Michigan Associates of Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine

Managing Stress, Mood, and Anxiety with Acupuncture

Monica Mae Leibson — Thu, 14 May 2026 20:10:58 +0000

With over 20 years of clinical experience specializing in mental health, I have seen firsthand how chronic stress and anxiety can impact every system in the body. Patients often arrive feeling overwhelmed, fatigued, and disconnected—seeking relief beyond conventional approaches alone. Acupuncture offers a clinically grounded, holistic method to help regulate the nervous system and restore emotional balance.

A Nervous System Approach to Healing

From both a traditional and biomedical perspective, acupuncture works by influencing the central and peripheral nervous systems. By stimulating specific points, we can help shift the body out of a chronic “fight-or-flight” state and into a more restorative parasympathetic mode. This transition is critical for patients dealing with persistent anxiety, mood instability, and stress-related disorders.

Regulating Mood and Emotional Resilience

In my practice, I commonly treat patients experiencing anxiety, irritability, and low mood. Acupuncture has been shown to support the modulation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine—chemicals essential for emotional regulation. Over a course of consistent treatments, many patients report improved mood stability, reduced reactivity to stressors, and a greater sense of calm and clarity.

Addressing the Physical Manifestations of Stress

Stress and anxiety are not purely psychological—they often manifest physically as muscle tension, headaches, digestive disturbances, and sleep disruption. Acupuncture allows us to address both the emotional and somatic components simultaneously. By releasing tension and improving circulation, patients frequently experience relief not only in their mood but also in their physical symptoms.

Sleep as a Foundation for Mental Health

One of the most significant improvements I observe is in sleep quality. Many patients with anxiety struggle with insomnia or restless sleep, which further exacerbates emotional imbalance. Acupuncture helps regulate sleep patterns by calming the mind and supporting the body’s natural rhythms, creating a foundation for improved mental health outcomes.

A Personalized, Integrative Treatment Plan

No two patients present the same way. Effective acupuncture treatment requires an individualized approach that considers each person’s unique pattern of symptoms, lifestyle, and health history. I often integrate acupuncture with lifestyle guidance, breathing techniques, and, when appropriate, collaboration with mental health professionals to ensure comprehensive care.

Long-Term Benefits and Preventive Care

While some patients experience immediate relaxation, the most meaningful results develop over time. Regular acupuncture sessions can build resilience, helping patients better manage stress and prevent recurrence of anxiety symptoms. In this way, acupuncture serves not only as treatment but also as preventive care for long-term emotional well-being.

After two decades in practice, I continue to value acupuncture as a powerful tool for supporting mental health. By addressing both the physiological and emotional aspects of stress and anxiety, it provides patients with a pathway toward greater balance, stability, and overall quality of life.

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Spring Salads and Herbs

Julie Silver — Thu, 14 May 2026 17:30:33 +0000

Spring Salads in Traditional Chinese Medicine focus on supporting the Liver Functions and boosting energy. TCM views spring as a time for “upward moving” energy (like the growth of plants at this time of year). Greens during the springtime help to provide a natural cleanse and detox support after a long winter. The flavor associated with the Liver is sour. Incorporating tart fruits like grapefruit, rhubarb, lemon and limes and fermented vegetables like sauerkraut and kimchee during the spring. In addition, bitter greens like dandelion and kale and herbs like milk thistle and turmeric can be incorporated into amazing recipes to help with our help and our palate.

Here are a couple favorite spring recipes. I hope you enjoy!

Kale Kimchi Salad

5 cups kale – ribbed
½ avocado
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
¼ tsp sea salt
1 cup cooked chickpeas
1 roasted/steamed sweet potato or delicata squash, diced small
1 cup kimchi
3 Tablespoons toasted pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds or walnuts
Optional: dash of fennel, black sesame or other seeds

Place the chopped kale into a large mixing bowl. Add the avocado, lemon juice, and sea salt. Using your hands, massage the avocado into the kale until tender (about 2 minutes).

Add the kimchi, chickpeas, sweet potato/squash, and seeds. Season to taste with more sea salt. This salad can be eaten right away or once prepared, allow time for the ingredients to integrate.

