Wellness Archives - Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage

Data Over Doubt: Change Your Mind, Change Your Body

Written by Michelle Wendt on August 19, 2026. 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.

Thank You for Seven Best of Dripping Springs Awards in 2026

Written by Michelle Wendt on May 31, 2026. 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

Written by Michelle Wendt on April 19, 2026. 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:

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.”
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.
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.

Woman with Kidney Yin Deficiency fanning herself

Understanding Kidney Yin Deficiency: Why Women Over 45 Feel the Heat

Written by Michelle Wendt on February 19, 2026. Posted in Acupuncture, Hormones, Insomnia, Perimenopause, Wellness, Women. No Comments on Understanding Kidney Yin Deficiency: Why Women Over 45 Feel the Heat

Understanding Kidney Yin Deficiency: Why Women Over 45 Feel the Heat

Let’s talk about something that affects countless women over 45, yet rarely gets the nuanced attention it deserves: that internal feeling of heat, restlessness, and depletion that seems to come from nowhere, and everywhere, all at once.

You know the experience. You wake up drenched at 3 a.m., sheets soaked around your chest. Your skin feels dry no matter how much lotion you apply. Sleep becomes elusive, and when it finally comes, it’s thin and dream-filled. Your lower back aches. You feel simultaneously wired and exhausted.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Modern medicine considers this perimenopause or menopause. And there’s a framework in Traditional Chinese Medicine that offers both explanation and pathway forward: Kidney Yin Deficiency.

What Is Kidney Yin Deficiency, Really?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the concept of “Kidney” extends far beyond the organ itself. Think of the Kidneys as your body’s deepest reservoir of cooling, moistening, nourishing energy. This isn’t mysticism, it’s a sophisticated way of describing the body’s capacity to regulate temperature, maintain fluid balance, support hormonal function, and manage stress recovery.

Yin represents the cooling, calming, restorative side of your physiology. It’s the brake pedal to Yang’s accelerator. When Kidney Yin becomes depleted, your internal cooling system starts to fail. What emerges is something TCM practitioners call “empty heat”, not true inflammation or infection, but a sensation of heat arising from insufficient cooling reserves.

From a Western medicine perspective, we can understand this as dysregulation in your hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, declining estrogen affecting thermoregulation, and compromised parasympathetic nervous system function. The traditional framework and modern science actually describe the same phenomenon from different angles.

Why Women Over 45 Are Particularly Vulnerable

Here’s where hormones, life experience, and physiology converge. Women over 45 are navigating perimenopause and menopause, a profound hormonal transition that directly impacts the body’s cooling and moistening functions. As estrogen declines, so does the body’s ability to regulate temperature, maintain vaginal and skin moisture, and support bone density.

But it’s not just hormones. Consider what else happens during these decades:

Decades of accumulated stress from careers, caregiving, and the general intensity of modern life
Chronic sleep disruption (whether from young children years ago or current responsibilities)
Postpartum depletion that may never have been fully addressed
Natural aging processes that affect kidney function and fluid metabolism

Think of Kidney Yin as a savings account. Every stressor, every sleepless night, every intense life phase makes a withdrawal. By 45, many women are running on reserves that have been depleted for years.

How Kidney Yin Deficiency Actually Feels

The hallmark of Kidney Yin Deficiency is this paradox: you feel hot, but weak. Restless, but exhausted. Let’s break down what women most commonly experience:

Heat Without Fire

Night sweats that drench your chest, neck, and head
Hot flashes that seem to come from your core
Heat in your palms, soles of feet, and chest (especially in the afternoon and evening)
A general feeling of being “too warm” even when others are comfortable

Dryness Everywhere

Your body’s moisture reserves are depleted:

Dry mouth and throat, especially at night
Dry, itchy skin that doesn’t respond well to moisturizers
Dry eyes that feel gritty or irritated
Vaginal dryness that affects comfort and intimacy
Dry, brittle hair and nails

Sleep Disruption and Mental Restlessness

Yin deficiency creates a specific pattern of insomnia:

Difficulty falling asleep despite feeling tired
Waking between 1-4 a.m. and struggling to return to sleep
Vivid, intense dreams or nightmares
Waking feeling unrefreshed

Emotionally, you might notice anxiety, irritability, and a sense of being “ungrounded” or scattered, your nervous system literally can’t down-regulate properly.

Physical Weakness in Specific Areas

The Kidney meridian governs certain body regions, and deficiency shows up predictably:

Lower back soreness or weakness
Knee pain or instability
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Frequent nighttime urination

And yes, this pattern can also show up as changes that feel more personal, but are incredibly common:

Lower desire/libido or feeling like your body’s “spark” is quieter than it used to be
Cold hands and feet, especially when you’re tired, stressed, or not sleeping well (it can feel like your circulation just isn’t keeping up)

If three or more of these symptoms resonate strongly with you, Kidney Yin depletion is likely playing a role.

