ET HO S WE L L M A G A Z I N E
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Summer 2016
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W E LCO M E TO E T H OSWELL! We are a local Boston startup that is paving the way to educate folks on complementary healthcare and bringing greater access to wellness. If you’re not familiar with the term complementary healthcare, it is considered any type of non-mainstream practice that is used in conjunction with conventional healthcare. We aspire to empower you to access the types of wellness you want and to help you make more informed choices about your health and wellness goals. We believe that healthcare isn’t just about decreasing sickness, but also about increasing vitality. For now, we encourage you to read through the magazine, visit the blog for more articles, and start the discussion around wellness. Stay tuned as well, because we will
be launching our platform in the Fall for you to search for chiropractors, acupuncturists, and dietitians in your area. If you have any thoughts, we’d love to hear from you! Please email us at hello@ethoswell. com. And if you like what you’ve read, feel free to sign up online to receive more articles or tell a friend to visit our blog. We look forward to connecting with you soon. Wellness starts with you, and we’re happy you’re joining us on the journey. Yours in good health,
Sarah Merion
CEO and Founder sarah@ethoswell.com
CO N TACT US Address
Contact
EthosWell 27 School Street, 4th Floor Boston, MA 02108
E : hello@ethoswell.com W : www.ethoswell.com Facebook: facebook.com/ethoswell Instagram: @ethoswell Twitter: @ethoswell
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OUR TEAM
S arah M er io n
Jenna Troup
CEO and Founder
Head of Wellness Research
Sarah is passionate about bringing greater access to
Jenna spearheads EthosWellÂĄÂŻs content and research
complementary healthcare. She was previously an IT
and works in both traditional and alternative
strategy management consultant and holds a MBA
medicine. She has a Masters in Public Health from the
from Babson College.
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
A n n M acken z ie
Mat t Sylvest re
Head of Employer Relations
Head of Product Development
Ann comes with over a decade of experience in HR and
Matt is a seasoned technologist with prior experience
benefits, and works with employers to help roll out EthosWell
in building online solutions for both consumers and
as an ancillary wellness benefit for employees.
employers.
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W h at i s C ompl emen t a ry H e al thc are? by Jenna Troup Welcome to EthosWell! At EthosWell, we are passionate about all types of healthcare. We aspire to be a credible and reliable source of information for you to learn about complementary healthcare. Each of us is seeking wellness, and the role of EthosWell is to provide health and wellness education to improve everyone’s understanding of our options for care, treatments, and solutions. Every week we encourage you to come here for cutting edge information on a new subject – from nutrition to sleep to physical activity. Most importantly, we explore the science and research behind it all.
The Vast Healthcare Landscape The entire landscape of “healthcare” is vast, and mostly
when people think of it they think of their primary care physicians, their dermatologists, their gynecologists, and the various specialty doctors we see. In addition to these conventional care doctors, complementary healthcare also plays a role in longterm health and wellness for your body and your mind.
What is Complementary and Alternative Healthcare? Very simply, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says that complementary healthcare includes non-mainstream practice in addition to conventional healthcare. The list of nonmainstream healthcare practice is long and includes therapies such
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as acupuncture, chiropractic care, nutrition, meditation, and other healthcare techniques that focus on the mind and body. While the term “complementary” indicates the care that is used says in conjunction with conventional care, the term “alternative” medicine means “used instead of” conventional medicine. The distinction between the two terms is slight, but important. Most people use alternative therapies in conjunction with conventional medicine and it is rare that alternative therapies such as chiropractic care or Ayurveda are used exclusively. Using complementary medicine in conjunction with conventional medical care is also known as “integrative medicine.” Integrative medicine seeks to provide the best healthcare available by using
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both traditional and complementary medicine solutions. At EthosWell, we support all types of healthcare that seek to understand the impact of illness, disease, and wellness on the whole person, including their physical and mental wellbeing.
