March 2, 2026 I was 24, 94 pounds, beautiful as hell, and a tender new transplant to Los Angeles. One steamy June day I remember walking into a Chinese Pharmacy downtown to buy a bar of sandalwood soap for my then boyfriend.
The “Dr.” I met with was an old man who worked out of a tiny broom closet. He treated me from every ailment from UTI’s to depression for the next 4 years with amazing results. One day, I had the nerve to ask, “How old are you?”. “89 this month.”, he smiled back. I was slack-jawed. The man in front of me had the skin of a 50 year old woman. Absolutely glowing with not a single dark spot – only pearlescent white skin with NO wrinkles. This was 1993 - before lasers and Retin A were available. No smoke and mirrors. I was stunned. He moved with quick grace and agility of a 30 year old. I was so confused.
I asked hopefully, “How do you stay so young?” He giggled, “You Americans love stress. I don’t worry like you. Meditation, cherry juice for skin, Tai Qi, herbs - every day - every day, and Acupuncture. Lot of Acupuncture. Acupuncture so important. So important.” I left in a very confused state.
That was 1993. I giggle when I think back at the 24 year old who sat in that closet office in awe. Now I am 55 and thanks to Eastern Medicine have sailed through menopause and am on the other end feeling and looking pretty good. He was right… Meditation, Exercise, Herbs, and Acupuncture are a fantastic combo for elegant aging!
For the sake of this article I am going to focus on the main 2 modalities of Eastern Medicine – Acupuncture and Herbs. There is so much research to support these statements, and I have cited some of it at the end, but Eastern Medicine is still struggling for its full acceptance and integration in our culture. I hope reading further will help you embrace it into your daily life to enjoy a more graceful aging process.
Acupuncture can help with aging by stimulating the flow of chi in the body, which boosts circulation and reduces inflammation. Facial rejuvenation Acupuncture, in particular, can help plump and tighten the skin, target wrinkles, and reduce fine lines. By stimulating the facial muscles, Acupuncture can help restructure the edges and ridges that fit along the cheek bones and potentially reverse some of the effects of aging.
Eastern Medicine And Memory Loss
Many Acupuncture points increase the acetylcholinesterase reactivity in the hippocampus, lower cortisol levels, and increase neurons which greatly improve learning and memory ability. So many studies have shown the effectiveness of Acupuncture in the prevention of memory loss and cognitive decline when used as an alternative or in combination with other treatments. And new findings indicate that mild cognitive impairment can be improved and sometimes reversed with Acupuncture.
Sources:
https://alzheimers.newlifeoutlook.com/acupuncture-for-memory-loss/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/312144
http://www.acupuncture.com/newsletters/m_jun15/memory.htm
Eastern Medicine and Skin Rejuvenation
Acupuncture stimulates the flow of Qi and blood in the body, which boosts circulation, reduces inflammation, and forces your body to produce more collagen. As we age we naturally produce less and less collagen with each year that passes. Topically applying collagen will not reverse aging. However, facial rejuvenation Acupuncture helps plump and tighten the skin, target wrinkles, and reduce fine lines by tricking your body into thinking it is being damaged and forcing it to repair itself with a burst of collagen. And in addition to the collagen burst, by stimulating the major facial muscles Acupuncture helps restructure the muscles and fascia along the cheek bones, chin, and eyes.
One might ask, “Does this hurt?” I mean, you are sticking needles in someone’s face, right? But NO. Facial Acupuncture does NOT hurt. We use hair-thin needles that are slightly thicker than the human hair and are designed to seamlessly glide into the skin almost imperceptibly. It does not hurt!
There are also so many herbs and patented formulas to augment Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture. For thousands of years Chinese patented formulas have been around to help increase muscle tone, increase blood flow, and improve overall glow.
Eastern Medicine and Incontinence
Acupuncture is a wonderful way to treat urinary incontinence and bladder control issues due to aging or disease. According to many studies, there is no significant difference between the use of Acupuncture and Western drugs for overactive bladder in adults. Eastern Medicine has been accelerating the recovery of bladder function for centuries. It has no side effects, is cost effective, super convenient, and incredibly safe in comparison to surgery.
Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine is a beautiful alternative to surgery for women after labor and delivery, women going through menopause, men suffering from prostate issues, and spinal injury patients. In my own practice I have even found Acupuncture to be a wonderful treatment for bedwetting.
Sources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31433197/
https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/Fulltext/2020/08140/Efficacy_and_safety_of_acupuncture_for_urinary.31.aspx
https://www.bladderandbowel.org/conservative-treatment/acupuncture/
https://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1684-acupuncture-helps-bladder-control-stops-leakage
Eastern Medicine and Menopause
Acupuncture has been found to be very effective in alleviating many symptoms of menopause. Acupuncture helps to boost and balance hormones that are leveling off during the aging process and provides relief for hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, anxiety, insomnia, vaginal dryness, and pain. Acupuncture also stimulates the central nervous system and regulates the vagus nerve which is essential for controlling depression and anxiety that is exacerbated during menopause.
Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine is not only a great tool for female menopause, but also is a great resource for male aging, as well. Lack of testosterone, lower libido, and sexual dysfunction are issues that plague the aging man. Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine help balance male hormones, as well, help raise Kidney Yang (libido) and help improve both Primary and Secondary Erectile Dysfunction (ED).
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/acupuncture-for-menopause-how-this-alternative-therapy-brought-me-relief
https://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/acupuncture-menopause/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28350757/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324481
Eastern Medicine and Weight Loss
Weight gain is the result of many dysfunctions in the body. Acupuncture stimulates the body’s Qi (energy flow) by focusing on the adrenals, endocrine system, kidneys, spleen, and thyroid glands. By stimulating these organs and systems (meridians), your body is encouraged to increase metabolism, improve insulin and leptin sensitivity, stimulate endorphins, reduce appetite, and improve lymphatic drainage and inflammation.
Now I know you are thinking, can’t I just take an Ozempic and lose the weight? Sure, you can. However the moment you stop taking the drug your appetite will return and you will become less insulin sensitive and the pounds will return. Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine gets to the root of the issue and trains your body to make lasting change. The goal is to lose it slow and steady and make train your brain and body to work together for more permanent results. Also, Ozempic’s side effects include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, pancreatitis, and kidney damage. There are NO side effects from Acupuncture.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/acupuncture-for-weight-loss
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/acupuncture-for-weight-loss
https://www.verywellhealth.com/acupuncture-for-weight-loss-5088178
https://health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/2019-02-14/can-acupuncture-help-you-lose-weight
Now after reading about all the amazing health benefits one can achieve through Acupuncture and Eastern Medical treatments you may be asking, but can I afford Acupuncture? The answer is – “yes”.
Here is a breakdown of what you waste money on in an average year…..
Starbucks Latte 1x a day 5days a week $1,300
Annual Gym membership $1,200
Average Cale Bill/Streaming Costs $2,400
Ordering In 2xs a Week for 2 people $10,000
Average Surgery Cost $10,000 - $200,000
1 Acupuncture Visit every Other Week* $3,250
Many Insurance plans reimburse for Acupuncture Treatments.
So as you can see, Acupuncture is extremely cost effective when you look at the big picture. It is an investment in your happiness, health, and overall quality of life. I am so grateful I bumped into that beautiful old man in the broom closet over 30 years ago. Not only is my own quality of life so much better than it wold have been otherwise, but I have found a profession I am passionate about and which I can help others live better lives, as well.
February 18, 2026 
Every year, like clockwork, flu season arrives. The sniffles start circulating at school drop-off, coworkers begin calling out sick, and suddenly everyone is reaching for tissues and hand sanitizer.
At Mend Family Acupuncture, this is the time of year we gently remind our patients: your immune system doesn’t have to go into survival mode. With the right support, your body can stay resilient, balanced, and strong.
This is where Eastern medicine truly shines.
Flu Season Through the Lens of Eastern Medicine
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we don’t just see “a virus.” We see patterns of imbalance.
External pathogens – often described as Wind, Cold, Heat, or Dampness — can invade when the body’s protective energy, known as Wei Qi, is weakened. If your system is run down from stress, lack of sleep, overwork, or poor digestion, you’re more vulnerable.
Sound familiar?
