Tag: Dr. Shannon Menestrina

Acupuncture with Dr. Shannon Menestrina

Posted on by Hailey Ward-Maldonado
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...Read More

Open Room Acupuncture FAQ

Posted on by Hailey Ward-Maldonado
Frequently asked questions: How much does an Open Room appointment cost? We provide this service on a $30-60 sliding-scale. What should I wear? Loose clothing is ideal so we can easily access the arms and legs. No abdominal or back points will be used in this style of treatment which allows each person to remain fully clothed in the open-room setting! How long will I get with needles in? You will get to relax for 20-30 minutes with needles in.  What conditions can be addressed with this type of treatment? We can work on a diverse set of health concerns such as insomnia, pain, headaches, stress, anxiety, and depression, addiction recovery, wellness tune-ups, allergies, and more!

Food Therapy in the Fall Season

Posted on by Hailey Ward-Maldonado
Fall is governed by the metal element – this season is associated with the lungs and large intestine. Both of these organs take in vital substances and then help with elimination of waste. Moving into the cooler months, we lean into more warming and hydrating foods to optimize digestion. Warming spices such as ginger, cinnamon, and chai are encouraged in both teas and meal preparation. Soups and stews are hydrating meals that can be prepared in diverse ways – this helps the large intestine regulate fluid content and bowels through the cooler months. Seasonal foods such as butternut squash, pumpkin, and root veggies strongly tonify digestive qi and are often utilized in fall recipes. Lastly, fruits such as pears, persimmons,...Read More

How to Create a Bedtime Routine – A Five Element Perspective

Posted on by Hailey Ward-Maldonado
How to Create a Bedtime Routine The summer season is dominated by the fire element. Here, we may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep due to restless energy and active minds. Routines settle restless energy, creating predictability. Try to adopt three or more of these suggestions as you create a bedtime routine. Eat dinner at roughly the same time each evening Avoid caffeine/ sugar consumption late afternoon into evening Incorporate a movement practice like yoga or qi gong, even if just for a few minutes Give some thought to what's coming for you tomorrow - pick out your clothes or plan your meals Evening epsom salt baths or foot soaks No electronics at least two hours before bedtime Avoid...Read More

Integrative Bodywork Sessions at Balanced You Clinic

Posted on by Hailey Ward-Maldonado
Rebekah Knause, L. Ac., LMT, RYT is one of the acupuncturists at Balanced You Clinic. We got to talk with her about the benefits of receiving an integrative bodywork session. This treatment has been available with Rebekah for a long time. You may have previously booked a session with her for an "acupuncture massage combo," and that is an integrative bodywork session! Keep reading to learn more about integrative bodywork, and remember, all of our acupuncturists offer integrative bodywork sessions which are customizable to your unique needs. What can a person expect in a bodywork session with you, Rebekah? An integrative bodywork session with me is a combined massage and acupuncture treatment. First I will ask my client, “how is...Read More

Foods to Support the Transition to Spring

Posted on by Hailey Ward-Maldonado
In Chinese Medicine, food therapy can be used to help the body during seasonal transitions. So much of this medicine is tapping into our body’s innate, primal capacity to heal – harmonizing our food intake with seasonal eating is a key aspect of this! Spring is associated with the wood element and governed by the energetics of the liver and gallbladder. The wood element governs smooth flow of qi through the body, and it is strongly associated with proper transformation of stagnation in the body (especially coming out of the winter months!). Some basic ways to support the wood element through food therapy include: • Eat early spring greens such as dandelion greens, collards, kale, chickweed, arugula! Lighter soups and...Read More