How it is different from conventional healthcare and how do I use it? There are many differences between conventional healthcare and alternative medicine, from the providers who practice it to the therapies they recommend, prescribe, or provide. While there are exceptions to every rule, conventional medicine tends to focus on treating specific ailments with medications or other devices or products. Alternative medicine, however, focuses more on wholemind/body wellness and may be more focused on preventive strategies for achieving and maintaining wellness, rather than curing a specific disease. Conventional healthcare plays a critical role in acute disease management. For example, if you get pneumonia, you need a specific medication to treat the condition. Complementary medicine strategies and therapies like nutrition interventions or mindfulness-based meditation can be helpful for longerterm, chronic conditions like mental illness or diabetes.
In many ways, the experience of complementary medicine will be similar to the experience of going to a conventional doctor: you make an appointment (through EthosWell!), complete some paperwork about your health and family history, meet with the healthcare provider, receive a product or service, and return to your regular life, hopefully with new healthy behaviors. How do you know what healthcare option is appropriate for your condition? We recommend consulting a physician before seeking out any new care regimen. Next, find a provider whom you trust and feel comfortable with (you can search for him or her on EthosWell), and be open about your health and wellness concerns.
Types of Complementary Healthcare Chinese and Ayurvedic Medicine Ayurveda is the medicine practiced traditionally in India, and Chinese Medicine is practiced traditionally in China. These therapies include use of herbs and other plant-based supplements and medicines and focus on improving overall wellness.
Chiropractic Care Practiced by a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC), chiropractic care uses spinal adjustments to correct the function of the spine. It is frequently sought out for pain treatment and other wellness concerns.
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Acupuncture A traditional component of Chinese Medicine, acupuncture involves tiny needles being inserted into the skin along points of energy in the body, called meridians. It is frequently sought out for pain and stress treatment.
Dietetics Dietetics is the science of using food and nutrients to improve health. A Registered Dietician (RD), who is an expert in human nutrition, practices dietetics.
Why should we care about this aspect of healthcare? Complementary medicine is a growing field and there are many more components to it than just these. Indeed, the National Institutes for Health indicate that more than thirty percent of American adults and twelve percent of American children use some type of complementary medicine. As science teaches us more about the roles and benefits of complementary medicine alongside traditional medicine, we can improve stress and pain management, our eating habits, and reduce symptoms of harsh therapies of other diseases like cancer. At EthosWell we look forward to our collaboration with patients and healthcare providers for our collective health.
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W h at is Int eg ra t i ve M e dicin e ? by Jenna Troup | Research by Jacqueline Genova
As you read in our first post on complementary healthcare, integrative medicine includes holistic, traditional, or alternative therapies in conjunction with conventional medicine. Acknowledging the role of pharmacological medications, surgery, and diagnostics in identifying illnesses and improving health, integrative medicine also brings focus to the patient as a “whole person,” rather than the sum of their ailments. Most alternative medicine solutions are used in conjunction with traditional medicine. For example, acupuncture is frequently used to manage the symptoms associated with cancer treatment, but traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy are rarely replaced completely by Chinese medicine. Integrative medicine can be particularly effective for conditions that do not have a specific “cure,” and can benefit from both holistic and traditional medical treatments. Many chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, digestive disorders, inflammation, pain, stress, and insomnia may fall in this category.
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T h e wa y d e pres s io n an d m editation affec t t he mind and body, also known as t h e m e c h a n is m s o f th e dis eas e an d the t herapy, are not well underst ood
Evidence for Integrative Medicine Effectiveness
Two minute meditation for focus and grounding
A case study in depression and meditation
• Take three, slow, deep breaths, inhaling through the nose and exhaling out the nose.