Recipe Courtesy of Jenny Breen from the Mill Street Farmers Market

Basic Lemon and Grapefruit Vinegarette

¼ cup of fresh grapefruit juice (I like red grapefruits)
2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice
½ cup fresh extra virgin olive oil
Teaspoon of local honey (or more if desired)
1 tsp of Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Whisk together and serve fresh over any salad

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The Art (and Science) of Chinese Herbal Medicine

Julie Shindler-Cohen — Mon, 11 May 2026 14:15:06 +0000

In a modern world full of dietary supplements and herbal remedies, Chinese herbal medicine offers a time-tested, ancient practice that is still relevant! Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an umbrella for acupuncture, Chinese herbs, dietary and lifestyle habits. Acupuncture is the most common practice of all, however Chinese herbs are an often overlooked and important aspect to achieve the best results.

Traditional preparation of Chinese herbs involves boiling a mix of herbs, which can be roots, flowers, berries or seeds, and drinking the tea. Thanks to modern invention, herbs are now offered in more convenient methods of preparation, including pills, powders and tinctures. The formulas used today were written thousands of years ago and are still relevant in modern treatment! Let’s take a closer look at Chinese herbal formulas…

The Building Blocks: Individual Herbs

At the heart of every formula are individual herbs, each with its own unique properties. In TCM, herbs are classified in several ways to guide their use.

First, herbs are grouped by category, based on their primary action in the body. Some herbs tonify (or supplement), while others drain, move, or disperse. These categories help practitioners determine how to restore balance within the body.

Next, each herb is assigned a temperature and taste, both of which influence its therapeutic effect. In Chinese medicine, flavor is more than sensory—it reflects function:

Sweet herbs tend to nourish and tonify
Bitter herbs drain and clear heat
Sour herbs astringe and stabilize
Pungent herbs disperse and promote movement
Salty herbs soften and dissolve

Many herbs possess more than one taste, contributing to their complexity and versatility. No two herbs are exactly alike, which allows for highly customized treatment approaches.

Finally, herbs are associated with specific channels (or organ systems), meaning they have targeted effects within the body. This allows practitioners to direct treatment precisely where it is needed.

The Elegance of Herbal Formulas

While individual herbs are powerful, they are rarely used alone. Instead, they are combined into carefully balanced formulas designed to address specific TCM patterns of imbalance.

It’s important to note that TCM does not treat diseases in the same way as conventional medicine. Rather than prescribing a formula for a named condition like PCOS, practitioners identify underlying patterns—such as “damp accumulation” or “blood deficiency”—and select formulas that address those patterns.

What makes these formulas so sophisticated is their structured design. A classic Chinese herbal formula is composed of four roles:

Chief (Jun): The primary herb, used in the highest dose, which addresses the main condition
Deputy (Chen): Herbs that support the chief or help address secondary concerns
Assistant (Zuo): Herbs that balance the formula, reduce potential side effects, or moderate harsh properties
Envoy (Shi): Herbs that guide the formula to specific channels or areas of the body

This layered approach ensures that formulas are not only effective but also balanced and gentle. For example, if a formula includes very “cold” herbs to clear heat, other ingredients may be added to protect digestion and prevent unwanted side effects.

A Tradition That Endures

Chinese herbal medicine is both an art and a science, refined over thousands of years. Its strength lies in its ability to treat the body as a whole, focusing on restoring balance rather than simply addressing symptoms. In a modern healthcare landscape, TCM offers a rich and complementary approach to wellness. When used alongside conventional treatments and guided by a trained practitioner, Chinese herbal formulas can support the body’s natural healing processes in a thoughtful and individualized way. As more people seek holistic and integrative care, this ancient tradition continues to prove its value—bridging the wisdom of the past with the needs of the present.

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What is Cupping?!

Julie Shindler-Cohen — Mon, 11 May 2026 14:14:45 +0000

Cupping therapy, easily recognized by the circular marks it leaves on the skin, is an auxiliary technique used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for a variety of therapeutic purposes. The practice involves placing specialized cups on the skin to create suction, which is maintained for a short period of time. While cupping is most commonly used today to address musculoskeletal pain, it has a broader range of applications within the traditional framework.

Cupping for Early-Stage Illness in TCM

In classical TCM, practitioners use cupping to “release the exterior.” This concept refers to treating early-stage illnesses such as colds and the flu. In TCM, external pathogens cause these conditions. Practitioners usually place cups on the upper back, neck, and shoulders to help vent those pathogens from the body. This approach reflects the traditional view that these invasions are yang in nature and tend to affect the upper body.

