April 25, 2023 by Stacy Lauren-Kon, Lac MSOM
Acupuncture is an EFFECTIVE and PROVEN treatment for chronic pain. It is not "Alternative" or "New Age" Healthcare. Even though it has been around for over 3,000 years, it has been modernized and IS a component of modern medicine. Go into many Emergency Rooms and Urgent Cares and you will see an in-house Acupuncturist. Many private practices also have in-house Acupuncturists or have a favorite Acupuncturist that they refer patients to. During my own studies I had the honor of working at The University of Southern California in conjunction with their Western medical students and enjoyed sharing protocols and swapping advice together. At Mend, I am proud to share and cross-refer with many local Western Dr.'s.
Let’s talk about some ways in which Acupuncture works for pain:
1) Acupuncture activates endorphins – Acupuncture has been shown to stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving chemicals produced by the body. Endorphins can help reduce pain perception and provide relief from chronic pain.
2) Acupuncture modulates neurotransmitters – Acupuncture has been found to influence the levels of various neurotransmitters in the body, such as serotonin and dopamine, which play a role in pain perception. By modulating these neurotransmitters, acupuncture can help regulate pain signals and provide relief from chronic pain.
3) Acupuncture had anti-inflammatory effects – Chronic pain is often associated with inflammation in the body. Acupuncture has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects by reducing the production of inflammatory chemicals and promoting the release of anti-inflammatory substances, which can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
4) Acupuncture improves blood circulation – Acupuncture can improve blood circulation in the body, which can help promote healing and reduce pain. Enhanced blood flow to the affected areas can provide nourishment and oxygen to the tissues, promote tissue repair, and relieve pain associated with poor circulation.
5) Acupuncture modulates your nervous system – Acupuncture has been found to affect the nervous system, including the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. By modulating nerve activity, acupuncture can help reduce pain signals, improve nerve function, and alleviate chronic pain.
6) Acupuncture IS Holistic Medicine – Acupuncture is a part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) which takes a holistic approach to health and wellness. TCM views the body as a whole, and acupuncture treatments are often customized to address the underlying imbalances in the body that may be contributing to chronic pain, such as energy blockages or disruptions in the flow of Qi (vital energy).
7) Acupuncture has no adverse effects – Acupuncture is completely safe when performed by a trained and licensed acupuncturist. It is a non-invasive procedure that does not rely on medications, and it has minimal side effects compared to other pain management options, such as medications or invasive procedures. However, when performed by anyone other than a licensed Acupuncturist (MD, ND, Chiropractor, PT…..) there is the chance of pneumothorax and other injuries.
So now you know some ways that Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine can alleviate and prevent pain in your life. I know times are hard for many and Mend strives to keep the cost of a visit affordable so we can save you money in the long-run! If you do the math, weekly Acupuncture is by far a better investment than going to Starbucks every day!
Read about all the conditions Acupuncture treats with links to research papers. /page/conditions-we-treat/
April 13, 2023 by Stacy Lauren-Kon, Lac MSOM
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treats the mind, body, and spirit as interdependent and interconnected – you just cannot separate them! Through Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Diet/Nutrition, and Behavioral Modification, TCM helps your body balance hormones, stimulate the release of endorphins and other natural painkillers, and helps modulate the parasympathetic nervous system to help you live a more emotionally stable and enjoyable life.
In our modern times, so many people are grappling with mental health issues. The statistics are staggering – 1 out of 2 adults are suffering with anxiety and depression, and 1 out of 3 children are battling with it, as well. We need options and Traditional Chinese Medicine is an important tool in this battle.
Here are some modalities of TCM that can be utilized in the treatment of mental health care and emotional well-being:
1) Acupuncture: Thousands of studies have proven Acupuncture is very effective in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, general stress, PTSD and other serious psychiatric disorders. Acupuncture is a key component of TCM that involves the insertion of tiny, painless needles into very specific points on the body.