Major depressive disorder is another condition that has been
• Focus on the sensation of your breath as it passes
shown to benefit from complementary therapies. A 2016
through your nostrils and fills your lungs.
meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American Medical
• Counting your breaths can help with focus for new
Association’s Psychiatry journal analyzed the findings from
meditators.
nine randomized controlled trials in which patients who had
• Remember not to judge what you are feeling, just
depression were randomized to participate in mindfulness-
acknowledge it.
based cognitive therapy (MBCT), a type of mindfulness meditation, along with their usual regime of medications and
Three minute meditation for relaxation and calming
other therapies. The study found that participating in MBCT reduced the risk of patients experiencing a relapse of major depressive disorder over a 60-week follow-up. The way depression and meditation
• Scan your body for any sensation, tension, or emotion.
affect the mind and body, also known as the mechanisms
• Focus on each part of your body as if it had a life of its
of the disease and the therapy, are not well understood.
own.
However, we do know that meditation, previously relegated
• How does the top of your head feel? How does your jaw
to the “alternative medicine” category and sometimes given
feel? What sensation do you feel in your back, if any?
less credence by health and medicine experts, may alter brain
Four minute meditation for happiness and positivity
function to improve attention, emotion, and self-relevant processing.
Is integrative medicine right for you?
• Think of someone or something you are grateful for and call to mind a positive memory with that person or thing.
Choosing to adhere to a regime of integrative medicine
• Recall a time when you felt happy, confident, and free.
does not entail a rejection of conventional treatments. Rather, integrative medicine seeks to find a balance of complementary and conventional therapies that optimizes overall health. As the study on mindfulness indicates, integrative medicine can have a major impact on health.
Meditation Exercises Try these brief meditation exercise for improved attention and focus today. Pick a meditation, set your timer, and try something new. (We love Insight Meditation timer!)
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AC U P U N C T U R E : AN INTRODUCTION by Jenna Troup
What is Acupuncture? Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique that has been around for over 3,000 years. Acupuncture, like other elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine is grounded in the philosophy that the universe is made up of two opposing forces, yin and yang. When these forces are in balance, the universe is healthy. Similarly, the forces of yin and yang exist in the body: when the forces are in balance in your body, you are in good health.
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Why Should You See An Acupuncturist
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yin and Yang are balanced when energy moves through your body along meridians, or paths, without blockages. Blockages, however, prevent yin and yang from being balanced, which can lead to pain or illness. Acupuncture can release blocked energy and encourage the body to heal itself and function optimally. When you go to an acupuncturist, he or she will take your health history, as any practitioner does. Then, the acupuncturist will examine some parts of your body, like your tongue, he or she may take your pulse, and possibly other examinations too. You will then lie on a comfortable table and the acupuncturist will identify the points on your body along the meridians where stimulation is needed. He or she will then place sterile, fine needles on various parts of your body. Most people feel little to no discomfort when the needles are placed and they feel relaxed. The needles may remain in place for five to thirty minutes, depending on your health needs. Depending on your health, you may be asked to come back to the acupuncturist frequently, or you may feel much better after just one treatment.
Acupuncturists are sought out for a variety of conditions. Research on the effect of acupuncture has indicated that it can be beneficial for issues such as back pain, headaches, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and infertility. Look up your provider’s specialties on EthosWell to see if they have expertise in the areas that matter to you.
Paying for Acupuncture As we described in our “Paying for Complementary Healthcare” post, money from Health Savings Accounts, or HSAs, can be used to pay for acupuncture treatments in most cases. Fees for acupuncture can vary depending on duration of treatment, your specific provider, and other factors. As always, we recommend that you contact your insurance company to learn about coverage, and contact your provider (or look him or her up on EthosWell) for detailed price information.
Perform Acupressure at Home
Acupuncturist Training To become an acupuncturist, providers must obtain a minimum of a Master’s Degree in either acupuncture or Oriental Medicine from a school accredited by the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. At most schools, training takes about three years for acupuncture and four years for Oriental Medicine, which also includes curriculum on Chinese herbal medicine.
You can also try some of the techniques of acupuncture at home, using the pressure of your hands similarly to the use of the fine needles used in acupuncture.
For Stress-Release Press on the soft area of your hand or foot that is between your thumb and second finger, or between your big toe and second toe.
Licensure/Regulation
To Resolve a Headache
Providers in 45 states and the District of Columbia can be licensed to practice acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. The law can vary by state, but generally, a certified exam must be completed in order to achieve a designation of Licensed Acupuncturist.
