Understanding Acupuncture
One of the most frequent questions acupuncturists are asked during a treatment is, “why are you putting the needle there, when my pain is here?” I love getting this question because it allows me to more deeply explain how acupuncture works and my personal approach to diagnosis and treatment.

Traditional Chinese Medicine and the practice of acupuncture are based on the concept of meridians in the body through which energy, or qi, flows. These meridians comprise a network of channels throughout the body upon which there are designated points corresponding to various organ systems and parts of the body.


Learn more about points, meridians and how acupuncture works in our latest blog article.
Super Supplement
A superhero of a supplement, Nattokinase is an enzyme that occurs in fermented soybeans with a bacillus bacteria added to speed the process. Natto has been used in Japan for hundreds of years as a blood thinner. It allows the blood throughout your body to flow more freely by lessening the effects of fibrinogen which can lead to “sticky blood” and clots. Heart health issues respond very well to this supplement, and it is taken for *cardiovascular diseases

  • high blood pressure
  • poor circulation
  • chest pain/angina
  • deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
  • peripheral artery disease (PAD)
  • atherosclerosis
  • hemorrhoids
  • varicose veins

Natto can also be eaten as a food, but it is an acquired taste, and the Natto supplement might be more easily swallowed. At the Acupuncture by Andrea clinic, I prescribe the OrthoMolecular product line of Nattokinase.

*Some medications may interact with Natto. Speak to your primary care physician regarding this supplement.
Valentine's Day Everyday
One of the modalities available at Acupuncture by Andrea is massage. A massage is a great way to treat your heart to some well-deserved circulation and manage many health conditions while enhancing general wellness. Massage has been practiced in most cultures, both Eastern and Western, throughout human history, and was one of the earliest tools used for pain relief.

Patients ask me if they should make an acupuncture or massage appointment, and I say both! Acupuncture has a much broader scope of treatment, while massage is more relaxing and stress relieving. You can always opt for a combo treatment with 45 minutes of massage and 45 minutes of acupuncture. This allows time to receive both the deeper results of acupuncture and the release and relaxation of massage.

Be your own Valentine year-round and get started with an acupuncture and massage combination!
Live Life Fully
You cannot protect yourself from sadness without protecting yourself from happiness. ― Jonathon Safron Foer