acupuncture & herbalism

Acupuncture is one of the most common adjunct therapies I recommend for my clients. I’m a big fan of this ancient modality- and have received a long list of personal benefits from working with excellent acupuncturists in Salt Lake City, Utah, where I live. I wanted to share with you a few reasons why I think herbalism and acupuncture work so well together; and encourage you to give the needles a try if you never have!

Subtle & Expressive

Like herbalism, acupuncture works on both the subtle/energetic body and the more physical, expressive, structure-function body as well. While you’re relaxing in your acupuncturist’s office, your body is working with the feedback of the tiny needles to make adjustments to the way life energy moves through you. This energy, also known as vital force, qi, prana, and mana, acts to inform, support, and nourish the organs, functions, structures, and potentials of our whole being. So, while the pain in your shoulder is melting away, a deeper harmonization is also happening to the most subtle aspects of your body, mind, and spirit.

Truly Holistic

Acupuncture is a truly holistic healing modality. It addresses the whole person and focuses more on bringing us back to our unique version of center rather than centering an illness and focusing on suppressing symptoms. The goal of acupuncture, like spiritual herbalism, is to treat the whole person on all the levels while allowing them to step fully into their own state of harmony and wellness.

Slow and Steady

Herbalism is a healing arte that makes ample time for you, the client, to share your experiences, narratives, concerns, hopes, and goals. Working with an herbalist is often the first time someone feels they’re really heard as they explain their situation- and the first time their thoughts and feelings are brought into the remedy. Acupuncture is very similar. You’ll find that your practitioner uses what you say and how you say it to help guide the session- and the biofeedback techniques they use such as tongue reading, pulse diagnosis, facial analysis, vocal tone reading, and so on are shared by many herbalists.

Peeling the Onion

I like to say that the process of holistic healing is like peeling an onion. We begin at the layer most obvious, loud, painful, irritating, or obstructing. Dealing with that, we peel away layer after layer getting to the root of things. This journey is magical, self-reflective, and transformative for the individual working with our plant allies and with the processes of acupuncture.

Synergy

In many superior clinics, acupuncture and herbalism are offered side-by-side as supportive therapies. I have found that the combination of the internal processes of plant medicine coupled with the external processes of acupuncture only work to increase each other’s benefits.

My favorite Acupuncture clinics in the Salt Lake City are are:

• Flow Acupuncture - immersive sessions with a focus on foundational wellness, fertility, women’s health, athletic performance, and more

• SLC Qi - my friend Matt is an incredible Acupuncturist and offers community-style sessions that address all issues and goals. I highly suggest his package deals to help you stay consistent and make the most out of your sessions,