Press on the area on the outside of your food that is a couple of inches below your fifth toe. Talk to your acupuncture provider for more ideas on performing acupressure on your own body.
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In t ro du c tion t o C hi ropract ic by Jenna Troup
What Do Chiropractors Do? A chiropractor, or DC (Doctor of Chiropractic), has expertise in the relationship between the body’s structure and its function. The treatment they practice most consistently is spinal manipulations and adjustments to correct misalignment, though that is often not the only therapy they provide. They may also provide heat/cold therapy, relaxation techniques, dietary counseling, exercise and lifestyle recommendations, and dietary supplements. As of 2007, eight percent of American adults received chiropractic care. It is among the most commonly used complementary therapies. Spinal manipulation has been researched extensively and may confer a benefit to low-back pain and migraines. Misalignment of the spine may also cause pain and discomfort throughout the body, such as headaches, neck and shoulder pain, and joint pain. Research has shown, however, that spinal manipulation does not help with some conditions, such as
fig
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As of 2 0 0 7 , e ig ht p e rce n t o f A merica n a dults rece i ve d c h i ro p ra c ti c ca re . It is a mo n g th e mo s t c om m o n l y u s e d c omple men ta ry th era pies
asthma, hypertension, and menstrual pain, and there is inconclusive evidence regarding its role in improving fibromyalgia, mid-back pain, and other conditions. There may also be some side effects of spinal manipulation, such as headaches, fatigue, and discomfort, so safety is an important focus of current and ongoing research.
over-exercising or other poor lifestyle behaviors. As with all medical treatment, tell you chiropractor about other care you are seeking, as well as your medical and family history, and a detailed account of your health concerns.
Paying for Chiropractic Care
What Training Do Chiropractors Receive?
Spinal manipulations are covered under some insurance plans, including Medicare, and funds from Health Savings Accounts can also be used to pay for some chiropractic services. As with all complementary therapies, it is important to contact your insurance company directly to make sure you understand what your insurance will pay for, versus what you must pay. Of the $11.9 billion that Americans spent out-of-pocket on complementary healthcare, $3.9 billion was spent on chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation.
Following a four-year undergraduate degree, DCs must embark on a 4-year course of study, including coursework and patient care under observation. The Council on Chiropractic Education accredits chiropractic colleges. Some chiropractors may pursue a residency to become further specialized, but it is not required.
How Chiropractors are Licensed and Regulated
Chiropractic Manipulation At Home
Every state regulates chiropractic doctors separately. The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners administers licensure exams to chiropractors. Continuing medical education credits are usually required for chiropractors to maintain their license.
While it is not generally recommended to try chiropractic techniques at home, you can get a sense of what a chiropractor might do on a visit by following some of these “chiropractic at home� techniques: Apply hot or cold pressure to the area on your back or body where you are feeling pain. Once you begin to feel pain, use ice for a few days, before switching to a hot pad or hot water bottle. Gentle stretching of your back and shoulders will reduce tension in the body and may help your back to relax.
Why Should You See A Chiropractor Chiropractors are usually sought out to alleviate pain and support the body’s ability to health itself. Many people who visit a chiropractor experience stress, inflammation, and low-back pain, sometimes caused by
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DIETETICS AND NUTRITION: AN INTRODUCTION by Jenna Troup
A dietitian is a provider of dietetics and an expert in human nutrition and a licensed healthcare practitioner who can help you make informed decisions about what to eat. Dietitians can provide care in hospitals, private healthcare clinics, or as independent practitioners. Their expertise in translating the science of nutrition into actionable information for people to use to plan their diets means they can also work for healthcare organizations or food companies. Dietitians also have specialized knowledge about certain nutrition-related diseases like type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, food allergies, and others, and can provide advice to patients and other healthcare providers on these topics, as well as prescribing medical nutrition therapy.
