Birth Team Support - First and foremost, connect with those you have invited and/or hired in to your space. Your partner, family/friends, midwife, OB & doula(s)... Discuss your wishes, options, expectations. Depending on your provider, you might be guided to giving a myriad of "things" as try.
🪄 Acupuncture - Acupuncture is proven to support cervical ripening. Some times there's also just a little extra nudge that can help. In my office, I also see the benefits of emotional support and release that allows the physical body to let go.
👐 Acupressure - I provide all of my clients with individually appropriate acupressure points to do at home, guiding them on frequency as the days pass as well.
🙌 Chiropractic - Adjustments can help get that sacrum/pelvis in alignment and moving freely to give that baby space to move down in to the pelvis and do their part of the process.
🙌 Massage - The lovely combination of relaxation, acupressure and loosening up all the tight areas can be hugely beneficial.
👄 Affirmations - Speak the process in to existence. Writing on some 3x5 cards or post-its. Tape 'em up all over the house. Read them like flashcards before bed, upon waking and whenever you need a reminder. Heck, record yourself of your favorite person(s) saying them and fall asleep or meditate while listening.

The list really can go on, and should be evaluated with your birth support team. This ensures you're also choosing what is best for YOU and your pregnancy. The more "things" doesn't necessarily mean the better either. I often find less is more, focusing on what brings joy, peace and relaxation. Go on a date. Don't skip the event because *maybe*. Just keep living your life.

Most importantly: induction isn't a failure.

Trust that yourself, your body and baby. Trust that you've done enough. You are enough.

10/03/2023

Giggled as I set my stuff down at the office this morning. Golden girls and my new book - well done subconscious.

Really, though. I am listening to a pull to level up my care, knowledge and support for you all surrounding the Crone stage.

In, Traditional Chinese and East Asian Medicine (TCEAM) refers to perimenopause and menopause as the second Spring. I love this. It’s yet another rebirth we experience and is, again, so rarely discussed.

The experience surrounding this transition can be varied. From barely noticeable to the dreaded highly symptomatic hot flashes and weight gain. Western culture would have us hide, suppress and all but disappear. Just look around at how our aging population is portrayed in media, entertainment and represented in local communities. Truly, don’t get me started on the warped reality of aging in the West… I digress… I’m here to shake off the taboo and provide honest, validating conversations while helping you weather the potential stormy feeling of this period.

Just like in conception journeys, pregnancy and birth - it is time to step back in to alignment with the natural phases and individual experiences.

Did you know, symptoms of this second Spring can include (and aren’t limited to:

- mental health shifts
- foggy minds
- acne
- weight retention or gain
- poor sleep
- libido shifts (often increased!)
- vaginal dryness
- tinnitus

These symptoms can come on slowly or leave us feeling hit by a semi. They can also start years before you notice changes in your cycle.

Let’s work together. You aren’t alone. I look forward to aging gracefully alongside you. 💕

09/27/2023

So your hips hurt, now what?

For pregnant patients, the discomfort of sleeping on their sides (especially for usual back/belly sleepers) tends to catch up at some point along the way.

Stiffness, deep aches, and sometimes even sciatica-type shooting pain can cause more frequent waking and decreased quality of sleep. Then there's the lingering discomfort while trying to get through day-to-day sitting at the desk, trying to walk the dog, or just relax on the couch.

So what's a person to do?

🪄 Acupuncture - Had to know that was coming.
🔥 Cupping - Doing this, with safety of the pregnancy in mind, is relaxing and relieving. I like to combine the power of the acupuncture with traditional fire cupping in a side lying position to bring about relief. *Chef's kiss*
🛏 Pillows and props - I know the pregnancy pillows are popular, but have you tried the curved pillows that are made to fit between your thighs? Game. Changer. I'm looking at you back pain people too! Also, try rolling a small towel to wedge under your expanding belly so the weight is supported and not adding pull to your spine in pelvis.
🙌 Chiropractic care - I highly recommend getting in with a perinatal specialized and trained chiropractor to ensure your pelvis, spine and body are all optimally aligned and moving.
🙌 Pelvic Floor PT - Another area of insight and support to evaluate and guide you in optimizing the functional movement and support of your body during pregnancy, through labor, in to postpartum and beyond.
🚶‍♀️Movement - Get in some routine movement. This includes breaks for stretches and walks during your day as well. Yoga, weights & walking are all great options.

Have questions? Ask away.

Jetta Harris, LAc - Santa Barbara Family Wellness

05/02/2025

04/14/2025

02/12/2025

05/31/2024

03/15/2024

11/02/2023

11/01/2023

10/29/2023

10/11/2023

10/09/2023

10/03/2023

09/27/2023

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