, , , ,

Our First Christmas (Not Home)

Don’t Get Stuck (unless it’s Acupuncture)

I know, I know my humor is bad.

Stick with me, here.

Sorry, moving on. We all get stuck…

 

Stuck in the movie inside our minds

of how “it” should be.

Whatever “it” happens to be at the time. 

 

Canceled Flights

Remember all the canceled flights in December 2022 over the Christmas holiday?

It affected most of us.

Some of us could not get a flight out.

Some of us could not see our loved ones.

 

Our First Christmas

My husband Mark and I looked forward to traveling home to see our family together for our first Christmas as newlyweds.

After the fifth flight delay

came the final flight cancellation.

We had to call and say I’ll (Not) be home for Christmas.

It was our first Christmas and we were pretty upset about not being able to see our family, especially our kids.

 

Finding Peace

We decided after calling family and feeling really bummed out that we would make the best of our first Christmas together- alone. 

”Accepting what is” proved important in keeping our stress down and our moods up.

We can all get caught-up in our expectations of how life “should be.”

Acupuncture, Meditation and a Healthy lifestyle with appropriate movement and food can help us to get un-stuck more often.

Well, with acupuncture you get stuck, then un-stuck. Okay, okay. Moving on…

 

New Traditions out of Old

We had a lot of fun playing games, singing, talking and cooking delicious food together!

Silver lining: More time to get to know each other’s holiday traditions!…

We learned each other’s food/ celebration traditions and the ethnic roots of these for Christmas and New Years Eve and day.  

We came up with our own traditions, including baking our (still) favorite cake. It’s the BEST apple and walnut cake. We only revised it a few times. We prepare it for family and they love it, too.

 

Feeling Love 

We all have an “apple cake” that makes us happy just thinking about it.

Memories of preparing it, smelling it, tasting it, but most of all sharing it.

Sharing our hearts with our favorite people is the essence of love.

Food is just one way to bridge that connection.

We can all find ways to stay connected, even when apart.

 

Stay in Touch

Let’s continue finding ways to connect.

If you are an ex-patient of mine,

Reach out if you would like to meet for coffee when we are in MN or call for a chat sometime.

Feel better, Move forward, Stay in Touch…

 

Written by Aleesha D Kaplan, LAc

Aleesha Kaplan is a certified and state licensed acupuncturist with a Masters degree in acupuncture. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hamline University. Aleesha specializes in helping others find relief of pain and suffering.

After a severe auto accident from high school, she experienced severe, constant pain for 17 years.

Though recovered from chronic pain, this rich experience allowed Aleesha the ability to empathize with others in pain. She remains focused on relieving the pain and suffering of others.

 

 

 

 

/by
,

Foods with Vitamin D…

Foods with Vitamin D…

Vitamin D is called the sunshine vitamin because absorption in the body improves with exposure to the sun.

Most of us who live up north (and more and more in the south now, too) are deficient in vitamin D.

Best Vitamin D food Sources:

  • Egg yolks
  • Fatty fish
  • Liver
  • Grass-fed butter
  • Grass-fed cheese

Fatty fishes like codfish, mackerel, halibut and wild caught Alaskan or sockeye salmon are high in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D.

 

Liver is highly regarded in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diets for nourishing the vision. Beef or chicken livers can be fried up with onions and garlic and eaten monthly or more often for those who fall into the Qi and Blood deficiency patterns. Check with your doctor or dietitian first if you have diet restrictions. 

Do you think you are deficient in vitamin D?

Are you tired?  Depressed?…

 

Read Am I Prone to Vitamin D Deficiency Here

 

Thanks for Reading

Written by Aleesha D Ackerman, LAc

Aleesha Ackerman is a certified and state licensed acupuncturist with a Master’s degree in acupuncture. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hamline University. Aleesha owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture clinic for Pain and Women’s Health in Anoka, MN.

She became interested in acupuncture and holistic medicine when acupuncture cured her of debilitating migraine pain after an auto collision with a semi-truck. Aleesha specializes in treating acute and chronic pain and Women’s Health. Women come to her everyday with issues such as hot flashes, mood imbalance, low energy and for Cosmetic Acupuncture for wrinkles, crow’s feet, laugh lines and improvement in overall skin tone . Read more about Aleesha and what she specializes in Here.

 

Patients at Aleesha D Acupuncture say they feel cared for and listened to. They are happy to get the much-needed pain and stress relief from their treatments!

Why wait? Start Your Relief Today- contact Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka this summer to schedule!

Aleesha D Acupuncture is located in historic downtown Anoka at 207 East Main Street just off Highway 10 with free parking.

Get in and Feel Better, Move Forward!