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Training
Paying for Dietetics
Dietitians generally have a four-year university degree in nutrition and dietetics and a Masters degree in nutrition and dietetics. They also participate in practical training in hospital and community settings. Indeed, the United States requires that dietitians in training undergo 1200 hours of supervised practice.
Dietitians’ care may or may not be covered by insurance, so your first step should be to contact your insurance company to learn about your coverage options. Every plan is different, but you may be covered for a certain number of visits, a certain dollar amount, or your insurance may kick in after you’ve reached a certain out-of-pocket amount. If you have some health conditions like diabetes, advanced kidney disease, or overweight/obesity, you may have additional coverage options. The range of fees that dietitians charge can vary widely, so you should also ask your prospective dietician a lot of questions before you begin working with him or her so you don’t get surprised by a bill later.
Licensure/Regulation The title “dietician” is protected by law in the United States, so only people who have undergone the training explained above may call themselves a dietician. Because dieticians are licensed and regulated in the United States and on a state-by-state level, they are held accountable for their professional advice and the care they deliver. It is important to note that a dietician is different from a nutritionist, which is a non-regulated title that people with different levels of expertise may use.
Why Should You See A Dietitian Oftentimes, people seek out dietetic care for concerns about their weight. While this is common, before you seek out a dietician, make sure you are ready to commit to the appropriate number of consultations, the care regime he or she recommends, and the eating and lifestyle behavior changes that the dietician recommends. If you have a health condition that is related to nutrition, such as some of the ones listed above, or cancer, gut health issues, anxiety and depression, or many other relevant conditions, a dietician can help you create and stick to a personalized meal plan that can help you manage your disease.
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A Healthy and Easy Breakfast Idea Whether or not it’s true that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, we love to kick our morning off with something healthy and satisfying. For busy weekday mornings, make a chia pudding the night before and take it with you in the morning when you are on the go. Chia seeds are a good source of protein and fiber, two crucial nutrients. Make this the night before or refrigerate for at least a few hours before enjoying. Combine the following ingredients in a mason jar or other leftover container: • Two tablespoons of chia seeds • One cup of almond milk • Half a cup of fresh or frozen fruit of your choice (we love blackberries and peaches together for summer) • A drizzle of honey
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P R O B I OT I C S
The Hype and the Science by Jenna Troup
Probiotics and the microbiome are hot topics in complementary and traditional medicine these days. The human intestine is full of billions of bacteria that influence our gut health and digestion, and claims have been made about their effectiveness in preventing colorectal cancer, their role in neural development of fetuses, and their potential to prevent type 1 diabetes in children. Terms like “psychobiotics” are used liberally to explain the connection between the bacteria in our gut, and their influence on our brain activity. The hype surrounding the “good” bacteria that live in our intestines, lungs, genitals, and elsewhere in the body has never been greater. Of course the opportunity to influence our health by taking one probiotic supplement each day is compelling, especially when it might prevent cancer or other chronic diseases. But what does the science say? How can we take a measured approach to make sure the bacteria in our body is happy and healthy, and keeping us healthy too?
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Fo ods tha t a re ric h in pro bio tics in clude yo gu rt an d o the r fe rm e nted f o o ds like s a uerkra ut a nd ki m ch i, te m p e h , a nd ko mbuch a a n d ca n a ls o p rov i de be n ef its .
What are probiotics?
probiotics on a variety of health conditions, there is still not scientific evidence strong enough to support
Probiotics are live microorganisms, the “good” bacteria we need in our intestines, that are consumed and are intended to provide health benefits. As probiotics have become more popular in recent years, a variety of dietary supplement probiotics have come on the market. You can also get the benefits, however, by eating foods with the live active cultures known as probiotics. Foods that are rich in probiotics include yogurt and other fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi, tempeh, and kombucha and can also provide benefits. Probiotics are not uniform. They differ by genus, species, and strain, so if one type of Lactobacillus (one of the most common forms) has a specific effect, that effect may not occur with another type. One health condition that is often targeted by probiotics is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The probiotic that helps with IBS is likely different from the probiotic that may prevent urinary tract infections.
specific uses of probiotics to treat health conditions. The National Institutes of Health reminds us that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any probiotics to prevent or treat any health problem.
