Who is Prone to Vitamin D Deficiency?

  • Age
  • Obese
  • Women
  • Medications
  • Northern climates

Are you in a population that is prone to having a vitamin d deficiency?

  • Osteoporosis
  • Kidney/ Liver Disease
  • Darker skin pigmentation
  • Gastrointestinal Surgeries (i.e., gastro bypass)

Risk factors of vitamin D Deficiency-Explained:

As we age, we tend toward malabsorption of vitamins and minerals so naturally there is less vitamin d absorption.

 

Some prescribed drugs can affect vitamin d metabolism, such as HIV/ Aids medications, anti-seizure drugs, anti-fungal drugs, etc.

 

Obese populations are more prone to vitamin d deficiency as the fat cells hold onto it (it is a fat soluble vitamin). So, vitamin d is often not used as ideally as it should in the overweight body.

 

 Read Is Vitamin D Deficiency is New Thing? 

 

Those who have darker skin are more prone to being deficient in vitamin d because it is not as easy to absorb the sun’s rays and convert vitamin d as with lighter skin. Melanin acts as a built-in sunscreen in dark skin, preventing sunshine from converting to d.

 

Stomach bypass surgeries cause many malabsorption issues, including vitamin d malabsorption, often resulting in vitamin d deficiency. This is why patients who undergo these surgeries are on vitamin and mineral supplements for life.

 

Women have a higher percentage of body fat so more d is stored and not used (fat soluble vitamin). Therefore, less is converted to use in the body.

 

Signs/ Symptoms You May be Low in Vitamin D

 

I take liquid vitamin d because liquid is good for absorption. It has added k2 vitamin for even better absorption of the vitamin d3. However, 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.

 

How to Diagnose Deficient Vitamin D

The only way to truly find out what your vitamin d level is in your body is to have a lab test done. Blood is drawn and vitamin d level is checked to see if it is in normal, healthy range.

Keep in mind that a Naturopathic doctor or functional medicine doctor may want to see your vitamin d in a higher “optimal” level than what a conventional family doctor may be comfortable with. Many insurances cover this lab test. 

 

Summary of Vitamin D Deficiency

 

Acupuncture is great for Low Energy/ Feeling Fatigue in the body and mind, and Low Mood. It gets us out of Fight or Flight.

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!

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

Aleesha D Acupuncture is Moving August 1st, 2020!

Aleesha D Ackerman

Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka front desk

Moving from Main St to 229 Jackson Street, Suite #130 in August 2020.

 

Why the Move?… Much better fit…

 

Improvements:

Parking: Parking lot right next to building so you should have a place to park close to your appointment!

 

Noise: 229 Jackson Street is one block behind Main Street Anoka, so less noise

from hustle and bustle of traffic and pedestrians/shoppers.

 

Privacy: Moving from Main Street, means less “curiosity” or “tire kicker” walk-ins during appointments (peace & quiet).

 

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!

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

EFT Tapping Acupressure Points for Anxiety (Same Points Used in Acupuncture)!

Did You Know EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) Tapping uses Acupuncture Points for Anxiety?

It’s True! 

This is Helpful to go along with our AcuPRESSURE sessions (Patients doing the 1-on-1 Free Video Sessions with me during the COVID-19 Pandemic while we Stay-at-Home to help flatten the curve).

These are points you can use at home to help move from Fight-or-Flight back into the Rest and Digest

aka “chilling in a hammock” state of being. 

This can help in all types of situations, not only during a scary, stay-at-home-we are in a Pandemic” kind of situation!

 

For the point of this simple version (and because I do not care for doing the self-talk therapy along with it), we will leave out the affirmation/ self-talking part of the technique.

That is the beauty in most things in life, if ya don’t like part of something or it just doesn’t work for you, you can leave it out. Stick with what works! GET IT? “STICK!” Never mind.

 

You shouldn’t be sticking yourself with needles anyway-unless you are a licensed acupuncturist like me, of course or a phlebotomist or a nurse (by the way, acupuncture needles are not hollow like a hypodermic used by a nurse because it does not need to carry anything like a vaccine into your body.

 

That is why some call it “DRY NEEDLING.” It is also why the needles acupuncturists use do not hurt the way the hypodermic needles do-well that and you can fit like 10 acupuncture needles into a hypodermic! They are about 1/10 the diameter or thickness so WAY more comfortable!