The Connection to Your Nervous System

Here’s where Eastern and Western perspectives beautifully align. Kidney Yin Deficiency isn’t separate from your nervous system regulation, it’s deeply intertwined with it.

When your parasympathetic nervous system (your “rest and digest” mode) is compromised by chronic stress and hormonal shifts, you lose the ability to truly recover. You become stuck in a low-grade sympathetic state, not quite fight-or-flight, but never fully relaxed either.

This creates a vicious cycle: poor nervous system regulation depletes Kidney Yin further, and depleted Kidney Yin makes it harder for your nervous system to down-regulate. The result? You feel simultaneously exhausted and wired, depleted yet unable to rest.

Modern research supports this connection. Studies show that acupuncture can help regulate the HPA axis, improve autonomic nervous system balance, and reduce inflammatory markers associated with menopausal symptoms. The ancient framework of Kidney Yin Deficiency gives us a map for addressing these interconnected systems together.

The Indigo Healing Approach: Doctor-Led, Evidence-Informed Care

At Indigo Healing, we approach Kidney Yin Deficiency through a lens that honors both traditional wisdom and contemporary science. Dr. Michelle Wendt, DACM brings doctoral-level training in acupuncture and Chinese Medicine alongside a commitment to evidence-informed practice.

This means your care plan isn’t based on outdated stereotypes about “balancing energy.” Instead, we use:

Comprehensive assessment that includes your hormonal history, stress patterns, sleep quality, and nervous system regulation
Targeted acupuncture protocols designed to support parasympathetic activation, reduce inflammatory heat markers, and promote restorative sleep
Lifestyle and nutritional guidance grounded in both TCM theory and nutritional science
Realistic expectations about what acupuncture can support (symptom reduction, improved quality of life, enhanced resilience) versus what it cannot (it’s not a magic cure)

The goal isn’t to “fix” you, because you’re not broken. The goal is to restore your body’s capacity for self-regulation, cooling, and restoration.

Gentle, Actionable Steps You Can Take

While professional care is valuable, there are meaningful steps you can implement immediately:

Support Your Yin Through Food

TCM identifies certain foods as naturally nourishing to Kidney Yin:

Bone broths and soups that are deeply nourishing
Black sesame seeds, walnuts, and other mineral-rich nuts
Dark leafy greens and seaweed
Pears, pomegranates, and other juicy fruits
High-quality animal proteins in moderation

Equally important is what to reduce: excessive caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and sugar all generate heat and further deplete Yin reserves.

Prioritize Sleep Hygiene with Intention

Your body rebuilds Yin during deep sleep. Create conditions for better rest:

Keep your bedroom genuinely cool (65-68°F)
Use breathable, moisture-wicking bedding
Consider a weighted blanket to support nervous system calming
Establish a true wind-down routine (not just scrolling your phone with blue light filters on)

Embrace Restorative Movement

High-intensity exercise can further deplete Yin. Instead, try:

Yin yoga or restorative yoga
Walking in nature, especially near water
Tai chi or qigong
Gentle swimming

Manage Stress as Medicine

This isn’t optional anymore, it’s essential. Your nervous system needs deliberate downregulation:

Regular meditation or breathing practices
Time in nature without agenda
Creative activities that engage you without pressure
Boundaries around work, caregiving, and social obligations

Moving Forward: You Deserve to Feel Grounded Again

If you’re reading this and recognizing yourself in these symptoms, please know: this isn’t “just menopause” you have to endure. Kidney Yin Deficiency is real, it’s addressable, and you don’t have to navigate it alone.

The women who come to Indigo Healing often describe feeling seen and understood: perhaps for the first time in years. Dr. Wendt’s approach combines the sophistication of doctoral-level training with genuine empathy for what you’re experiencing.

Acupuncture for Kidney Yin Deficiency typically involves weekly sessions initially, gradually spacing out as your body’s regulation improves. Many women notice better sleep within the first few treatments, with heat symptoms and emotional balance improving over 6-12 weeks.

A Final Note on Perimenopause (Because It’s Not “All in Your Head”)

Are you still getting a cycle, even if it’s unpredictable, and wondering why you feel like a different person month to month? That’s often perimenopause, the years (sometimes a decade) leading up to menopause when hormones can fluctuate dramatically.

