The post Becoming the MISA Membership Chair: A New Chapter in My Journey appeared first on Michigan Associates of Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine.
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After 19 years in practice, I have had the privilege of working closely with individuals, guiding them through profound transformations in their lives. However, recently, my aspirations have grown broader. I’ve been reflecting on how acupuncture can reach and benefit more people. How can this ancient healing art address modern needs? And how can we make acupuncture more accessible and widely accepted?
During a recent weekend retreat in Sedona with a group of 12 women to celebrate a dear friend’s birthday, I carried these questions in my heart. It was during this retreat that someone shared a powerful insight: “When you have a goal that’s bigger than what you can accomplish on your own, you must find others who are already working toward that goal.”
That conversation was a turning point for me. Upon returning home, I took action and revisited an old connection—the Michigan Society of Acupuncturists (MISA). Fifteen years ago, before the birth of my first child, I served as MISA’s Membership Chair. While I had continued to pay dues over the years, I felt the urge to reconnect with this organization. I reached out to the board and asked to return, this time with the goal of building a stronger, more connected acupuncture community in Michigan—one where acupuncturists can feel supported and share resources with one another.
As I moved forward with this vision, I sought out like-minded individuals on a national level and discovered the American Society of Acupuncturists (ASA), an organization I had not been aware of previously. MISA has been a member for years, so I applied to become the Michigan Liaison for ASA—and I am thrilled to share that my application was accepted! As part of my new role, I will be leading quarterly meetings aimed at advancing the recognition and integration of acupuncture across the country.
I am deeply inspired and grateful to be in community with others who share this vision. This is an exciting opportunity, and I look forward to the collective efforts that lie ahead.
https://www.michiganacupuncture.org/about/
American Society of Acupuncturists – https://asacu.org/
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]]>The post Welcome Dr. Alex Mladenovic, D.Ac, L.Ac – Our Newest Acupuncturist! appeared first on Michigan Associates of Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine.
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Dr. Alex is a NCCAOM Board-Certified and Licensed Acupuncturist in the State of Michigan, With a strong medical background, she earned her Doctor of Acupuncture (DAc) degree from Pacific College of Health and Science in Chicago, Illinois.
During her three and a half years of study in Chicago, Dr. Alex gained extensive clinical experience across diverse healthcare settings. She specializes in various acupuncture techniques, including traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), orthopedic needling, electro-acupuncture, and Master Tung acupuncture — known for its rapid and effective treatment of acute and chronic pain. In addition, Dr. Alex has been studying Acupuncture and Reproductive Medicine, focusing on male and female fertility.
Dr. Alex began her career as a general dentist after earning her degree from the Dental School at the University of Medicine in Niš, Serbia. With over a decade of experience in fast-paced, well-regarded dental clinics, she developed a deep commitment to patient care and holistic wellness.
Her journey into acupuncture was inspired by a deeply personal experience when a third family member was diagnosed with cancer despite leading a healthy lifestyle. Witnessing the limitations of conventional medicine and the side effects of standard treatments, Dr. Alex sought a more comprehensive approach to healing — one that addresses the root causes of disease and activates the body’s self-healing mechanisms.
Through her studies and practice, she has embraced the philosophy that individualized treatments yield the most enduring results. Dr. Alex firmly believes in treating patients as whole beings to successfully restore balance and harmony in their lives.
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What is Light Therapy?
Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT) is the application of light energy to tissue to obtain therapeutic benefits. The energy is used to improve cellular performance. LLLT is known for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties and has a variety of applications across many medical fields. Research has shown that LLLT can increase circulation, accelerate tissue repair, decrease inflammation, and assist in your fertility.
How Does Light Therapy Work for Fertility?
Specific wavelengths of light energy, when properly absorbed, up-regulates compromised cells and:
- Aids in Blood Flow – This process promotes the release of nitric oxide, which helps to increase blood flow, nutrient delivery and cellular health to the ovaries and uterus.