 

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care. No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturist in Anoka Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Osseo, Ostego, Ramsey, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960

/by
, ,

Foods to Fortify Lung Qi Energy…

Foods to Fortify Lung Qi Energy…

If you are prone to Lung issues

or just want to get ready for the change from Summertime to Fall, 

Try Foods that Strengthen Your Lung Qi.

 

–Eating mostly cooked foods is recommended for Lung Qi Deficiency.–

 

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

 

           Foods to tonify (strengthen) Lung Qi (Energy):

 

Grains:

  • Amaranth
  • Barley
  • Oats…calming to the spirit

Amaranth is an ancient grain that dries damp, resolves water accumulations from the body.

Pumpkin is warming. It circulates blood, disperses cold, resolves phlegm and dries damp from the body.

Did you know Oats are a natural mild sedative?…

Eat oats for Anxiety. Eat at night if you need help sleeping!

 

Vegetables:

  • Pumpkin
  • Sweet potato
  • Carrots
  • Pumpkin* technically called a fruit

 

Fruit:

  • Apples
  • Figs
  • Apricots

 

Meat/fish:

  • Duck
  • Goose
  • Herring

 

Nuts:

  • Almonds
  • Walnuts (Also helps Kidney Qi)
  • White sesame seeds* (I know-it’s a seed)

While white sesames help fortify Lung Qi, Black sesame seeds are good for Kidney Qi.

(Kidney Qi = Healthy, shiny hair!)

I put mine in a coffee grinder, as they are more easily absorbed that way.

I like to add black sesames to stir fry, soups and some desserts.

For freshness, grind them fresh each time.

 

 

Herbs for the Lungs:

Cinnamon bark

Thyme

Aniseed

Licorice*

Sage

*Ask your doctor before using licorice if prone to blood sugar issues.

 

 

Eat according to the Seasons

It is a good idea to eat according to the seasons.

This means eat local foods as they come into season.

It also means eat according to which foods you need medicinally within that season.

 

Thank you for Reading

Written by Aleesha Ackerman, LAc

Aleesha Ackerman is a certified and state licensed acupuncturist with a Master’s degree in acupuncture. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hamline University. Aleesha owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture clinic for Pain and Women’s Health in Anoka, MN.

She became interested in acupuncture and holistic medicine when acupuncture cured her of debilitating migraine pain-many years after an auto collision with a semi-truck. Aleesha specializes in treating acute, chronic pain, digestion and Women’s Health by treating the root cause and by treating the whole individual. Women come to her everyday with Infertility, hot flashes, mood imbalance, low libido and low energy. 

Patients at Aleesha D Acupuncture report feeling cared for, listened to and are happy to get the much-needed pain and stress relief from their treatments!

Why wait? Start Your Relief Today- contact Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka today to schedule your appointment!

 

Feel Better, Move Forward

Aleesha D Acupuncture is located in historic downtown Anoka at 229 Jackson St.

 

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care. No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturist in Anoka Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Dayton, Dellwood, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Little Canada, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Mounds View, North Oaks, Now Then, Oak Grove, Osseo, Ostego, Ramsey, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake.

Zip codes we treat: 55109, 55110, 55112, 55127, 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55126, 55127, 55128, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025,

 

 

/by
, , , , , , , ,

Tips for Better Mood & Energy in Perimenopause…

Tips for Better Mood & Energy in Perimenopause…

Perimenopause is lasting a while for many women.

…Sometimes Perimenopause lasts longer than 5 years.

 

Common Symptoms:

  • Easily stressed
  • Hot flashes
  • Mood swings
  • Weight gain
  • Low Energy 
  • Poor Sleep
  • Mind fog

 

Stressed out more?

Hot flashes can start happening during the daytime, night time or both. 

 

Mood swings may look like depression or anxiety or both.

Weight gain usually occurs-especially around the middle (the cardiovascular “danger” zone).

 

Energy may decrease.

Sleep can get worse and feeling “tired and wired” can make it hard to fall asleep.

 

Brain fog can make it hard to concentrate at work or in keeping track of appointments, etc.

 

 

Prevention can go a long way…

So, you may as well take care of yourself early-on…

 

Tips for Self-Care:

  • Easy-going Movements
  • Avoid Alcohol
  • Acupuncture
  • Meditate
  • Herbs
  • Diet

Easy-going movements like Walking, Yoga, Tai chi/ Qi gong can help ease us out of Fight-or-Flight mode. Yoga, especially relaxing types such as Yin Yoga can prove helpful during Perimenopause. 

 

Avoiding alcohol, especially if it causes hot flashes or disturbs sleep is a good idea.