Modern life doesn’t slow down in the winter. If anything, it speeds up. Eastern medicine focuses on strengthening your body’s defenses before illness takes hold – and supporting a quicker recovery if it does.
Prevention Is Powerful
One of the most beautiful aspects of Chinese medicine is its emphasis on prevention.
Historically, in ancient China, families paid their doctors to keep them well – not just to treat them when they were sick. That philosophy is still at the heart of our practice today.
Regular acupuncture treatments during flu season can:
Strengthen immune function
Improve circulation
Support respiratory health
Regulate stress hormones
Improve sleep quality
When your nervous system is balanced and your digestion is strong, your immune system naturally performs better.
Herbal Medicine: Nature’s Immune Support
Chinese herbal formulas have been used for centuries to address early cold and flu symptoms. At the first sign of a scratchy throat or body aches, the right formula can often:
Shorten the duration of illness
Reduce symptom severity
Help prevent deeper respiratory complications
Rather than suppressing symptoms, herbs work with the body to help it clear pathogens efficiently and restore balance.
And because formulas are tailored to the individual, we treat you, not just the diagnosis.
Acupuncture When You’re Already Sick
If you do catch something, acupuncture can still make a meaningful difference.
By supporting circulation and immune signaling, treatments can:
Reduce sinus congestion
Calm fevers and chills
Ease headaches and body aches
Shorten recovery time
Patients often tell us they feel clearer, lighter, and more energized after treatment – even in the middle of a cold.
The Mind-Body Connection
Flu season often coincides with increased stress – holidays, deadlines, family obligations.
Eastern medicine recognizes that emotional stress directly impacts the immune system. When we calm the nervous system, we create the conditions for healing.
Acupuncture gently shifts the body out of “fight-or-flight” and into “rest-and-repair.” That shift alone can be transformative during the colder months.
A Whole-Family Approach
At Mend Family Acupuncture, we care for children, parents, and grandparents alike. Flu season affects households, not just individuals.
Supporting the whole family with preventive care – nourishing foods, adequate rest, herbal support when needed, and regular acupuncture – creates a ripple effect of wellness.
Because when one person gets sick, everyone feels it.
Gentle, Natural, Rooted in Balance
Eastern medicine isn’t about fighting your body or overpowering symptoms. It’s about listening. Supporting. Strengthening.
Flu season doesn’t have to mean weeks of exhaustion and recurring illness. With consistent, preventative care and individualized support, your body can move through the winter months with greater resilience.
If you’re ready to approach this season differently – proactively, gently, and holistically – we’re here to support you.
Warmly,
Dr. Stacy Lauren-Kon, DAcHm, LAc
September 21, 2025 by Stacy Lauren-Kon, LAc, MSOM
When you’re looking for a healthcare provider, you’re faced with a few different models: large corporate medical offices, concierge medicine (where you pay a yearly fee just to be a patient), or small, independent practices like mine.
After years of working with families, children, and individuals, I can tell you why a small Eastern and Functional Medicine practice often gives you the very best of care.
More Time, More Listening
In a big office, appointments are usually squeezed into 7–15 minutes. That’s barely enough time to list your symptoms, let alone dive into what’s actually going on. Here, you have my full attention. We look at the whole picture—your nutrition, stress, lifestyle, sleep, and emotional health. That time and space is where real healing starts.
No Insurance Company Dictating Care
This one’s big. In corporate medicine, insurance companies tell doctors what they can and cannot do — what tests are “allowed,” which treatments are covered, even how long they can spend with you. I don’t answer to insurance companies. I answer to you. That means your care is designed around your unique needs, not a billing code.
Affordable and Accessible Care
Concierge medicine can feel personal, but it usually requires a huge yearly fee before you even step in the door. My practice is different—you pay for the care you need, when you need it. No gatekeeping, no memberships, no pressure. Just accessible, straightforward care.
Flexibility in Treatment
Because I don’t have to follow rigid insurance rules, I can use every tool I’ve trained in: acupuncture, herbs, functional lab testing, nutrition, lifestyle guidance, and mind-body medicine. It’s all about finding the combination that works for you.
