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Best of Dripping Springs 2026

Thank You for Seven Best of Dripping Springs Awards in 2026

Written by Michelle Wendt on . Posted in About Us, Acupuncture, Awards, Chronic Pain, Community, Gratitude, New Patients, News, Pain Relief, Wellness.

Seven awards. One mission. Helping our community heal naturally.

Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage is honored to be recognized in the 2026 Best of Dripping Springs Awards, including:

🏆 Best Overall Company
🏆 Best Acupuncturist
🏆 Best Pain Management Physician
🏆 Best Sports Medicine
🏆 Best Massage Therapist
🏆 Best Boss
🏆 Best Place to Work

As one of the most award-winning acupuncture and holistic medicine clinics in Dripping Springs and Hays County, these recognitions mean everything because they come directly from our patients and local community.

At Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage, we provide doctor-led, evidence-based holistic medicine for chronic pain, sports injuries, migraines, insomnia, stress overload, inflammation, digestive concerns, and nervous system imbalance. Our personalized Treatment Plans may include acupuncture, dry needling, cupping therapy, therapeutic massage, infrared Biomat therapy, PEMF therapy, herbal medicine, auriculotherapy, and no-needle treatment options for patients of all ages.

Every day, we help patients:
• Relieve chronic pain naturally
• Sleep better
• Recover from injuries
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Improve mobility and energy
• Restore homeostasis and quality of life

We are deeply grateful to the families, professionals, athletes, parents, and community members who trust us with their care and continue referring friends and loved ones to our clinic.

Does Acupuncture Actually Work? 3 Reasons You Might Not Be Seeing Results

Does Acupuncture Actually Work? 3 Reasons You Might Not Be Seeing Results

Written by Michelle Wendt on . Posted in About Us, Acupuncture, Appointments, Chronic Pain, Clinic, Pain, Pain Relief, Research, Treatment Plan, Wellness. No Comments on Does Acupuncture Actually Work? 3 Reasons You Might Not Be Seeing Results

Let’s talk about the elephant in the treatment room. You’ve heard the rave reviews, you’ve seen the success stories on your social feed, and maybe you finally worked up the nerve to try it yourself: but then, nothing. Or at least, not the result you were expecting. You find yourself asking: Does acupuncture actually work and could it help me?

At Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage, we believe in transparency. As a doctor-led practice, we’ve seen this medicine help with everything from chronic pain and migraines to stress physiology and fertility support. We’ve also seen patients walk away disappointed.

The truth is, acupuncture is not magic. It’s a biological intervention grounded in nervous-system regulation, blood flow, and the body’s own healing mechanisms. When it “doesn’t work” it’s rarely because the medicine itself is flawed. More often, there are specific, understandable reasons the treatment didn’t have enough opportunity to work well.

If you’ve tried acupuncture before and felt like it fell short, or if you’re still wondering does acupuncture actually work, let’s walk through the top three reasons you might not be seeing the results you want.

1. The Consistency Gap: You’re Not Following the “Dosage”

Imagine going to the gym once, doing three bicep curls, and then looking in the mirror to see why you don’t have Greek-god arms yet. Sounds a bit silly, right? Or imagine taking one single pill from a ten-day course of antibiotics and wondering why your infection isn’t gone.

Acupuncture works in a similar way. It is a cumulative therapy.

When we insert a needle, we are initiating a cascade of physiological responses: we’re down-regulating the sympathetic nervous system (your “fight or flight” mode), increasing blood flow to specific tissues, and triggering the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals like endorphins. However, for chronic issues, your body has spent months or even years stuck in patterns that are now deeply familiar. That doesn’t mean your body is broken. It means it may need repetition and consistency to learn a different pattern.

Why consistency matters if you’re asking, “Does acupuncture actually work?”
One session might break that pattern for a few hours or a day. But without a follow-up, the body eventually slides back into its old, painful habits. The second treatment builds on the first, the third on the second, and so on. We call this “stacking” the treatments.

When patients decide to “wait and see how I feel” before booking their next appointment, they often wait too long. By the time they come back, we’re starting from square one again instead of moving forward.

  • The Clinical Reality: For most conditions, we recommend a “loading dose” of treatments based on clinical studies and scientific evidence. This is usually twice a week for a few weeks to get the body to adopt and hold the new, healthy pattern.
  • The Result of Inconsistency: If you treat acupuncture like a random luxury treat rather than a clinical treatment plan, you’ll likely only get temporary relaxation rather than long-term healing.

2. The Myth of Passive Healing: Expecting a “Fix” Without a Shift

We live in a “fix-it” culture. If the check engine light comes on in your car, you take it to a mechanic, they swap a part, and you drive away. We’ve been conditioned to view our bodies the same way. We want to lay on a table, have someone “fix” us, and go right back to the exact lifestyle that caused the problem in the first place.

