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research on the effects of meditation

Data Over Doubt: Change Your Mind, Change Your Body

Written by Michelle Wendt on . Posted in About Us, Meditation, Mindfulness, Pain, Pain Relief, Recovery, Research, Stress, Tools, Wellness.

What if changing your mind could measurably change your body?
A fascinating 2025 study published in Communications Biology, a Nature Portfolio journal, examined what happened inside the brain and bloodstream after an intensive 7-day mind-body retreat incorporating meditation, mind-body education, and healing practices.
Researchers didn’t just ask participants how they felt. They used fMRI brain imaging, proteomics, metabolomics, microRNA analysis, and cellular testing to look for measurable biological changes. And they found them.
After the retreat, researchers observed:
• Changes in brain connectivity during meditation
• Increased activity in pathways associated with BDNF and neuroplasticity
• Changes in endogenous opioid pathways—the body’s own pain-modulating system
• Alterations in tryptophan metabolism, which is involved in serotonin biology
• Changes in inflammatory and anti-inflammatory signaling
• Increased cellular energy metabolism in laboratory testing
• Greater neurite growth when nerve cells were exposed to participants’ post-retreat plasma
That last finding is especially fascinating.
Blood collected after the retreat promoted significantly greater growth of neuron-like projections in cultured cells than blood collected before the retreat.
Translation: The mind-body connection isn’t just a woo-woo philosophy.
Intensive mind-body practices were associated with measurable changes in the brain, bloodstream, cellular signaling, metabolism, and pathways involved in neuroplasticity.
This doesn’t prove that meditation alone caused these changes… the study was small, had no matched control group, and several mind-body interventions were used together. But it gives us something remarkable to investigate:
Our internal experience may have biological consequences that reach far beyond how we feel.
Your thoughts aren’t happening separately from your body. Your brain is part of your body. And science is getting increasingly sophisticated at measuring the conversation between the two.
Learn how to tap into your brain-body connection by booking a consultation for our Back-To-Balance Meditation Program (ideal for beginners!) by calling 512-686-0777.
Why One Session Won't Change Your Nervous System with woman sitting in front of red light therapy

Why One Session of _____ Won’t Change Your Nervous System

Written by Michelle Wendt on . Posted in About Us, Acupuncture, Motherhood, New Patients, Pain, Pain Relief, Stress.

Let’s talk about one of the most appealing ideas in modern wellness… the idea that one session of (fill-in-the-blank) can significantly change your nervous system.

One acupuncture session. One red light therapy session. One vagus nerve stimulation treatment. One breathwork class, cold plunge, supplement, or wearable device.

You feel different afterward, so it is tempting to believe something lasting has happened. Sometimes you do feel calmer, sleep better, experience less pain, or have more energy after a single treatment. That response matters.

But one treatment usually does not create a long-term change in your autonomic nervous system.

That is not bad news. It is simply how the body learns.

What is the autonomic nervous system?

Your autonomic nervous system helps manage functions that happen mostly outside your conscious control, including:

  • Heart rate
  • Breathing patterns
  • Digestion
  • Blood pressure
  • Temperature regulation
  • Sleep and wakefulness
  • Stress responses
  • Recovery after physical or emotional demands

It is constantly assessing your environment and deciding whether your body needs to mobilize, protect, rest, digest, repair, or recover.

The Cleveland Clinic explains the autonomic nervous system as the system responsible for many of these automatic functions.

When your nervous system has been under strain for a long time, it may become easier to shift into patterns such as:

  • Feeling “wired but tired”
  • Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
  • Digestive upset during stressful periods
  • Muscle tension and jaw clenching
  • Increased sensitivity to pain
  • Racing thoughts
  • Irritability or emotional reactivity
  • Feeling lightheaded, overwhelmed, or easily startled

Does this sound familiar?

These patterns are not failure. They are learned physiological responses. And because they are learned, they can also change. But meaningful change generally comes through repetition, not a single dramatic intervention.

One treatment can be useful but it is not the whole process

A single treatment may offer a meaningful shift.

You may leave an acupuncture appointment feeling more settled. Your shoulders may drop. Your breathing may slow. You may notice less pain or a better night of sleep.

A red light therapy session may feel soothing. A vagus nerve stimulation device may create a noticeable sensation or temporary change in how you feel. A guided breathing exercise may interrupt a stress response.