There are over 365 points on the body that travel along 12 meridians which correspond to all of our organs. By utilizing these points and meridians, a Licensed Acupuncturist stimulates the body to release endorphins and regulate the levels of serotonin and dopamine. Acupuncture activates and soothes the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the "rest and digest" response in the body. Although Acupuncture is not a substitute for Western Medicine, it is a wonderful first stop on your medical journey. With the use of Acupuncture you may not need Western prescriptions, or, you may be able to maintain a low dose of Western meds.
As you can imagine, it takes years to study the technical and precise application of Acupuncture and how it can properly treat mental health issues. So to avoid injury and ensure you receive the best care possible, please only receive Acupuncture from a Licensed Acupuncturist and/or Dr. Of Eastern Medicine. Licensed Acupuncturists endure at least 3 years of schooling and State and National Board Exams for Licensure. Please do not go to a Western Dr. Or Physical Therapist who has taken a weekend or online course. The level of care is not comparable.
2) Herbal Medicine: TCM uses a variety of herbal medicines to treat mental health conditions. A lot of TCM’s tried and true ingredients have been patented by Western Pharmaceutical companies. But TCM practitioners use the natural versions of these herbs that are gentler and more nuanced than the patented chemical versions. These herbs were researched and selected over thousands of years based on their properties and are paired and combined in formulas to address very specific biological patterns. TCM never uses single herbs. Herbs are always used in conjunction with one another in a researched combination that directs the medicine to specific areas of the body, and carefully prevents any toxicity to organs. Nowadays, these herbs are grown and produced in the United States along with careful oversight and approval. Our herbal formulas are safe, appropriate for children, non toxic, non habit-forming, economical, and are beautiful alternatives/adjuncts to many Western Medications.
3) Cupping and Manual Therapy: Cupping therapy is an ancient Eastern healing practice that has been used for centuries to help treat pain, inflammation, and many other ailments. It involves the use of cups, typically made of glass, plastic or silicone, that are suctioned to the skin to increase blood flow, help to draw out pathogens (toxins and bacteria), relieve muscle tension, reduce inflammation, and improves circulation. The cups create a negative pressure on the skin which helps to increase blood flow to the area, providing increased oxygen and nutrients to the cells. This helps to stimulate healing and reduce pain. Cupping can be used on its own or in combination with other forms of Acupuncture and Manual/Physical Therapy.
4) Diet and Nutrition: TCM emphasizes the importance of a healthy diet and nutrition for overall well-being, including mental health. In TCM, food is viewed as medicine, and certain foods are believed to have specific properties that can affect the mind and body. For example, foods like walnuts and almonds are believed to nourish the brain and improve cognitive function, while foods like ginger and turmeric are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
5) Mind-Body Practices: TCM includes a variety of mind-body practices, such as Tai Chi and Qi Gong, that can promote mental and emotional well-being. These practices involve gentle movements and breathing exercises that can help to reduce stress, improve mood, and promote feelings of relaxation and well-being.
In summary, Traditional Chinese Medicine takes a holistic approach to mental health care and emotional well-being, and it offers a variety of tools and techniques to support individuals in achieving balance and harmony in all aspects of their being.
Call Mend Family Acupuncture and Healthcare at 323-459-2000 today to find out how we can help you achieve a better “normal”.
March 10, 2023 Did you know that Mend's Rejuvenation Facial was featured on the popular television show The Dr.'s as a unique and groundbreaking anti-aging experience?
Mend proudly offers our patients a very unique beauty experience that mixes Eastern and Western techniques to take years off your face. Each one of us is gorgeous and unique. Most of us do not want to drastically alter our appearances. So Mend has hand picked a few treatments that work in concert with one another to help bring back a more youthful glow to your beautiful face at a minimal price so you can say – SCREW AGING!
Our Rejuvenation Facial consists of the following:
• A 30 Minute Constitutional & Facial Acupuncture Treatment;
• 10 Minute Microneedling Treatment;
• 20 Minute Radio Frequency Skin Tightening Treatment;
• Light Glycolic Exfoliation or stronger TCA Treatment; and
• A Complimentary bottle of our Mend Everything Oil.