 

So as to not get off track…

EFT Tapping-How to:

To do the EFT Tapping on acupuncture points (OR for you, acuPRESSURE), 

Tap Points: Simply tap lightly with a finger on each point. Be gentle. You don’t have to leave a mark to be effective. More pressure is not better, necessarily. 

 

Sequence of Points: I like to go in order of  outer hand, below pinky finger (at 2nd crease) aka the “karate chop” point. You know, right where you strike when you karate chop all those wooden boards in your garage (or in your mind if not trained), then top of head, going in downward direction to each point, ending at side of torso/ under the arm.

 

# of Taps Per Point: Tap each point 5-7 times. Then go on to next point.

 

How Many Times Should I tap the sequence of points?

Rinse and Repeat.

You can repeat this as many times as needed until you feel more chill. Let your Highstrung-ometer be your guide to how many times to repeat in one session.  Sometimes I like to do this in traffic, like when another driver tries to kill me by cutting me off or  driving so close behind that I cannot see the first 1/3 of their car (and cannot move any further than the bumper in front of me).

Or-like now during a friggin’ PANDEMIC!

—Who is NOT Stressed? 

Some of us, pendulate back and forth between a healthy state of,

“I’m okay, You’re Okay” to “OMG-When will Life EVER Go Back to some type of NORMAL again?”

I digress. Again. What can I say? I’m a story teller. A close friend recently told me that one of the things her husband really likes about me is my story-telling ability!

Wow, that really FELT GOOD to hear!

 

Back to it: So like I said, repeat as many times as possible. Some like to talk about what is bugging them while doing this. I am not one of those. I like to keep things As Simple As Possible. Lots of other stuff can’t be simplified. I believe THIS can be simple.

 

 I DO like to work on breathing techniques. This can cause more anxiety, however if you find you start trying to control the breath or the mind starts to ask you, “Are You SURE You’re DOING this RIGHT??!”

 

Don’t get stuck! Get it? Okay, okay. I’ll stop.

…So, if you find focus on breath is more of a hassle at  first, leave it out. Remember, as with most thing, you gotta do what works for you. We have all self-soothed with a healthy tool, only to start going down a dark rabbit hole of over-thinking!…

There are a lotta tools in life. Use the best tool that works for you. Lefties  don’t like Right-handed scissors for a reason!

Do not Overthink it!

Find Other Meditation/ Breathing Techniques Here

 

Does it Matter Which Side You Do First?

You can do one side, then alternate to the other.

You can do left side a couple times, then right side. 

For some points you can choose the side with the most tender spot (under the clavicle or collar bone). This is often tender while feeling anxious.

Recap: 

  1. Starting with Karate chop point on hand. Then at top of head, progressing down body to last point which is located under arm.
  2. Tap each point gently about 5-7 times each.
  3. Repeat sequence as many times as you need.
  4. Keep reading my posts and leave some feedback here!

Thanks for Reading!

Check back next week for some Qi Gong (“Chee Gong”). If you are a patient of mine, it will pair well with our Free Video 1-on-1’s during the COVID-19 stay-at-home time!

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 229 Jackson 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

 

Acupuncture Helps You Get Out of Fight or Flight and back into Rest and Digest (where you belong most of the time).

As You already know, spending too much time in Fight or Flight mode is bad for your health. It has its place and serves you well in emergencies. 

However, perceived emergencies can drag on longer when life gets stressful. It can become harmful to your health once this becomes the norm and lasts for too long. Don’t stay in Fight or Flight too long!

Acupuncture actually helps You by helping balance your body. It does this by helping the Nervous System switch from the Sympathetic “Fight or Flight/ Stress” mode, back to the Parasympathetic “Rest and Digest” mode. 

This is why most people who get acupuncture report feeling a euphoric feeling after treatments. Some compare the feeling to having a glass of wine or being in a meditative state or just plain feeling more “relaxed” and at ease.

If you are feeling stress and Anxiety, give acupuncture a try! What have you got to lose but stress?

 

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 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, just off Highway 169 with free parking.

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

 

Fertility, IVF and When to Start Acupuncture

IVF-When to Start Acupuncture:

Start acupuncture as soon as possible before starting IVF, ideally 3 months (at least one month before)

  • Acupuncture 1-3 months before IVF
  • 2 months prior: 2 x/ week
  • 3 months prior: 1x/ week

 

Frequency of Appointments After IVF Transfer:

Within 24-hours of having transfer is ideal.