A True Relationship
In a corporate office, you might see a different provider every visit. In my practice, it’s just us. I get to know your story, your history, and your goals. We build trust over time, and that continuity is invaluable for real, lasting health.
Empowering You, Not Just Managing Symptoms
My goal isn’t to keep you dependent on my office forever. I want to give you tools and strategies so you can feel better and stay better—long after you leave my office. That’s what true health empowerment looks like.
The Bottom Line:
In my small Eastern and Functional Medicine practice, you get:
• More time and personalized care
• Freedom from insurance restrictions
• Affordable, pay-as-you-go visits without concierge fees
• A true partnership focused on root-cause healing
• This isn’t about treating a diagnosis. It’s about treating you.
What are you waiting for… Contact us today for an Appointment!
August 14, 2025 by Stacy Lauren-Kon, LAc, MSOM
Every year, as the days begin to shorten and the air turns crisp, I see the same pattern in my practice: people wait until they’re already sniffling, coughing, or run down to think about their immune health. But here’s the truth — by the time you’re sick, your immune system is already in overdrive, scrambling to fight back. The best defense? Strengthening your immune system before the Fall and Winter immune challenges arrive.
Think of your immune system like your home heating system. You wouldn’t wait for the first icy morning to turn it on, only to find out it’s not working at full capacity. You’d make sure it’s serviced, ready, and efficient well in advance. Your body deserves that same proactive care.
Why Now Is the Perfect Time
Even in the hot Los Angeles climate, late summer and early fall create the ideal window to lay the groundwork for year-long health. Right now, your body is still benefiting from warmer weather, more sunlight, and (hopefully) a little extra Vitamin D. It’s easier to make changes NOW – add supportive therapies and establish habits BEFORE the stress of holiday travel and cold weather tax your system.
What Weakens Immunity as We Move Into Fall & Winter
Less sunlight → Reduced Vitamin D production, essential for immune function
Colder, drier air → Irritated nasal passages that allow viruses easier access
Seasonal stress → Back-to-school, holidays, and financial pressures
More indoor time → Increased exposure to germs in enclosed spaces
How We Can Help at Mend Family Acupuncture
In my practice, I look at supporting your body on multiple levels – energetic, nutritional, and lifestyle-based. Acupuncture helps balance the body’s energy, reduce stress (which directly impacts immunity), and improve circulation, allowing your body’s defense mechanisms to work more efficiently.
At Mend, we also use targeted herbal medicine, functional nutrition, and individualized wellness plans to give your immune system the exact resources it needs. We tailor custom formulas for each patient’s needs so you get top-notch care. If you’re prone to winter illnesses or feel like you “catch everything,” now is the time to correct those vulnerabilities before the busy season hits.
Your Action Plan for This Month
Schedule an immune-boosting acupuncture session with Mend before the Fall germs arrive;
Stock up on seasonal herbs and supplements tailored to your needs;
Establish healthy rhythms for sleep, hydration, and movement; and
Address stress now so it doesn’t snowball when the holidays arrive.
Your immune health is an investment—and the sooner you start, the greater the payoff when everyone else around you is coughing and sneezing. So, let’s make sure your body is ready to walk through Los Feliz and Silverlake and do your holiday celebrating and enjoy the beautiful Los Angeles cooler weather of "winter" full of health and joy.
Call or schedule online today, and let’s fortify your immune system together.
July 30, 2025 At Mend Family Acupuncture and Healthcare, we are constantly seeking the most effective, evidence-based tools to support your healing journey. One of the most exciting and transformative therapies we’ve integrated into our practice is Shockwave Therapy — especially when combined with acupuncture.
This combination is nothing short of powerful!
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate healing in injured or painful areas of the body. Originally used to break up kidney stones, it has evolved into a highly effective tool in musculoskeletal medicine. These acoustic waves stimulate increased blood flow, collagen production, and cellular repair—basically giving your body a wake-up call to heal itself, faster and more efficiently.
Why It Works So Well With Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is already phenomenal at regulating qi (energy), reducing inflammation, and improving circulation. It taps into the body’s nervous system, prompting the release of endorphins and reducing pain at its source. When we combine acupuncture with Shockwave Therapy, we amplify both modalities.
