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East Meets West: Why Our New Consulting Tele-Health MD Elevates Care at Mend

by Stacy Lauren-Kon, LAc, MSOM

East Meets West: Why Our New Consulting Tele-Health MD Elevates Care at Mend, Mend Family Acupuncture and Healthcare in Los Angeles, CA

Mend Welcomes Dr. Angelique Campen, MD

At Mend Family Acupuncture, our mission has always been to bridge the best of Eastern and Functional Medicine — blending Eastern medicine with Western healthcare.

Now, with Dr. Angelique Campen, MD joining our team as a Consulting Tele-Health Physician, we’ve taken that integration to the next level.

A True Meeting of Minds and Medicine

Dr. Campen brings decades of medical experience and a deeply compassionate approach to care. Her perspective as an emergency medicine physician and leader in integrative health allows us to safely and seamlessly merge acupuncture, functional medicine, and conventional diagnostics.

This collaboration means our patients get the benefit of both worlds — the deep, whole-body healing of Eastern medicine with added Tele-Health when prescriptions or a Western perspective is appropriate. Together, we can create treatment plans that are thoughtful, evidence-informed, and personalized for each individual.

What This Partnership Means for You

When an acupuncturist and MD work hand-in-hand, the results are transformative:

Smarter, safer care: Dr. Campen provides oversight for complex or medically sensitive cases, helping ensure every treatment plan is both safe and effective.
Deeper integration: We can interpret lab results, assess medications, and combine them with acupuncture, herbs, and nutrition for a truly holistic strategy.
Better communication: Having a consulting MD helps us coordinate more easily with other doctors or specialists in your healthcare circle.

More confidence: Patients can rest assured that they’re receiving care that honors both tradition and modern medical science.

The Future of Integrative Medicine in Los Feliz

This partnership reflects what we’ve always believed at Mend: Healing happens when we collaborate — when a Doctor of Eastern Medicine and an MD listen, learn, and work together for the good of each patient.

By bringing in Dr. Campen for prescriptions and Telehealth appointments we’re offering something rare in healthcare today — integrative medicine that’s as connected, safe, and personal as it gets.

Because when East truly meets West, patients thrive.

Why a Small Eastern & Functional Medicine Practice Is The Better Choice

by Stacy Lauren-Kon, LAc, MSOM

Why a Small Eastern & Functional Medicine Practice Is The Better Choice, Mend Family Acupuncture and Healthcare in Los Angeles, CA

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!

Why Now is the Time to Boost Your Immune System for Fall & Winter

by Stacy Lauren-Kon, LAc, MSOM

Why Now is the Time to Boost Your Immune System for Fall & Winter, Mend Family Acupuncture and Healthcare in Los Angeles, CA

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.

Harnessing the Power of Shockwave Therapy + Acupuncture: A Game-Changing Combination for Healing and Pain Relief

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!

Harnessing the Power of Shockwave Therapy + Acupuncture: A Game-Changing Combination for Healing and Pain Relief, Mend Family Acupuncture and Healthcare in Los Angeles, CA

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!

Protecting Your Yin During the Dog Days of Summer

by Stacy Lauren-Kon, LAc, MSOM

Protecting Your Yin During the Dog Days of Summer, Mend Family Acupuncture and Healthcare in Los Angeles, CA

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.

Stacy Lauren-Kon offers Acupuncture in Los Angeles, CA

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.

A Natural Approach to ADD

by Stacy Lauren-Kon, LAc, MSOM

How Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine Can Help Children and Adults Thrive - Without Adderall

More People Diagnosed Amidst A Shortage of Medication – A Perfect Storm

A Natural Approach to ADD, Mend Family Acupuncture and Healthcare in Los Angeles, CA

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.

Stacy Lauren-Kon offers Acupuncture in Los Angeles, CA

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/

Winter Turns Into Spring – And Allergy Season Begins!

winter turning to spring and a person suffering from allergies

How Can Mend Support You During Allergy Season?

