Will Acupuncture help with anxiety or depression?

Acupuncture can be effective in helping manage symptoms of anxiety and depression. It is believed to stimulate the body's natural healing response, releasing endorphins and other neurotransmitters that positively affect mood and stress levels. By targeting specific points, acupuncture aims to balance the body's energy, reduce tension, and promote relaxation, contributing to an overall sense of well-being. Many find it a beneficial complement to conventional therapies for anxiety and depression.

Why do Acupuncturists look at my tongue?

Acupuncturists look at your tongue as part of a traditional Chinese medicine diagnostic process. The tongue's color, coating, shape, and moisture level provide insights into your body's health and the state of your internal organs. This practice helps them understand imbalances in the body and guide the treatment plan. The tongue is considered a map to your well-being, reflecting the overall harmony or disharmony of your Qi (vital energy).

Where do Acupuncture needles go?

Acupuncture needles are inserted into specific points on the body known as acupuncture points or acupoints, which are located along meridians or pathways believed to be the channels for the flow of Qi, or vital energy. The selection of points is tailored to each individual's condition and health needs. These points can be located all over the body, including the back, limbs, head, and ears, depending on the symptoms or disorders being treated.

Is Acupuncture ok during pregnancy?

Acupuncture is generally considered safe during pregnancy when performed by a licensed and experienced practitioner. It can help manage common pregnancy-related issues such as nausea, vomiting, back pain, and stress. However, certain acupuncture points are avoided as they may stimulate labor. It's essential to consult with your healthcare provider before starting acupuncture and ensure the acupuncturist is informed about your pregnancy and has experience in treating pregnant women.

Does Acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture typically does not hurt. Most people experience minimal to no pain as the thin needles are inserted. Some may feel a slight pinch, tingling, warmth, or a dull ache at the insertion points, sensations often described as momentary and mild. The procedure is generally considered relaxing and even energizing. The skill of the acupuncturist and the individual's sensitivity level can influence the overall experience, but significant pain is uncommon.

What does Acupuncture do to your body?

Acupuncture stimulates specific points on the body, prompting the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being. It can increase circulation, reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and enhance the immune system. Essentially, acupuncture helps to restore balance and flow of energy in the body, leading to improved health and function.

What can Acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture can treat a wide range of conditions including chronic pain (like headaches, back pain, neck pain), arthritis, digestive disorders, mood disturbances (such as depression and anxiety), insomnia, stress, allergies, menstrual cramps, and fertility issues. It's also used for enhancing overall well-being and managing symptoms of chronic illnesses. The effectiveness can vary among individuals, but many find relief and improvement in their symptoms through acupuncture treatments.

What does Acupuncture do?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles at specific body points to balance the flow of Qi, the body's vital energy. It aims to promote natural healing, relieve pain, and improve function. By stimulating the body's meridians, acupuncture is used for various conditions, offering benefits like pain relief, improved circulation, and enhanced well-being.

Is Your Blood Tired? A Classical Look at Chronic Fatigue and the Role

By Dr. Merlin Williams, DAHM, L.Ac.

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Is Your Blood Tired?

In a world of constant stimulation, digital overload, and emotional strain, many people quietly ask a simple question: “Why am I so tired even after I rest?”

Classical Chinese Medicine offers a view that Western models often miss. Fatigue that lingers in spite of sleep may not be a sleep problem. It can point to something deeper: depletion of Blood, especially Liver Blood.

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What Is Liver Blood?

In Classical Chinese Medicine each organ is more than a structure. The Liver is known as the General. It supports planning, vision, emotional regulation, and smooth flow of Qi. Liver Blood is more than oxygen and nutrients. It carries creative and spiritual nourishment.

Liver Blood nourishes:

The eyes and both outer and inner vision
The Hun, also called the Ethereal Soul, which guides dreams, purpose, and inspiration
The sinews for flexible movement and flexible living
Restful sleep, so the spirit can return to the body at night
Creativity and long-term direction

When Liver Blood is depleted life can feel dry. Function continues, yet inspiration and joy fade.

Signs Your Liver Blood May Be Tired

Chronic fatigue often reflects a mix of Qi deficiency and Blood deficiency. Common signs include:

Fatigue that does not improve with rest
Dry or blurry eyes, often worse at night
Light or delayed menstrual cycles, or skipped cycles
Trouble falling asleep or waking in the night
Low motivation, irritability, or emotional numbness
Dizziness or lightheadedness on standing
Poor memory or brain fog
Loss of creativity or sense of dullness
Pain or tightness along the sides of the ribs

Burnout is not only mental overload. It is often long-term depletion of the very substances that nourish the spirit.

How Does Liver Blood Become Depleted?

Chronic overthinking or emotional suppression that weakens the Spleen’s ability to build Blood
Overwork or training without recovery
Irregular or insufficient sleep
Long-held frustration, resentment, or unexpressed anger
Poor diet that lacks warm and nourishing foods
Frequent use of stimulants such as coffee or energy drinks

In classical thought, spirit moves through Blood. When Blood is low, spirit has no safe place to settle.

Healing the Blood: A Classical Approach

Quick fixes chase energy for a moment. A classical plan rebuilds Blood and Essence at a steady pace. The goal is not only recovery. The goal is rhythm and flow.

Practice	Why it helps
Warm, cooked meals with leafy greens, beets, black sesame, dates, and root vegetables	Supplies the building blocks for Blood
Qi Gong or Tai Chi	Moves Qi and Blood gently without draining reserves
Journaling, sketching, or dream work	Gives the Hun a voice, restores direction
Acupuncture and customized herbal formulas	Targets patterns that block nourishment and rest
Sleep routine that protects the Liver time, roughly 1 a.m. to 3 a.m.	Allows Blood to return to the Liver for replenishment
Simplify the calendar	Creates time for stillness and silence, the soil where Blood is made

Chronic fatigue can be a message. The system may not be broken. It may be empty.

Rebuild Energy From the Inside

Ready to explore a body-first plan that nourishes Liver Blood and restores real energy? New patients begin with a complimentary 20-minute consultation on Calendly. A consultation is required before care so we can confirm fit and map your plan.

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About the Author

Dr. Merlin Williams, DAHM, L.Ac., founder of Healthee Care, is a board-certified acupuncturist and herbalist. He helps professionals reclaim calm, clarity, and steady energy using Classical Chinese Medicine and body-first care.