Shockwave Therapy addresses the physical tissue level — breaking up adhesions, calcifications, and chronic tightness that acupuncture alone might take longer to resolve.
Acupuncture supports the energetic and systemic level — regulating inflammation, nervous system function, and deep internal imbalances that contribute to chronic pain.
Think of Shockwave as the muscle and acupuncture as the brains — together, they target both the symptom and the root cause.
Conditions We Treat with This Dynamic Duo.
In my clinic, I’ve seen incredible results using this combination for a wide variety of conditions, including:
Plantar fasciitis
Tennis elbow / Golfer’s elbow
Rotator cuff injuries
Chronic back and neck pain
Hip and SI joint dysfunction
Achilles tendinopathy
Scar tissue and old injury sites
TMJ and jaw pain
What amazes me most is how quickly patients feel relief — often having immediate results in 1 session.
What are Our Patient's Experiences?
When you come in for a Shockwave + Acupuncture treatment at Mend, we’ll start by identifying the precise area of dysfunction. I use Shockwave Therapy to target that tissue directly, breaking up congestion and stimulating fresh blood flow. Immediately after, acupuncture is used to relax surrounding tissues, calm the nervous system, and support a deeper healing response.
Patients often leave the clinic feeling lighter, more mobile, and less inflamed —even after one visit.
Gentle. Safe. Effective.
Shockwave Therapy is non-invasive, doesn’t require anesthesia, and has minimal side effects. When combined with acupuncture, the therapy becomes even more tolerable because your nervous system is being supported throughout the process.
Why I Offer It at Mend.
As a practitioner trained in both Eastern and Functional Medicine, I believe deeply in integrating the best of both worlds. We don’t have to choose between ancient wisdom and modern science—we can use them together for exponential results.
My goal is always to find the most efficient, intelligent way to help your body heal itself. Shockwave Therapy adds an exciting layer of precision and potency to our treatments, and when paired with acupuncture, it creates a treatment synergy that’s hard to beat.
If you’ve been struggling with chronic pain or an old injury that just won’t budge, this could be the solution you've been waiting for. Come in and experience the difference a combined approach can make.
Call us to set up your appointment and let’s get you back to doing what you love — without pain!
June 18, 2025 by Stacy Lauren-Kon, LAc, MSOM
The “dog days of summer”—those long, sweltering weeks from mid-July through August—can feel like an emotional and physical marathon. The ancient Chinese understood this time as a period of intense yang energy: outward, hot, bright, and aggressive. While this season is ideal for activity, growth, and expression, it also threatens to deplete our yin—the cooling, calming, moistening, and nourishing aspect of our bodies and minds.
In a world already simmering with political unrest, economic uncertainty, and countless unpredictable stressors, it’s no wonder many of us feel drained, agitated, or burned out by late summer. The key to maintaining balance lies in protecting your yin—especially when the world around you is boiling over.
What is Yin and Why Does It Matter?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), yin represents rest, stillness, introspection, and nourishment. It’s the night to yang’s day, the moon to its sun. When yin is strong, we feel centered, hydrated, emotionally stable, and able to handle life’s stressors with grace. When yin is depleted—often from overworking, overheating, over-worrying, or over-consuming—we experience dryness, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, exhaustion, and even hormonal imbalances.
Why Summer is So Draining
Summer’s extreme heat and activity can burn through our reserves of yin, especially if we don’t pace ourselves. But it’s not just the sun sapping our internal resources—it’s the heat of modern life too:
The constant stream of disturbing news.
The rising cost of living and financial pressures.
The emotional toll of political division.
The lack of control over natural disasters, war, and societal shifts.
All of these “external heat” sources can create “internal heat,” pushing us toward burnout unless we actively replenish and protect our yin.
The heat of summer can be especially draining for menopausal women due to the natural decline in yin and hormonal shifts that occur during this stage of life. Menopause marks a significant drop in estrogen, which plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature, circulation, and fluid balance—all of which are challenged in hot weather.
Summer heat hits Menopausal women harder!
Reduced Yin and Fluid Reserves: In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), menopause is often seen as a decline in yin energy, which represents cooling, moistening, and nourishing aspects of the body. Summer, being a yangseason—hot, active, and expansive—can further deplete already-low yin levels, leading to symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, and insomnia.