But true healing, the kind that lets you get back to the activities you love, is a partnership.

At Indigo Healing, we provide a high-touch, doctor-led experience, but that doesn’t mean healing is passive. If we are using acupuncture to support chronic inflammation, pain, or stress-related symptoms, but you are going home and staying up until 2 AM doom scrolling, skipping recovery, and living in a constant state of overdrive, we are working against a lot of incoming chaos and noise.

Does acupuncture actually work if you don’t change your habits?
It can help manage the symptoms, sure. But it won’t resolve the root cause. We often tell our patients that the time they spend with us on the table are important, but the other 10,000 minutes in the week are what determine the speed of your recovery.

  • Mindset Matters: Are you open to the process? There is a fascinating body of research around the “no-cebo” effect: the opposite of placebo. If you enter a treatment deeply cynical or resistant, your nervous system remains guarded. Healing happens when the body is in a “parasympathetic” state (rest and digest). If you’re mentally fighting the process, you’re keeping your “gas pedal” floored while we’re trying to engage the brakes.
  • Lifestyle Synergy: Acupuncture works best when paired with mindful shifts in nutrition, movement, and stress management. We aren’t asking you to overhaul your entire life overnight, but we are asking you to meet the needles halfway.

3. The ‘One-Hit Wonder’ Expectation: Looking for a Miracle, Not Regulation

This is perhaps the most common reason people give up on acupuncture too soon. We’ve all heard that one story: “My cousin had back pain for twenty years, went to an acupuncturist once, and it never came back!”

While those “miracle” cases do happen, they are the exception, not the rule. When you expect a one-hit wonder, you are setting yourself up for disappointment.

Acupuncture is a process of regulation. We are communicating with your brain and your peripheral nervous system to remind your body how to heal itself. If you have a condition that is functional (meaning your body has the capacity to heal but has just forgotten how) it takes time to re-train those neurological pathways.

Think about it this way:
If you have a garden that has been neglected for three years and is overgrown with weeds and parched from drought, you wouldn’t expect one watering session to turn it into an English rose garden by the next morning. You have to pull the weeds, nourish the soil, and water it consistently.

When patients ask, “does acupuncture actually work?” after just one or two sessions for a condition they’ve had for a decade, they are often missing the biological context of their own healing.

  • Chronic vs. Acute: If you twisted your ankle yesterday, acupuncture might show dramatic results in 24 hours. If you’ve had fibromyalgia or PCOS for five years, your body needs a period of “re-education.”
  • The Goal is Resilience: We aren’t just looking to mask your pain (which is what a steroid shot or a pill does). We are looking to build your body’s internal resilience so that the pain doesn’t return. That is a much bigger job than a “one-hit wonder” can handle.

How to Ensure Your Acupuncture Does Work

We want you to live your best life. We want you to wake up feeling energized, move without pain, and feel in control of your health. To get there, we invite you to view acupuncture through a different lens.

If you’re ready to see real results, here is how we can partner together:

  1. Commit to the Plan: When we suggest a treatment frequency, it’s based on clinical outcomes and the science of how the body responds to stimuli. Trust the “dosage.”
  2. Be an Active Participant: Take the lifestyle recommendations to heart. Whether it’s a specific herbal formula, a stretch, or a dietary shift, these are the tools that keep the acupuncture working long after you leave our clinic.
  3. Give it Time: Allow your body the grace to heal at its own pace. Most patients start to see significant, “clicking into place” shifts around the 6th to 8th treatment.

Acupuncture is an incredible, time-tested medical system that offers a pathway to health without the side effects of surgery or long-term medication. It works: beautifully: when the conditions for healing are met.

Are you ready to stop wondering “does acupuncture actually work?” and start experiencing what the right treatment plan can do for your body?

At Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage, we combine a calm, elevated patient experience with the clinical expertise of Dr. Michelle Wendt, L.Ac., DACM. We don’t just “poke needles”; we create clear, individualized strategies to help you return to the life you love.

Contact us today at 512-686-0777 to schedule your initial consultation. Let’s build a plan that actually works for you.

Headache and Migraines During Pregnancy

Pain During Pregnancy: Navigating Migraines

Written by Michelle Wendt on . Posted in Acupuncture, Chronic Pain, Headache, Hormones, Migraine, Motherhood, New Patients, Pregnancy, Women. No Comments on Pain During Pregnancy: Navigating Migraines

Let’s talk about the reality of pregnancy that doesn’t always make it into the glowy maternity photos: the crushing, debilitating migraine.

If you are currently navigating pregnancy in the Dripping Springs or Austin area, you’ve likely been told that your options for pain relief are “limited.” Perhaps you’ve been told to “just take some Tylenol and rest,” but when you’re dealing with a throbbing temples, light sensitivity, and the overwhelming task of preparing for a new human, “just resting” feels impossible.

At Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage, we view these migraines differently. We don’t see them as a localized “head problem” or an unfortunate side effect of hormones. Instead, we see them as a vital signal from your nervous system, a message that your body is struggling to find its center amidst the most profound physiological transformation a human can undergo.

The Signal vs. The Symptom

In conventional medicine, the focus is often on symptom suppression. While monitoring blood pressure and ensuring fetal safety is paramount, the actual management of the migraine often stops at “wait and see.” But a migraine is rarely just a headache; it is a neurological event.

Did you know that for many women, migraines actually improve during the second and third trimesters? This is often due to the stabilization of estrogen levels. However, for those who continue to suffer, or for those whose migraines begin during pregnancy, the body is essentially communicating that it has hit a limit in its ability to maintain homeostasis.

Homeostasis is your body’s internal thermostat. It regulates everything from your heart rate to your hormone levels. During pregnancy, that “thermostat” is being asked to work overtime to support two lives. When the demand exceeds the available resources, the nervous system can become hypersensitive, leading to the activation of the trigeminovascular system and the onset of a migraine.

The “Hidden” Risks: Why We Don’t Ignore the Signal

While we always aim for comfort, addressing pregnancy migraines is also about proactive health. Research shows that women who experience migraines, particularly migraines with aura, have a significantly higher risk of developing gestational hypertension or preeclampsia. In fact, some studies suggest a 40% higher risk of preeclampsia in migraine sufferers.

This isn’t meant to cause alarm, but rather to highlight why “powering through it” isn’t the best strategy. By focusing on nervous system regulation, we aren’t just stop-gapping the pain; we are helping your body manage the vascular and neurological stress that can contribute to these more serious complications. We want you to enjoy this phase of your life, but we also want to ensure your body is resilient and regulated.

The TCM Perspective: Pattern Differentiation

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we don’t treat “migraines.” We treat the person experiencing a constellation of symptoms we view as a dusregulated pattern. Through tongue and pulse diagnosis, we determine which specific physiological system is out of balance. This allows us to provide a level of personalized care that goes far beyond a generic “one-size-fits-all” approach.

Here are the three most common patterns we see in our pregnant patients:

1. Liver Yang Rising (The Stress & Heat Pattern)

This is the “classic” throbbing migraine. It often feels like the pain is localized behind the eyes or at the temples. It is frequently triggered by stress, lack of sleep, or even a sudden change in temperature.

  • The Feeling: Sharp, bursting, or throbbing pain, often accompanied by irritability or a “hot” feeling in the body.
  • The Nervous System View: This is a state of sympathetic dominance, your “fight or flight” system is stuck in the ‘on’ position.

2. Blood Deficiency (The Depletion Pattern)

During pregnancy, your body’s primary directive is to grow the baby. The baby is an “efficient parasite”, it will take exactly what it needs from your nutrient and blood stores, often leaving you depleted. This is a common cause of migraines in the late second and third trimesters.

  • The Feeling: A dull, lingering ache that gets worse when you are tired or after a long day. You might also feel dizzy, fatigued, or have “floaters” in your vision.
  • The Nervous System View: This is a lack of “resource availability.” Your nervous system is sounding the alarm because it doesn’t have the metabolic fuel it needs to maintain stability.

3. Phlegm/Dampness (The Foggy & Heavy Pattern)

Pregnancy involves a massive shift in fluid dynamics. If the body struggles to transform and transport these fluids, we see what TCM calls “dampness.”

  • The Feeling: A heavy sensation, as if a wet towel is wrapped around your head. This is almost always accompanied by digestive health issues, intense nausea, or a “foggy” brain.
  • The Nervous System View: This relates to the gut-brain axis. When the digestive system is overwhelmed, it triggers inflammatory signals that affect neurological clarity and pressure.

Regulation Before Resolution

Our philosophy at Indigo Healing is simple: Regulation before Resolution.

Before the pain can fully resolve, the nervous system must feel safe. When we perform acupuncture, we are sending signals to the brain to down-regulate the stress response and improve blood flow. We aren’t introducing foreign chemicals; we are facilitating the body’s natural ability to find its own balance.

For our Dripping Springs and Austin clients, we provide a sanctuary where this regulation can happen. Our treatments are designed to be a “reset” button for your physiology. By stimulating specific points, we can:

  • Inhibit the release of pain-signaling neurotransmitters.
  • Promote the release of endogenous opioids (your body’s natural, pregnancy-safe painkillers).
  • Regulate vascular tone to prevent the “spasm and dilate” cycle of migraines.

Why Integrated Care Matters

Conventional medicine is excellent at monitoring for “red flags”, the life-threatening issues. But there is a wide gap between “not dying” and “thriving.” That gap is where integrative medicine lives.