I am not saying you need to remove it forever. Just edit it out for a bit to see how you feel.

Maybe you add it back in once the storm has passed.

I routinely like to remove things from life when they are not working for me.

Try it out and see!

 

Meditation is proven, like acupuncture to move you from the Fight or Flight Sympathetic Nervous System,

to the Rest and Digest Parasympathetic “Relaxed” Nervous System.

In fact, both are proven through research to help lower high blood pressure!

Both Meditation practice and Acupuncture are able to help relax the Nervous System!

 

Many herbs can be helpful for balancing the body’s hormones and diet is of course, always key to health.

I try to eat a “Low Inflammation” diet as much as possible.

 

Written by Aleesha Ackerman, LAc

Thanks for Reading!

 

Aleesha Ackerman is a certified and state licensed acupuncturist with a Master’s degree in acupuncture. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hamline University. Aleesha owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture clinic for Pain and Women’s Health in Anoka, MN.

She became interested in acupuncture and holistic medicine when acupuncture cured her of debilitating migraine pain after an auto collision with a semi-truck. Aleesha specializes in treating acute and chronic pain and Women’s Health. Women come to her everyday with issues such as hot flashes, mood imbalance and low energy. Read more about Aleesha and what she specializes in Here.

 

Patients at Aleesha D Acupuncture report feeling cared for, listened to and are happy to get the much-needed pain and stress relief from their treatments!

Aleesha treats pain, energy, and digestion successfully by treating the root cause and by treating the whole individual.

Why wait? Start Your Relief Today- contact Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka today to schedule your appointment!

 

Feel Better, Move Forward

Aleesha D Acupuncture is located in historic downtown Anoka at 229 Jackson St.

 

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care. No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturist in Anoka Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Osseo, Ostego, Ramsey, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960

 

/by
, , , ,

Is Vitamin D Deficiency a New Thing?

Why Does Vitamin D Deficiency Seem to be the New Norm?

  • Change in Diet
  • Change in Chemicals sprayed on our Food
  • Diet & Chemical Effect on our Gut (Vitamin D Deficiency)

Why was vitamin d deficiency not a problem in Grandma’s day?…

People used to get their vitamin d from foods such as lard, fish and whole milk with natural vitamin d already in the foods. Lard with vitamin d is more difficult to find. Less people drink full fat milk with vitamin d, and even less eat fish, especially cod liver. There is not enough natural occurring vitamin d in cod liver oil supplements for most people who are deficient in lab results. So if low in d, you probably still need to supplement as well and need to check with your doctor on this before doing so anyway.

I remember my dad used to make me eat a cod fish oil capsule every week. When I asked him “Why?” he just said, “‘Cuz it’s good for you.” I don’t think he really knew why. He took it because his grandma told him to. Being Swedish, she probably knew it was necessary to eat oil from the the liver of cod. Swedes are low in vitamin d, too unless they supplement with food or supplements due to also being far from the equator. When your skin is exposed to sunlight, your body makes vitamin d, BUT…

that only applies if you are close enough to the equator. For those of us who live in the northern latitude of the world (like Minnesota) exposure of arms and legs for 15-20 minutes per day should suffice during the summer; during the fall and winter months you will most likely have to take a vitamin d supplement if your labs reveal deficiency. This is because you could lay out naked all day in the sun during the winter without it affecting your vitamin d synthesis. We are just not at the correct angle in relation to the sun here at that time. That is why some call vitamin d the “Sunshine vitamin.”  Check with your doctor to be sure vitamin d supplementation is right for you before doing so.

 

There is also the thing about The Pesticides used here in the U.S.A. since the 1970’s.

This insecticide (outlawed in much of Europe) blocks vitamin D absorption in the gut. Yikes!

 

Summary of Vitamin D Deficiency

 

  • Heart Health
  • Bone Health
  • Worldwide Problem
  • Energy and/or Mood
  • Checked with Blood Test

 

So, look out for Low Mood and Low Energy-it Could be Low Vitamin D. Ask your doctor to order a blood test to screen for vitamin d deficiency. If it is not low, then you have ruled out one possible cause to your low energy and mood. Note: many doctors in private practice (like my primary care doc) actually like to see vitamin d level higher than what conventional family medicine doctors deem as “healthy range” levels of vitamin d. Why? This is because vitamin d level can be high enough to keep you alive, though may not be “optimal” for your health as an individual.

If you take blood thinners like Coumadin® avoid taking the liquid vitamin d with k2 vitamin as vitamin k can interfere with the effects of this drug. Otherwise vitamin k is added because it can help with vitamin d absorption. Always check with your doctor first before adding anything to your supplements regimen.