Weakened Thermoregulation: Estrogen helps regulate the hypothalamus—the body’s thermostat. As estrogen levels drop, the body becomes more sensitive to even small increases in temperature, often triggering intense heat responses like flushing and sweating.
Increased Risk of Dehydration: With diminished moisture-retaining capacity due to lower estrogen and yin, menopausal women are more prone to dehydration, especially in high heat. This can worsen fatigue, headaches, and dry skin or mucous membranes.
Emotional Sensitivity: The combination of hormonal changes and environmental stressors like heat, noise, and overstimulation can intensify feelings of anxiety, mood swings, or emotional fatigue during menopause.
For these reasons, it’s especially important for menopausal women to protect and nourish their yin during the summer with cooling foods, adequate hydration, rest, gentle movement, and supportive therapies like acupuncture and herbal medicine that restore balance and build resilience.
Signs Your Yin Might Be Depleted
Trouble sleeping or staying asleep
Feeling hot at night or having night sweats
Dry skin, eyes, or throat
Anxiety, restlessness, or feeling emotionally "fragile"
Low back pain or fatigue, especially in the afternoon
Craving alone time but not knowing how to slow down
How to Protect Your Yin This Summer
1. Slow Down (Even When Life Speeds Up)
Even if you can’t change your schedule, you can shift your internal pace. Practice intentional pauses. Say no when you’re tempted to overcommit. Allow rest to be productive.
2. Eat Cooling, Moistening Foods
Favor foods that nourish yin and cool the body:
Watermelon, cucumber, and cantaloupe
Leafy greens, zucchini, and mung beans
Pears, apples, and goji berries
Soups made with bone broth, seaweed, and barley
Avoid excessive spicy, fried, or heavily processed foods, which increase internal heat and further dry out the system.
3. Hydrate Mindfully
Drinking water is essential—but hydrating with intention is even more powerful. Add cooling herbs like mint, chrysanthemum, or rose to your teas. Sip throughout the day, avoiding ice-cold drinks that shock the digestive fire.
4. Embrace Yin Activities
Not everything has to be a HIIT class or a deadline. Balance the yang of summer with restorative practices:
Yin yoga or gentle stretching
Meditation or breathwork
Journaling or quiet nature walks
Listening to music that soothes instead of stimulates
5. Support with Herbal Medicine
Eastern formulas like Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan, or Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan (under the guidance of a qualified practitioner) can help nourish yin, cool internal heat, and calm the spirit.
6. Protect Your Spirit
In TCM, the shen (spirit) is housed in the heart—and the heart is especially vulnerable during summer. Take breaks from media. Set boundaries with draining people. Tend to your emotional well-being with the same care you give your physical body.
Final Thoughts
We cannot control the temperature outside — or the turmoil in the world. But we can take responsibility for how we tend to our internal ecosystem. Protecting your body and spirit is not indulgent — it’s essential.
By slowing down, staying cool, and honoring your need for rest and restoration, you’re building resilience that carries you through the heat—and into the stillness of autumn with grace.
Stay cool. Stay grounded. And remember: true strength lies in softness.
Need support rebalancing your system this summer? I offer personalized herbal protocols, acupuncture, nutritional consults and functional medicine evaluations to restore your yin and renew your vitality. Reach out for a summer check-in today.
mendfamilyacupuncture@gmail.com or 323-459-2000.
April 15, 2025 by Stacy Lauren-Kon, LAc, MSOMHow Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine Can Help Children and Adults Thrive - Without Adderall
More People Diagnosed Amidst A Shortage of Medication – A Perfect Storm
We are a population dealing with multiple stressors as we recover from a global pandemic, and face new financial, political and social upheavals. In our troubled population, the diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) has become increasingly common among both children and adults – perhaps increasing due to these issues or the mental health system having a greater awareness of ADD. Challenges like inattention, impulsivity, and restlessness can make daily life more difficult—for kids at school, adults at work, and families at home.