Cupping for Muscular Tension and Pain

TCM also uses cupping to relieve muscular tension and discomfort. In this system, pain often comes from stagnation in the flow of qi (energy) and blood. The suction from the cups aims to pull that stagnation outward and improve circulation. After treatment, the skin often shows discoloration. In TCM, practitioners interpret darker marks as a sign of more severe stagnation. With repeated treatments in the same area, those marks often appear lighter over time.

Static and Sliding Cupping Techniques

Cups come in different sizes and practitioners use them on many muscle groups. In static cupping, they place the cups on a specific area and leave them there for several minutes. In sliding cupping, they first apply oil to the skin, then place the cup and gently move it across the body, often along a muscle group. This method can cause mild discomfort, but many people compare it to a deep tissue massage. It often creates noticeable relaxation in a short amount of time.

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Acupuncture for Chronic Pain

Julie Shindler-Cohen — Thu, 07 May 2026 15:24:47 +0000

My Dad’s Experience with Acupuncture

My dad had chronic low back pain throughout my childhood. He’d come in and out of flares as pain management tools accumulated in our home: massage tables, inversion tables and pungent pain ointments. During one period of acute pain, his chiropractor told him to try acupuncture. My dad almost crawled into his first session and walked out completely upright. The next day, he rode his bike for 30 miles. Of course, this story is unique in the speed and entirety of his healing, but many people turn to acupuncture to treat both chronic and acute pain conditions.

How Acupuncture Fits into Pain Relief

Although acupuncture has been practiced for over 3,000 years, modern medicine still struggles to understand how it fits into the current model. When can it be used? How is it used? For what?

Most people seek acupuncture treatment for acute and chronic pain. One of the strengths of acupuncture is that it offers another method of pain relief. After traditional imaging has ruled out a serious structural abnormality or another condition contributing to the pain, acupuncture can offer therapeutic support. It does not regenerate nerves or restructure the body, but it can help reduce inflammation and release endorphins. Some people may call it “magic,” but it is energy.

Understanding Qi and Pain

Coming back to basic acupuncture principles, energy, or qi, flows through the body at all times. Health and wellness depend on the free flow of qi. When that flow becomes obstructed, it can cause pain. The main treatment principle for pain conditions is to promote the free flow of qi throughout the body.

Personalized Treatment for Chronic and Acute Pain

There are many different acupuncture techniques used to support pain relief. Some people respond well to one type of treatment, while others may respond better to another.

For example, using local points is common for pain. If there is back pain, needles may be inserted into the back. However, other acupuncture approaches may never place a needle in the affected area, instead using points on the arm or leg that energetically correspond to the painful area.

This is one of the strengths of Chinese medicine. There is no single “right” or “wrong” way to do acupuncture. Treatment is truly tailored to each person.

Patience During the Healing Process

A challenge of working with chronic pain is understanding the course of treatment. Especially when someone has suffered for a long time, healing often takes time. A general rule of thumb in acupuncture is that the length of the condition is often proportional to the length of treatment.

Having grace, compassion and patience, both as a practitioner and as a patient, is an important part of supporting the healing process.

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American Society of Acupuncturists yearly conference update

Monica Mae Leibson — Thu, 07 May 2026 15:14:51 +0000

(Picture of myself & Stephen Durell)

As the Vice President of the Michigan Society of Acupuncturists, I was able to attend the yearly conference of the American Society of Acupuncturists this month in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Stephen Durell (MiSA President) & I had an amazing weekend there! Here are some key take aways:

Friday – We met with the ASA Reps from each state. This was an invigorating meeting, discussing where each state is individually and where we are headed nationally. It was so comforting to know that we are all dealing with similar concerns due to the challenges our profession is facing. Conversely, there were so many WIN’S and it was great to hear that people are having successful fundraisers, working well with legislators, and being leaders in our field!

Saturday – I started the day with 7:30 am Qi Gong! Stephen had breakfast with the reps from Wisconsin.

Saturday Presentations on the following:

Integration & Collaboration – How acupuncture can Impact Healthcare Delivery & Contribute to New System Models of Providing Care
Technology in Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine Panel
Classical Medicine with Modern Conditions
AI for Marketing

On Saturday night, we went to a dinner with an amazing 5 piece jazz band. Got to talk shop with other practitioners & enjoy some downtime!