Naturopathic doctors look at this way as well. Like acupuncturists, we look at medicine from a prevention perspective. It is a different medical paradigm than the Western one which is focused on treating a disease. Both types of medicine are needed and each has its time and place, for sure. 

Low Mood or Energy? Low Libido or Imbalanced Hormones? Aleesha Treats Mood, Energy, Hot flashes and Fertility, too.

Go online to Schedule at: AnokaAcupuncture.com

 

Thanks for Reading!

Written by Aleesha D Ackerman, LAc

Aleesha Ackerman is a certified and state licensed acupuncturist with a Master’s degree in acupuncture. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hamline University. Aleesha owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture clinic for Pain and Women’s Health in Anoka, MN.

She became interested in acupuncture and holistic medicine when acupuncture cured her of debilitating migraine pain after an auto collision with a semi-truck. Aleesha specializes in treating acute and chronic pain and Women’s Health. Women come to her everyday with issues such as hot flashes, mood imbalance, low energy and for Cosmetic Acupuncture for wrinkles, crow’s feet, laugh lines and improvement in overall skin tone . Read more about Aleesha and what she specializes in Here.

 

Patients at Aleesha D Acupuncture say they feel cared for and listened to. They are happy to get the much-needed pain and stress relief from their treatments!

 

Aleesha D Acupuncture is located in historic downtown Anoka at 229 Jackson Street just off Highway 10 with free parking.

Get in and Feel Better, Move Forward!

 

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care. No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturist in Anoka Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Osseo, Ostego, Ramsey, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960

/by
, , , , , ,

What are Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency?

What are Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency?…

  • Depression 
  • Fatigue
  • Bone Loss
  • Hair Loss
  • Frequent Illnesses
  • Slow Healing Wounds

The above Signs/ Symptoms may or may not be from deficient vitamin D in your body. 

However, most of the population, especially here in Minnesota (far from the equator) need to supplement with Vitamin D.

“D” for Depression…

I always think of Vitamin D Deficiency as “D” for Depression. This is because so many of my patients have come to me with Low Mood and Low Energy and when I urge them to get their Vitamin D levels checked by their doctor, they are often times deficient. Sometimes, vitamin d deficiency is so low they have to take a 50,000 I.U. dose at once! I have family members who have had to take this dose as well.

Most take only 1,000-5,000 per day! So, you can see how deficient one must have to be in order to be prescribed 50,000 I.U. dosage of vitamin d! This is a real problem where we live and I wish more doctors screened for it with a simple blood test before grabbing for anti-depressants.

“D” for Dementia…

Western medicine is necessary and I am so grateful that we have it, however we NEED to get to the ROOT CAUSE of issues if we are going to have prevention of disease.

If you just were to take medication for mood, but low mood was from low vitamin d, you could end up with long-term consequences of brittle bones/fractures, heart issues, and dementia.

This is because vitamin d is required for absorption of calcium. Calcium is needed for bone health and heart health.

Autopsies reveal more and more who suffered with Dementia were also deficient in Vitamin d. 

Parkinson’s patients are known for having low vitamin d.

Parkinson’s Aside: Did You Know… Research is being done on positive brain affects after cycling with Parkinsons? Look it up! 

 

The vitamin d3 that I take and carry for my patients has vitamin k2 for better absorption of the d. However, If you take blood thinners like Coumadin® avoid taking vitamin k as it can interfere with the effects of this drug. Always check with your doctor first before adding anything to your supplements regimen.

That’s not All!…

 

Read Vitamin D Deficiency and COVID-19 

 

Everything needs to remain in balance for us to stay in optimal health. 

 

Who is Prone to Vitamin D Deficiency?

 

Is Vitamin D Deficiency a New Thing?

Why was vitamin d deficiency not a problem in Grandma’s day?…

People used to get their vitamin d from foods such as lard, fish and whole milk with natural vitamin d already in the foods. Lard with vitamin d is more difficult to find. Less people drink full fat milk with vitamin d, and even less eat fish, especially cod liver. There is not enough natural occurring vitamin d in cod liver oil supplements for most people who are deficient in lab results. So if low in d, you probably still need to supplement as well and need to check with your doctor on this before doing so anyway.