Constitutional And Facial Acupuncture Treatment
Our 30 Minute Constitutional & Facial Acupuncture Treatment has two beneficial aspects – First, we treat the "root"cause of aging by regulating the flow of energy (qi) and open the channels of qi and blood throughout the body to improve overall health and restore vitality to the body. This "Constitutional" treatment addresses underlying causes, like digestive problems, hormonal imbalances and emotional stress, which are reflected on the face. Many of the body's channels begin and/or end on the face. So by activating these pathways there is an increase in circulation of blood, lymph and qi to the face that enhances and promotes a more radiant and youthful complexion.
Secondly, The more targeted Facial Acupuncture is a totally safe and painless treatment that stimulates and lifts weakened muscle fibers and increases collagen production directly to the face. It improves overall facial tone and sagging.
While your body is working on repairing itself, you get to lie on our heated table for 30 minutes and relax!
Microneedling Treatment
Microneedling involves smoothing a numbing cream over your face and then painlessly poking the skin with tiny sterilized needles. The small wounds cause your body to heal itself by making more collagen and elastin, which helps you look more youthful. You might have heard this referred to as collagen induction therapy or a vampire facial, in the news. Whatever you want to call it, the results are smoother skin, finer wrinkles, greater elasticity and smaller pores!
In addition to Anti-Aging, Microneedling is also an excellent treatment for the following conditions:
Acne
Hair loss (also called alopecia)
Dark spots or patches on your skin (hyperpigmentation)
Scars
Stretch marks
Sun damage
Radio Frequency Skin Tightening Treatment
Next comes the Hi-Tech part! You may have heard the terms, "Thermage", "Morpheus", "Ulthera", "Thermi", "Exilis", or "Profound RF". These are versions of Radio Frequency Skin Tightening (RF). Mend utilizes this amazing technology in tandem with our more Eastern techniques. A little from the East, and a little from the West!
During your RF Treatment an electromagnetic wand that generates heat will be massaged over your face, chin and neck for 20 minutes. A cooling gel applied beforehand will keep you from feeling anything other than a nice warm gliding sensation. The RF stimulates the production of collage, elastin and production of new skin cells. This nonsurgical facelift firms and lifts sagging skin. This is one of the best ways to minimize the sagging jowls and turkey chin without invasive surgery!
Mend uses just enough RF to tighten and lift your skin without burning or causing painful peeling. We do not bring a bazooka to a knife fight! Less is more.
Light Glycolic Exfoliation
We top off your Rejuvenation Facial with a light Glycolic Pumpkin Exfoliation Mask. This gently whisks away any flaky dead skin and leaves you glowing and looking completely refreshed.
Any side effects from our are Rejuvenation Facial are minimal and short-lived – limited to mild and temporary swelling, redness, and tingling, depending on the treatment. You may have some slight skin flaking/peeling a few days after your Treatment. That's why we recommend you schedule your Rejuvenation Facial at least 2 weeks out from any special events.
Mend Everything Oil
And last but not least... we send you home with a complimentary bottle of our custom blended facial oil that minimizes any peeling and redness you may have from your Rejuvenation Facial.
Mend Everything Oil is a gorgeous combination of ingredients that smooths fine lines, moisturizes, and evens out your skin tone:
Argan Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, Buckthorn Oil, Vitamin E, Rose Oil, Saffron, Vitamin C, and Niacinimide (B3).
Your complimentary bottle of Mend Everything Oil is a $45 value and is a perfect facial oil that replaces your need for any other expensive lotions or gimmicks.
Mend offers the above services for a mere $350. The cost of these services averages 2 - 4 times at most facilities. We strive to make these Treatments cost-effective so you can repeat them 3-6 times a year for optimal results.
So make an appointment for your Mend Rejuvenation Facial today!