 

Acupuncture Also Treats Infertility with other Issues such as:

  • Anxiety
  • PCOS
  • Endometriosis
  • Fibroids
  • Sleep Issues

 

Acupuncture is good at helping the body to balance itself. This is why it is a good medical treatment for Anxiety, Mild to Moderate Depression, Hormonal imbalances, Hot flashes, PMS and Uterine Fibroids.

 

Your licensed acupuncturist will more than likely go over lifestyle, including diet. Here at Aleesha D Acupuncture, we may recommend some exercise and diet modifications under the umbrella of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as it is appropriate to you, the individual.

 

A healthy, balanced lifestyle can allow the acupuncture and IVF to be more effective.

Female Fertility Acupuncture

Male Fertility Acupuncture-

  • May improve sperm production
  • May improve motility of sperm 
  • Less structural defects have been shown in sperm
  • May increase percentage of healthy sperm
  • May improve fertility hormone levels

Thanks for Reading!

 

Anoka Acupuncture with Aleesha D Ackerman

Written by Aleesha D Ackerman, LAc

After being struck by a semi truck during her last year of high school, Aleesha’s life was forever changed. Since getting pain relief from acupuncture, Aleesha has dedicated her life to helping others to Feel better and Move forward in life, as she has. Read Aleesha’s Story Here.

Schedule an Appointment with Aleesha Here

Aleesha D is a licensed acupuncturist. She owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka, MN. She holds a Master’s degree in Acupuncture. Aleesha was first turned on to acupuncture due to her chronic, debilitating migraine headaches following an auto accident with a semi-truck during high school.

Aleesha specializes in treating Cosmetic Facial, Pain, Headaches, Anxiety, Low energy, Low mood, Digestion issues and Women’s health, including helping the body with balancing hormones during Menopause and Perimenopause to relieve hot flashes, insomnia, mood swings, and PMS. She is certified in Facial Cosmetic Acupuncture. This can help many things, including wrinkle reduction and improve collagen. Read more on what Facial Rejuvenation can do for you here.

Aleesha suffered many years herself with debilitating migraine headaches almost every single day for over fifteen years! She can truly empathize with her suffering patients and her passion is to help them feel better as quickly as possible.

Feel better, Move forward

Call 763-762-7142 or Schedule online with Aleesha atAnokaAcupuncture.com

Aleesha D Acupuncture is located in downtown Anoka at 229 Jackson Street, near Andover, MN. with free parking in Union building lot.

 

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

Serving Anoka County, the north metro, Minneapolis, St Paul, and the Twin Cities area.

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

My Eyes! My Eyes Someone HELP ME!

“My Mother’s Eyes”

…This was my mom’s dream (or Vision) the night before and this was her screaming. My mom doesn’t like to call it premonition. 

Fast forward to the next day…my mom was seeing a dark “thumb print” over her vision.

Naturally, we got in to see the eye doctor on our way to the beach (so we thought). 

 

Turns out, the universe had other plans for us.

The eye appointment was taking forever. I was starting to get concerned in the waiting area as others were coming and going from their appointments. Just as I was getting up to check-in with the front desk, my mom emerges wearing sun glasses and telling me in a very slow, deliberate voice -a voice that I have never heard coming from her– that she has a retinal tear in her eye that will progress if not dealt with and that we need to go NOW.

The diagnosis was a HALF-way Tear of her retina.

–In that moment when she told me I would have to drive to the hospital, I was shocked at how CALM we both remained.–

Immediately I took her by the arm (her eyes were dilated -two times) and drove us from the eye clinic to the eye surgeon across town. Then we Waited. and Waited. And WAITED-all day! Florida has way more senior folks who need medical care than there are specialty docs to serve them. It just is what it is.

–No food all day. Just water and watered-down coffee. Yet, my Mom & I, we were Cool, baby!–

You see, in the past something like this would have left me with the signs and symptoms of someone in Fight or Flight, the Sympathetic state of panic and ANXIETY! …In the past I would be feeling sweating palms, dry throat and mouth so much so that I would have to constantly sip on water, heart palpitations felt in my chest, brain fog right at the time when I need to focus the sharpest to retain all information and options discussed by the medical team and I would have had a quiver in my voice as if I may completely lose my shit and of course, at one point I would have and this would have included crying like a helpless baby. I would have escaped outside or to a bathroom where nobody could see or hear me, of course. 