I remember my dad used to make me eat a cod fish oil capsule every week. When I asked him “Why?” he just said, “‘Cuz it’s good for you.” I don’t think he really knew why. He took it because his grandma told him to. Being Swedish, she probably knew it was necessary to eat oil from the the liver of cod. Swedes are low in vitamin d, too unless they supplement with food or supplements due to also being far from the equator. When your skin is exposed to sunlight, your body makes vitamin d, BUT…

that only applies if you are close enough to the equator. For those of us who live in the northern latitude of the world (like Minnesota) exposure of arms and legs for 15-20 minutes per day should suffice during the summer; during the fall and winter months you will most likely have to take a vitamin d supplement if your labs reveal deficiency. This is because you could lay out naked all day in the sun during the winter without it affecting your vitamin d synthesis. We are just not at the correct angle in relation to the sun here at that time. That is why some call vitamin d the “Sunshine vitamin.”  Check with your doctor to be sure vitamin d supplementation is right for you before doing so.

 

Summary of Vitamin D Deficiency

So, look out for Low Mood and Low Energy-it Could be Low Vitamin D. Ask your doctor to order a blood test to screen for vitamin d deficiency. If it is not low, then you have ruled out one possible cause to your low energy and mood. Always check with your doctor first before taking new vitamins or minerals supplements.

Note: many doctors in private practice (like my primary care doc) actually like to see vitamin d level higher than what conventional family medicine doctors deem as “healthy range” levels of vitamin d. Why? This is because vitamin d level can be high enough to keep you alive, though may not be “optimal” for your health as an individual.

Naturopathic doctors look at this way as well. Like acupuncturists, we look at medicine from a prevention perspective. It is a different medical paradigm than the Western one which is focused on treating a disease. Both types of medicine are needed and each has its time and place, for sure. 

Low Mood or Energy? Low Libido or Imbalanced Hormones? Aleesha Treats Mood, Energy, Hot flashes and Fertility, too.

Go online to Schedule at: AnokaAcupuncture.com

 

Thanks for Reading!

Written by Aleesha D Ackerman, LAc

 

Aleesha Ackerman is a certified and state licensed acupuncturist with a Master’s degree in acupuncture. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hamline University. Aleesha owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture clinic for Pain and Women’s Health in Anoka, MN.

She became interested in acupuncture and holistic medicine when acupuncture cured her of debilitating migraine pain after an auto collision with a semi-truck. Aleesha specializes in treating acute and chronic pain and Women’s Health. Women come to her everyday with issues such as hot flashes, mood imbalance, low energy and for Cosmetic Acupuncture for wrinkles, crow’s feet, laugh lines and improvement in overall skin tone . Read more about Aleesha and what she specializes in Here.

 

Patients at Aleesha D Acupuncture say they feel cared for and listened to. They are happy to get the much-needed pain and stress relief from their treatments!

 

Aleesha D Acupuncture is located in historic downtown Anoka at 229 Jackson Street just off Highway 10 with free parking.

Get in and Feel Better, Move Forward!

 

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care. No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturist in Anoka Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Osseo, Ostego, Ramsey, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960

Why Do I Need to Take Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is needed in order to absorb calcium properly in the body. Many middle aged and older females struggle with bone density issues in the developed world and many are low in vitamin D.

Vitamin D is important for regulating mood, energy and body healing mechanisms.

Vitamin D is important for immunity.

Vitamin D is especially important now during COVID-19 pandemic.

Autopsies are finding those who die from the virus are deficient in vitamin D. Remember, it helps with Immunity! 

 

Read How Sun Exposure Helps Your Body Make Vitamin D Here

You could be naked outside in the sunshine all day long this far north and it would still not be sufficient enough for helping with vitamin D (except for during the summer months).

 

Where to get Vitamin D and What Type Should I Take?

Fortunately, You can get Vitamin D here at Aleesha D Acupuncture. I use and carry the liquid form of vitamin D 3 for guaranteed absorption and control over the dosage (each drop equals 1,000 mg). I also like it with k2 as this vitamin helps aid the absorption of vitamin D (do not take vitamin k if you take blood thinners like Coumadin or have thin blood).

 

Is What You Eat (Wheat) Eating You?… 

There may be a connection to the non-0rganic wheat we eat here and malabsorption of vitamin D in the body. The glycophosphate-based pesticide that starts with “R” and ends in “up” is what I used to have to spray on the driveway cracks to get rid of weeds as a kid. This pesticide has been outlawed in many other countries because of it’s connection to Cancers. We know more about it now and how it wrecks our guts, among other things it does. It doesn’t just destroy exoskeletons of bugs!  This is why it is outlawed in countries like France, Italy and most of Canada.

Unfortunately it is still used here in this country in wheat production. The glycophosphate pesticide we ingest in our wheat here may get in the way of vitamin d absorption in the gut…

This may help explain why so many (even in southern states) now need to supplement with vitamin d on a daily basis, despite sun exposure.

 

/by
, , , , , , , , ,

Low Thyroid or Hashimoto’s and What You Can Do About It (Aleesha D Acupuncture Anoka)!