Spring is a time of renewal and birth. Flowers bloom and the world comes alive again after a long Winter of hibernation. Spring also marks the awakening of your immune system and brings allergy season — sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, scratchy throat and overall discomfort while your body tries to defend itself from all this new stimuli.

Over-the-counter medications do provide relief, however, they also come with side effects like drowsiness, dryness and mental debilitation. Long-term use of these medication have proven to lead to dementia. If you’re looking for a natural approach to managing seasonal allergies, acupuncture might be the solution you’ve been searching for.

Understanding Allergies from an Eastern Medicine Perspective…

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views allergies as an imbalance in the body’s energy, or Qi (pronounced “chee”). Specifically, allergies are often associated with weakened Wei Qi (the body's surface, defensive energy) after a long winter, which makes individuals more susceptible to environmental allergens. Acupuncture works by re-jiggering your body's immune response, improving circulation, calming inflammation, and restoring you to a proper seasonal balance. Giving you a better day-to-day, “normal”.

TCM Helps Your Body During the Seasonal Shift from Winter to Spring.

In TCM, the transition from Winter to Spring is quite significant. Winter is associated with the Water element and is a time of rest, reflection, and conservation of energy and is associated with the Yin. Spring, on the other hand, corresponds with the Wood element, representing growth, expansion, and renewal and is the rebirth of Yang. If the body is not properly prepared for this shift, it can lead to many imbalances that show up as allergies but can progress into something much more debilitating over time.

To ease this transition, TCM focuses on supporting the Liver, which is the dominant organ in spring. When the Liver Qi is stagnant or overburdened, it can contribute to symptoms like irritability, headaches, and allergic reactions. Acupuncture, along with patented herbal medicine and tweaks to your daily living, helps to smooth the flow of Liver Qi, strengthen Wei Qi, and prepare the body for the changes that come with Spring.

What Exactly Does Acupuncture Do To The Body To Help With Allergy Symptoms?

  • Reduces Inflammation – Acupuncture helps to decrease inflammation in the nasal passages, relieving congestion and sinus pressure.
  • Regulates the Immune System – By stimulating specific acupuncture points, this therapy helps regulate an overactive immune response, reducing the severity of allergic reactions.
  • Clears Sinus Blockage – Acupuncture can promote better circulation and drainage in the sinuses, relieving pressure and preventing sinus infections.
  • Balances the Body’s Energy – Seasonal allergies can be a sign of underlying imbalances in the body. Acupuncture helps to bring the body back to harmony, addressing not just symptoms but the root cause of allergies.
  • Reduces Stress – Stress can worsen allergy symptoms by increasing inflammation in the body. Acupuncture promotes relaxation and stress reduction, which in turn supports immune function.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

When you come to Mend, we start with a 15-20 minute consultation, discussing your history and current symptoms. I will sneak a look at your tongue, take your pulses, and possibly palpate parts of your body to assess how you are at this specific moment in time so I can decide which treatment protocols would be best for your unique symptoms and overall health.

You will then relax on a heated table while I insert hair-thin needles around your body. These “needles” are between 0.12 to 0.35 millimeters – around the width of a human hair. They are sterile, single use, and completely painless!

If you came in for a stuffy nose, you may become curious as to why I am placing a needle in your foot! Everything is connected. Some organ meridians flow from your feet to your head, while others start at the head and flow downward. Either way, everything is connected in a beautiful ripple effect. Your lungs are related to your spleen, heart, kidney, liver, etc…. We treat the whole person and don’t just band-aid the symptoms.

You may feel many sensations, while resting on the table for 25-30 minutes. Some people feel buzzy or floaty, while others slip into an “in-between” place or fall right into a deep sleep. Whatever you experience, trust your body is doing what it needs to do at that moment and simply lie back and enjoy the sensations.

You may ask, “How long will it take to feel the effects?” Many patients report immediate relief after a session, while others notice improvements over time with regular, cumulative treatments.