We work alongside your OB-GYN or midwife to provide a secondary layer of support. While they monitor your protein levels and fetal heart rate, we monitor your nervous system and your ability to adapt to the stress of pregnancy.

If you are struggling with migraines, please know that you don’t have to wait until the baby is born to feel like yourself again. You deserve a pregnancy that is defined by connection and preparation, not by days spent in a dark room with an ice pack.

Your Path Back to Balance

If you’re ready to move beyond just “managing” your symptoms and want to start truly regulating your system, we are here to help. Dr. Michelle Wendt and her team specialize in women’s health and pregnancy offering a luxury experience grounded in clinical excellence.

How to get started:

  1. Schedule a Consultation: We’ll sit down and look at your specific migraine patterns, your health history, and your pregnancy goals.
  2. Assessment: We’ll determine if your migraines are rooted in depletion, heat, or fluid imbalance.
  3. Treatment: Relax (or take a rejuvenating nap) in our serene environment while we use science-backed tools to bring your nervous system back into a state of homeostasis.

You are doing the incredible work of bringing a new life into the world. Let us do the work of supporting yours.

Ready to find relief?
Visit us at Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage in Dripping Springs.
Click here to book your initial consultation and take the first step toward a more comfortable, balanced pregnancy.

Why Indigo Healing is the most trusted acupuncturist in Dripping Springs

Why Indigo Healing Is the Most Trusted Acupuncturist in Dripping Springs

Written by Michelle Wendt on . Posted in About Us, Acupuncture, Appointments, Awards, Chronic Pain, Community, Treatment Plan. No Comments on Why Indigo Healing Is the Most Trusted Acupuncturist in Dripping Springs

When you’re searching for the best acupuncturist in Dripping Springs, you want more than just credentials — you want a clinic with proven results, an award-winning track record, and a reputation for compassionate, doctor-led care. That’s why so many people choose Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage.

We’re proud to be recognized as the most award-winning acupuncture clinic in Dripping Springs and Hays County, trusted by thousands of patients seeking relief from chronic pain, insomnia, fertility challenges, stress, and more.

A Legacy of Excellence in Acupuncture

At Indigo Healing, we combine the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine with the latest evidence-based research to deliver treatments that transform lives. Every patient begins with a one-on-one consultation and leaves with a personalized care plan designed to achieve measurable results.

Our approach has earned us repeated recognition in local awards, including:

  • Best Acupuncturist (multiple years, Dripping Springs & Hays County)
  • Best Pain Management Physician (Dr. Michelle Wendt)
  • Best Alternative Medicine Practice
  • Best Massage Therapist (Faith Charfauros, LMT)
  • Best Boss, Best Civic Leader and Best Social Club (Dr. Michelle Wendt is active in the Dripping Springs community)

This consistent recognition reflects our clinic’s core mission: to help patients feel seen, understood, and healed.

What Makes Indigo Healing the Most Trusted Clinic

1. Doctor-Led Care

Our founder, Dr. Michelle Wendt, L. Ac., DACM, is a nationally licensed acupuncturist and herbalist who leads every patient journey with expertise and compassion.

2. Award-Winning Team

Alongside Dr. Michelle, our team includes licensed acupuncturists and massage therapists who specialize in chronic pain, sports injuries, women’s health, and fertility support.

3. Comprehensive Treatments

A typical session may include acupuncture, therapeutic cupping, herbal medicine, and advanced therapies — all for one easy-to-understand treatment cost.

4. Proven Patient Results

From Google reviews to word-of-mouth referrals, our patients repeatedly share how our treatments restored their sleep, reduced their pain, and improved their quality of life.

5. Community Leadership

Indigo Healing isn’t just a clinic — it’s a cornerstone of the Dripping Springs community. From sponsoring local events to leading philanthropic initiatives, we invest in the health and vitality of our hometown.

Patient Testimonials

Here’s what our patients are saying on Google:

“Indigo Healing is hands down the best acupuncture clinic in Dripping Springs. Dr. Michelle truly cares and the results speak for themselves.”

“After years of pain, this is the only place that gave me real relief. The combination of acupuncture and massage is life-changing.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the best acupuncturist in Dripping Springs?
Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage, led by Dr. Michelle Wendt, L.Ac., DACM, is consistently voted the best and most respected acupuncture clinic in Dripping Springs and Hays County.

What conditions can Indigo Healing help with?
We specialize in chronic pain, arthritis, sports injuries, migraines, insomnia, fertility challenges, IBS, and stress-related conditions.

Why choose Indigo Healing over other clinics?
Because we’re doctor-led, results-oriented, and the most award-winning clinic in the area — with a proven reputation for patient transformation.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for the most trusted and respected acupuncturist in Dripping Springs, the choice is clear: Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage.