These experiences can be helpful. They may show you that your body is capable of moving into a different state.

Think of one treatment as a signal or a direction-finder.

It may help you notice:

  • “My body can relax.”
  • “My pain is not fixed at one level.”
  • “I can sleep more deeply.”
  • “My digestion changes when I feel safer.”
  • “I have more influence over my physical state than I realized.”

That is valuable information.

But a signal is not the same as a completed transformation. One good day does not mean your nervous system has shifted into homeostasis. One difficult day does not mean you have lost progress, either.

Why quick fixes are so appealing

When you have been struggling with chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, digestive symptoms, or exhaustion, you want relief now. That makes complete sense.

You may have already tried medications, supplements, appointments, diets, devices, and lifestyle changes. You may be tired of hearing that improvement requires “patience” when you simply want to feel like yourself again.

The wellness industry understands this frustration. Many products are marketed around words such as:

  • Reset
  • Rewire
  • Hack
  • Activate
  • Repair
  • Balance
  • Transform

Some tools may have a legitimate place in care. The problem is the promise that one session or one product can do all the work for you.

Your nervous system is not a light switch. It does not permanently move from “dysregulated” to “regulated” because of one intervention.

It is more like a set of pathways that become stronger through repeated use.

Acupuncture is not a permanent rewrite

Acupuncture can influence pain processing, muscle tension, stress physiology, and autonomic function. Research has explored changes in markers such as heart rate variability, blood pressure, and other measures of nervous-system activity. The evidence varies depending on the condition, treatment approach, and quality of the study.

At Indigo, we do not present acupuncture as magic. We use it as one part of a broader, individualized medical plan.

One session may help create a calmer physiological state. It may reduce the intensity of a symptom enough for you to sleep, move, eat, or think more clearly. That can become an important starting point.

But if the factors contributing to your symptoms remain unchanged, the effect may fade.

Longer-term progress often depends on combining treatment with:

  • Consistent appointments when clinically appropriate
  • Better sleep rhythms
  • Nourishing, regular meals
  • Appropriate movement
  • Breathing and recovery practices
  • Changes to workload or stress exposure
  • Improved awareness of early warning signs
  • Medical evaluation when symptoms need further investigation

The goal is not to become dependent on treatment forever. Our philosophy is education before dependency. We want you to understand what your body is communicating and build more capacity to support yourself between visits.

What about vagus nerve stimulators?

The vagus nerve is involved in communication between the brain and many organs, including the heart and digestive system. Vagus nerve stimulation is a legitimate medical technology used for specific conditions, often under the supervision of a qualified medical team.

There is also growing interest in noninvasive consumer devices that claim to stimulate the vagus nerve or “reset” the nervous system.

Some forms of vagus nerve stimulation have promising research behind them, particularly when paired with structured rehabilitation or specific training. For example, research on stimulation paired with task-specific rehabilitation suggests that neuromodulation may support learning in carefully defined clinical settings. You can review one discussion of autonomic neuromodulation and neuroplasticity through this peer-reviewed Frontiers in Neurology article.

The important point is this: even when a device is useful, stimulation alone is not usually the entire intervention.

The brain and nervous system learn through context and repetition. A signal becomes more meaningful when it is paired with:

  • A specific movement or rehabilitation task
  • Repeated practice
  • Appropriate progression
  • Adequate recovery
  • Professional guidance
  • Attention to the underlying condition

If you are considering a vagus nerve device, especially if you have a neurological, cardiovascular, psychiatric, or implanted medical device history, discuss it with your physician or an appropriately qualified clinician. “Noninvasive” does not automatically mean appropriate for everyone.

What about red light therapy?

Red light therapy, also called photobiomodulation, is another popular example.

Early research is exploring possible effects on cellular energy production, inflammation, blood flow, pain, and brain function. However, the evidence for permanently changing autonomic nervous-system patterns is still limited and developing.

That does not mean red light therapy has no value. It means we should be honest about what is known and what is not.

A session may feel relaxing. It may support a broader treatment plan for some people. But no credible practitioner should promise that one exposure permanently regulates your nervous system.

The same question applies to any trending product: Does this tool support a process, or is it being sold as a substitute for one?

