Dr. Shannon Menestrina is one of our acupuncturists at Balanced You Clinic. In our interview with Shannon, she shares more about her style of acupuncture and unique aspects she aims to provide in each treatment.
What can a person expect in an acupuncture session with you, Shannon?
Sessions with me utilize all of the modalities within Chinese Medicine to help optimize treatment goals for each person. My goal is to understand your whole health picture and create a safe, relaxing space for an individualized treatment experience. The initial intake is an opportunity for us to check in, discuss what the focus is for the session, and answer any questions. Treatments often weave together acupuncture and other adjunctive therapies such as tui na massage, cupping, gua sha, moxabustion, and infrared heat lamp. Once needles are placed, you will have 30 minutes to rest. After needles are pulled and the session is complete, we will discuss your treatment plan along with any remaining questions. Food therapy and herbal medicine suggestions are also offered to anyone interested in incorporating them.
What are some benefits acupuncture treatments can provide? Is there something unique about an acupuncture session with you?
There are many benefits of acupuncture, and the specifics of those benefits depend on what is being treated. Most people think of acupuncture primarily for pain, but it is a complete system of medicine that can be used to treat and support most health concerns and conditions. With a personal background in both western and eastern medicine study, I strongly believe in utilizing an integrative approach to optimize outcomes. I am also very passionate about understanding western approaches through an eastern medicine lens (and vice-versa), and helping to bridge the gap between the translations of each. I think this provides a powerful perspective into how eastern medicine understands the physiology and pathophysiology of the body!
I often tell patients that acupuncture is a system of medicine that strongly advocates for the body’s innate wisdom and capacity to heal.
How can acupuncture help to support folks during the fall season as temperatures drop?
As we transition into fall, acupuncture can help support the immune system and address various conditions aggravated by the colder seasons. Regular acupuncture can help optimize immunity, digestion, energy, and sleep to help support our bodies in the transition towards cooler temperatures.
Some at-home things to explore:
- Support sleep by implementing sleep hygiene and allowing your body to go to bed earlier/ wake earlier.
- Support digestion by eating seasonal foods and embracing soup season. You can also sip on herbal teas such as chai, ginger, and elderberry.
- Support the immune system and energy by keeping your neck, feet, and low back warm.
- Daily breathwork and therapeutic movement (qi gong, yoga, walking, etc.) help with overall health during the cooler months.
- Infrared saunas, especially for those who tend towards a colder constitution.
Schedule an acupuncture appointment with Shannon
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Thank you Shannon for taking the time to complete these interview questions to share more about your practice with us. This interview was edited and composed by Hailey Ward-Maldonado, October 2024