Our award-winning team, comprehensive treatments, and proven results set us apart. Many patients tell us “Acupuncture was my last resort with the best results!”

Book your consultation today with Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage — the most respected acupuncture clinic in Dripping Springs by calling 512-686-0777 or booking online!

Infographic of Acupuncture vs Dry Needling side by side

Acupuncture vs. Dry Needling: Which One Should You Try?

Written by Michelle Wendt on . Posted in Acupuncture, Chronic Pain, Dry Needling, New Patients. No Comments on Acupuncture vs. Dry Needling: Which One Should You Try?

Acupuncture vs. Dry Needling: Which One Should You Try?

If you’ve ever dealt with muscle pain, insomnia, anxiety, stress, headaches, allergies, gastrointestinal issues, or sports injuries, you might have heard of acupuncture and dry needling. They both use acupuncture needles, but they’re actually very different treatments. So, how do you know which one is right for you? At Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage, we’re happy to break it down in simple terms.

What’s the Difference?

Acupuncture: The Ancient Healing Method

Acupuncture is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and has been around for thousands of years. It’s based on the theory that your body has energy (Qi, pronounced “chee”) flowing through meridians, or energy pathways. This is the same energy that powers your brain and makes your heart beat with electricity. When this flow gets blocked, you might feel pain, stress, or even get sick. Acupuncture helps get everything back in balance (homeostasis) by inserting super-thin needles at specific points on your body.

✔ Best for: Stress, anxiety, migraines, digestive issues, chronic pain, sleep problems, and fertility support.

✔ Feels like: A relaxing experience—most people barely feel the needles, and many fall asleep during treatment.

✔ Takes About: 30-45 minutes

Dry Needling: The Muscle Fixer

Dry needling is based on modern Western medicine and focuses on muscles and trigger points (a.k.a. those painful knots in your shoulders or back). Instead of working with energy flow, dry needling targets tight muscles directly. The goal? To make them relax and stop causing pain. The needles are inserted into the muscle and strongly manipulated to create a twitch response, which helps reset the muscle.

✔ Best for: Acute sports injuries, muscle tightness, joint pain, and improving mobility.

✔ Feels like: A deep muscle release—sometimes intense but usually quick. You might feel soreness afterward, kind of like after a hard workout.

✔ Takes: About 10 minutes

Which One Should You Choose for Your Appointment?

If you want a full-body, holistic approach that helps with pain, stress, sleep, and overall well-being

→ Acupuncture is the way to go.

If you have a specific muscle injury or tightness and need fast relief

→ Dry needling might be the better choice.

Final Thoughts

Both acupuncture and dry needling can be incredibly effective—it just depends on what you need! Book a consultation with Dr. Michelle Wendt, L.Ac, DACM and she’ll perform a medical case review, then guide you to the best treatment for your condition. Give us a call at 512-686-0777 to get started or book online here!

Head silhouette with rainbow streams and blog article title

Are You Resisting Change? Discover How Acupuncture Can Help Transform Your Life

Written by Michelle Wendt on . Posted in Acupuncture, Chronic Pain, Consultation, Life, Mindfulness, New Patients, Pain, Pain Relief, Tools. No Comments on Are You Resisting Change? Discover How Acupuncture Can Help Transform Your Life

Are You Resisting Change? Is It Time for a Transformation in Your Life?

Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Do you feel stuck in repetitive thought patterns or emotional cycles?
  • Are you experiencing chronic stress, anxiety, or physical tension?
  • Do you struggle to break free from old habits or limiting beliefs?
  • Have you been feeling unmotivated or lacking clarity in your goals?
  • Are you experiencing sleep disturbances or low energy levels?
  • Do you find it difficult to embrace change, even when you know it’s necessary?
  • Have you tried making changes in your life but found it hard to sustain them?

If you answered “yes” to any of these, your mind and body may be resisting change. The good news is that acupuncture can help facilitate transformation by aligning your nervous system, emotions, and intentions.

In the teachings of Dr. Joe Dispenza, the mind and body are deeply intertwined, and true transformation occurs when we align our thoughts, emotions, and physiology. His research in neuroscience and quantum physics highlights how we can rewire our brains and create new realities through intention and practice. But what if acupuncture could accelerate this process? At Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage, we believe that the fusion of ancient healing wisdom with modern science can unlock profound change.

Why Humans Resist Change

Change is inherently challenging because the brain and body are wired for survival, prioritizing familiarity and predictability. The human brain is designed to conserve energy by running on subconscious programs built from past experiences. When we attempt to change, we disrupt these deeply ingrained neural pathways, triggering resistance. The body, conditioned by years of habitual thoughts and behaviors, often perceives change as a threat, activating the sympathetic nervous system—the body’s fight-or-flight response.