What about iNMS systems like NeuX?

You may also see Interactive Neuromuscular Stimulation, or iNMS, marketed through systems such as NeuX’s NXPro, especially for physically and emotionally burned-out moms who want relief fast.

To be fair, this is not nonsense technology. iNMS is a legitimate electrical stimulation approach that uses alternating current and direct current waveforms to stimulate muscles and nerves. In the right setting, it may help reduce muscle pain, improve muscle activation, and support physical recovery. It is also genuinely used in some postpartum and pelvic floor recovery programs.

Burnout in mothers is often not just “stress.” It can include:

  • Physical fatigue that never fully resets
  • Pelvic floor and core strain after pregnancy or delivery
  • Sleep disruption that compounds everything else
  • Ongoing muscle tension and pain
  • Mental load and emotional overload
  • A body that feels like it is always bracing for the next demand

If that is you, you do not need a session marketed as a one-time quick fix. You need honest support and a plan that respects how much your system is holding.

An iNMS session may help a tired body feel different. It may create better muscle recruitment, less guarding, or a short-term shift in pain and tension. That can be valuable.

But one iNMS session is not likely to permanently reprogram the autonomic nervous system of a burned-out human, for the same reason one acupuncture session, one vagus nerve session, or one breathwork class usually does not. Nervous-system change happens through repetition, context, and consistency; not one dramatic input.

In other words, a helpful signal is not the same thing as a completed transformation.

Used appropriately, iNMS may have a place inside a broader recovery plan. It can be part of the input. It is not the whole story.

At Indigo, that distinction matters. We believe in regulation before resolution. We also believe in education before dependency. A tool may help create the conditions for healing, but lasting change usually comes from what your body experiences repeatedly, safely, and over time.

Nervous-system change is cumulative

Your nervous system adapts to what it experiences repeatedly.

If your body repeatedly experiences pressure, sleep deprivation, pain, uncertainty, or prolonged stress, those inputs can reinforce protective patterns.

If your body repeatedly experiences safety, appropriate movement, restorative sleep, nourishing food, social connection, and manageable challenges, those inputs can support flexibility and recovery.

This is the basic idea behind neuroplasticity: the nervous system can adapt over time based on repeated experiences. A review published through the National Institutes of Health’s PubMed Central discusses the relationship between autonomic function, stress, and health.

The most useful question is not:

> “What is the one treatment that will fix my nervous system?”

A more productive question is:

> “What combination of inputs can I repeat consistently enough for my body to learn from them?”

That shift can feel less exciting than a quick fix. It is also more empowering.

Regulation before resolution

At Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage, we often begin with regulation before resolution.

When the nervous system is overwhelmed, the body may not respond well to increasingly complex plans. Before we ask it to resolve a chronic symptom, we first work toward creating enough stability to support change.

That may include acupuncture, education, lifestyle recommendations, and other appropriate care. The plan depends on your history, symptoms, goals, and response to treatment.

We look for progress such as:

  • Fewer or less intense symptoms
  • More consistent sleep
  • Improved energy
  • Better digestion
  • Greater emotional steadiness
  • Increased tolerance for activity
  • More confidence in understanding your body

Progress is not always dramatic. Sometimes it looks like recovering faster after a stressful day. Sometimes it means noticing tension earlier and responding before it becomes a migraine or pain flare.

Those changes count!

You are not broken and you do not need to chase every trend

If one treatment helps you feel better, you do not have to dismiss that experience. Let it be useful information.

At the same time, you do not need to buy every device, try every protocol, or judge yourself when one intervention does not create lasting change. Your body is not failing because it needs repetition and support.

A long-term shift in autonomic regulation is usually built through a thoughtful combination of:

  • The right clinical care
  • Consistent practice
  • Realistic lifestyle changes
  • Adequate time
  • Ongoing education
  • Adjustments based on your response

Ready for a clear, individualized plan?

If you are dealing with chronic pain, insomnia, stress-related symptoms, digestive disruption, migraines, fertility challenges, or other patterns that keep returning, we can help you understand the bigger picture.

Indigo is a doctor-led, integrative medical practice serving Dripping Springs and the surrounding Hill Country. Our approach combines acupuncture and East Asian medicine with modern understanding of stress physiology and nervous-system regulation.

Learn more about our services or meet our team.