From Brehan Crawford, I got the following TCM nugget:

Brain waves & Their Corresponding Elements – TCM Analogues to Neuroscience

Delta – Water – Deep dreamless sleep, capacity to recover, brain is the sea of marrow

Theta – Wood – Emotional processing, vision, imagination with no direction, natural state of toddlers

Alpha – Earth – Centered awareness, relaxed focus, friends/community, safety

Beta – Metal – Discernment, ability to say no, self editing

Gamma – Fire – Hearts radiance, divine inspiration, ability to bring heaven to earth

Sunday Presentations on the following:

Integrative Acupuncture in Obstetric Care
Research Panel – As much as we know our TCM language, to gain credibility & visibility in our healthcare paradigm, we need to speak THEIR language which is RESEARCH. I’m going to include links below to great sites that can be so supportive in our practices.
NIH National Centers for Complementary & Integrative Health Updates
Jin Golden Panel

Acupuncture Research Websites

https://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/

https://www.convergentpoints.com/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39403098/

https://www.acu-track.org/

https://www.acupunctureresearch.org/

https://www.pcori.org/

The Goal of the ASA is as follows

“Advancing the profession practice of acupuncture as a whole system of medicine through advocacy, education and research”

I feel so proud of this volunteer organization and how they are elevating our career to the next level!

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Healing Starts with Acupuncture

Karen Siegel Propis — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 20:17:49 +0000

Healing does not always need to begin with something overwhelming. In many cases, it starts with giving your body the right support. At our West Bloomfield acupuncture clinic, we use acupuncture to help the body restore balance and function naturally.

Acupuncture focuses on supporting the flow of energy, known as Qi. This energy plays a key role in how you feel each day. Stress, trauma, diet, and lifestyle can disrupt this flow, making it harder for the body to function at its best. Acupuncture helps guide the body back to its natural state of balance.

How Acupuncture Supports Healing

When Qi flows smoothly, the body tends to function better. You may notice improved sleep, better digestion, and a more balanced mood. When that flow becomes disrupted, symptoms such as tension, fatigue, headaches, and difficulty relaxing may appear.

Acupuncture helps reset this flow. Many patients describe treatment as a moment where the body can finally slow down, release stress, and begin the healing process.

What to Expect from Acupuncture Treatment

One of the most surprising benefits of acupuncture is how relaxing it feels. The needles are extremely fine, and most patients feel little to no discomfort. Treatments take place in a calm, quiet setting, allowing the body to fully relax.

During a session, it is common to enter a deeply relaxed state or even fall asleep. This relaxation is not just a side effect. It plays an important role in healing by helping the nervous system shift out of stress mode and into recovery.

Whole-Body Healing with Acupuncture

Acupuncture does not simply target symptoms. It supports the entire system. By improving circulation, calming the nervous system, and restoring balance, acupuncture creates the conditions needed for long-term health.

Whether you are dealing with a specific condition or simply not feeling like yourself, acupuncture offers a gentle and effective starting point for healing.

Start Your Acupuncture Journey in West Bloomfield

If you are interested in acupuncture healing in West Bloomfield, our clinic is here to help. We provide personalized treatments designed to support your health, balance, and overall well-being.

Schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward feeling your best.

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The Five Elements in Chinese Medicine

Karen Siegel Propis — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 20:17:14 +0000

The five elements in Chinese medicine include Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. This system helps explain how the body maintains balance and how imbalances may affect physical and emotional health. At our West Bloomfield acupuncture clinic, we use the five elements in Chinese medicine to better understand symptoms, patterns, and treatment needs.

Why the Five Elements Matter

In traditional Chinese medicine, each element connects to specific organs, emotions, and body functions. When the elements stay balanced, you may feel more energized, emotionally steady, and physically well. When an imbalance develops, symptoms can begin to appear.

Wood Element: Stress and Energy Flow

The Wood element is associated with smooth energy flow in the body. When Wood becomes imbalanced, you may notice irritability, headaches, muscle tension, or frustration.

Fire Element: Sleep and Emotional Balance

The Fire element relates to joy, mental clarity, and emotional regulation. An imbalance in Fire may contribute to anxiety, restlessness, or poor sleep.

Earth Element: Digestion and Energy

The Earth element supports digestion, nourishment, and stable energy. When Earth is out of balance, symptoms may include bloating, fatigue, or digestive discomfort.

Metal Element: Immunity and Lung Health

The Metal element connects to the lungs, breathing, and immune function. Imbalance may affect respiratory health, skin, or the body’s natural defenses.

Water Element: Energy and Longevity

The Water element relates to deep energy reserves, resilience, and long-term vitality. When Water is weakened, you may feel burned out, depleted, or low in energy.