The Sympathetic Nervous System and Change

When faced with uncertainty, the sympathetic nervous system releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, increasing blood pressure and heart rate, tensing muscles, and heightening alertness. While this response is essential for short-term survival, prolonged activation due to fear of change can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and emotional resistance. This physiological reaction makes it difficult to adopt new habits and beliefs, as the body clings to what it knows in an effort to maintain homeostasis.

The Science of Change: Rewiring the Mind and Body

Dr. Dispenza teaches that our bodies are conditioned by past experiences, and our habitual thoughts and emotions create our reality. By changing our thoughts and emotions, we can rewire our neural pathways and break free from limiting beliefs. However, this is not always easy—our bodies often resist change because they are programmed by years of conditioning.

Acupuncture, a holistic healing modality that has been practiced for thousands of years, offers a way to break through this resistance by directly influencing the nervous system. When hair-fine filliform needles are inserted at strategic points in the body, they stimulate the release of neurotransmitters and balance the autonomic nervous system (and no, it doesn’t hurt!). This helps to regulate stress responses, enhance focus, and create an optimal state for transformation.

How Acupuncture Supports the Mind-Body Connection

  1. Regulating the Nervous System: Many of us live in a chronic state of fight-or-flight due to stress and emotional conditioning. Acupuncture activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and allowing the body to move from survival mode into a state of healing and receptivity.
  2. Enhancing Neuroplasticity: Acupuncture has been shown to stimulate neurogenesis, the formation of new neural connections. This aligns with Dr. Dispenza’s concept of rewiring the brain to support new beliefs, habits, and emotional states.
  3. Boosting Neurotransmitter Production: Acupuncture encourages the body’s natural production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and 5-HTP. These chemicals play a crucial role in mood regulation, motivation, and overall well-being. By stimulating specific acupoints, acupuncture can help reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, and promote feelings of happiness and relaxation, making it easier to embrace change with a positive mindset.
  4. Releasing Stagnant Energy: In traditional Chinese medicine, emotional trauma and stress create blockages in the body’s energy pathways. Acupuncture helps to clear these blockages, allowing energy (Qi) to flow freely, which supports emotional release and mental clarity.
  5. Elevating Consciousness: Many people report a deep meditative state during acupuncture sessions. This heightened awareness makes it easier to shift from old thought patterns into new, empowered ways of thinking—mirroring the deep meditative practices Dr. Dispenza advocates for transformation.
  6. Aligning with Intention: Acupuncture helps the body enter a receptive state, making it easier for individuals to set clear intentions and embody new beliefs. When combined with mindfulness practices, breathwork, or visualization techniques, acupuncture becomes a catalyst for lasting change.

Integrating Acupuncture Into a Transformational Practice

If you are working to create change in your life, combining acupuncture with practices like meditation, affirmations, and visualization can enhance your ability to shift your reality. At Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage, we create customized treatment plans designed to align your mind, body, and energy field, helping you embody the transformation you seek.

Science-based recommendations suggest starting with two acupuncture treatments per week to optimize results. This frequency helps the body regulate neurotransmitter production, improve nervous system balance, and accelerate the rewiring of neural pathways. As the body adapts and progresses, treatment frequency can be adjusted to maintain and enhance long-term transformation.

Change is not just about thinking differently; it’s about feeling differently and shifting the body’s habitual patterns. Acupuncture provides a direct pathway to make this shift, supporting your journey toward becoming the best version of yourself.

Are you ready to break free from old patterns and step into a new reality? Let’s begin the journey together. Give us a call at 512-686-0777 or book a new patient consultation with Dr. Michelle Wendt here!

Pile of books with stethoscope and textWhy One Acupuncture Session Isn’t Enough for Long-Term Relief

The Truth About Acupuncture: Why One Session Won’t Fix Everything

Written by Michelle Wendt on . Posted in Acupuncture, Chronic Pain, Consultation, New Patients, Pain, Pain Relief, Research, Treatment Plan. No Comments on The Truth About Acupuncture: Why One Session Won’t Fix Everything

Why One Acupuncture Session Isn’t Enough for Long-Term Relief: A Research-Based Explanation

Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to relieve pain, reduce stress, and promote healing. However, many patients are surprised to learn that one acupuncture session isn’t enough to achieve long-lasting results.  This article explores why a series of acupuncture treatments is essential for achieving sustainable results, backed by scientific studies.

1. Acupuncture Works Through Cumulative Effects

Unlike medications that provide immediate symptom relief, acupuncture promotes the body’s natural healing processes, which take time and more than one treatment. Research shows that acupuncture stimulates neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. A study published in Neuroimage found that repeated acupuncture sessions led to increased endogenous opioid release, which contributed to sustained pain relief (Harris et al., 2009).

Similarly, a meta-analysis in Pain Medicine concluded that multiple acupuncture treatments resulted in greater long-term pain reduction compared to single treatments, particularly for chronic pain conditions such as osteoarthritis and lower back pain (Vickers et al., 2018).