When you are ready to take the next step, call 512-686-0777 or use the contact page to request an appointment or consultation.

One treatment may be a beginning. The lasting work comes from what we build together; and what your body has the opportunity to practice, again and again.

The Ear-Brain Connection: Why Auriculotherapy is Your Nervous System’s 'Reset Button'

The Ear-Brain Connection: Why Auriculotherapy is Your Nervous System’s Reset Button

Written by Michelle Wendt on . Posted in About Us, Appointments, Auriculotherapy, Pain Relief, Stress, Vagus Nerve. No Comments on The Ear-Brain Connection: Why Auriculotherapy is Your Nervous System’s Reset Button

Have you ever wondered why, after just a few tiny needles or seeds are placed in your ear, your entire body feels like it finally took a deep, collective breath? It’s a sensation many of our patients at Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage describe as a “system override”… a sudden, profound shift from high-alert tension to a state of calm.

Let’s talk about why this happens. For a long time, people viewed the outer ear as nothing more than a bit of cartilage designed to catch sound waves. But in the world of integrative medicine and neuroscience, we know the ear is actually a dense, sophisticated neurological interface. It is, quite literally, a direct line to your brain’s control center.

Whether you are struggling with chronic pain, high-functioning anxiety, or the physical burnout of a multitasking lifestyle, auriculotherapy might be the key to reclaiming your well-being.

The Ear as a Brain Dashboard

Did you know that your ear is the only place on the entire body where the Vagus nerve (the “CEO” of your nervous system) is accessible at the surface level?

When we look at the anatomy of the outer ear (the auricle), we see a rich map of nerve endings. It isn’t just skin; it’s a crossroads for several major cranial and spinal nerves:

  • The Vagus Nerve: The primary driver of your parasympathetic nervous system.
  • The Trigeminal Nerve: Responsible for sensation in the face and motor functions like biting and chewing.
  • The Facial Nerve: Controlling the muscles of facial expression.
  • Cervical Spinal Nerves: Connecting the ear to the neck and upper spine.

This means that when we stimulate specific points on the ear, we aren’t just affecting local tissue. We are sending direct electrical signals into the brainstem. Think of the ear as a remote control for your brain. By clicking the right “buttons,” we can change how your brain processes pain, stress, and even organ function.

1. Activating Your “Reset Button” (The Vagus Nerve)

The most celebrated mechanism of auriculotherapy is its ability to interface with the Vagus nerve. In our modern world, most of us spend far too much time in a sympathetic state: the “fight-or-flight” response. This state is useful if you’re running from a predator, but it’s devastating to your health when it’s triggered by emails, traffic, and endless to-do lists.

Stimulating the auricular branch of the Vagus nerve shifts the body from:
Sympathetic (Fight-or-Flight) → Parasympathetic (Rest, Repair, Heal)

What does this actually look like in your body?

  • Lowered Heart Rate: Your heart rhythm becomes more coherent and calm.
  • Reduced Inflammation: The Vagus nerve helps regulate the “cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway” which serves as a bridge between the central nervous system and the immune system to prevent excessive inflammation and tissue damage.
  • Improved Digestion: Your body moves energy away from your limbs and back to your gut, where it can actually absorb nutrients.
  • Calmed Pain Signaling: The brain stops perceiving every sensation as a threat.

This is why many of our acupuncture patients feel a sense of “heavy limbs” or deep relaxation within minutes of a treatment. Your nervous system has finally received the signal that it is safe to rest.

2. Modulating Pain Where It Starts: In the Brain

One of the most common questions I get is, “How can a needle in my ear help my back pain?” It’s a valid question! The answer lies in how the brain processes pain.

Auriculotherapy doesn’t just address the site of the injury; it influences the regions of the brain responsible for pain perception:

  1. The Brainstem: The gateway where sensory information enters the brain.
  2. The Limbic System: The emotional center. This is why pain often feels “frustrating” or “depressing.” Auriculotherapy helps decouple the sensation of pain from the emotional distress it causes.
  3. The Cortex: Where the brain interprets and decides how much “volume” to give to a pain signal.

Research shows that ear acupuncture increases the production of endorphins (our body’s natural morphine) and regulates neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. This helps reduce “central sensitization”: a state where the nervous system stays in a persistent high-reactivity mode, effectively turning the volume knob of pain all the way up. Auriculotherapy helps us turn that knob back down.