Balancing the Body Naturally

At our West Bloomfield clinic, we use acupuncture, nutrition, and lifestyle guidance to help restore balance between the five elements. This approach supports whole-body wellness and helps patients feel more grounded, energized, and resilient.

Explore the Five Elements in Chinese Medicine in West Bloomfield

If you want to learn more about the five elements in Chinese medicine, our West Bloomfield acupuncture clinic can help. We invite you to explore personalized acupuncture treatments designed to support your health, energy, and emotional balance.

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How Wind, Cold, Damp, and Heat Affect Health

Karen Siegel Propis — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 20:15:54 +0000

In Chinese Medicine, wind, cold, damp, and heat describe patterns in the body, not just weather conditions. These patterns help explain many symptoms we see at our West Bloomfield acupuncture clinic. Understanding wind, cold, damp, and heat in patients can help guide more personalized treatment and support better long-term wellness.

What Wind, Cold, Damp, and Heat Mean in Chinese Medicine

In Traditional Chinese medicine, these patterns describe how imbalance shows up in the body. Each pattern has its own signs, symptoms, and treatment approach. At our clinic in West Bloomfield, we look for these patterns to better understand pain, fatigue, inflammation, and other chronic concerns.

Wind: Sudden Symptoms

Wind is often associated with symptoms that come on quickly or move around the body.

Common wind symptoms may include:

• Headaches
• Stiff neck
• Allergy symptoms

Cold: Tightness and Pain

Cold often slows circulation and creates tightness, discomfort, and low energy.

Common cold symptoms may include:
• Joint stiffness
• Low energy
• Pain relieved by heat

Damp: Heavy and Sluggish Symptoms

Dampness can make the body feel weighed down, foggy, or stuck.

Common damp symptoms may include:
• Bloating
• Brain fog
• Fatigue

Heat: Inflammation and Irritation

Heat is often linked to inflammation, irritation, and excess internal activity.

Common heat symptoms may include:
• Skin issues
• Heartburn
• Restlessness

Why Wind, Cold, Damp, and Heat Matter for Your Health

At our West Bloomfield acupuncture clinic, we do more than look at symptoms alone. We identify patterns such as wind, cold, damp, and heat to understand what is happening beneath the surface. This helps us create personalized acupuncture treatment plans focused on lasting results, not just temporary relief.

Acupuncture for Pattern-Based Treatment

If you are dealing with pain, fatigue, inflammation, allergy symptoms, or digestive discomfort, acupuncture may help restore balance. At Michigan Associates of Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine in West Bloomfield, we use traditional Chinese medicine principles to guide treatment and support whole-body health.

Schedule your acupuncture appointment today.

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The Benefit of Ear Seeds in Chinese Medicine

Karen Siegel Propis — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 20:15:27 +0000

Ear Seeds in West Bloomfield for Natural Support

Ear seeds in Chinese medicine offer a simple, non-invasive way to support healing between acupuncture visits. These tiny beads are placed on specific points of the ear to help stimulate the body’s natural healing response.

At Michigan Associates of Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine in West Bloomfield, we often use ear seeds as an extension of your acupuncture treatment, helping you continue supporting your health at home.

How Ear Seeds Work

Ear seeds are based on auricular therapy, a technique in Chinese medicine that views the ear as a map of the entire body. Each point corresponds to different organs, systems, and functions. By gently pressing these points throughout the day, you may help keep your energy, or Qi, moving more smoothly.

This makes ear seeds a helpful option for patients looking for added support between visits for acupuncture in our clinic in wWest Bloomfield.

Benefits of Ear Seeds

Ear seeds may help support:

Stress and anxiety relief
Better sleep
Digestive balance
Neck and shoulder discomfort
Cravings and emotional regulation

Because ear seeds are easy to wear and simple to use, many patients appreciate how they extend the benefits of treatment beyond the office.

Why Patients Love Ear Seeds

One of the biggest benefits of ear seeds is that they are completely needle-free. Once applied, you can continue with your normal daily routine while still receiving gentle point stimulation.

For patients seeking a natural wellness option in West Bloomfield, ear seeds can be a convenient and effective addition to an acupuncture care plan.

Support Your Healing Between Acupuncture Visits

Ear seeds are a great way to stay connected to your healing process between appointments. If you are looking for ear seeds in West Bloomfield or want to learn more about your treatment options, our team is here to help you feel balanced and supported.

Learn more about our acupuncture services in West Bloomfield.

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