Laying Down is SOOOO Basic. . .

Laying Down is SOOOO Basic. . . But, laying down on an infrared, negative ion, crystal filled mat that has the option to heat up is sooooo. . . uh, opposite of basic.

Honestly, the biomat I have in my South Austin location gives my North Austin location jealous vibes and I will most likely be getting a second mat so both locations can be ridiculously luxurious and extra af.

The mat is filled with rows of 5 alternating types of crystals: amethyst, obsidian, quartz, turquoise, and orange jade which each have a plethora of energetic healing potentials. It can be warmed up to your level of comfort and, when combined with a heat lamp, can feel like a cozy wellness nest (well-nest?)

Far infrared technology claims to help with pain relief and blood circulation and promote relaxation. Side benefit is that you feel like royalty laying on this gorgeous mat.

Come see me. Lay down in a non-basic way.

love,

Jenna

Be Beautiful Inside & Outside with Systemic TCM Microneedling

For those of you who know me, you know that sometimes I don’t wash my face at night and I simply touch up the unwashed mascara as I race out the door with my coffee.  I tell myself that this is efficient and multi-tasky (much kinder than ‘lazy’).

I also don’t use eye cream like I’m supposed to as a late-30s woman.  I have laugh line wrinkles (much better than ‘crow’s feet’) alongside some pimples which are probably the reason I tend to get carded when buying alcohol.

My stance on the beauty industry is that it profits off creating self-doubt and insecurity particularly in women.  I effing hate that.

I don’t want to be intimidated into injecting poison into my face to fit a standard of beauty defined by older white men lining their pockets with my perceived inadequacies.  AND. . . I also want to look and feel beautiful.

I finally found the answer:  Systemic TCM Microneedling

Systemic TCM microneedling (TCM = Traditional Chinese Medicine) is a fantastic way for you to both look and feel beautiful.

Antiaging is out - this is Graceful aging, Supportive aging, Honoring aging.

Microneedling will help:

• minimize fine lines and wrinkles

• support collagen and elastin production

• reduce the appearance of acne scars and discolorations

• enhance skin texture and increase serum absorption by 2000%.

  • That means a whole lot more of the Chinese herb infused serums will be making their way into your system.

Microneedling helps reduce "crow's feet" and other wrinkles on the face.

Microneedling helps reduce acne scars.

Microneedling helps minimize "laugh lines" and rejuvenates skin.

Imagine this:  

You lay on an infrared crystal mat while a customized Chinese herb-infused serum is applied to your face. 

Customized acupuncture points are added for your unique health needs.

The microneedling treatment is completed and an herbal topical mask is applied while you rest.

An optional add on of facial light therapy can finish off the treatment.  

You leave feeling revitalized inside and out.

Don’t just look better. . . feel better.  

If this resonates with you BOOK NOW for Systemic TCM Microneedling.

If you aren’t into the microneedling thing NO WORRIES - I will never push this on you.  (I’m still traumatized by a dermatologist I went to see for a skin care check and she ended up telling me I needed botox and I vowed never to be her).  So, know that I do this microneedling cosmetic/facial acupuncture thing.  Know you don’t have to get it.  Know I’m always here for you.  

Your TCM microneedling session includes body acupuncture, concentrated serums infused with powerful Chinese herbs, a soothing aloe topical mask, and time spent on a crystal infrared mat to help promote circulation, reduce pain, and enhance relaxation.

For $350, you'll feel better, look better, and never freak out about whether your pores are visible on Zoom again. Customized facial care programs available upon request.  

love,

Jenna

P.S. This modality also works for hair regrowth and reducing the appearance of stretch marks!

P.P.S Want even more info?  Check out the microneedling tab!

Acid Reflux: Stomach Acid Is Awesome, Too Much or Too Little Stomach Acid is Awful

It’s kind of the like the story of Goldilocks and the 3 Bears where she finds one porridge too hot, one too cold, and one juuuuust right. In order to be helpful, the level of stomach acid needs to be just right. Unfortunately, many of us are suffering from a stomach acid imbalance and pop antacids like they’re candy without truly understanding what’s going on. First of all, let’s back up and let me make the case for why the stomach secretes hydrochloric acid and why this stomach acid is awesome:

1. Stomach acid helps you digest protein.

2. It helps protect your gut against infection and food poisoning.

3. It facilitates the absorption of vitamin B12 (which is a totally badass and necessary vitamin).

4. It creates signals to other organs to release the helpful digestive enzymes and tells the gut muscles to contract making the digestive process run smoothly. The right amount of stomach acid even signals the flap (aka lower esophageal sphincter) from the esophagus to the stomach to close and open.

When stomach acid is too high it wreaks havoc and can lead to stomach ulcers and overall chaos. I had acid reflux in the later stages of pregnancy and I empathize with anyone experiencing this uncomfortable situation. I’ve even had patients who thought they were having a heart attack and met with a cardiologist only to be told it was stomach acid irritation the tissues near the heart! Too little stomach acid also wreaks havoc and can lead to low B12 levels which can eventually show up as tingling/altered sensation in the limbs and anemia. It can be hard to know if your acid reflux is due to excess or deficiency as the early symptoms manifest the same way. The deficiency acid reflux can be thought of as a gas tank running out of gas where it spurts and sputters and overefforts to get the insufficient gas where it needs to go. Kind of sweet, but also totally uncomfortable.

While it is always a good idea to check in with your primary physician, a quick way to check if your stomach acid is deficient or excess is to either a) take a stomach acid supplement and see if it gets better or worse (note this may seem counterintuitive, but often solves the problem!) or b) an even simpler way is to take a spoonful of apple cider vinegar each day and see if the symptoms improve or worsen. If you get better it was a deficiency pattern. If you get worse it’s usually excess.

For those of you who are constantly reaching for the antacids, it’s important to know there are different types, and there can be undesirable side effects - especially with long term use. Antacids are usually over-the-counter bases (I just went straight chemistry on you!) which neutralize the excess acid. While I STRONGLY prefer acupuncture and herbs over these types of pharmaceuticals, I get that sometimes sh*t happens and you’re traveling or whatever. If that’s the case, and you can’t come see me or get to the magical herbal remedies: consider choosing the ‘best’ antacid for you. My “Chemistry for Dummies” book (yep, how did you think I got through that doctoral class?!) notes that people with high blood pressure may want to avoid the sodium bicarbonate antacids as the sodium ion may increase blood pressure! Those concerned with osteoporosis may want to use the antacid with calcium carbonate. But, large doses may cause constipation. The third group of antacids is the hydroxides (aluminium and magnesium) is a balancing act as aluminium hydroxide can cause constipation in large doses, while magnesium hydroxide can serve as a laxative in large doses. With all these side effects, acupuncture and herbs are looking better and better. . . right? See you soon.