3. Restoring Homeostasis and Whole-System Balance

At Indigo Healing, we focus heavily on homeostasis: the body’s natural ability to maintain a stable, healthy internal environment despite what’s happening outside.

Auriculotherapy is a master tool for restoring this balance. It works by:

  • Regulating the Autonomic Nervous System: Balancing the gas pedal (sympathetic) and the brakes (parasympathetic).
  • Balancing the HPA Axis: This is the communication line between your brain and your adrenal glands. By regulating this, we help manage cortisol levels and prevent “adrenal fatigue.”
  • Improving Heart-Brain Communication: This aligns perfectly with my work in HeartMath, helping your heart and brain work in sync rather than at odds.

When your nervous system shifts out of survival mode and back into homeostasis, healing becomes the default setting. Blood flow improves, muscles naturally release their grip, and your internal organs can function with precision.

4. The TCM Perspective: The Inverted Fetus

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has understood neuroscience for thousands of years. In TCM, the ear is viewed as a microsystem that reflects the entire body. If you look closely at an ear map, you’ll notice it resembles an inverted fetus: the earlobe is the head, the internal ridge is the spine, and the center is the abdominal cavity.

In our practice, we use this map to identify where Qi (energy) and Blood have become stagnant.

  • Pain = Stagnation. When energy can’t flow, pain acts as a signal.
  • Healing = Restoring Flow. By stimulating specific ear points, we clear these blockages and calm the Shen (the mind or spirit).

When your Shen is calm, your body can finally stop fighting itself.

5. Why Does It Work So Fast?

If you’ve ever experienced the NADA protocol (a specific 5-point ear treatment often used for stress and addiction) or had ear seeds placed after a session, you know the results are often immediate.

Auriculotherapy works fast because it bypasses the slower peripheral pathways and talks directly to the brain via the cranial nerves. It is a high-speed fiber-optic connection in a world of dial-up. This makes it incredibly powerful for:

  • Acute pain and sports injuries.
  • Anxiety and panic attacks.
  • PTSD and emotional trauma.
  • Insomnia and sleep disturbances.

The Clinical Perspective
Auriculotherapy functions as a high-speed interface with the brainstem. It allows us to bypass slow pathways and speak directly to the centers governing pain and regulation. By shifting the body out of “survival mode” and into homeostasis, we address the root of the dysfunction, making pain relief a natural byproduct of systemic regulation.

Auriculotherapy doesn’t just “treat pain.” It changes the state of your body.

As busy humans with competing priorities, we often get caught up in chasing symptoms: the headache, the backache, the digestive upset. But when we use the ear to shift the body out of survival mode and back into homeostasis, the pain often decreases as a natural byproduct. We aren’t just masking a symptom; we are changing the environment in which that symptom exists.

Ready to Reset Your System?

At Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage, we specialize in these high-level neurological approaches to health. Whether you are looking for stress reduction in your busy life or relief from a long-term condition, we are here to help you return to your best, most vibrant self.

If you’re ready to experience the “reset button” for yourself, we invite you to book a consultation with Dr. Michelle Wendt, L.Ac., DACM at our Dripping Springs clinic.

Envelope addressed to Dripping Springs Mama

A Love Letter to You, Dripping Springs Mama

Written by Michelle Wendt on . Posted in Balance, Community, Emotions, Family, Fatigue, Insomnia, Life, Marriage, Motherhood, Parenting, Recovery, Relationships, Sleep, Stress, Weekends, Wellness, Worry. No Comments on A Love Letter to You, Dripping Springs Mama

To you, Dripping Springs Mama,

The kids are back in school! As you get back into the daily grind of school schedules, carpools, sports, extracurricular activities, meal planning, laundry, and maybe that thing called work, what are you doing to take care of yourself?

At Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage, I listen to mamas just like you that have spent months, years, even decades of putting their kids first and letting their own needs slide into the backseat. When we sit down and talk, I learn that you have high blood pressure, you toss and turn every night, you feel too exhausted to exercise, you feel frustrated with your family, calls and texts go unanswered because you’re out of bandwidth, and you generally feel like a hot mess express. 

I’m here to give you a tough love wake-up call. You need to put yourself first. Now.