- Stimulates Cellular Activity – The light (photon) energy is absorbed by photo acceptors in the mitochondria that result in production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The ATP produced then stimulates various metabolic processes which can result in the repair and regeneration of cell and tissue components. It provides energy for the embryo to divide and implant.
- Reduces Inflammation – Inflammation is a common cause of infertility. By promoting the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, inflammation is reduced. It also speeds up healing and reduces postoperative pain from egg retrieval.
- Balances Hormones – By stimulating the production of hormones like estrogen and progesterone, menstrual flow can be regulated & ovulation is improved resulting in the increase chance of conception.
- Increases Collagen Production – Collagen is an essential nutrient that contributes to the strength and integrity of the ligaments in support of the uterus. Softens scar tissue and adhesions and supports uterine receptivity.
What is Celluma?
Celluma is a low-level light therapy device available today that is FDA cleared, and based on NASA research. Celluma delivers blue, red and near-infrared light energy simultaneously to safely treat a wide variety of conditions. Each wavelength is absorbed by different molecules that act as a signaling mechanism for different cellular processes.
When to Add Light Therapy for Fertility: - Low AMH and High FSH
- Egg Quality issues
- Thin lining during IVF cycles
- During IVF and FET in support of implantation
- When you have not responded to western medicine
therapies - Women 35 and over
- PCOS or ovulatory disorders
- Endometriosis
For more information, check out Celluma’s website, full of data
https://www.celluma.com/pages/led-light-therapy-science
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]]>The post Acupuncture Grant Deadline Extended! appeared first on Michigan Associates of Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine.
]]>We are so excited to be partnering with
Chosen Infertility to offer support to those in need!
(Picture of Licensed Acupuncturists and Fertility Specialists at Michigan Associates of Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine)
Chosen Grant
The Chosen Grant was created to help individuals and families financially with their infertility journey. Our ability to hand out grants depends on donations that we receive throughout the year.
Acupuncture Grant 2024
Those financially in need of pursuing acupuncture as a form of supplemental medicine alongside infertility treatment, are welcome to apply for the Chosen Acupuncture Grant. All applicants must be willing and able to receive treatment through our partner, Michigan Associates of Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine.
(Picture of treatment room at Michigan Associates of Acupuncture)
With our partnership, each grant covers the following:
Initial Acupuncture Session (Intake + Acupuncture)
(4) Follow-up Acupuncture Sessions
(5) Low Level Laser Therapy (completed during acupuncture)
*All additional expenses for elective services must be covered by the patient
Chosen Acupuncture Grant(s) funds will NOT be paid to the applicant or his or her spouse or partner; rather funds shall be paid directly to the healthcare providers at Michigan Associates of Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine.
Chosen Acupuncture Grant(s) are limited by the amount of funds received via donations and are awarded as frequently as possible. All applicants will receive an email to confirm submission of his or her application, and certain selected grant recipient(s) will be contacted by Chosen. Announcement of such selected recipient(s) will be highlighted on social media within two months following the grant submission deadline.
Applicant understands and agrees that submission of his or her application does not guarantee that he or she will be selected for a Chosen Grant.
(Picture of Low Level Laser treatment)
Eligibility
Applicants must meet all the following requirements in order to be eligible for a Chosen Grant:
– Be a resident of and live in the state of Michigan or Ohio;
– Be less than 50 years of age;
– Have a diagnosis of infertility certified by a medical provider, with exception for: Applicants who are single, or part of a same sex relationship;
– Have no infertility insurance coverage or have exhausted benefits. If a patient has coverage for monitoring and/or medications, they will still be considered. Patient(s) would be responsible for any deductibles or copays;
– Must confirm financial stability, basic health insurance, adequate living arrangements, and means for child support;
– Be under the care or willing to be under the care of Michigan Associates of Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine
*Considered applicants may be asked for additional documentation.
*Chosen Infertility Group follows all HIPAA standards, discarding all private information and materials immediately following the selection of an applicant.
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]]>The post Acupuncture for Urgent Care appeared first on Michigan Associates of Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine.