2. Restoring Balance Takes Time

In traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture restores the body’s balance by regulating the flow of Qi (energy) and blood. Qi is the same energy that powers your thoughts, makes your heart beat, heals a papercut, fades a bruise, and reminds your lungs to inhale/exhale. Chronic conditions often indicate deeper imbalances that have developed over months or even years. A single treatment may provide temporary relief and leave you feeling floaty, but research suggests that repeated stimulation of acupuncture points is needed to correct these imbalances. A study in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine demonstrated that patients with migraines experienced significant and lasting reductions in headache frequency after at least six sessions (Linde et al., 2016).

3. Acupuncture Induces Biological Changes That Accumulate Over Time

Acupuncture influences the endocrine, immune, and nervous systems. Studies have shown that repeated acupuncture sessions lead to measurable physiological changes, such as reduced inflammation and improved circulation. A randomized controlled trial published in Brain Research found that patients with chronic pain experienced long-term reductions in inflammatory markers only after a series of acupuncture treatments (Zhao et al., 2017).

4. Long-Term Conditions Require Progressive Treatment Plans

Just as physical therapy requires multiple sessions to restore strength and mobility, acupuncture works progressively to retrain the body’s pain response and healing mechanisms. A landmark study in The Archives of Internal Medicine found that for conditions like knee osteoarthritis, patients who received 10 or more acupuncture sessions had significantly better outcomes than those who received fewer treatments (Berman et al., 2004).

5. Frequency and Consistency Matter

Research indicates that treatment frequency influences acupuncture’s effectiveness. A study in Acupuncture in Medicine found that patients with chronic low back pain who received acupuncture twice per week for five weeks experienced greater and longer-lasting pain relief compared to those who received weekly sessions (Sherman et al., 2009). This supports the idea that an initial intensive phase of treatment is crucial before transitioning to maintenance care.

Conclusion

We hope this article explained why one acupuncture session isn’t enough to achieve long-term relief.  At Indigo Healing Acupuncture and Massage, we follow scientific research and over a decade of clinical experience with the intention of fostering long-term healing in our patients. Acupuncture works by retraining the nervous system, reducing inflammation, and restoring balance (aka homeostasis)—processes that take time to solidify. A structured care plan tailored to your condition and treatment goal ensures the best possible outcome and we’d love to create a plan just for you. To come meet us and discuss your case and treatment options, call 512-686-0777 or schedule a new patient consultation with our award-winning founder, Dr. Michelle Wendt, L.Ac, DACM, PMP.

Citations:

  • Berman, B. M., et al. (2004). “Effectiveness of acupuncture as adjunctive therapy in osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized, controlled trial.” Archives of Internal Medicine.
  • Harris, R. E., et al. (2009). “Traditional Chinese acupuncture and placebo (sham) acupuncture are differentiated by their effects on mu-opioid receptors (MORs).” The Journal of Pain.
  • Linde, K., et al. (2016). “Acupuncture for the prevention of episodic migraine.” The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
  • Sherman, K. J., et al. (2009). “A randomized trial comparing acupuncture, simulated acupuncture, and usual care for chronic low back pain.” Acupuncture in Medicine.
  • Vickers, A. J., et al. (2018). “Acupuncture for chronic pain: update of an individual patient data meta-analysis.” Pain Medicine.
  • Zhao, Z., et al. (2017). “Effects of electroacupuncture on chronic pain and inflammation-related cytokines in the brain.” Brain Research.
How Does Acupuncture Counteract Winter Pain?

How Does Acupuncture Counteract Winter Pain?

Written by Michelle Wendt on . Posted in Acupuncture, Back Pain, Chronic Pain, Knee Pain, Pain, Pain Relief. No Comments on How Does Acupuncture Counteract Winter Pain?

When temperatures outside plummet, does your pain level intensify with achy joints?

Pain tends to worsen on cold days due to various factors:

  1. Blood Flow: Cold temperatures can cause blood vessels to constrict, reducing blood flow to joints. This can lead to increased stiffness and discomfort for individuals with arthritis.
  2. Synovial Fluid Changes: Joints are surrounded by synovial fluid that helps lubricate and reduce friction. Cold weather may cause this fluid to thicken, making joint movement more challenging and painful.
  3. Muscle Contraction: Cold weather can cause muscles to contract, putting additional stress on joints. This increased tension can exacerbate arthritis symptoms.
  4. Barometric Pressure: Some people with arthritis are sensitive to changes in barometric pressure, which often occur with weather changes. Cold days, often associated with high pressure, might contribute to increased joint pain.
  5. Inactivity: Cold weather can prevent regular physical activity, leading to increased stiffness and discomfort.