Low Thyroid? Hashimoto’s?…Not sure? …

Did you know that 90% of the time Low Thyroid is Hashimoto’s?

Did you know Hashimoto’s is considered an Auto-Immune Thyroid Disease?

Before you give up on ever having enough energy again, losing weight, not feeling cold all the time, growing back your now thinning hair, or thinking you are stuck with this “Brain fog” that keeps you from being on top of your game, ask yourself…

 

–What Can I Do?– 

As overwhelming as it seems, there is actually a lot you can do!

With some lifestyle changes and healing modalities like Acupuncture, your body will slowly heal itself.

You may or may not have to take Thyroid medication.

Either way, cleaning up your lifestyle will give your body and brain the correct “soil” to start to heal

–and you will slowly start to feel better.

 

–Signs/ Symptoms …..How can I Feel Better?–

  • Energy starts to improve and you start feeling like getting out of bed more easily (Better Motivation)
  • Brain fog starts to clear away like parting clouds (Better Mental focus)
  • Mood Lifts (Less Anxiety & Depression)!
  • Weight Loss/ Maintenance (Balanced Metabolism)
  • Libido (healthy sex life)
  • Joint pain improves(Pain Relief)
  • Cold Intolerance (Improve Circulation)
  • Digestion cleans up (Less constipation or diarrhea)
  • Skin rashes & Dry skin Improves (Clearer skin/ Dry Skin Relief)
  • Hair/scalp become healthier again (No more thinning hair) and eyebrows can start to fill-in again-slowly!

 

–What Can I Work on (Lifestyle)?–

Diet / Acupuncture and other healing modalities/ Movement/ Meditation/ Supplements/ Sleep…

 

ACUPUNCTURE: When Acupuncture is Good for Your Thyroid

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that acupuncture can be used to treat thyroid disease.

 

DIET: How can we choose to eat healthy foods that support a low thyroid when the information out there is always changing and there are so many telling us to eat Paleo! or Eat Vegetarian! or Eat Vegan! or Eat Keto!…

Well, I find it easier to think of foods in terms of…

…LOW INFLAMMATION DIET. 

So, why eat a Low Inflammation Diet?… Well, as you know Disease is caused by Inflammation.

So what is Inflammation, really?…Well, think of it as a fire. The fire does not go away. It continues to burn…

It becomes chronic…

This chronic,burning inflammation or fire can manifest as skin irritations or with joint pain…Especially if you have been diagnosed with Thyroid Disease or really, any disease. Even when the fire is kept low by good lifestyle, it can continue to smolder. It is our job to keep it down and not add fuel to the fire with high inflammation foods or other stressors which can trigger stress responses in the body, and affect the thyroid. 

Low Inflammation Foods include good, quality fats and proteins, green leafy vegetables and non-processed, non-packaged foods. Good Low Inflammation Fat Examples include: Quality fats like Raw nuts, seeds, extra virgin olive oil, unrefined coconut oil, ghee/ clarified butter/ grass-fed butter, rendered fats like rendered duck fat. Be sure to check first with your doctor before starting a new diet.

High Inflammation Foods include things like gluten, refined sugars, simple carbs (think bread products). Even eating a small bite of glutinous food will create inflammation in the body that lasts months. Once we stop eating it and find we can cook and bake other delicious alternatives and avoid all the pain and suffering, avoiding these inflammatory foods becomes easier. I liken it to returning to an abusive relationship and use this example with my patients: we think this time will be different-this time I can handle it-I am stronger somehow this time-last time wasn’t so bad-this time I won’t get burned or hurt-and yet we always do-and it gets worse each time until some of us become very broken and unhealthy. It is our job to look out for our bodies and minds so that we can stay healthy.

Supplements: More than likely You are Low in Magnesium (especially with low thyroid)… 

Read the 7 Signs of Magnesium Deficiency

Often Progesterone is Low with Low Thyroid. (Interestingly enough, Magnesium helps the body with Progesterone balance). So, supplementing with Magnesium is usually a good thing. Read Here Why You Probably Don’t get Enough Magnesium

 

MOVEMENT: Moving the body improves both mind and body, whatever ails you. Specifically for thyroid, good forms of exercise include: Yoga, Qi Gong, Walking and perhaps Jogging or Running. Be sure to check first with your doctor before starting any exercise routine.

 

SLEEP: Sleep is crucial to our health and well-being and can help stave off disease. We now know the effects poor sleep can have on the brain…

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), Sleep deprivation increases Alzheimer’s protein in the brain.

Basically, the protein plaques which are cleaned up during sleep, are not cleaned up due to lack of quality sleep.