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Are you feeling out of Balance?
Feeling run down and as if you are getting a cold?
Have a stiff neck, sore low back or tight muscles?
Suffer from allergies that are acting up?
Under stress, feeling anxious or having a difficult time relaxing?
If you answered yes to any of these questions (or have other symptoms of concern) – and are thinking about going to an Urgent Care – reconsider! Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can help!
Acupuncture and TCM is an effective and swift way to restore and quickly recover from immediate health care issues that regularly present themselves. This natural medicine promotes and strengthens the body’s ability to heal – naturally and within a short period of time.
How does this work? Acupuncture influences our bodies own healing potential through balancing our life force energy (Qi). When our qi energy is off balance, we may feel tired or run down or even irritable and short fused. We may have acute symptoms such as chills, body aches and digestive distress or chronic health issues that have gotten worse.
Call us today!
Come in for an Acupuncture session or two to support your body getting back on track and headed in the right direction. Acupuncture strengthens and helps the body recover quickly and effectively, without masking symptoms!
Like and Urgent Care – We have clinic hours 7 days a week and 4 evenings a week. Our team of Acupuncturists work together and you can feel comfortable seeing any one of us to get the coordinated care you need!
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Adolescent years are complicate times. There are many transitions happening which can be overwhelming for the kids as well as family members. These include physical changes and growth, puberty and hormonal change, Emotional adjustments and social changes. This life phase can be very hard and complicated. It is not uncommon for teens to withdraw and not express themselves.
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine is a very supportive and gentle approach to helping teens navigate these difficult times – with amazing results! We often see the changes from acupuncture in teens happen quickly and effectively. There are a number of reasons to consider acupuncture as resource for primary care for your children!
- Acupuncture works to support balance in the body. Acupuncture is a medicine of balance and every symptom is a symptom of imbalance. Through honest heartfelt conversation and education, our acupuncture team works with teens to understand the bigger picture and how taking care of the whole body helps reduce stress and strengthen healing. TCM is a whole-body medicine – by treating the “root of the tree”, we also treat the branches.
- Acupuncture addresses body changes related to puberty. Oftentimes, teens hormones are fluctuating and changes are constant in the body. These changes can pain related to growth spurts, irregular or difficult menstrual cycles, PMS, Acne and skin changes and digestive distress. Acupuncture can make a big difference in helping regulate symptoms related to many hormonal changes.
- Acupuncture addresses emotional distress. The body and the mind are integral. When we are under stress (and in fight or flight mode), it impacts every area of our body. The whole-body intake process includes looking at the emotional and physical nature of emotional distress. There are many good acupuncture points (including ear acupuncture) that calms the nervous system, relaxes the mind and gets the body out of fight and flight mode.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine incorporates an integrative approach to health and wellness. We work alongside professionals (pediatricians, gynecologists, psychologists and other medical professionals) to provide a whole- body approach. We educate our patients about nutrition and diet, exercise, meditation and other relaxation techniques!
Simply said: Acupuncture is great for any age and it is never too early to start Acupuncture!
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Need a nervous system wind down?
Digestive support?
An immune tune up?
Come in for Sunday tea, chill vibes + acupuncture
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]]>The post A Word of Gratitude appeared first on Michigan Associates of Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine.
]]>In our office, during the early days of COVID, each of us went through our own personal challenges. Through these challenges, We learned a lot about gratitude to help us get through those difficult times.
When Covid first began 2 years ago and we shut down our office for 2 months, we were scared. We worried if we would ever be able to go back to work again and were afraid of how things would change. For me, I realized how much practicing Chinese medicine is part of my identity. And now, over 2 years later, our schedules are busy and our patients are achieving their health goals using acupuncture and Chinese medicine. We are so grateful for our patients who put their trust in us—who spend their time (and money) to see us regularly, who drive near and far to come to see us and who send their friends and loved ones to our office.