February 21, 2023 
Cupping therapy is an ancient Eastern healing practice that has been used for centuries to help treat pain, inflammation, and many other ailments. It involves the use of cups, typically made of glass or silicone, that are heated and placed on the skin to create suction. This suction helps draw out toxins, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
Cupping therapy is becoming increasingly popular in the Western world as a form of pain relief. Whether you’re looking to reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, or simply relax, cupping therapy can be a valuable solution to your modern pain.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), cupping is used as part of a larger system of Acupuncture and Manual/Physical Therapy and Herbal Medicine. According to the Chinese medical texts, cupping therapy dates back to at least 3,000 BC, when hollow horns were used as cups to draw out blood from the skin. Over time, the practice evolved to include the use of bamboo, pottery, and metal.
These days, sterile, heated, plastic or silicone cups are suctioned to the skin to increase blood flow and help to draw out pathogens, such as toxins and bacteria, from the body. It relieves muscle tension, reduces inflammation, and improves circulation. The cups create a negative pressure on the skin which helps to increase blood flow to the area, providing increased oxygen and nutrients to the cells. This helps to stimulate healing and reduce pain. Cupping can be used on its own or in combination with other forms of Acupuncture and Manual/Physical Therapy.
You've probably seen the circles on many athletes' backs and wondered what they are from – CUPPING! Athletes use cupping to enhance their performance, reduce their recovery time and reduce fatigue. Regular cupping sessions help them stay in peak physical condition and perform at their best.
Here are just a few of the ways Mend uses Cupping to heal our patients:
1. Pain relief: Cupping therapy is incredibly effective at reducing pain in the body, especially in the neck, back, and shoulders. It can help alleviate chronic pain from arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions, as well as acute pain from injuries.
2. Improved circulation: Cupping helps improve circulation by increasing blood flow to the affected area. This can help reduce inflammation and tension, as well as aid in the healing process.
3. Relaxation: Cupping is known to be a very calming and relaxing treatment that can help relieve stress and anxiety.
4. Improved respiratory conditions: Cupping is so beneficial in treating respiratory conditions such as pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, and sinus pressure. It helps reduce inflammation in the chest area and make breathing easier.
5. Fever reduction: Cupping is also believed to help reduce fever by cooling the body down and promoting better circulation.
6. Acne reduction: Cupping draws out the heat and stagnant pus and cools the blood.
So come into Mend and experience a session of Cupping. And if you are coming in for an Acupuncture Treatment the Cupping is included!
September 2, 2020 The end of Summer is usually a time of transition. No more lazy Summer days! But during these Pandemic times, there is no structure to get back to. Our new normal is strange and there is an anti-climactic dread about this time of year that has bred a new strain of the "End of Summer Blues".
Perhaps we can take this opportunity to reset priorities?
1. GET ORGANIZED! I know this sounds daunting, but you do not have to reorganize your entire house in 1 day. Set an alarm for 1 hour and just take some simple initial steps in a small area. You will be surprised how quickly that hour blows by and how inspired you will be to come back the next day for 1 more hour of organizing. Before you know it, your house will be a better reflection of yourself.
2. TWEAK YOUR EATING HABITS! Notice how I did NOT say the dreaded word "diet". Small tweaks to your daily eating routine can add up to a lot of healthy benefits. Instead of cow's milk in your morning coffee, try oat milk. Or, instead of sugar in your beverage, try some monk fruit or honey. Instead of reaching for a cracker and cheese, try a carrot dipped in hummus. LITTLE changes to your diet can make a 1 pound a month difference. In a year that can add up to 12 pounds.
3. GET UP! You do not have to train for a marathon, take a 2 hour hot yoga class, or climb a mountain. But you do need to get up and exercise for at least 10 minutes a day. Do you know that your lymphatic system needs to be drained by movement much like how a Swiss watch needs to be wound every day? Yes. So just get up and simply walk around the block a few times a day. Set your alarm for 10 minutes and simply WALK with purpose. Notice the wind on your face, smell the air through your mask, lubricate your joints and MOVE!
4. LIMIT YOUR AIR TIME! The world can seem overwhelming right now. You cannot control a lot of what is going on in the world so try not to overdose on the news and negativity. Watch something frivolous or read a book. It's exhausting and unhealthy to over-worry. Give your brain a break.
