Monthly Archives: April 2021

I know it’s not fancy to talk about the movement but I encounter so many patients who have constipation. One of the best ways to detox the liver is to have good digestion, and more specifically good bowel movements. What does a good bowel movement look like? At least once a day in the morning.

Digestion is a super complex system that starts in your mouth with digestive enzymes, continues in the stomach with more diverse digestive enzymes, and then continues with the bile secretion which is where we connect with liver health. More on the lower part of the digestive system later.

The best way to have a good lower digestive tract is to cultivate a healthy upper digestive tract. What’s the easiest way to do this? It is essential to have a warm breakfast in the morning with some volume (fibers) in it. The morning is the time where the large intestine is at its highest point of efficiency as described In Chinese medicine. So we need to use that time to give it the best chance.

I personally fought the concept of having oatmeal in the morning because I was hard-core about promoting as grain-free of a diet as possible. But even I have learned the value of a simple bowl of oatmeal. Why is oatmeal good for constipation? Oatmeal contains a good amount of insoluble fiber that further aids the smooth digestion process. The fiber content also aids bowel movements and soaks water from the fluids you drink. All this results in the smooth removal of stool through the colon.

Here is a recipe that will work 90% percent of the time on the most resistant constipation.

Joelle’s Steel Cut Oatmeal

For the Oatmeal:
  • Steelcut Oats Just shy of 1/3 cup
  • Chia Seeds 1 Large Tablespoon
  • Raisins 1 Handful
  • Water 1 2/3 Cups

Add all ingredients to a pot and bring to a boil. Stir often so that oatmeal doesn’t stick to the pan. You can add more water as necessary if it is too thick. Cook for 10 minutes.

To Serve:

Pour cooked oatmeal on top of about 8 1/2 crushed walnuts, plus 3 chopped Brazil nuts( these provide you with selenium for thyroid support). and 4 or 5 cut strawberries or 10 raspberries and finally 1 or two tablespoons of yogurt.

Learn more:

3000 year old thoughts on digestion

Why is digestion important?

Your digestive system and how it works?

Your gut feeling: A healthier digestive system means a healthier you

Did you know? The liver can impact your emotions.

The liver and the gallbladder work together. Once your liver is cleaner, the paired organ gallbladder has an easier time secreting bile, which is a very important substance to regulate digestive function.

A cleaner liver allows you to have more balanced emotions. It will allow you to not ‘be stuck’ emotionally. It helps you have just the right amount of anger to keep things moving, without being aggressive.

Consequently, the gallbladder will be happier and you’ll be able to make decisions more easily.

How do I help keep my liver clean?

I love Livco*. I recommend it as part of my detox/ cleanse program. I will take a couple if I have a glass of wine to protect my liver. It’s super effective in reducing high enzymes and in cases of hemochromatosis. Recently, I added it to my vaccination protocol. Order Now

Does it matter when I detox/ cleanse my liver?

Springtime is the best time to pay attention to your liver needs. The cleaner your liver is in the springtime, the better for you the rest of the year. This gives your liver more time for a strong renewal, and its ability to plant seeds for changes in one’s life.

Are other organs connected to emotions?

In traditional Chinese medicine emotions and physical health are connected. This integrated mind-body approach to health and healing operates in a loop where emotions impact the health of the body and vice versa.

Traditional Chinese medicine narrows down emotions to five basic feelings that are each associated with an organ in the body

  • Anger is associated with the liver.
  • Fear is associated with the kidney.
  • Joy is associated with the heart.
  • Sadness and grief are associated with the lung.
  • Worry is associated with the spleen.

Contact me for a consultation to learn how acupuncture and clincial nutrition can help.

Emotion & Organ Connection










*Contraindications for Livco -do not use if you are pregnant, lactating, or on certain drugs like HIV meds. If you have more questions, please contact me.

Want to learn more?
How Emotions and Organs Are Connected in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Anger and TCM

Acupuncture for Repetitive Strain Injury

Repetitive Strain Injury covers a whole range of problems caused by the overuse of any part of the body. Frozen shoulder, tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome are examples of RSI’s. Repetitive strain injuries can leave you with pain, numbness, or tingling in the affected area. There may also be loss of function, strength, or movement.

In the last year, there has been an increase in repetitive strain injuries due to the number of people working from home. Most of us do not have at-home desk setups that are ergonomically correct. We sit more and spend more time than ever in front of computers and laptops. 

Acupuncture is often used to treat pain. Acupuncture works by moving the qi and blood in the surrounding area. By increasing the blood flow, it can help reduce inflammation and pain. Acupuncture is generally used more than herbal medicine for the effective treatment of repetitive strain injury.

What are the most common forms of Repetitive Strain Injury?

Some of the most common forms of RSI include:

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects the median nerve in the wrist.
  • Tendonitis in the wrist and hand.
  • Tendinosis.
  • Tenosynovitis, which affects the membrane surrounding a tendon.
  • Bursitis in the wrist, knee, elbow, or shoulder.
  • Tennis elbow
  • Trigger finger or trigger thumb
  • Frozen shoulder

What causes Repetitive Strain Injury?

The cause of RSI lies in repetitive microscopic trauma that occurs due to strain on the muscles and joints that can be caused by:

  • Small, frequent movements
  • Vigorous movements containing a lot of force
  • A lack of movement, such as holding a limb in an unnatural position

Examples of activities that can cause repetitive strain injuries include:

  • Carpal Tunnel – repetitive hand motions, awkward hand positions, or strong ripping
  • Tennis Elbow – the tendons in your elbow are overloaded, usually caused by repetitive motions of the wrist and arm
  • Trigger Finger -your fingers gets stuck in a bent position,  usually caused by repetitive gripping actions 
  • Bursitis – repetitive motions or positions that put pressure on the bursae around a joint such as lifting something over your head repeatedly or leaning on your elbows for long periods
  • Stretching and twisting, such as when painting or cleaning
  • Lifting heavy loads, such as boxes or building materials
  • Performing the same action repeatedly
  • Holding limbs without support, such as typing with no wrist support
  • Sitting in a cramped position for extended periods of time

Some of these activities can also cause pain in other parts of the body, such as the back.

How does acupuncture help?

Acupuncture works by moving the qi and blood in the surrounding area. By increasing the blood flow, it can help reduce inflammation and pain. We can help!

More information on Repetitive Strain Injury:

Research Finds Acupuncture Effective for Chronic Pain

The Role of Acupuncture in Treating Chronic Pain

Mayo Clinic Q and A: Repetitive motion injuries during COVID-19

Should I Worry About… working from home causing repetitive stress injury?