Why?

Your blood pressure is dangerously high. 

Your restless nights are prematurely aging you. 

Your chronic sleep deprivation is wreaking havoc on your hormones.

You feel constantly on edge.

You are go, Go, GO, while your body is screaming for care.

You are on the fast track to having a devastating stroke.

Or a heart attack.

And you will not get to choose the time or place.

You and your family’s life will change forever.

Sadly, you might not even be around to see the impact. 

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked or a blood vessel bursts, severely damaging brain cells. It might surprise you to learn that stroke is the 5th leading cause of death for women, and 1 in 5 women between 55 and 75 will experience it. These figures are not meant to scare you, but rather empower you with knowledge. The good news is that 4 out of 5 strokes can be prevented.

One of the major warning signs your body will send you before having a stroke is high blood pressure. Hypertension affects over 45% of women and more than 2 in 5 women have blood pressure greater than or equal to 130/80 mm Hg. Only about 1 in 4 of those women have their blood pressure controlled to below 130/80 mm Hg.

In the midst of your packed schedule, it’s important to acknowledge the impact of lifestyle choices. Smoking/vaping, an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, obesity, high blood pressure (equal or greater than 130/80 mm Hg, high cholesterol, diabetes, stress, excessive alcohol, and poor sleep can heighten your vulnerability.

I completely understand the challenges of finding time, but small positive changes can yield substantial benefits. Incorporating a healthier diet, even a bit of activity, managing stress in manageable ways, considering steps to quit smoking and moderate alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight can all contribute to lowering your risk. 

Your well-being matters. By investing a little time now, you’re securing a healthier future for yourself and your family. 

With love and understanding,

Dr. Michelle Wendt, L.Ac., DACM

P.S. My team and I are here to guide and support you. Give us a call at 512-686-0777 or learn more at IndigoHealingAcupuncture.com

P.S.S. We have morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend appointments to fit YOUR schedule.

Black and purple brain illustration with Indigo logo and article headline

How Does Acupuncture Enhance Brain Activity?

Written by Michelle Wendt on . Posted in Acupuncture, Anxiety, Appointments, Balance, Emotions, Migraine, New Patients, Pain, Pain Relief, Stress, Worry. No Comments on How Does Acupuncture Enhance Brain Activity?

How does acupuncture affect and enhance brain activity? Acupuncture has been shown to produce changes in brain wave activity, although the specific brain waves involved can vary depending on the type of acupuncture stimulation and the individual’s response to it.

During acupuncture, it is common to observe an increase in theta and alpha brain wave activity, which are associated with relaxation and a decrease in stress and anxiety.

Beta brain waves, which are associated with a state of alertness and cognitive processing, may also decrease during acupuncture.

In addition, studies have found that acupuncture can increase the production of neurotransmitters (such as endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine) that are involved in regulating pain and mood.

Reach out to us at 512-686-0777 to learn how acupuncture can enhance your brain.

Green leaves with text Why Try Acupuncture

Why Try Acupuncture?

Written by Michelle Wendt on . Posted in About Us, Appointments, Clinic, Consultation, Headache, Migraine, Pain Relief, Stress. No Comments on Why Try Acupuncture?

There are many reasons why someone might want to try acupuncture. Some people use acupuncture as a way to manage pain, such as back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, or headaches. Others use it to address a specific health condition, such as asthma, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome, infertility, or addiction. Still, others use acupuncture as a way to improve overall health and well-being or to reduce the stress of life.

Acupuncture is generally considered to be a safe and effective treatment option, with a low risk of side effects. It is often used in conjunction with other treatments, such as therapeutic massage or physical therapy, to help enhance the overall effectiveness of treatment. Medical doctors frequently refer patients to acupuncture as an alternative to medications, surgery, or injections.

There are thousands of clinical studies measuring the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of disease and pain. Setting up a one-on-one consultation with the team at Indigo Healing Acupuncture is a great way to learn how acupuncture could specifically help you feel your best!

Child piggybacking with mother and family dinner table in background.

“I need to talk to my husband…”

Written by indigoacupuncture@megamad.work on . Posted in About Us, Family, Fatigue, Life, Marriage, Motherhood, Parenting, Stress, Worry. No Comments on “I need to talk to my husband…”

Dear Mama Sitting In Front of Me,

I see you.