The good news is acupuncture can help alleviate pain aggravated by cold weather by regulating blood circulation to promote joint warmth and reduced stiffness. Additionally, acupuncture is clinically proven to influence the body’s release of anti-inflammatory substances, offering relief to those grappling with the intensified pain that chilly temperatures can bring. Many of our patients have achieved improvement in joint mobility and a reduction in pain levels after undergoing acupuncture treatments, making it a holistic and non-invasive approach to managing winter-related joint issues. Treatments at Indigo Healing Acupuncture also include infrared heat and moxibustion to warm up the body quickly!

Give us a call to thaw out and return to the winter activities you love without stiffness and pain!

 

Daisies

Personal Journey: I Had Surgery 2 Weeks Ago

Written by indigoacupuncture@megamad.work on . Posted in Chinese Herbs, Chronic Pain, Endometriosis. No Comments on Personal Journey: I Had Surgery 2 Weeks Ago

 I had surgery two weeks ago… less than 10 people knew about it. It took me out of my holistic clinic and into the depths of modern medicine for a few days of intensive rest and recovery.  To be honest, as a doctor of Chinese medicine, I say the phrase “Surgery should be a last resort” to patients every day. But, when I heard the words “It could be cancer” I knew I had to go to the last resort.

Committing to surgery stirred up feelings of frustration (why didn’t acupuncture help?), fear (what if the surgery doesn’t go as planned?) and a sense of abandoning patient-centered holistic medicine for the profit-focused modern medicine machine. Having surgery felt a lot like a betrayal to everything I believe in.

This is what I learned…

• Modern medicine can be life-saving
• Modern medicine doesn’t have all the answers
• Modern medicine has a very limited toolbox (drugs or surgery) to solve health problems

Back in September, my gynecologist felt a mass near my uterus during my annual exam. I had been having severe pain with every menstrual cycle and knew my endometriosis had returned. An ultrasound revealed a complex cyst about the size of an egg and attached to my ovary. We agreed the best course of action was to watch it for a few weeks, clean up my diet (goodbye coffee, hello celery juice!), and check it again in December. The exam in December showed the cyst remained and had a new feature on it, a nodular tumor. My gynecologist told me it could be cancer and offered a CA-125 blood test. However, there was no definitive way to know without surgery. So, we scheduled the surgery, a laparoscopic cystectomy. The whole discussion took less than 10 minutes.

I returned home from that appointment scared and uncertain. Of course, my ultimate fear was losing a battle against cancer and leaving my 4-year-old without a mother. It was ridiculously easy for my mind to jump to that awful conclusion. I consciously refused to buy into that outcome that my mind wanted to play on repeat. After a few hours of acknowledging the fear and reprogramming my mind with positive outcomes, I felt more at peace.

In the days leading up to the surgery, I reprioritized my day to begin with a writing meditation full of “I am” statements such as “I am healthy and pain-free” and trust statements like “The universe conspires to help me.” I also spent 5-10 minutes every morning connecting to a higher power and asking for divine guidance. I revised my will. I treasured tucking my daughter into bed every night.

By the day of my surgery, I felt confident that the surgery would be a success. That morning I reminded my gynecologist to preserve my ovary if she could and to clean up any other endometrial tissue she discovered. She agreed and within minutes the anesthesiologist was there ready to knock me out. When I woke up in recovery about 90 minutes later, I was in a lot of pain and the nurse sent fentanyl through my IV. As someone who relies on herbal medicine, having fentanyl surge through my veins was quite a sensation. My pain level decreased from 8 to 1 within minutes, but I still had no idea if the surgery was a success. Once I saw my husband, my first question was, “Do I still have all my organs?” He said yes and a few hours later, I was released in a fentanyl haze of relief and gratitude.

Fast forward two weeks to today, when I had my post-operative appointment. I found out the cause of the pain was endometriosis, but not at all what I expected. The surgery revealed I had a benign ovarian endometrioma (often called a chocolate cyst) full of endometrial fluid. Compared to 5 years before when I had stage IV endometriosis scattered across my bowels, peritoneum, fallopian tubes and uterus, my body had effectively encapsulated the endometriosis into a single cyst. Miraculously, there were no signs of endometriosis on any other organs or structures. I thought to myself, “Wow, the acupuncture and herbs did help!”

Modern medicine can be life-saving and anyone facing the possibility of a life-threatening illness should consult a trusted MD for a modern diagnosis and treatment plan. However, for many chronic illnesses and conditions, modern medicine offers a very limited toolbox consisting of drugs or surgery. Now that I’ve had a surgical tune-up, I’ll continue with acupuncture treatments two times a week and a daily regimen of Chinese herbs to control the endometriosis. I know the risk of recurrence is high, but now that I’ve witnessed how intelligent my body was to isolate the disease, I have faith that I won’t be on an operating table again anytime soon.