In real life, perimenopause can look like:

Hot flashes or night sweats that come and go
New or worsening insomnia (especially the 1–4 a.m. wake-ups)
More anxiety, irritability, or feeling “wired but tired”
Vaginal dryness, lower libido, and shifts in how your body responds to stress
A sense that your temperature control and recovery just aren’t what they used to be

From a TCM lens, these transitions commonly overlap with Kidney Yin becoming taxed, especially if you’ve spent years pushing through stress, under-sleeping, or caregiving. The good news? With the right plan, your body can feel steadier again.

At Indigo Healing, we treat perimenopause like the meaningful physiological transition it is: doctor-led, individualized, and focused on nervous-system regulation first, so your hormones and sleep have room to settle. You deserve to move through this chapter feeling supported, resilient, and fully yourself—back to your best life.

Ready to feel like yourself again? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Wendt to explore how acupuncture can support your journey back to balance, resilience, and genuine rest.

You’ve spent decades taking care of everyone else. It’s time to replenish your reserves.

Why You Should Not Get Acupuncture on an Empty Stomach

Written by Michelle Wendt on June 18, 2025. Posted in Acupuncture, Appointments, New Patients, Wellness. No Comments on Why You Should Not Get Acupuncture on an Empty Stomach

What Traditional Chinese Medicine and Modern Science Know About Vasovagal Symptoms During Morning Acupuncture Treatments

Acupuncture is known for helping people heal from pain, stress, and chronic health issues—but did you know that coming in on an empty stomach, especially in the morning, can sometimes lead to dizziness, weakness, or even fainting?

This reaction is known as a vasovagal response, and it’s something we occasionally see when patients skip breakfast before treatment. Let’s break down why this happens from both a Western medical perspective and through the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

What Are Vasovagal Symptoms?

A vasovagal reaction occurs when your body overreacts to stress, causing a sudden drop in blood pressure and heart rate. This leads to:

Dizziness
Nausea
Sweating
Lightheadedness
Fainting

It’s your body’s way of saying, “Something’s not right,” and it often happens when you’re physically depleted—like when you’re hungry and low on energy.

Why Fasting Can Trigger a Vasovagal Response

If you skip breakfast or fast before your acupuncture session:

Your blood sugar may be too low.
Your body lacks the nutrients needed to handle stimulation.
Acupuncture activates your nervous system—if your energy is already drained, this can be too much at once.

Imagine trying to run a marathon with no fuel. That’s what your body feels like when it gets acupuncture without anything in your stomach—it can lead to that faint, woozy feeling.

TCM Insight: The Stomach Is Strongest Between 7–9am

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, every organ has a 2-hour window when it’s most active. The Stomach’s peak time is between 7am and 9am.

According to TCM:

The Stomach channel is responsible for receiving and digesting food (between 7am-9am).
Eating during this window helps generate strong, nourishing Qi (energy).
If your stomach is empty, the body lacks the foundation to properly support the movement of Qi and Blood initiated by acupuncture.
And for those of you wondering, a cup of coffee for breakfast is not enough “food” to prevent an adverse reaction.

In simpler terms: Acupuncture gets things moving, but your body needs fuel to move well—especially when your Stomach is supposed to be most active.

Why Acupuncture + Empty Stomach = Risk for Some Patients

At Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage, we occasionally see vasovagal symptoms in patients who:

Haven’t eaten before their session
Are dehydrated or famished
Schedule appointments between 7–11am without eating breakfast or a snack

Combining acupuncture (which circulates energy) with a lack of nourishment (which creates deficiency) can tip your system out of balance—exactly what we’re trying to fix!

How to Prepare for Your Acupuncture Treatment

To prevent dizziness or fainting during your acupuncture appointment:
✅ Eat a light meal or snack one to two hours before treatment
✅ Drink water—stay hydrated
✅ Let us know if you’re fasting or feeling lightheaded as we may need to reschedule your treatment until after you eat
✅ Avoid scheduling treatments while extremely hungry or depleted

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re coming in for pain relief, stress, digestive issues, or fertility, your body needs to feel safe, strong, and nourished. Acupuncture works best when your system is supported, not starving.

A simple snack can be the difference between a smooth, relaxing treatment—and feeling faint on the table.

Book your first treatment with us by starting with a new patient consultation, and give your body the nourishment it needs to heal from the inside out.

Envelope addressed to Dripping Springs Mama

A Love Letter to You, Dripping Springs Mama

Written by Michelle Wendt on August 15, 2023. 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.

Photo with kids and The Magic of Acupuncture

The Magic of Pediatric Acupuncture

Written by Michelle Wendt on February 12, 2023. Posted in About Us, Acupuncture, Clinic, New Patients, Parenting, Pediatrics, Wellness. No Comments on The Magic of Pediatric Acupuncture

Can a child get acupuncture?