I know you’re exhausted.

I know it took every ounce of willpower for you to get out of bed this morning.

I know how much your jaw hurt when you tried to smile at your kids because you spent another restless night grinding away your worry.

I know about the resentment you feel when your husband announces he’s going to disappear for 6 hours on a Saturday to hang out with the guys and relieve stress.

I know about the never-ending to do list that you mentally track. How every time you check a box you feel a twinge of hope you’re getting closer to a chance to rest.

I see the toll carrying such a heavy load is taking on your body and spirit.

I see the pain pounding away at your happiness and a cloud covering your heart.

I understand that it seems impossible to take time for yourself.

It breaks my heart to hear you don’t have the time to do what you need to do.

It maddens me to hear it’s up to your husband to decide if you’re worthy of feeling better.

It saddens me that your kids will not get a chance to know who you are without pain.

I want to to tell you all these things, but I see you.

I see you holding back the tears because you already know.

You already know you need help.

You already know you deserve a better life.

You already know your kids deserve the best you.

You already know you should be making your own decision.

You already know you shouldn’t need to expend precious energy to convince him.

You already know you don’t need to ask permission to do what’s best for you.

If only you could see what I see.

You are worth it.

With love,
Dr. Michelle
Silver Lining

The Magic of this Pandemic

Written by indigoacupuncture@megamad.work on . Posted in Clinic, Emotions, Family, Gratitude, Grief, Recovery, Relationships, Stress, Wellness, Worry. No Comments on The Magic of this Pandemic

“There is no magic cure, no making it all go away forever. There are only small steps upward; an easier day, an unexpected laugh, a mirror that doesn’t matter anymore.”
​- Laurie Halse Anderson
​The entire modern world is at a standstill.

Streets are empty.
Playgrounds are eerily quiet.
Music venues are silent.
Sport fields are barren.
Going out in public is a risky adventure.

Birds chirp.
Deer roam.
Alarm clocks are unset.
Dogs enjoy company all day.
Neighbors help neighbors.

Hitting a collective pause button has never happened in our lifetimes. It was inconceivable.

So much was lost when we hit the pause button. Big games, weddings, birthday parties, family vacations, grand openings, anniversary celebrations, graduations, baby showers and countless other special occasions.

When external activities disappear from our calendars, what’s left? What are the side-effects of this crisis?

  • Long phone calls talking about nothing & everything.
  • Sunsets glowing over families at a dinner table filled with odds & ends.​
  • Forgetting what day of the week it is.
  • Discovering new hobbies.
  • Finding solace in music.
  • Rekindling old pastimes.
  • Neighborhood walks.
  • Growing food.
  • Supporting a struggling small business with an order.
  • Watching old TV shows.
  • Stargazing.

In the midst of a pandemic that has disrupted our daily lives, this is where the magic resides.

We can choose to focus on the moments that matter.

We can embrace the surprising side-effects of our lives on hold. We can graciously accept that aspects of our former lives will undergo a transformation beyond our control. We can linger in the unknowing of when our new normal might begin. This pandemic will pass.  We will all have new beginnings. There is no going back.

Embrace the magic because we’ll never have this time again.

Pregnancy

10 Reasons for Holistic Pregnancy Support

Written by indigoacupuncture@megamad.work on . Posted in Back Pain, Breech Baby, Fatigue, Fertility, Headache, Heartburn, Insomnia, Miscarriage, Morning Sickness, Postpartum, Pregnancy, Stress. No Comments on 10 Reasons for Holistic Pregnancy Support

Did you know we offer Holistic Pregnancy Support for…

  • Miscarriage Prevention
  • Morning Sickness
  • Placenta Previa
  • Breech Presentation
  • Back Pain
  • Acid Refux/Heartburn
  • Headaches
  • Insomnia & Fatigue
  • Stress & More!

Dr. Michelle Wendt, L.Ac., DACM was also recently nominated as the Best Acupuncturist and Best Herbalist by the 2019 Austin Birth Awards!

We want pregnancy to be an enjoyable phase of your life! From the first positive test to the end of postpartum, we can help you relieve pain, have more energy, and recover from labor & delivery.

Give us a call at 512-686-0777 to schedule a consultation.