Melanie is wonderful and so knowledgeable! I started working with her after experiencing two miscarriages to help balance my cycle and hormones and it worked wonders for our TTC journey. The sessions also helped calm my anxiety that came with TTC after experiencing losses. She made me feel comfortable and supported at each and every session! I highly recommend working with Fine Balance Acupuncture! – Kaitlin

Ever wonder why you have an upset stomach when you’re stressed or anxious? When your body experiences stress or perceived threats, it triggers the sympathetic nervous system which in turn initiates the fight or flight response.  During this process, stress hormones cause your body to redirect blood flow from your internal organs to your muscles in preparation to quite literally fight or run away.  This reaction is quite practical if said threat is a sabretooth tiger but maybe not as helpful if the threat is big project at work or a blog post.

Back to that upset stomach though.  As you can imagine, it’s hard for your body to digest food or heal itself when your blood is being shunted to your extremities in preparation for your escape.  With all that undigested food sitting there that your body doesn’t know what to do with at the moment, it’s no wonder stress and anxiety cause digestive distress.  You’re probably wondering whatever can you do? Well, that’s where the parasympathetic nervous system steps in to save the day.  The parasympathetic triggers the rest and digest reflex lowering blood pressure and heart rate and stimulating digestion.  It helps your body remember what to do with that food sitting in your stomach, and your upset stomach is magically gone.

So you’re probably thinking, thanks for the biology lesson, but what does this have to do with acupuncture?  One of the theories on how acupuncture works from a Western perspective is that it regulates the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.  So while the stress is still there (sorry, this isn’t a magic stress removal point that’s permanent), your body doesn’t jump into full fight or flight panic mode and is better able to handle the stress.  That in turn means more blood for digestion and less stress related upset stomachs.  The end result is a calmer, happier you.

Now I’m sure some of you are thinking, but the needles!  These needles are so small you can run a bunch through the end of a hypodermic syringe like they use at the doctors’ office.  So small, in fact, that my daughter as a toddler followed me around the house asking for punctures.  You know if the toddler is asking for it, it’s not painful.  Most people find treatments extremely relaxing and often sleep through them.  Since acupuncture is holistic, many people also find that other issues resolve as the body moves back into balance.  So what’s stopping you?  Call or email today to find out if acupuncture is right for you.*

*Side effects may include better sleep, less headaches, pain relief, and more.

Samantha Marek, L.Ac

I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis and now Osteoporosis, and was injured in Oct 1987 after having approximately 600 pounds of mail fall on me from a mail truck. Since that injury I have been through repeated rounds of physical therapy, spinal injections, braces, and eventually back surgery removing the disks and placing a cage, bone made disks, rods and pins after 20 plus years of pain. I have permanent nerve damage and constant pain. I take pain medication every day and have for many, many years. I have exercise equipment at home to do therapy.  Several months ago, my physician recommended that I try Battle Field Acupuncture. Being a skeptic, yet interested Registered Nurse myself I felt like….why not? After all the years I have worked with people I have seen many things happen in the medical world. Just maybe I can get some relief. It is a much better option than taking additional pain medication and doing more damage to my internal organs. So I tried it and for the first time in years, I felt like a human being! My physician then referred me to Fine Balance Acupuncture for treatment. The needles used at Fine Balance are so thin that you barely feel them. It was amazing to look down and see needles yet have pain relief at the same time. It’s true….each needle placed lessened the pain in another part of my body.  Melanie was very precise on the areas she treated, pinpointing trouble spots I had had for years. Every week I made progress and improved….my whole personality changed because I was no longer laden with constant pain. I have to admit, acupuncture can be very beneficial to a lot of patients, especially those with Fibromyalgia symptoms or phantom pain from amputation, or just patients like myself who didn’t know what it was like to feel good. This treatment has changed my life! I still continue to exercise, eat right, and take my medication, but I know now that when I need relief from the cycles of pain I endure, Fine Balance Acupuncture is a phone call away. And it works!

-Sherile

When I first scheduled an appointment to see Melanie it was early October (2014) and I was seeing three different doctors (my primary doctor and two specialists) for my sinus and allergy issues. I was preparing to see a fourth doctor and had just spent hundreds of dollars on prescriptions and over the counter medications to assist with vertigo/dizziness, congestion, sinus pain/pressure and headaches. I was facing the possibility of having to have another sinus surgery. My primary doctor had also told me that the frequent ringing in my ears and vertigo I was experiencing might be things I would always have to deal with.

Over the past six years I have had a few different health concerns, including the onset of asthma. I have had a hard time most of my life with sinus and allergy issues. Anytime I spend outside has usually ended with shortness of breath, watery eyes, bad headaches and trouble breathing. My hope was that acupuncture would help with my headaches and provide some relief from pain and congestions.

After two visits I noticed I no longer suffered from daily headaches, pain and pressure. I was breathing better and through my nose which is amazing for me. With the problems I have had in the past I was not able to assist my family with yard work or play much outside with my sons. After four visits with Melanie I was able to spend hours outside raking and doing yard work without breathing problems/headaches. I also was able to run my first 5k this month which is something I have wanted to do for years but held back because of medical concerns. I was able to breathe throughout the entire 5k and although I am sore and out of shape I cannot wait to do my next one. Acupuncture has changed my life and even today with the first big snow I cannot wait until I get home to play with my sons in the snow and build snowmen.