What else should I know? What is a “prebiotic”? In addition to probiotics, you may have heard of the terms “prebiotic” or “synbiotic.” Prebiotics are the food for probiotics and help the good bacteria grow and thrive in your gut as they are only partially digested by humans. You can also take a prebiotic supplement, or eat foods like onions, garlic, and artichokes that are dense in prebiotics. Other foods that are rich in fiber can be great prebiotic options. Synbiotics are products or foods that contain both pre- and probiotics. In these products, the prebiotics
Are probiotics safe?
are specifically for the probiotics that are also in the
In healthy people probiotics are generally safe. Minor side effects like gas or bloating may occur. Individuals who have a compromised immune system, however, may experience more serious side effects and should check with a doctor before starting a probiotic regimen (or any dietary supplement, for that matter). The two most common types of probiotics are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and have been shown to be generally safe for use in healthy people. While studies have shown a positive effect of
product. A food that has both pre- and probiotics is the fermented diary beverage, kefir. In addition to adding prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics to your diet, your intestine will be happiest if you minimize your intake of foods that are not good for gut health. Alcohol and highly processed foods like chips, cookies, and sugary drinks can lead to inflammation of the gut and prevent the good bacteria from doing their job
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Client Spotlight on Complementary Medicine Success by Jenna Troup Welcome to our first Client Spotlight! A twice-monthly feature where we describe the experiences that people like you have had adding complementary medicine practices to their routine. This time, I met Kate who lives and works in Boston, MA. Read on to learn about how complementary medicine has improved her health.
K
Kate’s Story Using Complementary Medicine
ate is an avid user of a variety of complementary medicine therapies. She is particularly devoted to the positive effects that regular chiropractic care has had on her health. I had the opportunity to talk to Kate about her experiences in complementary medicine. She described the types of practitioners she has sought care from to the qualities of a good provider, and how to fit complementary medicine into your budget.
Kate used to think of complementary medicine as an extra expense – there were so many other things to prioritize that seeking out acupuncture, chiropractic care, or anything beyond the occasional massage didn’t make it to the top of the list. She started working at a wellness retreat, however, and got five massages in one week so
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that she and her coworkers could learn about the experience of the guests who attended the retreat (tough job!). She started thinking more seriously about the benefits of alternative therapies on a day-to-day basis. Shortly thereafter, she was in a car accident and suffered whiplash. Her company had a chiropractor on staff that she already knew and trusted. With his help, she was able to get her body back to normal through regular chiropractic treatments. She told me, “through that experience, I noticed how important complementary medicine could be.”
needs. He or she should also be open about the training he or she has received and should be willing to provide you with references of other patients, if asked. She’s had her best experiences with providers who take a full health history, try to learn more about her, and spend at least 30-60 minutes conversing with you before embarking on any treatment.
How to afford a good provider?
How often is often enough to get complementary therapies? These days Kate works at a pretty physically demanding job, so she sings the praises of complementary medicine to support her mind and body to improve her performance at work and in life. She says, “massage plus seeing a chiropractor is the best combination for me and has helped me take care of both my mind and body.” She sees a chiropractor at least quarterly, a massage therapist monthly, and practices selfmyofascial release using therapy balls (a massage technique that gently liberates the myofascial connective tissue in the body) on a more regular basis at home. She also started seeing an acupuncturist due to job stress and could not believe how much her sleep improved after just one treatment. She says that, of course, she feels best when she sees all her providers around the same time – “it works the best and I feel great!”
How to find a good provider? We recommend EthosWell, but in the meantime, Kate suggests that you find a provider whom you trust. If possible, a good provider is a person with whom you have developed a relationship and who knows your body and health
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We recommend you call your insurance first, to see if some complementary medicine therapies may be covered by insurance, or if you may use your HSA or FSA to pay for your treatments. Kate suggests that anyone interested in getting complementary medicine therapies should prioritize it in the same way that we might prioritize our cell phone bill. Parting with that iPhone is probably unthinkable (though we say, put it down and meditate once in a while!), and achieving and maintaining your best health should be too. Kate said it helps her to think of complementary medicine as preventive care – an investment in your future health.