In October of 2024 the FDA announced a shortage of Adderall. Many adults and children could not access the drug they had grown dependent upon and have suffered thinking there is no alternative. According to The Atlantic*, “… the effects of the shortage are still making life tough for people with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder who rely on the drug. Stories abound of frustrated people going to dozens of pharmacies in search of medication each month, only to come up short every time. Without treatment, students have had a hard time in school, and adults have struggled to keep up at work and maintain relationships. The Adderall shortage has ended, but the widely used generic versions of the drug, known as amphetamine mixed salts, are still scarce.”
So while these medications are often very effective, they are also in large demand while are in short supply. These high demand drugs also come with hefty side effects such as anxiety, insomnia, reduced appetite, and dependency that often outweight their benefits.
At Mend Family Acupuncture and Healthcare, we believe in treating the root cause of imbalances, not just the symptoms. That’s why many of our patients come to us seeking a more natural, sustainable approach to managing ADD—through Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Understanding ADD from a TCM Perspective
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, ADD is not seen as a one-size-fits-all diagnosis. Instead, it’s viewed as a pattern of imbalances in the body’s energy systems. Often, we see issues connected to the Heart Shen (spirit), Liver, Spleen, and Kidney organ systems.
Heart Shen (spirit): When the Shen is disturbed, it can lead to restlessness, insomnia, or difficulty concentrating. You may have trouble falling asleep and also have disturbing dreams.
Liver Qi Stagnation: This can show up as mood swings, frustration, or impulsivity. It can also produce body pain and sleeps distruption. Do you always wonder why you wake up at 3:00am every night and can't get back to sleep? You can thank the Liver meridian for that.
Spleen Qi Deficiency: Linked to poor memory, fatigue, and difficulty staying focused.
Kidney Essence Deficiency: Often related to developmental delays or chronic inattention.
Every patient is unique, so our treatment plans are personalized to each child or adult’s underlying patterns – addressing both the mental and physical aspects of ADD.
How Acupuncture Can Help
Acupuncture gently stimulates specific points on the body to restore energetic balance, improve circulation, and calm the nervous system. For those struggling with ADD, this can mean:
- Improved focus and clarity
- Better emotional regulation
- Reduced anxiety and hyperactivity
- Healthier sleep patterns
- More energy and vitality
For children, we use age-appropriate methods, such as shallow needle insertion with no needle retention, laser acupuncture, acupressure, Hypnotherapy in conjunction with Acupuncture, Myofascial release, and other non-invasive tools– always with care and comfort in mind.
Herbal Medicine & Nutrition: Supporting the Body from Within
Alongside acupuncture, customized herbal formulas can be incredibly effective. These blends help calm the mind, nourish the nervous system, and support digestion and brain function. Depending on each patient’s diagnosis, we may recommend formulas that calm the Shen, strengthen the Spleen, or soothe the Liver.
We also provide gentle nutrition, lifestyle guidance, and behavioral modification to help families make supportive choices – like cutting down on sugar and processed foods, encouraging grounding meals, and creating consistent routines that support focus and stability.
What the Research Says
Growing evidence supports what we see in the clinic every day: Acupuncture and TCM can offer meaningful improvement for people with ADD. Studies show benefits in attention, behavior regulation, and anxiety reduction—without the side effects of stimulant medications*.
Our goal at Mend is not just to reduce symptoms, but to help each patient thrive naturally, feeling more connected, calm, and capable.
Holistic Care for the Whole Family
Whether you’re a parent looking for alternatives to medication, or an adult seeking greater focus and emotional balance, we’re here to help. At Mend Family Acupuncture and Healthcare, we specialize in integrative, heart-centered care that treats the whole person – not just a diagnosis. We work with you and your child to create a comfortable treatment plan that produces long-term results.
If you’d like to explore how Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can support you or your child in managing ADD naturally, we invite you to reach out. Let’s create a path toward healing, clarity, and balance – together.
Book a consultation today and discover what natural, personalized care can look like for your family.
🧡 Mend Family Acupuncture and Healthcare – Rooted in Compassion, Guided by Balance.
Book Your Appointment Today!
* https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2023/04/adult-adhd-diagnosis-treatment-adderall-shortage/673719/
* https://www.nwhealth.edu/news/be-well-eastern-medicine-turns-adhd-on-its-head/