It has also helped a great deal with my panic attack disorder. Overall my health and quality of life have greatly improved and I could not be happier with my experience. -Manda

Food for thought…

“Be thankful for what you have, you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.”

-Oprah Winfrey

We know that a little lipstick and some blush will add a nice pop of color to our face and brighten our look, but how can we get that elusive gorgeous glow sans makeup? The key is looking on the inside. Our appearance is largely a reflection of what is happening on the inside of the body. Everything from our hair and nails, to the looks of our skin and even the clarity of our eyes is tied to how well our body functions.

Based on Chinese Medicine, each of our organ systems is related to an external feature. For example, the health of the hair and nails are related to the kidney. Hair loss and other hair disorders can indicate a kidney deficiency or blood deficiency. If any of the organ systems is not functioning properly, whether due to a nutritional deficiency, infection, or stress, our external features will suffer. Our skin is our largest organ and is always communicating messages from beneath the surface about what is going on within. Outer beauty depends more on the strength of our digestion and metabolism, the quality of our diet and other lifestyle factors rather than on external cleaners or creams.

In order to slow the aging process and help you get your best glow here are some ways to enhance your beauty from the inside out:

1. 1.       Nutrition The age old saying “you are what you eat” is actually true. Eating healthy whole foods will leave you with healthier skin. The main deteriorating effects of aging come as toxins and impurities accumulate throughout the body. These toxins may become oxidized into free radicals in the body which contribute to premature aging in the body. Indulging in processed foods, fried foods, and sweets results can cause a build-up of free radicals. A diet that is high in sugars and saturated fats can increase wrinkles and speed up the aging process. For lasting health and beauty it is essential to avoid and neutralize free radicals to prevent impurities from accumulating in the body. Foods that are high in antioxidants like leafy greens, berries, squashes, and tomatoes can all help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Cooking with antioxidant and detoxifying spices like turmeric and coriander is another way to bust free radicals. Eating a diet rich in whole foods in general will promote beauty inside and out.
2. 2.       Water The best way to plump your skin and make wrinkles less noticeable is to hydrate well. Water accounts for 70% of our cell’s mass, making water essential to their proper structure. Our cells are similar to raisins, they shrivel when dehydrated and plump when rehydrated, just like our skin. Water is the foundation for beautiful skin. It is recommended that you drink half your weight in ounces of filtered water daily. Also, if you drink coffee, tea, alcoholic beverages or soda it is important to drink an extra cup of water for each beverage consumed.
3. 3.       Almonds Experiencing hair loss? Eat more almonds! Almonds are very high in biotin, which is a water soluble B vitamins that is needed by the body for healthy hair and nails. If deficient in this vitamin, hair loss can occur and the nails become brittle. Include raw, unroasted almonds in your diet for healthy hair and nails. Almond milk is a great way to get your biotin if you are not a fan of the nut.
4. 4.       Wild Salmon or Chia Seeds Skin, hair and nail health are all dependent on nutrition. Omega-3 essential fatty acids are a large component of our cells, and without proper levels the cells become weak and damaged. Essential fatty acids also reduce inflammation in the skin and protect it from sun damage. This is why eating foods rich in essential fatty acids such as wild salmon or chia seeds is so important. If you are not a fan of salmon, try making chia seed pudding with almond milk; it is a vitamin and nutrient rich snack that will benefit your body and is also delicious.
5. 5.       Nuture your middle organs Our liver, gallbladder, kidneys, colon and lymphatic system all play essential roles in eliminating toxins from our body. We over work our bodies so often by staying up late, eating late, not drinking enough water, stress and lack of exercise. We can give back to our organs by taking a break from the grind and engaging in activities that rejuvenate the body and counteract stressful wear and tear. Going to bed earlier is a simple habit but so important for health, longevity and our appearance. Engaging in mindful practices like yoga or meditation that are centered around deep breathing is important for feeding your skin, your organs and your well- being.

Happy Fall Everyone!

-Melanie Campbell, L.Ac

As we transition into late summer/early fall, it is important to recognize the season change within our bodies. The summer season is characterized as “Yang” in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Yang constitutes the white half of the yin/yang symbol. It represents everything yin isn’t: active, creative and extroverted. It holds positive energy bursting from all directions in potential rather than actual manifestation. It is associated with the sun and warmth and is hard and assertive, being associated with male energy. It holds sway over the beginning of the year, as new growth starts in the spring and flourishes during the warm summer months.