Yes, children can receive acupuncture as a form of treatment. In fact, pediatric acupuncture is often a safe and effective alternative to conventional treatments for many childhood conditions, such as headaches, digestive problems, allergies, and behavioral issues.

Acupuncture for children is performed using very fine, sterile needles that are specifically designed for use on children. The needles are placed at specific points on the body, and the practitioner may apply a toolbox of skills to enhance the therapeutic effect.

When performed by a licensed and experienced acupuncturist, pediatric acupuncture is generally considered safe for children of all ages. However, it’s important to discuss any concerns you may have with your acupuncturist before beginning treatment and to choose an acupuncture clinic experienced with treating children. At Indigo Healing Acupuncture, our clinic is child-friendly and our acupuncturists are trained to make your child’s acupuncture treatment full of fun and curious wonder.

In general, children tend to be more receptive to acupuncture than adults and often experience immediate benefits, making it an excellent choice for those who are looking for a natural and holistic approach to medicine and wellness.

5 Ways to Build Your Resilience in 2021

Written by indigoacupuncture@megamad.work on January 11, 2021. Posted in Anxiety, Balance, Gratitude, Tools, Wellness. No Comments on 5 Ways to Build Your Resilience in 2021

If there’s anything 2020 taught us, it was how to quickly adapt and persevere. As the world seemed to close down, we stayed home striving to find the perfect balance between earning an income, teaching our children, caring for our loved ones at a distance, and trying to make the best out of an avalanche of less-than-desirable and some downright impossible situations.

What badge of honor did we earn for muddling through 2020? A super sparkly, glittery one hinting at a well-deserved reprieve in 2021. Now that we’re all here, this year is already demanding resilience, a capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.

Here are 5 ways to build your resilience in 2021:

Plan Ahead

Upon waking in the morning, before you turn on the news or check your phone or turn on your computer, find a small notebook or a scrap of paper and write down your order for the day as if it already happened. “I nailed the presentation.” “I scored the winning goal.” “I received a $25,000 raise.” “I made a difference in his life.” “I am the best mother.” Anything. Order it up in writing first thing in the morning and see how much better your day goes!

Control How You React

Actively look for opportunities in your life to feel how your reactions affect others. There is no one on this planet who has control over their life; the only thing you CAN control is how you react to life. If someone cuts you off in traffic, count to 5 and choose how to react (as opposed to setting an angry vibe by yelling and freaking out your kids). Life doesn’t always have to be hard, but it will undoubtedly throw challenging curveballs. Take notice and realize that it’s up to you to frame each challenge as an opportunity to learn from and grow.

Identify What Matters To You

At the end of each day, write down 5 things (big or small) that you were proud of or thankful for. Enjoyed that hot cup of coffee? Write it down. Found $5 in a pocket? Write it down! Squeezed in a revitalizing 20 minute workout? Write it down! Finished work on time? Write it down! Got a legit hug from your feisty teenager? Write it down!

After a few days, you’ll start seeing patterns and themes of what is truly important to you.

Invest In Yourself

Take care of your body, mind, and spirit. You only get one body in this lifetime and maintenance is required, just like the sweet ride parked in your garage. Acupuncture is an amazing holistic experience that allows your body to heal, your mind to rest, and your spirit to lift. The best part is all you have to do is show up and lie down in a comfortable room for a few minutes. Easy!

Look for Grace

Who do you need to forgive today? Yourself? Your husband? Your wife? Your child? No one is perfect. No one sees the world like you do. Extend grace and forgiveness. Holding onto anger or resentment towards someone or something only hurts you. You deserve better.

The Magic of this Pandemic

Written by indigoacupuncture@megamad.work on April 14, 2020. 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.

Why I Disappear For 4 Days, 4 Times a Year

Written by indigoacupuncture@megamad.work on April 13, 2019. Posted in Balance, Family, Marriage, Motherhood, Parenting, Travel, Weekends, Wellness. No Comments on Why I Disappear For 4 Days, 4 Times a Year

Where pink clouds meet blue water…4 times a year, I disappear for 4 days to visit this lake to experience a symphony of silence, solitude, introspection & inspiration.

While it’s technically a self-led spiritual retreat, I affectionately call it “Mom Camp” because that phrase makes sense to my four-year-old. The truth is coming here makes me a better mother, wife, friend, doctor & human.

Every trip here is a different experience. The only constant is I’m always transformed by the time I get home.

I highly recommend finding your own version of Mom Camp. Because once you find it, you will never be the same.