5. TREAT YOURSELF! Melt some organic dark chocolate, dip in some bananas, and freeze. Or, indulge in 1 really good cup of coffee a day. Moderation is everything. But you DO need to treat yourself once in a while. If it's not an edible treat, then drive yourself out to the beach and jump in. Splurge on a bouquet of flowers or spritz on a favorite scent to lift your spirit. Your olfactory senses are the most powerful sense and can transform your mood instantly.
6. SAY NICE THINGS TO YOURSELF! The endless negative tape that goes on and on in your head is destructive and you need break. You are doing your best in these tough times and need to be kind to yourself. Create a mantra that is soothing – a lot of my patients like this one, "I am safe, I am loved, I am exactly where I am supposed to be." Now sit in a quite space, set a timer for 15-20 minutes, and just BE!
7. SCHEDULE THOSE YEARLY DR. VISITS! Eastern Medicine is fantastic! But every year you MUST get a well visit from an M.D. – OB/GYN, Internist, or General Practitioner. And if you are over 50 you need a yearly mammogram, ECG, and it may be time for that colonoscopy! Take the steps necessary to ensure you live a long and healthy life.
8. PREVENTATIVE HEALTH! Once weekly or monthly Acupuncture visits are a powerful tool to stay healthy and happy. You think Acupuncture is too expensive? Do the math! It saves you money over time, leads to a happier day to day, and improves your quality of life drastically.
August 12, 2020 Based on this systematic review and meta-analysis performed by Arthur Yin Fan and the Research Group for Evidence-based Chinese Medicine, it is clear that adding CHM to standard care improves the symptoms and signs of COVID-19 patients, decreases the inflammation markerCRP level and accelerates absorption of lung infection lesions. Evi-dence from some studies even suggests that CHM as a co-therapymay even lower the fatality rate. CHM has been recommended andincluded in the interim guidelines for the treatment of COVID-19by the Chinese officials as Chinese medicine is on the mainstreamhealth care system in China. For those countries where CHM hasnot been regulated or approved as one kind of medicine or therapy,the above CHMs should be used in conjunction with conventionalmedical care for patients with COVID-19
Read the full study!
February 27, 2019 
Does this sound familiar.... slow metabolism, night sweats, anxiety/depression, brain fog, dry skin, low libido, thinning vaginal tissue with painful intercourse, dribbling urine, thinning hair…..
These are the symptoms of the great pause - Menopause! In ancient societies menopausal women were considered sages. The word “crone” actually referred to a wise woman who had magical qualities and supernatural abilities.
Mend is here to help you re-claim ownership of the real “C” word and be a righteous Crone!
Mend is now offering the “Mend-the-Pause” Program to help you transition from childbearing years to the rightious crone years.
Our “Mend-the-Pause” Monthly Program Includes:
• 2 Acupuncture Treatments (45 minutes each): Constitutional Acupuncture, Neck Lymphatic Drainage Massage, and Infrared Light Treatment;
• 1 Nutritional Consult
• Topical Bi-Est cream – (Contains USP Progesterone, USP Estriol and USP Estradiol (plant-derived from yam)
• Vaginal Hydration Ovals – (Contains 1mg of Estriol per oval suppository)
• Great Yin Formula – (Anxiety and Nervousness, Hot Flashes, Night Sweats, and Yin deficiency)
Mend Package Price = $300
Retail Value = $460
Mend also offers these add-on Meno-Pause Support products:
The "Personal V-Tens Kit" - $85
Vaginal E-Stim uses electronically stimulated Kegels to help tone pelvic floor muscles which in turn can enhance sexual pleasure, curb urinary incontinence and indirectly decrease pain in the lower back, knees, and thighs.
The V-Fit + Intimate Wellness Device - $495
The vFit+ is a non-invasive intimate wellness device that uses a combination of LED, gentle heat, and sonic wave technology to help increase sensation, tone pelvic wall, and improve quality of life, all from the privacy of your home.
Contact Mend today to book your "Mend-the-Pause" session.
For further reading on Menopause and HRT supplementation click here.