Final Thoughts Kate is such a fan of complementary medicine that she has encouraged her friends, family, and coworkers to seek out acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic care. When they are skeptical of the benefits, she explains her experiences and they are often persuaded to give it a try, too. Oftentimes, though, people may need their own motivation to seek out complementary medicine (though hopefully not a car accident like Kate). Pointing out the benefits of complementary medicine in terms of pain and stress relief and improved sleep can be the encouragement friends and family might need to give it a try themselves.
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Provide r Spotl i g h t by Jenna Troup To accompany our client spotlights, we will also be posting monthly Provider Spotlights about complementary medicine providers. Learn about their practice philosophy, what an appointment is like, and find out more about what to expect. Amy Jo Accardi is a licensed acupuncturist, Chinese herbalist and the founder and owner of Flourish Boston. She is also a self-described health strategist, digestive specialist, and “food nerd and bon vivant.� After taking a look at her modern and vibrant website, I was excited to have the opportunity to talk with Amy Jo about the philosophy she brings to her practice, her advice for finding the right provider for you, and the benefits of Chinese medicine. She also answered some questions that I never
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wanted to ask (how does getting poked with acupuncture needles not hurt?), but was so glad I asked.
What is an appointment like at Flourish Boston? Amy Jo spends time with every new client getting to know them and their health needs. In fact, this was also one of her top recommendations for finding a good
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S e rio u s ly, in qu ir in g m in ds want t o know. Amy Jo explained t o me t hat t he n e e d le s a re as th in as a s in gle hair, so t he impac t on t he skin is minimal. Th e y a re ver y po in ty, u n like n eedles t hat a doc t or or nurse would use t o give yo u a s h o t o r to dr aw blo o d .
acupuncture provider – he or she should spend at least 30 minutes just talking with you to learn about your health needs, things that are ailing you, and what brought you into Flourish Boston. Most acupuncture providers spend 30-60 minutes with clients, so this is a benefit that all clients at Flourish Boston receive. After a 30-60 minute conversation, including some diagnostic assessments like looking at your tongue and taking your pulse, acupuncture therapy can begin. Acupuncture typically takes 30 minutes or so, and afterward, Amy Jo meets with you, the client, one more time to discuss next steps for your treatment. Next steps could include scheduling another appointment, providing you with some Chinese herbs that she also provides, and making lifestyle change recommendations that you can implement right away. Amy Jo emphasized that it is crucial that you, the client, not feel rushed during your appointment. Your provider should make you feel heard and understood during the appointment.
What conditions are treated at Flourish Boston? While acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be used to treat a variety of conditions, Amy Jo’s specialties are digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome and auto-immune conditions. She emphasized to me that diet and Chinese medicine techniques work together to improve these conditions and empower her clients so they no longer experience the digestive discomfort that
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comes with IBS, as well as the unpredictable pain and other confusing symptoms of auto-immune conditions. She mostly treats women who are dealing with these conditions and has developed a complementary approach that really works.
How does acupuncture not hurt? Seriously, inquiring minds want to know. Amy Jo explained to me that the needles are as thin as a single hair, so the impact on the skin is minimal. They are very pointy, unlike needles that a doctor or nurse would use to give you a shot or to draw blood. The needles are inserted into the skin, but not very deeply, so they do not reach the nerve endings that might cause you pain. Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years – they have managed to figure it out!
Closing Words Amy Jo emphasized that finding a complementary provider who works for you is all about fit and relationship. She advises potential complementary medicine clients and patients to look on a provider’s website, read blogs or other publications the provider has, such as social media. That effort will help you to get a feel for how the provider’s philosophy aligns with your own. In our healthcare environment, finding a provider who really listens to you and spends time learning about your body and mind and how to achieve health can be a major achievement.