Combining Acupuncture with Lifestyle Changes.

TCM is not just Acupuncture. It also includes:

  • Behavioral Modification;
  • Nutrition;
  • Myofascial Release (cranio-sacral massage, Tui Na body work, cupping, moxa);
  • Patented Herbal Medicine, and
  • Non-Prescription Supplements.

Each person will receive a different protocol based on their unique situation and symptoms. Each visit to Mend will be unique in and of itself. 

For optimal results, nutritionally, Acupuncture should be complemented with lifestyle adjustments, such as:

  • Eating anti-inflammatory foods like ginger, turmeric, and leafy greens;
  • Staying hydrated to help flush allergens from your system;
  • Using a HEPA filter at home to reduce airborne allergens; and
  • Practicing nasal rinsing with a saline solution to clear sinuses;

Mend is also happy to partner with a few vendors to offer free samples of products to help, along with TCM, allieve your symptoms. NeilMed products are gentle and wonderful at helping to drain your sinuses after an Acupuncture session and keep you from developing a sinus infection.

And since 70% of your immune system is located in your gut, Mend also offers free samples of Visbiome Probiotics. The regular use of probiotics may relieve symptoms of abdominal discomfort, systemic inflammation, enhances immunity, boosts metabolism, and helps your brain produce “happy” chemicals to ward off anxiety and depression.

If you already have signs and symptoms of a sinus or more systemic infection, Mend prescribes Herbal Formulas to help in the acute stage of disease or to work on clearing more chronic sinus infections. All formulas prescribed are made in America and perfectly safe. Did you know that most western medications are derived from these natural herbs? Pharmaceutical companies make a synthetic version of our TCM Herbal Formulas that do work quickly, but also can damage your organs and are not safe to use long-term due to serious side effects.

Take Control of Allergies With a More Gentle Medicinal Approach

If you’re tired of relying on harsh medications and want a natural, holistic approach to allergy relief, TCM may be worth exploring. By addressing the root cause of allergies and strengthening your immune system, Acupuncture, and TCM’s many other modalities, can help you breathe easier and enjoy the changing seasons without discomfort.

There are so many Patented Herbal Formulas to help with acute and chronic allergy and sinus issues. Xiao Qing Long Decoction (XQLT), as one of the Traditional Herbal Formulas, has long been utilized as a natural remedy for allergic disorders like Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma. XQLT has been used to alleviate AR patients' chronic nasal obstruction symptoms as well as acute symptoms such as rhinorrhea and sneezing.

You may be asking, what is in XQLT that makes it so effective? Here's a more detailed breakdown: 

  • Ephedra herb (Ma Huang): Ephedrae Herba;
  • Cassia twig (Gui Zhi): Cinnamomi Ramulus;
  • White peony root (Bai Shao): Paeoniae Radix Alba;
  • Asarum (Xixin): Asari Radix et Rhizoma;
  • Dried ginger (Gan Jiang): Zingiberis Rhizoma;
  • Licorice root (Gan Cao): Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma;
  • Pinellia ternata (Ban Xia): Pinelliae Rhizoma; and
  • Chinese Magnoliavine Fruit (Wuweizi): Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus

TCM uses many herbs in a specifically dosed formula to complement, buffer, and/or enhance one another. A patient should NEVER take any one herb on their own. For instance, Ephedra, on its own, can raise blood pressure to dangerous levels and cause serious heart issues. But when dosed properly and mixed with other herbs, it provides powerful and lasting relief. These formulas have been around and perfected for over 3,500 years to make sure each ingredient is not toxic and is buffered to be effective yet very gentle on your organs. Together, these ingredients form an alchemy of healing that is tried and true.

I hope I have answered a lot of your questions on how Traditional Chinese Medicine can help during this time of year. Call Mend today to see how acupuncture can be tailored to your specific and unique needs to bring lasting relief during allergy season.

Call us at 323-459-2000 or email us to see how Mend can make this time of year easier, and healthier, for you and your family.

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