Yang begins its transformation into yin during Indian summer. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) calls it “late summer” and recognizes it as its own season. TCM theory also associates each season with an energy system and organ. In late summer the Spleen/Stomach system is dominant. In the physical body this is our digestive system and imbalances that might be more abundant include: loss of appetite, or increased appetite, poor digestion, and bloating. The spleen also rules thought and influences our capacity for thinking, studying, focusing, concentration and memorization. So we might see a lot of over thinking, over-worry, distraction, dwelling on things, obsession and anxiety etc…

Even if you don’t have a complaint each change in season is a good time to receive acupuncture to help the body’s energy assimilate to the change of the energy in the season. In this season particular it helps the body’s yang transform smoothly into yin. We can experience a calming of physical manic activity of the summer into a nice contemplative focused energy of Fall…. stay tuned for Winter 🙂

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-13486/this-is-what-happens-when-you-dont-get-enough-sleep-infographic.html

Please read this article that shows what can happen with sleep deprivation. Even one night of poor sleep can effect your appearance and cause focus and memory issues. If you suffer with insomnia please seek treatment. Acupuncture is wonderful at calming the mind and helping you get a better night’s sleep.

We are so happy to welcome Lisa Fries to Fine Balance Acupuncture. Lisa a Licensed Massage Therapist who comes very highly recommended by some of our current patients. Lisa specializes in neuromuscular therapy and has a special interest in neck and back pain. Massage is a wonderful complementary modality to acupuncture and we hope you will give Lisa a try. She is also a provider for the Ohio State Health Plan. To learn more about Lisa visit her bio here.

We have changed service providers for our online scheduling. Please email Melanie if you are having any problems scheduling. Thanks for being patient!

Hi Everyone!

We are so sorry but our online scheduling system seemed to have disappeared. The whole thing is very strange but fear not we will have a new online system up shortly. In the mean time, please call or email for appointments. Thanks!

You are not the only one if your allergies are still acting up. Here are 8 tips that acupuncturists recommend to help ease your allergies:

http://acutakehealth.com/8-self-care-tips-from-acupuncturists-for-late-spring-allergies

A frequently asked question we receive by patients undergoing cancer treatment is, “Can acupuncture help me?” And the answer is YES. We have treated numerous patients during cancer treatments as well as those who are in remission and want to regain balance.

Acupuncture can be a wonderful tool and benefits patients undergoing treatment in many ways. Here are just a few of the ways acupuncture can be of benefit during and after cancer treatment:

Nausea and Vomiting:  Acupuncture can reduce the intensity and frequency of nausea and vomiting in patients receiving chemotherapy.

Sleep: Cancer patients suffer sleep disruption and insomnia due to discomfort, anxiety and depression and many times the medications cause difficulty with sleep. Acupuncture can relieve the pain and calm the mind which enables patients to get a deep sleep. Rest is required for recovery and healing.

Pain Management: Acupuncture is very effective for managing pain related to tumors, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and inflammation. Patients who receive acupuncture may be able to use lower doses of pain medications.

Hot Flashes: Many women undergoing treatment for breast cancer experience hot flashes that disrupt sleep and regular daily activities. Acupuncture can decrease the intensity and frequency.

Additional benefits include improvement in fatigue, anxiety, depression, diarrhea and overall quality of life. If you or someone you know is going through cancer treatment, please consider adding acupuncture to your treatment plan. But, don’t take our word for it…click here to read a wonderful testimonial from a very dear patient who is kicking breast cancer’s butt!

After I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I decided to see if I could get acupuncture to get my body in the best possible shape to accept the treatments that I would have. I am a retired RN.  I had previous acupuncture years ago at the Cleveland Clinic. I asked my surgeon for the names of some acupuncturists and she referred me to Melanie. When I called Melanie Campbell, she stated that acupuncture could help me before and during all of my treatments. I contacted my insurance company and they stated that I had benefits that included acupuncture; they covered a percentage of the charges.

On my first visit, Melanie did a complete assessment and told me many of the ways that acupuncture could benefit me. I had already had 2 chemotherapy sessions and had 14 to go over six months. After the first session, I noticed a lessening in the nausea and diarrhea. Those symptoms decreased and were held in check by the acupuncture. I never vomited. I usually had acupuncture once a week on the day before what was typically my worst day after chemotherapy. On every visit, Melanie would do a reassessment and tailor my treatment accordingly. I was surprised when she was able to treat the hemorrhoid I had developed from the diarrhea. Within 3 days of her treatment, the pain and discomfort was gone. Over the past 10 months, I have had chemotherapy, a mastectomy and 33 radiation treatments. In addition to the conditions I have already mentioned, Melanie and her staff have treated me for sleep disturbances, stress, chest pain, peripheral neuropathy, fatigue, and Shingles. I experienced an initial decrease and, ultimately, resolution of the symptoms of nausea, diarrhea, chest pain and Shingles. When I had difficulty sleeping, one acupuncture treatment would resolve the problem. There was a lot of stress and emotional distress associated with a cancer diagnosis and treatment; acupuncture helped me deal with this and keep a positive attitude. I noticed that throughout my whole treatment process I seemed to have more energy than most of my “Chemo Buddies”. I believe that acupuncture was the main reason for that.

I highly recommend Fine Balance Acupuncture for anyone with breast cancer or any condition that could benefit from acupuncture. It has helped me with the side effects of treatment and enabled me to maintain a positive attitude which doctors tell me is so important for a good outcome. Melanie and her staff are very knowledgeable, caring and compassionate.

-Paula Young