None of that happened. Say What? We were both CALM and steady. WHY? How could this be?…

 

We both have been practicing daily meditation for years, on our own and together at times, sometimes in classes together.

Through Meditation, We had trained our brains to react with calm and peace in a time of uncertainty. Yeah, I know (even ME)! 

This is what training your mind and body can do for you and for your life. You stay grounded even amidst the chaos you are IN. This does NOT mean you are unaffected or that you become some kind of uncaring psychopath who incapable of feeling empathy. The thing is–it no longer TAKES OVER you. 

Feels pretty good to be able to function and take care of what is necessary–at the times when your loved ones need you most!

Funny thing is, my Mom & I were both laughing the night before about how “You Never Know” what will happen in Life! You gotta savor the moments on this beautiful Journey ‘cuz they won’t last.

Read This Post on Mindfulness Meditation with authors and books I recommend to my patients (and my friends).

Acupuncture also serves to help us relax and move from the Fight or Flight to the Rest and Digest (Sympathetic to Parasympathetic) and lowers inflammation markers (lowers inflammation) and Pain. Just Saying…May want to get in!

 

Thanks for Reading!

Written by Aleesha D Ackerman, LAc

Aleesha D Ackerman

Written by Aleesha D Ackerman, LAc

After being struck by a semi truck during her last year of high school, Aleesha’s life was forever changed. Since getting pain relief from acupuncture, Aleesha has dedicated her life to helping others to Feel better and Move forward in life, as she has. Read Aleesha’s Story Here.

Schedule an Appointment with Aleesha Here

Aleesha D is a licensed acupuncturist. She owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka, MN. She holds a Master’s degree in Acupuncture. Aleesha was first turned on to acupuncture due to her chronic, debilitating migraine headaches following an auto accident with a semi-truck during high school.

Aleesha specializes in treating Pain, Headaches, Anxiety, Low energy, Low mood, Digestion issues and Women’s health, including helping the body with balancing hormones during Menopause and Perimenopause to relieve hot flashes, insomnia, mood swings, and PMS. She is certified in Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture. Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture can help many things, including wrinkle reduction and improve collagen. Read more on what Facial Rejuvenation can do for you here.

Aleesha suffered many years herself with debilitating migraine headaches almost every single day for over fifteen years! She can truly empathize with her suffering patients and her passion is to help them feel better as quickly as possible.

Feel better, Move forward

Call 763-762-7142 or Schedule online with Aleesha atAnokaAcupuncture.com

Aleesha D Acupuncture is located in downtown Anoka at 207 E Main near Andover, MN.

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

Serving Anoka County, the north metro, Minneapolis, St Paul, and the Twin Cities area.

 

 

 

Make Your Own Homemade Bone Stock!

Why Bone Stock?

Good way to soak up the vital minerals we need and are most likely deficient in somewhat- in order to help keep a balanced gut! When the gut is balanced, so is our skin, our mood and ultimately, our life! I could write 40 pages here!!

Making Your Own Bone Stock:

This is not difficult. Simply boil left-over bones from chicken or turkey in a large pot with plenty of water. Alternatively you may use a crock pot. Just be sure to keep an eye on it so it does not boil over or run dry (may need to add water throughout the day). Hint: this is a good small project to work on when you have time, perhaps one Sunday per month when you plan to be home. Try to use organic poultry and if possible visit the farm yourself to be sure the birds are free roaming for realsies.

It takes some people days to make this (I limit it to one). Hint: Add 1 Tablespoon white vinegar to speed-up the time. Vinegar acts to help pull out minerals from the bones more quickly. If you want to continue cooking multiple days, have at it. I just do not choose to spend more time on it than one day per month. 

Ewe! What’s that Gel Stuff?

You will notice some gelatinous substance forming after some time, perhaps even before the stock cools off. This is great news! Keep it. Do NOT throw this gel substance out! Feel free to skim the chicken fat from the top (the light yellow hardened layer that crusts over the surface). Keep the gel-like stuff that looks sorta like the filling to pecan pie! This is great for building collagen in the body-Hello, wrinkle prevention!

Keeping & Storing Stock:
After making my stock, I like to preserve it for the month in order to have a bit of it each day. Some use collagen supplements for beauty and gut health; I use my own homemade version by making and drinking stock almost daily! Anyway, after skimming fat from stock, pour into ice cube trays and place in freezer until frozen solid. Then, get freezer bags ready and dump the stock cubes into the freezer bags. Hint: I like to use a good brand, Gallon size (I make a lot) and I double bag them to avoid freezer burn).