 

I think of the little yellow Pac-Man (gobbling up all the bad plaque in my brain at night when I sleep) and this usually gets my butt to bed in time for 8 hours of sleep. What can I say?- I am a very visual learner.

If visual is one of your more dominant learning styles, you may choose to adopt this method of getting yourself to bed earlier, too!

I am all about doing what works for us as individuals to make ourselves compliant on the big stuff.

 

–Hey, sometimes we have to convince the little kid in us that it really is time for bed!

 

Thanks for Reading!

Check back for more.

 

Written by Aleesha D Ackerman, LAc

 

Aleesha Ackerman is a certified and state licensed acupuncturist with a Master’s degree in acupuncture. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hamline University. Aleesha owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture clinic for Pain and Women’s Health in Anoka, MN.

She became interested in acupuncture and holistic medicine when acupuncture cured her of debilitating migraine pain after an auto collision with a semi-truck. Aleesha specializes in treating acute and chronic pain and Women’s Health. Women come to her everyday with issues such as hot flashes, mood imbalance and low energy. Read more about Aleesha and what she specializes in Here.

Patients at Aleesha D Acupuncture report feeling cared for, listened to and are happy to get the much-needed pain and stress relief from their treatments!

Why wait? Start Your Relief Today- contact Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka today to schedule your acupuncture appointment!

Aleesha D Acupuncture is located in historic downtown Anoka at 229 Jackson Street,  with free parking.

Anoka Acupuncture with Aleesha D Ackerman

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care. No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturist in Anoka Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Osseo, Ostego, Ramsey, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960

 

/by
, , , , ,

Love Big Chocolate Taste without a Big Waist (Cacao Coconut Snowballs Recipe)?

Cacao Coconut Snowballs Healthy Snack Recipe
(Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Paleo, No refined sugar)
Sweetened with dates for crash-free energy you can take on your hike or bike ride!

Did You Know? Dates are great for weening yourself off of refined sugars as they are natural and satisfy the sweet tooth!…

Too much sugar breaks down collagen (causing wrinkles and other issues With your tissues).

Ingredients:
1/2 Cup Pecans*
16 Dates, Whole, pitted*
1/2 Cup Coconut, shredded, unsweetened
1 Tablespoon Coconut oil, unrefined*
1 1/2 Tablespoons Cacao powder*
1 pinch kosher salt
1 Tablespoon Water

Directions:
1. Place all pecans in food processor and pulse til chopped.
2. Place half of coconut in small bowl. Set aside.
3. Add the remaining ingredients to food processor and run until mixed and combined well.
4. Spoon out mixture, rolling into balls.
5. Coat each ball in other half of coconut shreds.
6. Place onto parchment paper, on baking sheet and refrigerate for thirty minutes or until hardened.
7. Store in the fridge in an airtight container or plastic bag for up to a week.

 

*Nut Allergy? Replace Pecans with Sunflower seeds.

 

*I buy unrefined Coconut oil at Costco. This supply will last you a while.

Health tip: “Unrefined” is what you want for consumption, as it has not had all the goodness cooked out of it.

 

*I buy medjool dates at Costco. These dates are superior to others for making desserts (sweeter, Caramel-like taste). They are a much better deal there. Medjool dates can be spendy so if you need a lot, it’s worth a trip there.

 

Health tip: Dates are low on glycemic index so they won’t spike blood sugar like refined sugar does.

Also dates are a good fiber source which helps metabolize carbohydrates.

Keep them in the fridge, once opened (they keep for about a week to 10 days).

 

*I buy organic, raw cacao powder from Costco as it is a good buy there.
Health tip: Cacao is different from Cocoa as it has not had the antioxidants processed/cooked out of it. It has a fair amount of Magnesium which is important for energy, metabolism, mood and for keeping pretty much everything running smoothly in the body.

 

Written by Aleesha Ackerman, LAc

 

Aleesha Ackerman is a certified and state licensed acupuncturist with a Master’s degree in acupuncture. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hamline University. Aleesha owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture clinic for Pain and Women’s Health in Anoka, MN.

She became interested in acupuncture and holistic medicine when acupuncture cured her of debilitating migraine pain after an auto collision with a semi-truck. Aleesha specializes in treating acute and chronic pain and Women’s Health. Women come to her everyday with issues such as hot flashes, mood imbalance, low energy and for Cosmetic Acupuncture for wrinkles, crow’s feet, laugh lines and improvement in overall skin tone . Read more about Aleesha and what she specializes in Here.

 

Patients at Aleesha D Acupuncture say they feel cared for and listened to. They are happy to get the much-needed pain and stress relief from their treatments!

 

Why wait? Start Your Relief Today- contact Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka today to schedule!