I’m so grateful for my patients who share their stories and I learn so much from them. (Both spiritually and mundane—I learn about great restaurants and new books to read from our chats) I cannot explain the joy it brings us to see our patients succeed—to be free of pain, to have a baby, etc. The practice of acupuncture is indeed a practice, and we cannot do it without our patients. We are grateful!
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]]>The post Meet The Queen of Quick Cooking! appeared first on Michigan Associates of Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine.
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I’d like to introduce you to the Queen of Quick Cooking. She’s my alter ego that emerged from my roots as a registered dietitian/ nutritionist and fueled by my love of creating delicious and nutritious meals for my family.
My mission is simple:
Provide quick and easy recipes that anyone can throw together and feel great about serving or eating. My unique background as a registered dietitian and licensed acupuncturist gives me a holistic view of a healthy lifestyle.
The Traditional Chinese Medicine approach to eating comes from balancing your yin and yang energy rather than micromanaging your diet. It’s a comprehensive perspective that prioritizes balance, your body’s unique constitution, and living in the present by eating according to the seasons.
How I Became the “Queen of Quick”
I started calling myself the “Queen of Quick” shortly after having kids. I knew I wanted to provide fresh, healthy meals, but as a busy working mom, the challenge was making the best use of the little time I had in the kitchen. So, I created shortcuts that didn’t compromise on quality or taste but kept time spent preparing to the absolute minimum. Through trial and error and experimenting with ready-made products (why reinvent the wheel?), I found ways to prepare meals faster while maintaining the integrity of quality and keeping the meals nutritious and delicious!
I’ve always been a recipe junky and have thousands of recipes I’ve cut out of newspapers and countless cookbooks passed down to me for generations. I rarely follow any recipe as written (except, of course, for baked goods, which require more precision) and almost always add my own twist to make recipes healthier or more to my style of cooking. As my family likes to say, “work smarter, not harder!”
More About Me
When I’m not whipping up nutritious and delicious meals or seeing patients in clinic, I’m listening to music, traveling, or reading up on the latest research on how diet influences physical and mental health. I also stay connected to news and world events, which often results in passionate conversations about what’s going on in the world around us.
By nature, I am a giving, kind and thoughtful person. I try to be accessible to friends and family with an open ear (although being hearing impaired does present a challenge from time to time) and open heart. I love bringing meals to those who have suffered a hardship, medical or otherwise, which leaves them little time for cooking or having the ability to shop for healthy, fresh food.
Let’s Get Social!
Follow Queen of Quick Cooking on social media for nutrition tips, recipes, videos and more!
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The Connection Circles
A time for young people to connect with themselves, friends, and their mothers/caregivers.
Led by Monica Mae Leibson, Acupuncturist, Birth & Postpartum Doula.
We are holding these circles to meet the need of being in a community of young folks
recognizing their own divine wisdom, feminine mystery, and intuitive knowledge.
Time will be spent learning how to go within;
utilizing tools for cultivation of peace and stress relief,
and being present with others through profound experience.
~ Specifically created for ages 12 to 18 ~
Non Binary/LGBTIQA+ Friendly. Safe space for all.
The Connection Circles will be held once monthly.
You can attend one session or the entire series.
Saturdays from 6-8 pm
February 5th
March 5th
April 9th
To Prepare:
Please come having already eaten & bring a water.
Bring a journal & wear comfy clothes.
Opt-in participation – You can choose to share with the group or not share and either is respected.
Masks are recommended. Metta & Moxie has a beautiful and large space and everyone will be distanced to remain safe. Amount of participants will be limited.
Registration Details:
$50 per session for moms/caregivers & children.
Siblings welcome between ages 12 to 18 at no extra cost.
To register – email Monica at – monicamaeleibson@gmail.com
Location:
Metta & Moxie
23650 Woodward Ave ~ Suite 300
Pleasant Ridge, MI
This event is a joint partnership between Michigan Associates of Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine and Metta and Moxie whose mission is to change the narrative of how people care for their mental health. Through a variety of holistic healing experiences, they strive to help every person feel seen, heard, and abundantly cared for. To learn more, visit their website at www.mettamoxie.com
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