Do NOT Throw Out Left-over Stock!

I used to get so sad when I couldn’t eat enough of the stock and the gelatin in time and actually used to throw it out because otherwise it would go bad. Not anymore! I also used to throw out the gelatin part because I thought, “Ewe! Gross! Fatty!” I actually thought it would make me fat! ha-ha. Since I don’t have a time machine to go back to my twenties and most of my thirties and eat better, I choose to do the best I can now with my awareness. That’s really all any of us can expect from ourselves. Mindfulness, anyone? 

How to Use Stock Almost Daily:

So, how to eat, drink the stock each day or almost every day? Well, I like to sip about 1/2 Cup every other morning during the winter and sip it like tea in the morning-very nourishing-just like chicken soup mom used to make (or pretend it is if your mom didn’t actually make it)!

Add it to soups, stews, chili, stir-fry by adding in a few cubes with the other liquid.

Tip: For those patients of mine who will not be compliant to make this and need collagen for gut issues, there are collagen flakes supplements which can get spendy real quick. I used to use them and now opt for the stock since my preference is to get my stuff from the most natural food source possible (for the most part-I do live in the modern world, too). For those who won’t be compliant to make the stock and have joint pain issues, Glucosamine- Chondroitin is an effective supplement for most people with chronic joint pain, works quickly (3-6 weeks) and is fairly reasonable, price-wise. I like to use a liquid version from a high quality brand that also has MSM, a valuable supplement that was widely used in the 90’s and unfortunately is not oft spoken of anymore as most of us are on to the next best superfood that will save us from everything, i.e., acai berry, coconut oil, avocado, etc. These are all valuable, though there is a time and place-and limit and effectiveness for the use of each. If your body has experienced physical trauma, i.e., auto injury as mine has, you may be like me and opt to use both homemade stock and Glucosamine supplementation. Whatever works for you as an individual. Whatever you will be compliant with works. Go easy on yourself and do whatever your budget of time and wallet can handle right now. Life is a journey, remember?

Glucosamine for Dogs:Glucosamine Chondroitin is not just for humans! It can be invaluable to use for large breed dogs prone to arthritis or rescue dogs (like ours) that have been physically abused and shot (there will be arthritis eventually due to past joint damage). Hint: If your older (once energetic) dog seems “lazy” or selective about how often he/she will use stairs, it is very possible there is a lot of pain with movement. Usually dogs respond by jumping up again or moving more quickly within 3-6 weeks after taking a Glucosamine-Chondroitin supplement made for dogs. I give Bioflexa III made by a brand called Vetra to our dog. This is somewhat expensive, I’ll admit. A friend of mine swears by Glycoflex for her dog and this Glucosamine is less expensive. I also add the stock to the dog’s food about once per week. 

Hint: Check with your dog’s vet for a good doggy brand (don’t give you doggy supplements meant for humans). 

When Not to use Bone Stock?

Obviously any time your doctor advises against bone stock you should avoid it. One example of when to avoid is during a Histamine response in the body as the body is on hyper-vigilant alert and this could be seen at that time by your body as foe, not friend. It is always best in these situations to check with a specialist before adding stock or anything back into the diet.

Hope you enjoyed this post. Thanks for reading!

Aleesha D Ackerman, LAc is a licensed acupuncturist.

She owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka, MN. She holds a Master’s degree in Acupuncture. Aleesha was first turned on to acupuncture due to her chronic, debilitating migraine headaches following an auto accident with a semi-truck during high school.

Aleesha specializes in treating Pain, Headaches, Anxiety, Facial Rejuvenation, Low energy, Low mood, Digestion issues and Women’s health, including helping the body with balancing hormones during Menopause and Perimenopause to relieve hot flashes, insomnia, mood swings, and PMS. She successfully treats patients with all types of headaches, including Tension headaches.

Aleesha suffered many years herself with migraine headaches. She can truly empathize with her suffering patients and her passion is to help them feel better.

Feel better, Move forward

Call 763-762-7142 or Schedule online with Aleesha atAnokaAcupuncture.com

Aleesha D Acupuncture is located in downtown Anoka at 207 E Main near Andover, MN.

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

Serving Anoka County, the north metro, Minneapolis, St Paul, and the Twin Cities area.