Aleesha D Acupuncture is located in historic downtown Anoka at 229 Jackson Street just off Highway 10 with free parking.

 

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care. No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturist in Anoka Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Osseo, Ostego, Ramsey, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960

/by
, ,

Eat These PREbiotic-Rich Foods (Anoka Pain and Women’s Health)

Pre-biotic-Rich Foods:

Asparagus

Raw Jicama

Raw Garlic

Raw or Cooked Onion

Raw Dandelion Greens

Banana (less ripened)

 

Jicama is a cooling food and hits the spot on a hot, summer day.

I like to slice-up raw jicama into strips and serve with homemade (or no-sugar added) marinara for a dipping sauce-yum!

Dandelion greens can be added to salad and also help cleanse the liver!

 

More on the Importance of Adding Prebiotics to Your Diet Here! (coming soon)

 

Thanks for Reading!

Written by Aleesha Ackerman, LAc.

Aleesha Ackerman is a certified and state licensed acupuncturist with a Master’s degree in acupuncture. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hamline University. Aleesha owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture clinic for Pain and Women’s Health in Anoka, MN.

She became interested in acupuncture and holistic medicine when acupuncture cured her of debilitating migraine pain after an auto collision with a semi-truck. Aleesha specializes in treating acute and chronic pain and Women’s Health. Women come to her everyday with issues such as hot flashes, mood imbalance and low energy. Read more about Aleesha and what she specializes in Here.

Patients at Aleesha D Acupuncture report feeling cared for, listened to and are happy to get the much-needed pain and stress relief from their treatments!

Aleesha treats digestion issues successfully by treating the root cause and by treating the whole individual.

Why wait? Start Your Relief Today- contact Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka today to schedule your acupuncture appointment!

Feel Better, Move Forward

Aleesha D Acupuncture is located in historic downtown Anoka at 207 East Main Street close to Andover, MN with free parking.

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care. No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturist in Anoka Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Osseo, Ostego, Ramsey, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960

/by
, , ,

Probiotics vs Prebiotics (Anoka Pain and Women’s Health)

The Difference between Probiotics and Prebiotics is…

PRObiotics:

You probably already know that Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria in your gut. So, what the heck are Prebiotics, then?

 

PREbiotics:

What are Prebiotics?

PREbiotics are made up of substances like indigestible fiber and fermentable carbohydrates.

These fibers and carbs are broken down later on in digestion…

PRObiotics like sauerkraut, a fermented food, have a sort of symbiotic relationship with PREbiotics substances. They work together.

PREbiotics are not broken down by enzymes or gastric juices (stomach acids) and survive the journey through the GI tract, past the stomach, to the small intestine.

 

Function of PREbiotics:

Prebiotics are what FEED the Probiotics. They are like fertilizer.

Prebiotics are like fertilizer you use in your garden (or gut) to help everything grow, flourish and remain healthy.

 

Pros of Prebiotics: 

  • Less inflammation
  • Less hunger (fiber lasts longer)
  • Strengthens intestinal wall (good for leaky gut and auto immune disease)

Basically, the end result is that digestion works better with Prebiotics and Probiotics working together to improve digestion. Prebiotics along with Probiotics, help lower indigestion and inflammation. Obviously, this can help poor digestion, low energy and is good to know for anyone looking to eat a low inflammation diet.

 

How to Add Prebiotics to Diet:

Prebiotics are found in plants, some more than others. Include these often in the diet…

 

Good Food Sources of Prebiotics Here! (coming soon)

 

Thanks for Reading!

Written by Aleesha Ackerman, LAc.

Aleesha Ackerman is a certified and state licensed acupuncturist with a Master’s degree in acupuncture. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hamline University. Aleesha owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture clinic for Pain and Women’s Health in Anoka, MN.

She became interested in acupuncture and holistic medicine when acupuncture cured her of debilitating migraine pain after an auto collision with a semi-truck. Aleesha specializes in treating acute and chronic pain and Women’s Health. Women come to her everyday with issues such as hot flashes, mood imbalance and low energy. Read more about Aleesha and what she specializes in Here.

Patients at Aleesha D Acupuncture report feeling cared for, listened to and are happy to get the much-needed pain and stress relief from their treatments!

Aleesha treats digestion issues successfully by treating the root cause and by treating the whole individual.

Why wait? Start Your Relief Today- contact Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka today to schedule your acupuncture appointment!

Feel Better, Move Forward

Aleesha D Acupuncture is located in historic downtown Anoka at 207 East Main Street close to Andover, MN with free parking.

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care. No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturist in Anoka Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Osseo, Ostego, Ramsey, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960

/1 Comment/by